[How To] Take Apart the iPhone 4S

[Cowboy]

This guide teaches you how to take apart an iPhone 4S. It is the same method for all models (CDMA and GSM).

Supplies you will need:

• Small Phillips screwdriver
• Small Flat head screwdriver
• Case opener tool
• Pentalobe screwdriver (this is a 5 pointed star - newer iPhones have this instead of the standard Phillips)

I also recommend having a nice clean and clear work space. It's a good idea to lay the screws and parts out as you pull them to keep them in order and make sure you don't forget or lose anything when putting the phone back together.

Please remember before doing any work on the phone to power it off and pop the SIM tray out of the phone!

Now to start work on the phone itself. First thing you will need to do is take out the two small screws at the bottom of the phone. They are on both sides of the dock connector. This is the only point where you will need to use the pentalobe screwdriver.



Next there are two screws (where it is highlighted in blue) that need to be taken out. This will allow you to pop out the battery connector. The battery pops out by pulling up on the left side of the connector. There is a small piece convering the antenna so make sure not to lose that as well.



Now that you have popped the connector pull up on the clear tab to take the battery out. Its a good idea to use a pry opener tools to help pull and pry the battery out. If the battery bends no worries they are made to do that

With the battery removed we can now disconnect the dock connector. There are two screws holding it in place. It's also a good idea to pop up the antenna from the board as well!



Once done with that remove the other 3 screws shown highlighted in red! The one in the bottom corner will require a flat head screw driver.



Now lets move up the phone and take the protective shield off. There are 4 screws holding it in place. Once all 4 screws are out pry up on the shield and wiggle it out gently.



Now lift up on the cables there will be 5 in all and pop out the camera! There are now 2 screw the need to come out. The one on the lift is hidden with some black tape and is sorta hidden the other is covering the last ribbon cable. Remove the screws along with both screws.



There is now just one more screw left before you can pull the logic board. Once again you will need to use the flat head to remove this one.



Once that screw is out lift up on the logic board and it should pop right out. ( Make sure you took the sim tray out first )

Now that the board is out pry the vibrator up. I find using a flat blade box knife and sliding it underneath the motor works best. There is also one last screw that needs to be taken out to remove the dock!



Now for the fun part taking out the 4 corner screws and the 6 with washers side screws. ( 10 Screws in all) Once you get them removed we can pop the front screen off!

3 On the left same on the right


Bottom


Top


Now pry the screen out.



Voila! You have completed the take apart - have fun putting it back together.

[2k1]

Very Nice cowboy appreciate the work ya do

[Cowboy]

Thanks 2k1

[Jcbzr]

Very similar to the 4. Very educational.
Since the little round module is the new vibrator motor, what is in the top right corner where the motor used to be?

[Greatbiguns]

NICE JOB Cowboy!!
That is an Awesome Tutorial, and great photos along the way!!
THANKS

[Geenius]

Nice Job, Very clear and easy to follow!

Thank You!

[matthew1111]

Nice! I would thank but on the iPhone right now haha

So you have to take it ALL apart for the front? D:
Ik the back is easy you only have to take the backing off

[bruce119]

Very detailed tutorial, thanks.

[imprezzivesti]

what steps need to be added to swap the mid frame to a new one on the 4s??

[Cowboy]

I'll see if I can't write one up soon been busy

[imprezzivesti]

That would be awesome when u have the time, even just written instructions or a link to some for the time being would help a bunch. That original tutorial helped me so much on my first screen repair now I really wanna try a midplate swap but I haven't the slightest clue where to begin because I can't track instructions down anywhere and don't wanna mess my phone up.

[ipha1868]

how do people change the mid frame/bezel? any good instruction

[Cowboy]

I been meaning to do one just have to find the time

[ipha1868]

have any good sites for good quality mid frame bezel? and iphone 4s color kits. i seen some on ebay but don't know the quality of the product and some on the ifixdirect is quite high in price.

[Cowboy]

But they are of the highest quality

[ipha1868]

But they are of the highest quality

what is the 2nd highest quality compared to ifixdirect? I found ifixdirect is a good quality with many youtube reviews when people where buying the the white kit when they only sold iphone 4 black version. Got any sites for the bezel for the iPhone 4s?

[Cowboy]

4 or 4S?

[ipha1868]

4s for me and 4 for my friend who could not wait for the 4s

[Cowboy]

wholesalegadgetparts aren't bad