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Repair information, troubleshooting tips, and guides for the sixth iteration of Apple iPhone, announced on September 12, 2012. Model: A1428, A1429

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Kernel Panic - probably hardware issue

Hi all,

since two weeks I have a kernel panic on my iPhone 5. The iPhone isn't (& was never) jailbroken. At first I installed a new software version (iOS 8.4). Didn't work out. Secondly, I put my iPhone back in DFU mode.

But I have still the same problems: I can't make a back-up copy because iPhone starts new every time. And I also can't restore my iPhone after I put it back in DFU.

Hence I went to the Apple store and they told me that my iPhone has a kernel panic issue due to hardware issues. And afterwards the vendor told me that they can't repair it in a cost efficient way. And now I am looking for some support regarding how I can solve the problem. Do you have some ideas?

Thank you

M

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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Do you actually a string of "code" appearing on the screen as if the phone was under DOS, and saying something like "nand?"

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The phone is saying nothing at all. It is just restarting all the time.

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Chosen Solution

That's called boot-looping, or constantly restarting.

1/ It could be an issue with your software if this happened following an update, but Apple Store would have fixed it for you if it was.

2/ You could have a simple battery issue. In my opinion, Apple Store should also have diagnosed it and proposed to replace it for you. You could go back to them and ask them if it is. They should be able to tell.

If we take it for granted that the battery is not causing this:

3/ Charge the iPhone for 30 minutes. Then use the iFixit guide to disconnect the screen, then the battery (remove the screen, but only disconnect the battery. Don't remove it). Press and hold power button for 20 seconds. Reconnect battery then screen, then test the phone. Any change?

4/ Next, here's a way to go to diagnose whether the board itself is acting out, or one of the flat cables/components connected to the board:

Some of the components attached to the board could be causing this, such as the power button cable, or the charging dock, since this started when you plugged it into your computer. Try cleaning the charging dock using isopropyl alcohol (90% -99%) and a soft toothbrush. Next, you can use the iFixit guide to lift (or better disconnect the screen), disconnect the battery, the charging dock, and the power-volume-mute cable; then overlay a new/known good charging dock over the existing one, connect it in place of the old one, plug in the battery (should be known good battery, after Apple Store diagnose it for you), re-connect the screen, and finally plug a charger into the dock through a known good lightning cable. See if the iPhone restarts normally or changes behavior (when the Power/Mute/Volume cable is disconnected and you plug in a charger, it makes the iPhone restart).

If iPhone starts normally, try connecting the power-volume-mute cable, then the old charging dock. Test after each one. If anything brings back the issue, that's your culprit. Replace it.

If the phone still has the same issue after trying all of the above, then you would have established that it is some fault on the board. In that case, you'll need some good experience and good micro-soldering skills to establish the cause and fix it. This can happen following a harsh drop, liquid damage, an attempted repair, the use of a cheap/fake charger or charging cable, or sometimes just some components (there are hundreds on that iPhone board) kicking the bucket..

Good luck figuring this out. Those issues are usually a nightmare.

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When does it panic? Try unplugging the front camera assembly.

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3 Comments:

This really helped my issue (Intermittent Reboot/Apple Loop After Screen Replacement)

Would be interesting to understand/collate some theories as to why this made a difference though, I do, however, need to find a suitable replacement for the sensor/front camera assembly.

Thank you!

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Hi Jason,

Thank you for your response. Regarding when my panic occurs. At first only when the iPhone was connected to my Mac when I tried to make a back-up. The situation worsened from week to week. Yesterday it paniced when the iPhone was just lying on the table or when I charged it.

May I ask what exactly do you mean by unplugging the front camera? Opening the iPhone and take it out of the mobile phone?

Thank you

Martin

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Yes, look on iFixit for a guide if you are not sure how to.

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Martin will be eternally grateful.
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