Click Image To Zoom
Installation Guide
iPhone 3GS
Difficulty: Very difficult
Required Tools Add All Tools to Cart »
Spudger
$2.95 ·Add to Cart »
Small suction cup
$2.95 ·Add to Cart »
Share this Product
Stories
My Problem
There were some small parts that are not described in the instructions where they hard to figure out how to place them back. Not 100% reliable instructions and the cover I got from ifixit.com had no screw hole for the sim injector holder!!!
My Fix
Read above
My Advice
Ask the ifixit.com to redo the instructions with more detail, is hard just to say: follow the steps in reverse order, IS NOT EXACTLY LIKE THAT!!
My Problem
I have had my iPhone 3G[s] sense it was release, that's 2 1/2 years now, My wife has the same model 6 months younger. Both batteries are pretty poor now and both our back cases have a vertical crack running up from dock connection. We have both dropped our phones many many times and not on nice soft carpet but on tile, hardwood and cement floors. These 3G[s] sure can take a beating, and no cracks or scratches on the glass. Both phones are off contract and I could just have gotten a new 3G[s] on contract for $0 or even spent the money for the new 4[s]. So why do the repair on mine? First We have moved to Florida from New Jersey and I want the flexibility to change carriers if I really need to and second I just wanted to give the repair a try. Money was never the issue, I bought the replacement battery and rear case for my phone. I also bought the Pro Tech Base Toolkit mostly because it was cool, it did however come in hand.
My Fix
The Prep... I have an Apple 30" Cinema Display, on the left half I had a movie going and on the right I had the ifixit guide for the rear case replacement up. I had a 6 or so small desert plate lined up behind my keyboard to hold the removed parts in stages so as to not mix them up and making the reassembly easier. I laid down a soft cloth to perform the work on and started in. These a very tiny screws so be careful to not loose them, Take it SLOW and DETAILED, the Mac zoom feature will come in handy to enlarge the photos so you can study them in better detail because you will need to do this. The ifixit guide does have all the information to get the fix done but you may want to take some photos along the way that are of better contrast so you can see exactly how things should be. I did not do this so I spent quite a bit of time studying the ifixit photos during the reassembly process. Pay very close attention to how the volume buttons, mute switch (which was a $@#**), on/off button and GPS antenna are laid out. Bottom line... My repair took over three hours, I really took my time. The repair was very successful, and you would be very hard press to be able to tell the difference between a new 3G[s] and mine.
My Advice
Take some of your own HIGH contrast photos or video so you can see exactly how things should be situated during the reassembly. The 00 screwdriver that comes with the battery replacement will do just fine, the spudger did not, I broke both tips on mine. If you don't want to spring for the tool kit like I got then these are what I recommend. You will need the suction cup to remove the glass, The Heavy-Duty Spudger and the Metal Spudger Set will make things easier to remove i.e. the GPS antenna is glued down which is not mentioned in the guide and that is where the flat metal spudger comes in handy. Again TAKE YOUR TIME! Take breaks, eat and drink to fuel up (not in your work area) and keep everyone away, you are in for the long hall but you will be successful!
My Problem
I bought an used iPhone 3GS as gift for my wife. And got a device with ugly fissures on the white rear case and a geriatric battery. So I decided to change the back and - on the way - renew the battery.
My Fix
Following the guides step by step, everything worked well. Differing from the good and clean photos, I found a lot of dust & dirt and needed al lot of time to remove it.
My Advice
Not expensive, but very practical: the spudger which I ordered separate from the one added to the battery pack. With its sharp end it is quite easy to lift tiny parts or cables.
My Problem
I had a black 3GS I gave to my 13 y/o son when I got a 4S. The 3GS had cracks on the rear panel and the volume button came off. My son wanted it fixed or a new one. I had previously replaced the battery from iFixit 1 year ago and did not want to give up on it. If found a white back panel on iFixit. It was a little more expensive then other sites, but it was EXACT and required NO modifications.
My Fix
I took his phone after he fell asleep on Christmas Eve with the intention of having it ready Christmas morning. Overall, it took 3 hours. 2 cups of cocoa, patience, and the illustrated Step by Step guide were a MUST. I finished and all went well except for a no SIM status after install. Did some research and got it done and it looks brand new. On Christmas morning my son couldn't even tell if it was his own phone. He loves it and is happy that the white 3GS is somewhat unique. The 3GS is perfect for a 13 y/o and will hopefully last a long time.
My Advice
I have exchanged several batteries now. I recommend a piece of paper where the removed screws are set on and lightly held down by tape and labeled so none are lost or mixed up. Also, the mother board should be pushed slightly to the top of the device before tightening the motherboard screws to the case. This allows for the sim card to push against the SIM card detector. Lastly, the back case includes the silver trim and volume buttons. If the glass is in good shape, it will look brand new when done.
My Problem
My sister broke here iPhone 3GS dropping it.
My Fix
It took quite some time to do all the necessary steps, but thanks to the detailed guides the repair was a success. Even though I never did this before.
My Advice
There is nothing to add to the guide "Installing iPhone 3GS Rear Panel" - thanks a lot guys!
My Problem
I dropped it, and had to change it.
My Fix
it was difficult, I should of boat the Phillips screw driver. :/ but a sharp kitchen knife helped a lot.
My Advice
I did not know that the simcard holder is not included, was surprised. better understanding what you get I guess is the solution. Its hard and fragual/sensiti
My Problem
The rear case was so damaged. plus i had "fixed" it before but the rear case was a cheap one. so my outcome wasn't good.
My Fix
it went smoothly, this time every piece just fit in exactly on the place that was supposed to be in.
My Advice
try hard and concentrate. If i could, any body can. just really wish that you want to do it yourself and learn something new.
My Problem
My wife would like to have a white phone, so how could i refuse? ))
My Fix
The change is take just about 15 minutes because i'm often doing it
My Advice
if you do this for the first time be careful ;)
Related Questions
| 2 Answers 1 Score | Broke screw bracket on bottom of iPhone | |
| 3 Answers 0 Score | Mute button isn't working. |