Unauthorized Guide to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Repair, The

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