iPhone 5s Upper Component Cable Replacement - iPhone 5s

Step 1 | Removing the Pentalobe screws

Begin by disconnecting the power supply, ensuring it is unplugged from the electrical outlet, then carefully remove the retaining screws—four in number—using a Phillips head screwdriver, and gently lift the component to detach it from the chassis.
To prevent potential fire or explosion hazards during repair, ensure the iPhone's lithium-ion battery has a charge level below 25% prior to beginning work; a fully charged battery poses a risk of ignition if damaged.
To prevent electrical shock or damage to components, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using a Pentalobe screwdriver, detach the two screws, each measuring 3.9 mm, located on the left and right sides of the Lightning connector.

Step 2 | Taping the display glass

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully loosen the four screws securing the fan assembly to the motor housing; exercise caution to prevent damage to the plastic housing and ensure the screws are not lost.
To mitigate the risk of additional shattering and potential injury while repairing a cracked display glass, secure it with tape.
Completely cover the iPhone's screen with multiple layers of transparent packing tape, ensuring the entire display surface is protected.
To prevent glass fragments from scattering and maintain stability during the display separation process, this technique is essential.
To safeguard your eyes from potential glass fragments released during the repair process, always use safety glasses.

Step 3 | Display separation prevention

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring the motor shaft remains aligned and avoiding damage to the threads; observe caution to prevent over-tightening.
Carefully lift the display assembly—consisting of a glass screen, a plastic bezel, and integrated metal clips—from within the phone's chassis during the subsequent procedures.
Ensure complete removal of the display assembly, irrespective of the tool selected.
When the glass and plastic layers detach, mirroring the visual in the initial image, use a plastic opening tool to carefully insert it between the plastic frame and the phone's metal chassis, releasing the metal clips securing the case.
To ensure the phone remains securely closed during reassembly when the display bezel is detached, apply a narrow adhesive strip positioned between the plastic bezel and the glass.

Step 4 | Anti-Clamp instructions

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the retaining screw on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring the motor shaft aligns correctly and avoiding damage to the threads.
For those utilizing the Anti-Clamp tool, the following two procedures detail its use to simplify the opening process; otherwise, proceed two steps further to access an alternative approach.
Refer to the accompanying guide for detailed procedures regarding the Anti-Clamp's operation.
To release the Anti-Clamp's arms, move the blue handle in a rearward direction.
Position the arms so they clear the left or right side of the iPhone, then move them into place.
Carefully place a suction cup on the front of the iPhone, close to the lower edge and directly over the home button, and another suction cup on the rear, in a similar location near the bottom edge.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface you intend to work on.
To improve the Anti-Clamp's grip on a slick iPhone exterior, apply the provided adhesive pad to the device's surface.

Step 5

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four mounting screws securing the fan assembly to the motor housing, ensuring each is snug but not over-tightened to avoid damaging the plastic threads; observe a torque of 4 in-lbs per screw.
To secure the arms, advance the blue handle in its direction.
Rotate the handle fully, completing a 360-degree turn, observing for the initial expansion of the cups.
Maintain parallel positioning of the suction cups; should misalignment occur, gently release the suction cups' grip and reposition the arms.
Once sufficient separation is achieved by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, reposition the handle by 90 degrees.
Apply adjustments incrementally, limiting each rotation to a maximum of 90 degrees, and pause for several seconds after each adjustment to allow the Anti-Clamp mechanism to function and the system to stabilize.

Step 6 | Manual Opening Procedure

Lacking an Anti-Clamp tool, secure the front panel with a single suction cup for lifting.
Position a suction cup directly on the display surface, situated slightly higher than the home button's location.
Ensure full contact between the cup and the screen surface to guarantee a secure seal.

Step 7 | Start lifting the front panel assembly

Detach the front panel by releasing the retaining clips, then carefully separate the phone's housing just enough to access and disconnect the multiple ribbon cables, exercising caution to prevent any damage.
Securely affix the suction cup to the front panel assembly, positioning it close to the home button.
Using one hand to secure the iPhone, lift the suction cup vertically to create a small gap between the front panel and rear case, specifically at the home button area.
Using a plastic opening tool, carefully separate the rear case from the front panel assembly by gently levering the edges, simultaneously lifting with a suction cup.
Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure when installing the front panel assembly, as it requires a snugger fit than typically encountered in similar equipment.

Step 8

Disconnecting the front panel assembly from the rear case should be avoided; it is connected by multiple sensitive ribbon cables.
To detach the suction cup, depress the plastic projection that maintains the airtight connection.
Carefully detach the screen from the device by releasing the vacuum seal created by the suction cup.

Step 9 | Removing the Touch ID cable bracket

Carefully separate the phone's housing to expose the metallic support securing the home button cable.
To prevent damage to the home button cable and its connector, avoid excessive separation of the phone's housing; maintain slack in the cable during disassembly, as overextension can cause harm.
The Touch ID feature is exclusive to the factory-installed home button assembly; replacement with a non-original part will result in a standard home button with no Touch ID capabilities, and any damage to the cable during replacement will produce the same outcome.
Carefully leverage the bracket loose using a spudger tip, then grasp and detach it with tweezers.
For reassembly procedures, proceed with the following two steps later; if you are currently disassembling, bypass these instructions and move directly to Step 12.

Step 10

To complete reassembly, secure the Touch ID cable bracket by positioning its upper edge between the battery and the Touch ID cable connector, ensuring it sits ahead of the metal tab, then fasten the bracket’s lower edge by engaging the latch over the connector.
Align the bracket's upper edge with the Touch ID cable connector and move it horizontally to the right.
Position the bracket so it rests on the connector, ensuring the "leg" edge creates a small upward tilt and the opposing edge sits between the cable connector and the battery's adjacent metal tab. Using a spudger, press gently downward on the bracket’s surface to secure both the rear and front clasps.

Step 11

Carefully position the Touch ID cable connector, then secure the bracket by pressing the spudger's flat edge firmly to snap the bracket's front section over the connector.
To ensure the bracket sits level against the surface, reposition it by sliding it back over the cable connector if it doesn't seat properly.

Step 12 | Disconnecting the home button cable connector

Carefully lift the home button cable connector from its socket using the pointed end of a spudger.
Carefully disconnect the cable connector from its receptacle; avoid lifting the receptacle itself, as it's secured to a separate, adhesive-backed cable that can detach if excessive force is applied.

Step 13 | Opening up the phone

Carefully detach the connector, then pivot the assembly containing the home button outward from the back cover, utilizing the phone's upper edge as a fulcrum.
Carefully position the display at a 90-degree angle, then secure it in a supported position to prevent movement during the repair process.
To avoid stressing the display's wiring during the repair process, secure it with a rubber band.
As a temporary substitute, an unused, sealed can of soda can be employed to support the display.

Step 14

Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the metal bracket that holds the battery connector by unscrewing the two 1.6 mm screws holding it in place on the logic board.

Step 15

Detach the bracket securing the battery connector using a tri-point screwdriver, ensuring no damage occurs to surrounding components.

Step 16

Carefully lift the battery connector away from its socket on the logic board, utilizing the flat edge of a spudger to avoid damage.
Exercise extreme caution when releasing the battery connector, ensuring force is applied solely to the connector and not the corresponding socket attached to the logic board; applying pressure to the socket or the board could result in socket damage or harm to adjacent components.

Step 17

Detach the cable bracket that holds the front panel assembly wiring by unscrewing the screws listed below.

A Phillips head screw, size #000 and measuring 1.7 millimeters.
A Phillips head screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.2-millimeter screw.
A Phillips screwdriver, size #000, is needed to remove a 1.3-millimeter screw.
An additional screw, measuring 1.7 mm in width and utilizing a Phillips #000 head, is required.

Due to its composition, the 1.7 mm screw will likely require a non-magnetic screwdriver for removal, and careful handling to prevent loss.
Carefully manage all screws during this procedure to ensure correct reassembly; improper placement, such as using a 1.3 mm or 1.7 mm screw in the bottom right hole, will critically damage the logic board and prevent the device from powering on.
Avoid applying excessive force when tightening screws; overtightening can damage components. If a screw encounters resistance during installation, verify it is the correct size before proceeding.

Step 18

Detach the cable bracket securing the front panel assembly cable to the logic board.

Step 19

Carefully detach the front camera and sensor assembly's cable by gently prying with a spudger or similar tool.

Step 20

Prior to either detaching or reattaching the cable in this procedure, ensure the battery is disconnected.
Carefully separate the LCD cable connector.
Should the LCD cable become detached from its connector during reassembly, a blank screen or white lines may appear upon powering on the device; to resolve this, reattach the cable and restart the phone, preferably by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.

Step 21

Carefully separate the digitizer cable connector to release its connection.

Step 22

Detach the front panel assembly from the rear case.

Step 23 | SIM Card

Using a SIM card eject tool or a straightened paperclip, gently push into the tiny aperture located on the SIM card tray to release it.
Apply substantial pressure until the tray releases.

Step 24

Using a SIM ejection tool or a small, sturdy paperclip, carefully release the SIM Card tray assembly from the iPhone's side.
Confirm the SIM card's correct alignment within the tray before sliding the tray back into the device.

Step 25 | Logic Board

Carefully lift the button assembly cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board, employing a spudger for leverage.
Exercise extreme caution to avoid applying force to the logic board socket while lifting the connector; doing so risks irreparable damage to the connector itself.

Step 26

Carefully lift the Lightning connector cable away from its socket on the logic board using a spudger.
Carefully maneuver the Lightning connector cable so it doesn't obstruct access to the logic board.

Step 27

Carefully lift the antenna cable connector from its corresponding socket on the logic board using the pointed end of a spudger.

Step 28

Carefully separate the rear-facing camera cable connector from the logic board's corresponding socket using the flat spudger tip.

Step 29

Carefully detach any masking tape securing the camera flash bracket.

Step 30

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the logic board by unscrewing all screws listed in the parts list.
A Phillips head screw, size #000 and measuring 2.4 millimeters.
The screw secures a small metal contact located below the logic board; it's retained by a plastic bracket, and if movement is observed, follow this procedure to detach it.
Use two Phillips head screws, size #000 and measuring 2.3 mm.
Use three screws, each measuring 2.8 millimeters in diameter.
A 2.9-millimeter standoff screw, constructed from a non-magnetic material, is required.
To detach standoff screws, utilize a standoff screwdriver or bit, ensuring compatibility with the screw size.
If a dedicated tool isn't available, a small flathead screwdriver can be carefully substituted; however, exercise heightened awareness to prevent slippage and potential harm to nearby parts.

Step 31

Carefully pry the logic board upward using a plastic opening tool, ensuring you can then grasp it securely with your fingers.

Step 32

Carefully separate the logic board from the rear camera assembly by gently sliding it backward.
Before detaching the logic board, be aware that an antenna cable secures it to the rear of the device.
Carefully rotate the logic board so that it faces the battery, pivoting it in a manner similar to turning a page.

Step 33

Employing the flat spudger tip, carefully separate the antenna cable connector from the logic board's rear surface.
Carefully detach the iPhone's logic board.

Step 34

The metal plate situated close to the rear camera is currently detached and risks complete separation from its designated area.
To prevent loss of the tiny plate, detach it and place it in a secure location for safekeeping during the repair process.
Carefully detach the plate located under the bracket on the left side of the rear camera using tweezers.
Ensure the plate is positioned during reassembly so that the smaller projection faces rightward and the extended, planar surface aligns with the phone's upper surface.

Step 35 | Rear Facing Camera

Carefully use tweezers to pivot the rubber camera cover away from its retaining clip, directing it outward from the rear case.
To access the components, simply pivot the cover upwards; it's integrated with the rear case and should not be detached.

Step 36

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs is achieved to prevent damage.Carefully detach the rear case to access and remove the camera module.
To ensure proper connection during reassembly, route the camera cable into its designated position behind the logic board, forming a 'U' bend.
To ensure proper function and prevent damage, substitute a displaced rubber camera bumper with a fresh one prior to reassembling the iPhone.

Step 37 | Camera Bracket

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 socket head cap screws securing the motor assembly to the frame, ensuring a torque of 4.5 Nm to prevent damage.Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the rear camera bracket by unscrewing the two 1.6 mm screws that hold it in place.

Step 38

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 pan head screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4.5 in-lbs to prevent damage.Detach the bracket securing the rear camera assembly from the back of the device enclosure.

Step 39

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8mm screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of no more than 0.5 Nm to prevent damage.Carefully detach the camera's rubber bumper from the case body.

Step 40 | Battery

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four M4x8 pan head screws securing the fan assembly to the heatsink, ensuring a torque of 4 in-lbs to prevent damage.Using a spudger, gently lift the battery adhesive tab by inserting the tip into the opening situated close to the headphone jack.
Gently raise the tab a small amount, then use the spudger to release it from its molded cavity.

Step 41

Carefully lift the battery's adhesive strip vertically, away from the device.
Using a cutting tool, sever the black battery adhesive tab by slicing through the two white adhesive strips that hold it in place, thus disconnecting the tab.

Step 42

To ensure proper removal, maintain the strips' flatness and prevent any creases, as folds can cause them to adhere and tear rather than detach smoothly.
Gently peel one battery adhesive tab downwards, moving it towards the iPhone's lower edge.
To release the strip, apply consistent, even force while guiding it out from the space between the battery and the rear case; ensure the pulling angle remains at 60 degrees or less to optimize the process.

Step 43

Maneuver the strip along the battery's edge, ensuring it follows the corner and continues along the vertical side.
Exercise caution to prevent the flexible cable from catching on the battery's edges or any other internal iPhone parts.
To release the strip completely, gradually extend it beyond its initial size; you may need to reposition your grip closer to the battery as you pull to maintain tension until the entire length separates.

Step 44

Employ the same procedure to detach the remaining adhesive strip.
Having detached both strips completely, proceed to a later stage of the repair.
Should the adhesive strips beneath the battery tear or become irretrievable, carefully detach any remaining portions before continuing.

Step 45

To free a battery adhered to the rear case after adhesive strip failure, apply heat using an iOpener or a hair dryer, focusing the warmth on the case's area immediately behind the battery.

Step 46

Using a plastic card, carefully slide it into the space between the battery’s casing and the iPhone’s rear enclosure.
To prevent battery damage and potential release of hazardous chemicals, maintain a perfectly level position for the card during handling.
Advance the card until the adhesive securing the battery is fully released.

Step 47

Disconnecting the power source, carefully extract the battery from within the rear case assembly.
To ensure proper battery installation, follow the instructions in this guide for replacing the adhesive strips that secure the battery.

Step 48 | Vibrator

Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the screws securing the vibrator bracket.

A screw with a 1.7 mm diameter is required.
A screw with a 2.5-millimeter diameter is required.

Step 49

Using tweezers, carefully detach the vibrator bracket.

Step 50

Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the vibrator from the rear case by unscrewing the 1.7 mm screw that holds it in place.

Step 51

Carefully extract the vibrator from the rear case using tweezers.

Step 52 | Upper Component Cable

Using a screwdriver, detach the volume button and ringer switch brackets from the rear case by unscrewing the fasteners that hold them in place.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.9 mm head.
Use two Phillips screws, each measuring 1.6 millimeters.

Step 53

Carefully insert the spudger tip between the ringer switch bracket and the rear case's side to release it.
Disconnect and detach the ringer switch.
When putting the button back together, ensure the red line aligns with the uppermost position. Also, the notch on the ringer switch button’s rear side must correspond to and engage with the mechanical switch located on the cable.

Step 54

Carefully disengage the volume button bracket from the rear case's side using a spudger.
Carefully detach the volume control buttons.
When putting everything back together, position the volume up button so that it aligns with the opening nearest the ringer switch.

Step 55

Carefully extract the rubber camera cover, which faces toward the rear, from its housing within the rear case assembly, utilizing tweezers.

Step 56

Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the logic board antenna bracket from the rear case by unscrewing the 1.3 mm screw that holds it in place.

Step 57

Detach the antenna bracket secured to the logic board.

Step 58

Using a Phillips #000 screwdriver, detach the bracket that holds the contact clip and power/sleep button by unscrewing the single 2.1 mm screw.

Step 59

Carefully detach the contact clip from the iPhone, ensuring no damage occurs.
Ensure the bracket is positioned correctly, fitting snugly between the rear camera flash and the case's upper border.

Step 60

Using a spudger with a flat tip, carefully disengage the upper component assembly cable from the rear case by gently inserting the spudger beneath it.

Step 61

Using the spudger's flat edge, carefully slide it between the cable and the device housing, positioning it close to the volume control buttons.

Step 62

Carefully disengage the adhesive holding the vibrator contact area of the upper assembly cable to the rear case by gently prying with a spudger tip.
Carefully use a spudger tip to dislodge the flash assembly from its opening in the rear case if it remains secured.

Step 63

Carefully disengage the microphone component from the housing using the pointed end of a spudger.

Step 64

Carefully maneuver the power/sleep button bracket clear of the device housing using tweezers.

Step 65

Gently depress the power/sleep button on the phone's housing by applying slight pressure with a spudger tip.
Employ tweezers to detach the button.
Ensure the button is correctly positioned during reassembly; the "L" markings must face downward, and the metal bar should be bent over the button's upper surface.

Step 66

Carefully detach the power/sleep button bracket's hinge from its securing post within the iPhone.

Step 67

Carefully detach the iPhone's upper assembly.
Due to its numerous sensitive connectors and susceptibility to damage, handle this cable with extreme care; any perceived obstruction during lifting requires an immediate halt to the process.
Carefully slide a spudger along the length of the cable, attempting to dislodge it.