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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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Why isn't the power button working?

Having replaced the phone's rear case, the power button stopped working.

I spent a while messing around what I could've missed while reassembling the phone but I couldn't figure it out. I don't even understand how the power button's connected to the phone. There's no ribbon. All there is is a metal bracket thingy. The only thing that looks like it could connect the power button to the logic board is this which ripped off somehow as I tore apart the phone.

What am I to do?

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The first link below will show you where the power flex plugs into the logic board, a lot of times people forget to unplug this cable and it gets damaged, which I am assuming happened in your case. You're going to have to replace the power flex cable in order to fix the power button issue. This cable also controls the volume buttons, mute switch, controls the vibrate & the rear microphone. I would recommend following iFixits guide to replacing this cable (2nd link)

https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/ig...

iPhone 5 Audio Control and Power Button Cable Replacement

The antennas at the top that you show in your picture are screwed into the rear case, if you don't remove those screws you will damage those antennas, another common mistake some techs make. Those antennas are for your GPS, so you're probably gonna have some GPS issues unless you replace those antennas as well, which requires soldering.

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Dang, you're right, I ripped the power button part of that cable off somehow... boy, do I feel silly. Came in overconfident because I replaced the screen on the iphone 4 tons 'a times with no problems so I just rushed into the 5 carelessly and messed the whole thing up.. I also broke the metal piece that attaches the vibrator to the logic board and now when I turn the phone by charging it just shows the itunes logo and a cord. Can't seem to update it or restore it. Apparently putting it in DFU mode might help but I need the power button for that. Is it worth buying a new flex cable or could this thing be just as good as a brick now?

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You do need the power button for DFU mode. Its interesting that the device went into Restore mode. The power flex cable is relatively inexpensive, you can get them on eBay for around $7, I would recommend getting one with the metal pieces already attached, much simpler to install (link below). If you get the device working again, that metal retaining clip for the vibrate is pretty cheap and easy to find on ebay as well. I think its worth it to at least try it. You don't need to fully install the new power flex cable to do DFU mode and reload the software, just plug it into the logic board and press the power button, it does not need to be installed in the rear case for this to be done.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Button-Swi...

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Yikes the Power button repair on the iphone 5 is one of the most miserable repairs you will have to do. You have 2 options, completely disassemble your iphone and replace the ribbon cable, or enable assistive touch to your iphone.

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Anthony is right, it is a more difficult repair. But this is the wrong guide, this is to replace the metal power button itself not the flex cable. Ive attached a link in my answer to the correct guide. Good luck!

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