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iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement

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  1. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Taping the display glass: step 1, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Taping the display glass: step 1, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Taping the display glass: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.

    • Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's display until the whole face is covered.

    • This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

    • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.

  2. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Removing the Pentalobe screws: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Before you proceed, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

    • Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

    • Remove the two 3.8 mm P2 Pentalobe screws on either side of the Lightning connector.

  3. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Starting the iSclack Opening Procedure: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Starting the iSclack Opening Procedure: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Starting the iSclack Opening Procedure: step 3, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    iSclack
    $24.99
    Buy
    • The next two steps demonstrate using the iSclack, a great tool for safely opening the iPhone 5c that we recommend for anyone doing more than one repair on an iPhone 5, 5s, or 5c. If you aren't using the iSclack, skip to Step 5.

    • Close the handle on the iSclack, opening the suction-cup jaws.

    • Place the bottom of your iPhone in between the suction cups, against the plastic depth gauge.

    • The top suction cup should rest just above the home button.

    • Open the handles to close the jaws of the iSclack. Center the suction cups and press them firmly onto the top and bottom of the iPhone.

  4. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Finishing the iSclack Opening Procedure: step 4, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Finishing the iSclack Opening Procedure: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • Hold onto your iPhone securely and close the handle of the iSclack to separate the suction cups, pulling the front panel up from the rear case.

    • The iSclack is designed to safely open your iPhone just enough to separate the pieces, but not enough to damage any cables.

    • Peel the two suction cups off your iPhone.

    • Skip the next three steps and continue on to Step 8.

  5. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Manual Opening Procedure: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Press a suction cup onto the screen, just above the home button.

    • Be sure the cup is completely on the screen to get a tight seal.

  6. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Start lifting the front panel assembly: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Start lifting the front panel assembly: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Make sure the suction cup is firmly attached to the front panel assembly.

    • While holding the iPhone down with one hand, pull up on the suction cup to slightly separate the front panel assembly from the rear case.

    • Take your time and apply firm, constant force. The display assembly is a much tighter fit than most devices.

    • With a plastic opening tool, begin to gently pry the rear case down, away from the display assembly, while you pull up with the suction cup.

    • There are several clips attaching the front panel assembly to the rear case, so you may need to use a combination of the suction cup and plastic opening tool to free the front panel assembly.

  7. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Pull the plastic nub to release the vacuum seal on the suction cup.

    • Remove the suction cup from the display assembly.

  8. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Opening up the phone: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Opening up the phone: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the home button end of the front panel up to gain access to the connectors near the top of the phone.

    • Open the display to about a 90º angle, and lean it against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

    • In a pinch, you can use an unopened canned beverage to hold the display.

    • Add a rubber band to keep the display securely in place while you work. This prevents undue strain on the display cables.

  9. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 1.6 mm Phillips #000 screws securing the metal battery connector bracket to the logic board.

  10. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the metal battery connector bracket from the iPhone.

  11. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Disconnecting the battery connector: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to gently pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Be very careful to only pry up on the battery connector itself and not the socket on the logic board. If you pry up on the logic board socket or the board itself, you may destroy the socket or damage nearby components on the board.

  12. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following Phillips #000 screws securing the front panel assembly cable bracket to the logic board:

    • Two 1.3 mm screws

    • One 1.7 mm screw

    • One 3.25 mm screw

    • It is especially important to keep track of your screws in this step for reassembly. Accidentally using the 3.25 mm screw or the 1.7 mm screw in the bottom right hole will result in significant damage to the logic board causing the phone to no longer boot properly.

    • Be careful not to over-tighten the screws. If they don't fit easily when you are securing them, they may be the wrong size—don't force them.

  13. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the front panel assembly cable bracket from the logic board.

  14. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Disconnecting the front panel assembly cables: step 14, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Disconnecting the front panel assembly cables: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Use a plastic opening tool or a fingernail to disconnect the front-facing camera and sensor cable connector.

    • Be sure to only pry up on the connector, and not on the socket on the logic board.

  15. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Make sure the battery is disconnected before you disconnect or reconnect the cables in this step.

    • Use a plastic opening tool or a fingernail to disconnect the LCD cable connector.

    • The LCD and Digitizer connectors are on the same cable assembly, so prying the LCD connector up should disconnect both connectors. Double check that the two cables are fully disconnected before removing the display.

    • When reassembling your phone, the LCD cable may pop off its connector. A blank screen, or white lines on the display could be caused by a loose connection. Should this happen, reconnect the cable and power cycle your phone. The best way to power cycle your phone is to disconnect and reconnect the battery.

  16. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Separating front panel assembly and rear case: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the front panel assembly from the rear case.

  17. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, SIM Card: step 17, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, SIM Card: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Shut your phone down completely before removing the SIM card and tray.

    • Insert a SIM card eject tool or a paperclip into the small hole in the SIM card tray.

    • Press the SIM card eject tool inwards to eject the tray.

    • This may require a significant amount of force.

  18. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the SIM Card tray assembly from the iPhone.

    • During reassembly, ensure that the SIM card is in the proper orientation relative to the tray.

  19. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Battery: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Battery: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Battery: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Run the tip of a spudger between the battery and the headphone jack to unfold the battery adhesive tab.

  20. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 1
    • Pull the battery adhesive tab away from the phone.

  21. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Cut the black battery adhesive tab between the two white adhesive strips, separating them.

  22. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2
    • Try to keep the strips flat and unwrinkled during this procedure; wrinkled strips will stick together and break instead of pulling out cleanly.

    • Slowly pull one of the battery adhesive strips away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone.

    • Pull steadily, maintaining constant tension on the strip as it slips out from between the battery and the rear case. For best results, pull the strip at a 60º angle or less.

    • Guide the strip carefully around the corner and up the side of the battery. Be careful not to snag it on any of the other internal iPhone components.

    • The strip will stretch to many times its original length. Continue pulling, re-grabbing the strip near the battery if necessary, until the entire strip comes free.

  23. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Repeat to remove the second strip.

  24. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the battery from your iPhone.

    • If one, or both, of the adhesive strips tears, and you are unable to retrieve it with a set of tweezers, do not pry the battery out of the phone. Continue on to the next steps to safely remove your battery.

  25. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Battery removal with latent adhesive: step 25, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Battery removal with latent adhesive: step 25, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Plastic Cards
    $2.99
    Buy
    • Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) under the battery and let it flow around the adhesive to help weaken it. High concentration isopropyl alcohol acts as a solvent and dries without leaving any residue, so it will not hurt your iPhone.

    • Carefully wedge a plastic card under the battery on the side nearest the logic board.

    • Do not pry against the logic board or you may damage the phone.

    • Avoid prying near the top edge of the battery, or you may damage the upper component ribbon cable.

    • Slide the card from the top of the battery to the bottom, pushing toward the edge of the case.

    • If necessary, repeat the same procedure with the case side of the battery.

  26. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 1
    • If the battery is still stuck to the case, follow our iOpener heating instructions or use a hair dryer to heat the adhesive securing your battery to the rear case.

    • Lay the iOpener flat on the backside of the iPhone to the right of the camera. Smooth it out so that there is good contact between the back of the iPhone and the iOpener.

    • Let the bag sit on the iPhone for approximately 90 seconds before attempting to remove the battery.

    • If using a hair dryer or heat gun, heat the back of the iPhone until it's slightly too hot to touch.

    • Do not apply heat directly to the battery.

    • Overheating the iPhone may ignite the battery.

  27. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Lift and remove the battery from the iPhone.

    • If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.

    • There should be no resistance. If the battery remains stuck, reheat the iOpener and pry again.

    • If your replacement battery came in a plastic sleeve, remove it before installation by pulling it away from the the ribbon cable.

    • Before you adhere the replacement battery, temporarily reconnect the battery connector to the motherboard socket. This ensures that the battery is properly aligned in its recess.

    • Adhere the battery, disconnect it, and continue reassembling your device.

    • If your new battery doesn’t have adhesive preinstalled, refer to this guide to replace the adhesive strips.

    • Perform a hard reset after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

  28. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Logic Board: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Logic Board: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Logic Board: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the Lightning connector ribbon cable from its socket on the logic board.

    • The Lightning connector cable is lightly adhered to a shield on the logic board. Use the flat end of a spudger to gently peel the cable up.

  29. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2
    • Flip the Lightning connector cable up out of the way of the logic board.

  30. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 1
    • Disconnect the lower antenna connector from the base of the logic board.

  31. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the audio control cable connector from its socket on the logic board.

    • Disconnect the rear-facing camera cable connector from its socket on the logic board.

  32. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1
    • A small piece of tape may obscure the logic board grounding clip. If so, use a pair of tweezers to remove the tape.

  33. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the following screws securing the logic board grounding clip to the rear case:

    • 1.2 mm Phillips #000 in the top side-wall

    • 2.5 mm Phillips #000

  34. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 1
    • Use tweezers to remove the logic board grounding clip.

  35. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Standoff Screwdriver for iPhones
    $5.49
    Buy
    • Remove the following screws securing the logic board to the rear case:

    • Two 2.3 mm Phillips screws

    • Three 2.7 mm standoff screws

    • Standoff screws are best removed with a standoff screwdriver or standoff driver bit. A small flathead screwdriver can also do the job—but use extra caution to ensure it doesn't slip and damage surrounding components.

  36. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 36, image 3 of 3
    • Holding the phone level, lift the bottom end of the logic board up enough to grasp it with your fingers.

    • Pull the logic board away from the rear-facing camera just enough to expose the gold contact cap under the top end of the board.

    • Remove the gold-colored contact cap from the threaded post in the rear case, and set it aside.

  37. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 2
    • Flip the logic board up toward the volume control buttons to expose the antenna connector.

    • Do not try to remove the logic board from the rear case yet, as it is still connected by an antenna cable on the back.

  38. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 1
    • Disconnect the antenna connector from the back of the logic board.

  39. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the logic board from the rear case.

  40. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement, Audio Control and Power Button Cable: step 40, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 1.5 mm Phillips #000 screws securing the rear camera cover to the rear case.

  41. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the rear facing camera cover.

  42. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the rear facing camera.

  43. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the vibrator motor to the rear case:

    • 1.2 mm Phillips #000

    • 2.2 mm Phillips #000

  44. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the vibrator motor.

  45. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the upper assembly contact bracket to the rear case:

    • 3.0 mm standoff screw

    • 1.5 mm Phillips #000 screw

  46. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 46, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 46, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the upper assembly contact bracket from the rear case.

    • A small rubber bumper may fall off the top of the bracket—take care not to lose it.

  47. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 1
    • Remove any foam tape obscuring the screws near the camera cavity.

  48. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 1.4 mm Phillips #000 screws securing the power/sleep button bracket.

  49. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 49, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 49, image 3 of 3
    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to gently fold the power/sleep button bracket down from the top of the rear case.

    • Use tweezers to grab and remove the button.

    • For reassembly, note the orientation—the metal bar should be flush with the bottom of the button.

    • If you can't get a hold on the power button from inside the case, use a spudger to slightly push it in from the outside.

  50. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 50, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 1.6 mm Phillips #000 screws from the mute/silent switch bracket.

  51. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 51, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 51, image 2 of 2
    • Remove this mute/silent switch bracket clip and set it aside.

    • During reassembly, the bracket clip goes over the mute/silent switch bracket. Ensure the angled portion is to the right.

    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip the mute/silent switch bracket down.

  52. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 52, image 1 of 1
    • Use tweezers to remove the mute/silent switch.

    • Note the orientation for reassembly: The red line should be at the top of the button. The notch in the back of the switch should be in the same position as, and mate with, the mechanical switch on the cable.

  53. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 53, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the 1.6 mm Phillips #000 screw securing the volume rocker bracket to the side wall.

  54. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 54, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 54, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to fold the volume rocker bracket down from the side wall. Remove the volume rocker.

  55. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 55, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 55, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to peel the power/sleep button cable off of the rear case.

  56. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 56, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 56, image 2 of 2
    • Run a spudger gently under the flash assembly cable to separate it from the phone.

  57. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 57, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 57, image 2 of 2
    • Peel the upper assembly cable up from right to left to separate the adhesive holding it to the case.

  58. iPhone 5c Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement: step 58, image 1 of 1
    • Take extra care in peeling the vibrator contact end of the cable off of the phone.

    • Do not touch the contacts; finger oils can corrode the metal and prevent a solid connection.

    • You can now remove the assembly from the phone.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

55 other people completed this guide.

Andrew Optimus Goldheart

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4 Comments

I've replaced the cable and everything works except the volume rocker? If I tighten everything and out the phone back together the volume seems to be stuck in a permanent down position. But if I open the phone back up and loosen the screws the volume doesn't work at all

Tom - Reply

I've seen a few cases where the button action was extra sensitive to screw tightness. The "permanent down position" you describe does sound like the screws are too tight. It's a pretty subtle difference between "too tight" vs "too loose." I would suggest fine-tuning the screw tightness on each side individually until the button action feels good, then reassemble and test. If the action is good but the volume still doesn't respond, you've likely got a disconnected, damaged, or faulty cable.

Jeff Suovanen -

Yay!!!!! I did it! I followed all the steps, keep organized with little pieces of paper inside mini muffin pans with the screws and pieces for each part and it worked!! Now my volume, silent, flashlight all work!!! Thank you for the instructions.

Linda Groat - Reply

Completed! It was a lot of fun going through the really well described procedure, thank you.

Stefano Dell'Orto - Reply

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