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Fourth generation iPhone. Repair is straightforward, but the front glass and LCD must be replaced as a unit. GSM / 8, 16, or 32 GB capacity / Model A1332 / Black and White. This page aims to help users troubleshoot, fix, and seek help for the iPhone 4.

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Replaced speaker, still only faint static from speaker

I inherited a busted iPhone 4, and would like to get it working to replace my aging 3GS. It had a cracked back, a tired battery and just faint static from the external speaker when my sister gave it to me. I replaced all three components with the help of ifixit. All is well, except the speaker still only makes faint static/crackling sounds. The odd thing is that I tested the phone with the PhoneDoctor app, and the speaker plays the test tones with no problem, with the mic picking them up fine and passing the test. The volume buttons show the normal "ringer" icon and shows that it is turning up and down.

So, the speaker CAN play sound, the OS thinks it's playing, but what's actually playing, for system sounds, iTunes music, YouTube videos etc is just very faint static. One more oddity is that the static continues for four or five seconds after the sound should have stopped.

The headphone jack seems to be clean and functioning normally. I've cleaned the charging port with a stiff brush and alcohol. I've reset the phone several times. The speaker is brand new, but the behavior has not changed.

I hope that was a thorough description of my problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

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So if you have tried playing the sound through the ear speaker, loud speaker and through a headset and it does this for all 3? If so you can try unplugging the lower doc and the headphone jack and test again just to see if one of those components is causing an issue. If the problem persists then it's time for the full factory restore and cross your fingers it is somehow a software glitch. If that still results is same issue then it is probably time for a new board.

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After trying it again, I realized iPhoneDoctor is playing the test tones through the ear piece, not the bottom speaker. So no, just the headphones and ear piece play properly. The faint static comes from the bottom speaker. Having just replaced it, I wonder is there some less than obvious connection somewhere other than those involved in the replacement procedure that might be causing the problem. I didn't notice and corrosion or bent contacts while doing the procedure.

I will try a full factory reset tonight and report back. Thanks for your suggestions.

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This is good news. If the problem was happening when you first got the phone and again after the loudspeaker at the bottom was replaced it would most likely be a faulty lower doc as that is what the speaker connects to. Still a cheap repair and only requires minor additional work. Be careful when removing it not to damage your home button flex that is attached to it. You will also most likely have to transfer the rubber mick gasket to the new part as well.

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