iPhone 6s Upper Component Cable Replacement - iPhone 6s

Step 1 | Pentalobe Screws

To prevent a fire or explosion hazard from a potentially damaged lithium-ion battery, ensure its charge level is less than 25% prior to beginning any disassembly procedures on your iPhone.
To prevent electrical shock or damage to components, ensure the iPhone is completely de-energized prior to starting the repair process.
Using appropriate tools, detach the two 3.4 mm P2 Pentalobe screws located along the iPhone's lower edge, positioned on both sides of the Lightning connector.

Step 2 | Anti-Clamp instructions

To simplify the opening process, the following two steps utilize the Anti-Clamp tool, a custom-designed aid; if you do not have this tool, proceed to the instructions located three steps further down.
Refer to the included 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.
To secure the iPhone for repair, place a suction cup on the front surface, 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.
Apply vacuum by pressing the cups firmly against the surface needing treatment.
To enhance the Anti-Clamp's grip if the iPhone's exterior feels excessively slick, apply adhesive tape to the device's surface.

Step 3

To secure the arms, advance the blue handle in the direction of the front.
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 space is created by the Anti-Clamp, slide a prying tool beneath the display.
To ensure adequate separation, reposition the handle by 90 degrees if the Anti-Clamp's opening is not large enough.
Allow the Anti-Clamp device to function, and permit several seconds to elapse after each incremental tightening of no more than 90 degrees.

Step 4 | Opening Procedure

Lacking an Anti-Clamp tool, proceed with the following three steps to utilize a suction handle.
Using a hair dryer or iOpener, gently warm the bottom edge of the iPhone's casing with moderate heat for approximately one minute.
Applying heat will loosen the adhesive that holds the display in place, facilitating separation.

Step 5

To access the 6s display, carefully release the adhesive strip that runs along its edges; replacement adhesive strips should be available beforehand if desired. Completing the repair without replacing this adhesive is feasible and should not affect device performance.
Using a suction cup, secure it to the display assembly's lower left corner.
Avoid positioning the suction cup directly on the home button.
To facilitate suction cup attachment when the display exhibits severe cracking, apply a sheet of clear packing tape across the damaged area; as an alternative, a robust adhesive tape can be substituted for the suction cup. Should these methods prove ineffective, secure the suction cup directly to the fractured screen using superglue.

Step 6

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-torqued to prevent damage.Apply steady, even force to lift the suction cup, generating a small separation between the front panel and the rear case.

Exercise caution and use steady, even pressure during installation; the display unit fits snugly and is secured with adhesive.

To avoid display assembly damage, use minimal force when separating it from the rear case; the goal is to establish a narrow space between the two components.

To ease separation of the display from the frame, apply warmth to the front surface of the iPhone with an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun until the area reaches a temperature that is uncomfortably warm to the touch. This process loosens the adhesive that holds the display's perimeter in place.

Step 7

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 prevent damage; observe a torque of 6 in-lbs per screw.To initiate separation of the device's housing, carefully insert a prying tool into the indentation located on the bottom surface of the display, positioned directly over the headphone jack; this area minimizes the risk of damage.

Using a spudger, insert its flat side into the separation between the display and the back cover, positioning the insertion point immediately over the headphone jack.

Step 8

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the four retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 Nm, ensuring the motor remains aligned with the spindle shaft and observing the warning against over-tightening which could damage the threads.Using a spudger, gently increase the separation between the front panel assembly and the phone's main body.

Step 9

Using a 5/32-inch hex key, carefully tighten the three retaining screws on the motor assembly to a torque of 3.5 inch-pounds, ensuring not to overtighten and potentially damage the threads.Using a spudger, carefully slide the flat tip into the gap located on the phone's left side, separating the display assembly from the rear case.

Using a spudger, carefully insert it along the phone's edge to release the adhesive bond and disengage the retaining clips.

Step 10

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 prevent damage; observe a torque of 6 in-lbs per screw.Using the spudger, carefully realign it with the separation point on the phone's lower edge, the location where the initial opening occurred.

Using a spudger, gently move it horizontally across the phone's lower edge.

Step 11

Using a spudger, carefully work along the right edge to release the adhesive bond and disengage the display clips securing the iPhone.

Step 12

Carefully leverage the suction cup to separate the display assembly, ensuring the remaining adhesive bond is released.
To prevent damage, limit the display's opening angle to a maximum of 90 degrees; the three cables securing the top edge remain connected and are susceptible to breakage if overextended.

Step 13

To detach the suction cup, grasp the small projection located on its upper surface and lift upwards, separating it from the front panel.

Step 14

Employing a careful grip, raise the display assembly, leveraging the front panel's top clips to act as a pivot point and separate the device.
Carefully position the display at a 90-degree angle, then secure it in an upright position using a support 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 provide support for the display unit.
If you intend to substitute fresh adhesive along the display's perimeter during reassembly, stop at this point.
To ensure proper alignment during reassembly, position the screen’s camera-side edge beneath the main body’s edge. Align the screen frame’s hooks with the main body’s rim, then gently push toward the camera end to facilitate cover closure and secure clipping.
Ensure these clasps are positioned beneath the phone's outer edge, as they function as retention features rather than traditional hinges; this placement allows the screen to smoothly and quietly return to its closed position, engaging with a gentle snap.
To reinstall the screen, begin by applying pressure to secure the upper right corner, working downwards along the edge, then repeat the process for the upper left corner.

Step 15 | Battery Connector

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the battery connector bracket by unscrewing the two fasteners, each measuring the specified length.
Use a 2.9 mm screw.
Utilize a 2.2 mm screw for installation.
Carefully note the location of every screw during disassembly, as reassembly requires placing each one in its original position to prevent iPhone damage.

Step 16

Using a 5mm pentalobe screwdriver, detach the bracket securing the battery connector.

Step 17

Carefully separate the battery connector from the logic board by inserting a spudger tip underneath it and applying upward force.

Step 18

To prevent unintended power-ups during the repair process, carefully detach the battery connector from its socket on the logic board, ensuring it remains disconnected.

Step 19 | Unfasten the display cable bracket

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the four screws that hold the display cable bracket in place.
Use three screws, each measuring 1.2 millimeters.
A screw with a 2.8 mm diameter is required.

Step 20

Using a T5 Torx screwdriver, detach the bracket securing the display cable.

Step 21

Carefully detach the front camera flex cable from its connector on the logic board by applying upward pressure with a spudger or a clean fingernail.

Step 22

Using a prying tool, carefully release the digitizer cable from its connection on the logic board by applying upward force.
To avoid potential damage to the digitizer, ensure the connector is secured by applying pressure to its opposing ends, rather than the central portion; central pressure can deform the component.

Step 23

Prior to either detaching or reattaching the cable in this procedure, ensure the battery is disconnected.
Using a prying motion, carefully separate the display cable from its connection on the logic board, ensuring it moves vertically.

Step 24

Carefully detach the display assembly, ensuring no damage occurs.
If you intend to substitute fresh adhesive along the display's perimeter during reassembly, stop at this point.

Step 25 | Rear Camera

Carefully separate the rear camera connector from the logic board by sliding a spudger's flat edge between the connector and the board.

Step 26

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the two screws securing the rear camera bracket.
A screw with a 1.6 mm head diameter is required.
A screw with a 2.0 mm diameter is required.

Step 27

Detach the camera mounting bracket.

Step 28

Using a spudger, gently separate the camera module from the rear case by inserting the tool along its side.
Using careful, controlled force, slightly lift the camera to dislodge it from its enclosure.

Step 29

Carefully detach the camera assembly.

Step 30 | SIM Tray

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 force to release the tray from its housing.
Applying considerable pressure might be necessary.

Step 31

Using the SIM ejection tool or a similar small, sturdy item, carefully depress the SIM tray release mechanism located on the device's left side to extract the SIM Card tray assembly.
Confirm the SIM card's alignment with the tray before pushing it back in.

Step 32 | Logic Board

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the bracket that holds the upper component cable connector by unscrewing the two fasteners, each measuring 2.3 mm.

Step 33

Detach the bracket securing the upper component cable connector.

Step 34

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the five screws that fasten the Wi-Fi antenna to the top left side.
Use screws with a 1.5mm diameter.
A single screw, measuring 2.3 millimeters, is required.
A screw with a 1.9 mm diameter is required.
A screw with a 2.0 mm diameter is required.

Step 35

Detach the Wi-Fi antenna located on the device's upper-left side.

Step 36

Employing the flat spudger tip, carefully separate the audio control cable connector from the logic board's corresponding socket.

Step 37

Carefully detach the antenna cable from its connector, located in the upper right corner of the logic board, by using the pointed end of a spudger.

Step 38

Carefully detach the antenna cable from its connector, located in the lower left corner of the logic board, by using the pointed end of a spudger.

Step 39

Using a spudger, carefully slide the flat tip beneath the Lightning connector ribbon cable and gently raise it to release the connection from the logic board socket.

Step 40

Carefully lift the antenna cable, disengaging it from the two retaining clips located on the logic board’s right-hand side.

Step 41

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the NFC bracket from the logic board by unscrewing the 1.3 mm screw that holds it in place.

Step 42

Detach the near-field communication component's mounting bracket.

Step 43

Using the appropriate screwdriver, detach the two screws.

A single screw, measuring 2.5 millimeters, secures the logic board at its upper edge.

A single 1.4 mm screw secures the rear case to the upper edge.

Step 44

Detach the retaining clip, fabricated from plastic.

Step 45

Using a screwdriver, detach the logic board from the rear case by unscrewing the last three screws.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw with a 1.9 mm head.

A 2.5-millimeter hexagonal nut is required.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove a single screw measuring 1.8 millimeters.

Step 46

Using a pick, carefully slide it under the logic board's bottom edge, positioning it between the board and the loudspeaker.
Carefully disengage the logic board from its enclosure using the opening pick, applying minimal force.
Carefully detach the logic board, ensuring all connections are released.

Step 47 | Upper Component Cable

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the Taptic Engine by unscrewing the two fasteners secured with 1.5 mm threads.
Carefully detach the Taptic Engine, ensuring no damage occurs.

Step 48

Carefully lift the battery adhesive strip ends at the bottom edge using tweezers.

Step 49

Handle the strips with care to avoid creases, as any folds will be permanent and compromise their usability.
To release the adhesive, grasp one of the strips and draw it downward, parallel to the iPhone's base, ensuring the pulling angle remains 60 degrees or less to maximize effectiveness.
Expect the adhesive strip to extend significantly beyond its initial size; maintain consistent pulling pressure, repositioning your grip along the strip's length toward the iPhone as needed.
Maintain traction and draw steadily until the entire strip detaches.
Should the battery's adhesive strips detach during removal, carefully gather any detached adhesive fragments with your fingers or a tool having a flat, non-piercing edge, then proceed with the separation.
Should a battery adhesive strip tear during this process and become irretrievable, detach the remaining strip and proceed directly to Step 48.

Step 50

Apply the same procedure to install the second adhesive strip.
To prevent the battery from being ejected from the phone during strip removal, maintain pressure on the battery with one hand while detaching the second strip, as separation from the rear case could cause the battery to launch.

Step 51

Having detached the three adhesive strips without issue, continue with the subsequent procedure.
If the battery does not release, carefully use a prying tool to detach it from the back housing.

Using an iOpener, apply heat to the rear case's back surface, positioning the tool directly above the battery.
To soften the adhesive, direct heat from a heat gun or hair dryer onto the area for approximately one minute.

Carefully turn the device over and gently slide a plastic opening tool between the battery and the phone casing to detach any lingering adhesive.

Step 52

Disconnect the power source by detaching the battery.
To ensure proper battery installation, follow the instructions in this guide for replacing the adhesive strips that secure the battery.

Step 53

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the flash bracket by unscrewing the 1.3 mm screw that holds it in place.
Detach the flash bracket.

Step 54

Carefully pry the flash unit from its rear case mounting using the flat spudger tip.

Step 55

Using a Phillips screwdriver, detach the five screws specified.

Secure the rear case to the left side using two screws, each with a 2.5 mm diameter.
A Phillips #000 screwdriver, sized for a 2.1 mm screw head, is needed to secure the rear case to the left side.
Secure the rear case to the right edge using two screws, each measuring 2.1 mm.

Excessive force when tightening these screws during reassembly can impair the functionality of the power and volume buttons, preventing them from clicking as intended.
Verify that each button exhibits proper tactile feedback by observing its click, prior to proceeding with reassembly.

Step 56

Carefully detach the microphone assembly from the back cover by using the tip of a spudger, applying gentle pressure.

Step 57

Using a pick, carefully insert it into the gap located between the upper component cable and the rear case.
Carefully detach the cable from the back panel.

Step 58

Using the opening pick, advance it beneath the cable, ensuring complete detachment from the rear case.

Step 59

Disconnect the cable connecting the upper component to the main assembly.

Step 60

To install the new part, carefully detach the existing switch cover and move it to the replacement part if a cover wasn't included.
Apply consistent downward pressure on the existing bracket using the spudger’s flat end to secure it.
Gently maneuver the switch cover using tweezers or your fingertips, allowing the retaining clips to release the switch cover pins.
Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry the switch cover vertically to disengage it.
Reassemble the upper cable assembly and mute switch cover by performing the previous disassembly actions in reverse order.
Ensure the pins are positioned close to the clip openings, avoiding excessive insertion. Reattaching the bracket to the case with screws will properly secure the switch cover.
Ensure the switch cover is aligned correctly during installation, as it is designed for a single fit; if you encounter difficulty, reposition the switch by moving the black lever to an alternate position.
Verify the functionality of each switch and button by manually testing their movement before proceeding with reassembly.