DIY iPhone Repairs – Some can be handled on your own
If you like to get hands-on when something needs to be fixed, don’t think your ambitions stop short of mobiles. Most iPhone users cannot bear the thought of carrying out after-warranty repairs to their phones. Instead, they will run to the nearest Apple store and pay the price, or be talked into upgrading to a newer phone. Some repairs are quite feasible, given a bit of patience, time, and the right tools.
Is it possible to repair an iPhone at home? It can be done yourself, even if Apple says no
While some repairs may be challenging, replacing a battery or screen on an iPhone can be easier than expected. For instance, changing the battery on most iPhone models is not officially allowed, but there are ways to do it. On an iPhone 12s, components such as the speaker, receiver, vibration motor, and camera module can be replaced. Some of these replacements don’t require special tools.
What are the best tools for repairing an iPhone? The basic and the advanced tools
Some basic tools may come in handy, like a decent set of screwdrivers, a pair of magnifying eye glasses, (or even better, a pair of magnifying LED flashlight glasses) and an anti-static wrist strap. A magnetic screw mat is also useful, which will firmly hold all screws in place and provide a secure working surface for your job. Beyond the basic tools, Apple provides some special tools to help make repairs easy. Scratch around in the Apple store and you will find the tools for some of these tasks, e.g. a Universal Display Removal Fixture and an iPhone Battery Fixture. To re-install the battery, there is the iPhone Battery Fixture, which applies the perfect amount of pressure between the new battery and adhesive strips.
Complete toolkits, which can be found on eBay and Amazon, include mounting panels, plastic film, screwdrivers, and opening and prying tools to prevent damage to the phone’s components. Some kits even have a 5 Star Pentalobe screwdriver for tamper-proof screws. Despite Apple’s efforts to keep people out of their iPhone, these toolkits have everything needed for repairs.
To re-install the battery, there is the iPhone Battery Fixture, which applies the perfect amount of pressure between the new battery and adhesive strips.
Now you have another option for that old iPhone lying in the drawer with a cracked screen or dead battery.
iPhone Screen Repair & Replacement
In the event of a broken iPhone screen, you can either seek repair from Apple (Apple Care) or try to fix it yourself. See this video on replacing the screen on an iPhone 11.
Is it better to repair or replace an iPhone?
The decision to repair or replace an iPhone is based on various considerations, including the level of damage, repair cost compared to replacement cost, and the device’s model and age.
If the iPhone is outdated, the repair expenses may approach the cost of purchasing a new one.