The Unauthorized Guide to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Repair

Timothy L. Warner is an IT professional and technical trainer based in Nashville, TN. As Director of Technology for a progressive high school, he created and managed a self-servicing warranty repair shop for all Apple hardware used at the institution. Warner has been an Apple enthusiast and power user since the original Macintosh was released in 1984. He has worked in nearly every facet of IT, from systems administration and software architecture to technical writing and training.

 Introduction   1
Chapter 1  Why Do It Yourself?   5
The Benefits of DIY iDevice Repair   5
   Saving Money   6
   Preparing to Become an Apple Tech   7
   Earning Extra Money   9
iDevices—A Roster   10
   iPod   10
   iPod touch   13
   iPhone   13
   iPad   15
Limiting Our Scope   17
Apple Warranties and You   18
   Apple Hardware Warranty   18
   AppleCare+   19
Finding Old, “Broken” iDevices   21
   Pawn or Secondhand Shops   21
   eBay or Craigslist   22
   Amazon.com   23
   Yard Sales or Flea Markets   24
   Friends, Family, and Colleagues   24
   Bulletin Boards   24


Chapter 2  The Tools of the Trade   25
What Does It Take to Become an iDevice Technician?   25
   Character Traits   26
   Technical Ability   27
Obtaining iDevice Technician Tools   28
   Sources for iDevice Tech Tools   28
ESD Safety Equipment   29
Screwdrivers   31
Spudger   31
Plastic Opening Tool(s)   32
Heat Gun/Hair Dryer   32
Magnetizer/Demagnetizer   34
Pick-up Tools   34
Work Lamp with Magnifying Glass   34
Magnetic Project Mat   35
Industry Certification   36
   Increased Professional Credibility   36
   Gaining a Leg Up in the Job Market   36
   Meeting Apple’s Certification Requirements   37
   Attaining Deeper Access to Apple Tech Resources   37
   Increased Confidence   38
Certification Options   38
   Apple Certified Macintosh Technician (ACMT)   38
   iCracked iTech   39
   OnForce Consultant   40
   Apple Consultants Network (ACN)   40




Chapter 3  Protecting Your iDevice User Data and Settings   43
What Exactly Do You Need to Back Up?   43
Backing Up an iDevice by Using iTunes 11   44
Where Are the Backup Files Stored?   46
Backing Up an iDevice by Using iCloud   48
Backing Up an iDevice Manually   50
Restoring an iDevice by Using iTunes 11   50
Restoring an iDevice by Using iCloud   51
Jailbreaking and Unlocking iDevices   52
   What Is Jailbreaking?   52
   What Is Unlocking?   56


Chapter 4  iDevice Repair Best Practices   59
Checking iDevice Warranty Coverage   59
   Verifying iDevice Version Info   62
What Are Order Numbers?   64
Deciphering iOS Speak   65
How Do Warranty Repair Orders Work?   66
Creating an ESD-Safe Workspace   67
   Wear Appropriate Clothing and Protect Your Workspace   67
   Handle IC Components Appropriately   68
   Condition the Air in Your Workspace   68
Documenting and Securing Your iDevice Components   69


Chapter 5  iPhone 3GS Disassembly and Reassembly   71
iPhone 3GS External Anatomy   73
Disassembly Procedure   75
Reassembly Notes   85
A Few Words About iOS 6   85


Chapter 6  iPhone 4S Disassembly and Reassembly   87
External Anatomy   88
Required Tools   90
Disassembly Procedure   90
Reassembly Notes   107


Chapter 7  iPhone 5 Disassembly and Reassembly   109
External Anatomy   110
Required Tools   113
Disassembly Procedure   113
Reassembly Notes   126
On Material Costs and Profit Margins   127


Chapter 8  iPad 2nd Generation Disassembly and Reassembly   129
External Anatomy   130
Required Tools   133
Disassembly Procedure   133
Reassembly Notes   143
What Exactly Is a Retina Display?   143


Chapter 9  iPad 3rd and 4th Generation Disassembly and Reassembly   145
External Anatomy   146
Required Tools   148
Disassembly Procedure   148
Reassembly Notes   157
Why Do Front and Rear Cameras Have Different Resolutions?   157




Chapter 10  iPad mini Disassembly and Reassembly   159
External Anatomy   160
Required Tools   162
Disassembly Procedure   162
Reassembly Notes   174
What Are Benchmarks?   174




Chapter 11  iPod touch 4th Generation Disassembly and Reassembly   177
External Anatomy   178
Required Tools   180
Disassembly Procedure   180
Reassembly Notes   191
Is the iPod touch a “Watered Down” iPhone?   192


Chapter 12  iPod nano 5th and 7th Generation Disassembly and Reassembly   193
External Anatomy   194
Required Tools   198
Disassembly Procedure   198
iPod nano 5th Generation Reassembly Notes   208
iPod nano 7th Generation Quick-Disassembly   208
About the Mysterious Pixo OS   210


Chapter 13  Sourcing iDevice Replacement Parts   211
What Is OEM, and Why Do I Care?   211
Where Can I Find OEM iDevice Parts?   213
   No Guarantees   213
   Study Buyer Reviews   214
   Trust Your Gut   214
   But Where Do I Start My Search?   214
Grim Realities   215


Chapter 14  Addressing Water Damage   217
The Problem of Water Damage   217
Warranty Ramifications of Water Damage   218
Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) and You   218
How to Address a Waterlogged iDevice: Non-Invasive Approach   219
   The Rice Method   220
   Dedicated Drying Tools   220
How to Address a Waterlogged iDevice: Invasive Approach   221
How to Limit the Possibility of Water Damage   222
Purchase a Specialty Case   222
Limit Exposure to Steam   223
Use a Low-Tech Plastic Baggie   223




Chapter 15  Replacing the Front Display and/or Rear Case   225
Anatomy of the iDevice Front Display   226
Repair Options and DIY Strategies   227
   Visit the Apple Store   228
   Hire a Third Party to Replace the Display   228
   Do It Yourself   229
How to Minimize Damage to the Display/Rear Case   232


Chapter 16  Replacing the Battery   233
What You Need to Know about Lithium-Ion Batteries   234
   What Is the “Memory Effect”?   235
   Understanding iDevice Battery Specifications   236
   Best Practices for iDevice Battery Use   237
   Exploding Batteries   238
   Maximizing Battery Life   239
Performing Battery Replacements   240


Chapter 17  Replacing the Logic Board and/or Dock Connector   243
About the Logic Board   243
iDevice Connectors   245
Repair Advice   249
Tips and Tricks for Logic Board Replacements   251
   iPhone 5   251
   iPad 3rd and 4th Generation   252
   iPad mini   252
   iPod touch 5th Generation   252


Chapter 18  Recovering Data from Your Broken iDevice   255
Protecting Your Data by Using Apple Services   255
   iCloud   256
   iTunes Match   256
Retrieving User Data from a “Dead” iDevice   256
Retrieving User Data from a Live iDevice   257
   Music   257
   Photos   259
   The Rest of Your Stuff   260
Passcode Security   262
Encrypted Backups, Anyone?   266


Chapter 19  Before You Sell, Donate, or Recycle Your iDevice   267
Is Deleted Stuff Actually Deleted?   268
   Encryption, Your iDevice, and You   268
Preparing Your iDevice for Transfer—Local Method   270
Preparing Your iDevice for Transfer–Remote Method   272
Corporate Solutions   273
Disposal and Associated Environmental Concerns   274


Index   277