Installing iPhone 3G Dock Connector

Replace a broken dock connector in your iPhone 3G.

  • Author: iRobot
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x
  • x 103

Connects the iPhone to a computer or charger via a iPhone cable.

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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Dock Connector  ¶ 

  • Remove the two Phillips #00 screws from the dock-connector end of the iPhone.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Remove the metal handle from the suction cup. It's easier and safer to grip the suction cup's base instead of the metal handle.

  • Be very careful when opening the iPhone so that the cables under the display are not severed.

  • There is a rubber gasket between the silver front bezel and black display assembly. A bit of force is required in this step to separate the iPhone's display assembly.

  • Use a small suction cup near the Home button to gently pull up the bottom portion of the iPhone's display assembly.

  • If the display assembly is too damaged to allow the suction cup to adhere, tape with a strong adhesive such as duct tape maybe used.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • The display assembly is still connected to the iPhone by several cables, so don't try to remove it entirely just yet.

  • Rotate the display assembly up until it is at an angle of approximately 45 degrees.

  • Be careful. Sometimes cable 4 can stick to the back of the display assembly and can be pulled off and/or torn as you remove the display assembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Continue to hold the display assembly with one hand, and use your other hand and a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "1."

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Rotate the display assembly up until it is roughly vertical. This will allow easier access for disconnecting the remaining cables.

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the black ribbon cable labeled "2."

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to flip up the white plastic tab holding the remaining ribbon cable in place. The white tab will rotate up 90 degrees, releasing the ribbon cable.

  • Slide the black ribbon cable out of its connector, and remove the display assembly from the iPhone.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

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

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

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

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable labeled "4."

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Add Note Edit Step 9  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable labeled "5."

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Add Note Edit Step 10  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable labeled "6."

  • If you have an iPhone 3GS, refer to picture 2 and use a spudger to disconnect the ribbon cable labeled "7."

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Add Note Edit Step 11  ¶ 

  • Carefully peel up the small sticker labeled "Do not remove."

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Add Note Edit Step 12  ¶ 

  • Remove the following 8 screws:

    • Five 2.3 mm Phillips #00 screws with partial threads securing the logic board to the rear panel.

    • Two 2.3 mm Phillips #00 screws with full threads securing the logic board and camera.

    • One 2.9 mm Phillips #00 screw from beneath the "Do not remove" sticker.

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Add Note Edit Step 13  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to gently remove the camera retaining clip, (formerly secured by the removed screw) and gently pry the camera up and out of its housing in the rear panel. The camera cannot be removed entirely yet because it's connected to the bottom of the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 14  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to gently pry up the end of the logic board closest to the dock connector.

  • If the board won't lift up, double check to make sure all the screws securing the logic board have been removed.

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Add Note Edit Step 15  ¶ 

  • Slide the logic board towards the dock connector and out of the iPhone.

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Add Note Edit Step 16  ¶ 

  • Remove the following 3 screws:

    • Two 1.5 mm Phillips #00 screws, one on either side of the dock connector.

    • One 2.4 mm Phillips #00 screw near the ribbon cable labeled "4."

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Add Note Edit Step 17  ¶ 

  • Lift the dock connector assembly up and out of the iPhone.

  • When inserting the new assembly, ensure the screw holes of the assembly rest ABOVE the bezel's holes.

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

For more information, check out the iPhone 3G device page.

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Required Tools

Spudger

$2.95 · 50+ in stock

Phillips #00 Screwdriver

$4.95 · 50+ in stock

Small Suction Cup

$2.95 · 50+ in stock

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