Installing iPhone 1st Generation Rear Panel

  • Author: iRobot
  • Difficulty: Very difficult
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The shiny rear half or your iPhone case.

Sections
Tools
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — SIM Card  ¶ 

  • Insert a SIM card eject tool or paper clip into the hole next to the headphone jack.

  • Press down on the paper clip until the SIM card tray pops out.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Grasp the SIM card tray and slide it out of the iPhone.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Antenna Cover  ¶ 

  • This image shows the two tabs and two catches located on the underside of the antenna cover. The two tabs at the top of the image must be pushed towards the black cover to release them.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Be sure to slide the metal spudger between the dock connector and the antenna cover, and not into the dock connector itself.

  • Insert a metal spudger into the slot between the dock connector and the antenna cover. Gently pry up near the two tabs to create a small gap between the antenna cover and the silver front bezel.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Insert an iPod opening tool in the gap between the antenna cover and the front bezel. The wedge of the tool should be pointing towards the antenna cover. Slide the tool around the corner and up until you reach the metal backing.

  • Repeat the same procedure on the other side of the dock connector.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Grasp the antenna cover on either side and slide it up and away from the iPhone. This requires some force. If it does not come free, ensure that the antenna cover is lifted up enough to free the catches.

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Add Note Edit Step 7 — Headphone Jack  ¶ 

  • Remove the three Phillips #00 screws securing the rear panel to the iPhone.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Getting the iPhone open is a challenging feat, so don't get discouraged. Take a deep breath and make sure you have plenty of time to get the job done.

  • The small square hole is the location to insert the dental pick in the next step.

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Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Start removing the rear panel on the side with the buttons.

  • Slide the dental pick completely into the square hole. You may need to wiggle the tool and apply a good amount of force to get it to go all the way.

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Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • Pry up the rear panel by pulling the dental pick counterclockwise in a quick motion. Apply force perpendicular to the plane of the display assembly. You may be afraid to go fast, but going slowly is more likely to bend the case.

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Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to free the rear panel from the iPhone along the corner and top.

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Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Repeat the same procedure on the other side of the iPhone. Slide the dental pick completely into the square hole. You may need to wiggle the tool and apply a good amount of force to get it to go all the way.

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Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Pry up the rear panel by pulling the dental pick counterclockwise in a quick motion. Apply force perpendicular to the plane of the display assembly. You may be afraid to go fast, but going slowly is more likely to bend the case.

  • The rear panel is still attached to the iPhone by the headphone jack cable, so don't entirely remove the rear panel from the iPhone just yet.

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Add Note Edit Step 14  ¶ 

  • Make sure the phone is off before disconnecting the headphone jack cable.

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the headphone jack cable from the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 15  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips #00 screws securing the on/off switch to the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 16  ¶ 

  • Remove the following 3 screws:

    • Two Phillips #00 screws securing the vibrator to the rear panel.

    • One larger head and longer Phillips #00 screw securing the headphone jack to the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 17  ¶ 

  • Grasp the metal screw plate attached to the on/off switch and lift slightly up and away from the rear panel. The button should come with the cable.

  • Gently peel up the on/off switch ribbon cable. Be sure to pull near where the ribbon cable is glued to the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 18  ¶ 

  • The headphone jack is slightly recessed into the rear panel. First slide the headphone jack away from its housing and then lift it up slightly (only 1/4 inch or 1/2 centimeter) so that it is no longer in the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 19  ¶ 

  • Grasp the headphone jack at the tip and gently lift up, pulling the vibrator out of the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 20  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips #00 screws securing the silent/ring switch to the rear panel.

  • Pry off the metal backing with the screw holes and save for securing the replacement switch.

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Add Note Edit Step 21  ¶ 

  • Grasp the silent/ring switch and lift it up to reveal the screw beneath.

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Add Note Edit Step 22  ¶ 

  • Remove the three Phillips #00 screws securing the volume switch to the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 23  ¶ 

  • Lift the headphone jack assembly out of the rear panel.

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Add Note Edit Step 24 — Rear Panel  ¶ 

  • Rear panel remains.

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

For more information, check out the iPhone 1st Generation device page.

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Required Tools

Spudger

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