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Model No. A1367 / 8, 16, 32, or 64 GB capacity

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Front camera not working after screen swap

Hi there, I am hoping someone can help me out with an issue i have encountered about 3 times in the last 10 screen changes.

All goes well and i reassemble the new digitizer/lcd etc and all is flush. When i test the camera it functions normally , that is the rear camera takes pictures and video no problems, But.. the minute i touch the switch camera icon, top right, so that the front facing camera is in use it freezes the camera and the only way out of this is to go to settings/general/reset all settings.

I do not believe i have damged the front camera during installation, as i say, i have done quite a few by now, so what else could be causing this? What does the little spring do next to the rear camera? is the camera shield plate that sticks to the back of the digitizer really neccessary? does it creat a circuit somehow?

Hope someone can help or at least test this after an install to see if they come across the same issue.

I should add, I make sure that i reinstall everything exactly the same as it was. The only thing i normally leave off is the copper binding around the digitizer connector (but i tested that as well without success)

Thanks

David

Update

Well, Since i posted this first message I have not had any more with this issue.

The solution seems to be changing the cameras where need be.

My idea of the cuase is that during the installation process, the on/off button is getting pressed and switching the unit on. Obviously you won't see this as the screen is off so you wouldn't know it. If this is the case then connecting the new lcd in this state may be frying the camera or it could even be a result of shorting the back plate of the camera against something live.

Anyway, thats the only thing i can think of as like everyone else, i ame xtremely careful when prying up the board to remove the digitizer clip.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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looks like no one has the expertise to answer this. Oh well, I shall figure it out and reply. I'm just waiting for the next one that does this as next time I shall have new camears handy to swap out and test.

Jason, just out of interest did you try to restore the ipod after reassembly? I am thinking this may fix it but i couldn't try as i didn't want to wipe the customers data.

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Has anyone ever seen it on an iPhone which has never been opened?

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I have the same problem and cannot find a solution on how to fix this...

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I have had it with phones with no water damage. I think it may still be software but not curable by restore. I cant see how a hard ware issue would happen from just chaging the screen so many times. All the software is stored on the motherboard. Well this is a mystery.

I can tell you that if you lock your camera up reset the settings. That will at least allow for the back camera to work if it gets locked up, but don't hit the front camera switch or it will lock up again.

If you find the answer please let us all know. :)

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Just replaced our 50th iPod touch 4G front panel (hurray ;-).

Up till now 4 out of those iPods have non-functional camera's after the front replacement. It's not the camera however.

New cam on iPod with working cam: no problem

New cam on iPod with not working cam: new cam doesn't work either.

Tried "reset all settings"; reboot iPod; restore iPod from scratch. Other OS. Other front panel. Old front panel. Nothing solves the issue.

This must definitely be some hardware recognition thing. We'd love to know the fix...

Adam from iPodrepair.nl

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24 Answers

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@dh721 above asked about the solution at this link:

http://www.gsmindia.in/forum/apple-iphon...

I had an iPhone 4 (Model A1332) that I did a screen swap on and when I tried to switch to the front camera it would freeze on the shutter. I tried the reset solution – nothing! I bought a $0.99 camera application and the App would freeze when I tried to switch to the front camera (i.e., it was a hardware issue not a software issue). I went to the above link and then cracked open an iPhone 4 with a working camera and the iPhone 4 with the bad front camera. The pics are below – clearly there was a small jumper that snapped off. It seems that snapping this off is at greatest risk when the Headphone jack/volume button cable connector is pried off – you can even see the jumper in the iPhone 4 iFixIt Guide just above the connector (yellow box).

It is next to impossible to try to drop a little solder across these two points. This is what they recommend on the above website

Caig CW100P Circuit Writer Conductive Ink Pen

Caig also makes a sealer:

Caig CircuitSealer Conformal Coating Pen, 100%, acrylic-based

I have ordered this Circuit Writer Pen … will update this post to see if I can fix it!

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IT WORKED!!!!! Dropped a spot of the silver Circuit Writer juice on that spot ... BAM! Got my front camera back! I should have said in my original post that I had 2 logic boards and 2 front cameras. Neither camera would work on the "bad" logic board, but both cameras would work on the "good" logic board... so I was hoping that the solution in the original link above was the fix. Now both cameras will work on both motherboards! SWEET!

Moral of the story ... be VERY careful when you pry up that headphone jack/volume button cable connector.

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Thanks for sharing !!! Had the same problem ,went ahead and bought the CAIG circuit writer pen , put a small dab on that area and let it dry for an hour. I confirm it WORKS !!!

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I opened my phone and saw that I am missing the jumper completely. No trace on any silver specs there (like in the picture bioChazTBO posted on the broken jumper). Just two dents the same color as my logic board where the jumper should be. Would the circuit sealer pen still worked for me in this case?

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just tried the circuit writer on my missing jumper. no luck.. :( does the circuit writer need to dry or does it work right away?

Thanks.

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Circuit writer did work!! I waited for 30 mins and reset all my settings. both cameras now work!! thanks!!

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I imagine that if you were to magnify the board where the jumper ripped off you would see craters with the leads to the jumper (i.e., not visible to the naked eye). Therefore, I would guess that all you would have to do is put the CAIG Jumper Juice on there and it will seep into said craters and enable the required connection. There's no reason to think it wouldn't work!

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hi,if your back or front cam not installed and conneccted good way your cams wont work good.recheck your cams if they r connected good..

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I've just done a complete swap of the innards of my iPod Touch as both the lcd and rear case were damaged (I bought it like this with the intention of repairing it).

Everything was working well on it, however when I turned it on for the first time only the front camera was working. Pressing the camera swap button on the top right caused the software to lock up, however neither are working now even though I have not done anything to it.

I'll try the reset feature as suggested above and see if that helps.

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I posted about this problem on September 15th and tried the reset which made no difference,so I ordered both cameras.

I had been using the iPod during that time without any problem except the cameras. Once the new ones arrived I took it apart again and fitted both cams and hey presto they work perfectly.

It's strange as I didn't even disconnect the original ones when I first removed the logic board. In fact the yellow tape around the rear camera connector was still intact. Maybe it's a problem with the ribbon cables, especially the front one where it is bent over and could potentially cause a hairline fracture after a period of time, and simply disturbing them during LCD replacement might cause this problem.

I've been using the iPod now for about a week with no more camera problems.

Hope this helps.

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hmmm interesting. So you are saying that replacing one or the other camera did not work but replacing both did work? Or maybe in your case you just had a faulty camera. Anyone else care to chime in on this one?

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Yes, I did exactly what MaverickMi suggested. Both cameras originally worked before I removed the broken display, however once I had replaced it and tested it prior to permanently sealing it, I tested the cameras. The front one worked to begin with but the rear one did not. Then the front one stopped working.

Replacing both cameras fixed the problem and it's been fine since.

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I have been replacing iPod Touch 4th gen digitizers for a while now. and yes, i have run into the same issue in that about 3 out of 10 of the cameras don't work. I haven't found a way to fix the camera issue but have found a way to avoid it. Instead of disconnecting the camera plugs, pop off the metal plate that holds the back camera and pry it out of place, and unscrew the front camera and pop that out of place.

So far, all cameras on the last 4 I have worked on do work.

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That sounds like a great idea. Let us know if it continues to have success.

I thought it maybe the camera isn't lining up correctly when you place the new screen on it. This is because the new screens don't come with the small clear plastic peice that holds the face camera in place. I have been popping it off and putting it on the middle plate over the camera. It fit right in. I would put small piece of adhesive on side to hold it there. Then putting the digitizer/lcds on. These are all Iphone 4s that I am fixing, not the touch. It seemed to be working, but I had one not work today. It seems to make sense as far as if the camera isn't lined up it may cause it to freez. But with Iphone or any smart phone it is hard to tell. I know switching the boards like someone above mentioned does make a difference as well.

I have a disclaimer on the phone repairs (more general if anything happens) butif I feel the customer is one of those tough ones I even warn them about the camera issue. So far no one has had too much of an issue, just glad to get there phone working.

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Well, for one thing China has shut down their factories for the Year of The Dragon Holiday. Right now, companies that may be low on stock are selling a lot of after market parts -- this means a high amount of defective parts flooding the U.S. So, buying 5 cameras and only 1 working isn't a surprise.

On another note, check the flex cables connector and the receiving connector on the board and see if you spot any pins broke or bent.

Disconnecting and reconnecting these connectors will loosen and can easily lead to one breaking which can easily be overlooked.

I've also seen cases where connecting a new camera, while the iPod is powered up, can cause an electrical arc which will short/burn out the camera.

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I can't emphasize enough how important it is to have an anti-static work mat when working with iPods/iPhones, etc. I've been repairing systems, networking, etc since 1988 or so and never really had to have a mat.

When I started working on iPods in 7/2011, I had a few that when squirrel'y especially when I would swap everything over to to a new case / backplate, simply for no reason. I spent about $20 on some large anti-static mats and haven't had any issues (especially weird issues like after replacing the LCD the logic board overheats for no reason, etc).

I've seen tons of posts related to little 'weird' things going on after a simple repair, thought I would toss this out here.

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I had the same problem and am not sure if it is the screens or what? When I try and use the front camera it locks up the camera program.

I can tell you if you go to settings then General then to bottom of screen hit Reset then hit Reset all. It will ask for confirmation hit yes. This unlocks the camera and the back camera works but the front locks it up again when I try and switch to it, then I have to reset it again. I replaced the cameras tried the screens on different phones and still same problem.

Note this will only change your settings like background, ringtone etc. Not your data. easier then a restore, which did not work.

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This appears to be an issue with the actual motherboard (in my experience). I have no idea what could be done to the motherboard to make this, but I have the exact same issues as you do.

I have seen this on several at&t iphone 4's during screen swaps, and I have no idea why. I have tested the motherboards in different iphone 4's and swapped different motherboards into the culprit iphone 4's. Regardless of how it is swapped, the motherboards with the issues always have camera issues, and the ones without the issues, never have the issues.

Therefore : it is not strictly a "phone body" (cameras, screen, case, battery, speakers, etc) issue.

I am hoping it is a software issue of some type, as I have seen this on all too many iphones recently, (although not many before). I have tried all of the normal restore, dfu restore, hard reset, methods, to no success (although they pretty much all make it so the back camera works again).

Please update or contact me at rwall002@gmail.com with the subject "iphone front camera problem".

I have many iphones that I can use to help diagnose this problem, all disassembled and ready for testing, but I simply cannot find any new tricks to do.

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This time, I tested 2 motherboards (one with issue, one without) in one iphone 4 body.

1) From the motherboard without problems, I backed up in itunes.

2) I did a DFU restore to both motherboards in the same iphone 4 body, one at a time.

3) I restored both motherboards to the original backup (from the working motherboard).

4) I tested the front facing camera on both

5) The original working motherboard worked fine, while the one with the issues did not. Still no solution.

This appears to mean that the issue is certainly local to the motherboard, and does not appear to have anything to do with software. Which unfortunately looks like it means that something triggered a hardware error on the actual logic board. Anyone have any different, happier thoughts for alternatives?

I haven't ever seen this before about a week ago, and now I have seen it on the last 4 out of 6 iphone 4's I worked on.

There is a high probability that these two iphones may have had some sort of water damage as well.

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I have the same issue on an ipod touch, I think it is from using metal tools to pry the connections off. I got a faint burning smell when I was replacing lcd. The back camera worked but when opened facetime it locked up camera and reset hasn't fixed it either. I'll be using strictly plastic tools from now on.

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Has anyone got any news on this?this happened to my ipod after swapping it.

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Did you use metal tools to pry the connectors off? What kind of ipod? ipod touch 4g I assume?

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No i had used plastic prying tools. When i go to open the camera on the ipod the shutter doesn't open.would the on off ribbon affect it in any way?

And yea an ipod touch 4th gen

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I was replacing my girlfriends digitizer. Went testing before I completely sealed the ipod, everthing worked fine, including the front cam. When I put it back together, I sat it down and left it alone for about 4 days. Then when the day I was going to give it back to her, the front cam stopped working. She said that it has happened twice before and eventually works itself out. So hopefully it will do it this time as well.

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I replaced a screen recently and found that both cameras werent working...odd thing though if you download a mirror app the front camera will come on and show imaged...but still will not take photos...

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Having mended many iphone 4 phones I have never had this problem until I had a problem with my own unit. Like you I'm very careful with how I fix things and followed the normal procedure.

When everything was back together the camera worked fine until I put it on to front facing which jams the camera front and back (unless you use the message camera) this is how I take pictures at the moment.

I then ordered a NEW front and rear camera and replaced these and still have the same problem.

If I reset the phone General> reset< reset ALL settings then when it has finished the camera works again UNTIL I press front facing camera then it goes off again and you can see the camera/video button flicker.

So its not software and its not hardware. I would say a break in the soilder on the board is the only other answer to this issue.

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I had an ipod touch 4th gen - did an lcd replacement and rear cam didnt work. Same issue, just froze up when cam app opened. Took apart ipod again and when i got to the rear cam i saw that it was not completely connected. Snapped a new one in place with the power OFF. Put back together and all was well. I dont know if the old cam would have worked and dont really care - its fixed. Hope this helps someone.

Joe

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Had the blank (white) screen problem first then the camera(s) issue. Blank screen fix is hold Power, Up Volume and square button at same time til Apple appears then restart.

I hadn't removed the cameras during screen repair, so I went back to check all connections as it sounded like a hardware problem for sure. Found the front side camera plug loose on back of mother board; made sure the "little" spring was not bent and also found the new screen did not have the metal plate glued to it like the original. The spring makes contact with this metal tab which also grounds to the copper foil which wraps the digitizer plug.

Used strips of carpet tape (cheap and very sticky) to put all back together; both cameras working. Hope this helps.

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Could you please explain this again? So that I can test it in my ipod touch 4g? Maybe this could help me but I'm not sure I understand your solution. Thanks!

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Please check to verify that you have not disconnected the connecter from the front camera (to the right of the camera - connects underneath the circuit board). When I lifted the circuit board to replace my screen/digitizer the connector conpleted dis-engaged and I has to snap it back in place and I need to be carefull to to overstress it.

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Make sure you lift the cameras up out of their wells after removing their screws and before lifting board up this will keep cameras from popping off the connectors.I repair 15 or more a week and never have a camera problem.

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it's cause during the front panel replacement process,you have probably hit a little fuse on the board!!i had the same issue on 2 iphone4 and finnally resolve the probleme by bypassing the fuse....u have to find the right place where the fuse was placed before and soldering between the 2 spots

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This is my first time here and i apreciat your info..

By the way I could tell you some of me Experience, Since I'm practicly new at This Ipod dismanteling I can give some of input might help some too..

Well got 32g ipod 4g for a $100.00 bucks, screen busted, bought a screen on Ebay A piece sh*% they sent me, had to pop it out again and it stopped working, anyway It looked cheap, compared to the one I bought next..

The next I bought looked better cuality in construction.. So I put that 1 on put it together and and the cams don't work.. same story , took it apart checked the cams and exactly the badly seated plugs,( thanks to the info here)..

Second I wanted to say that there's a tiny spring, it didn't have it.. The metal plate on the screen neither.. And it seems to be all working fine..

'''My advice be gentle, couscous and use the right tools..

start prying around the bottom edge corners where the the home buttons are at, If you go up the go gentle and don't go around the top (screen and digitizer cables are there) bottom and sides only be careful with the wifi ant. it's near the top left corner..

Prying the plate beneath the LCD be careful left side be be careful pry there the up and down volume are there.. Be GENTLE! This is not for the weak of heart'''.. lol!

There's great is info here... Thanks...

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I recently fixed my ipod im 14 and its perfect and if you have any questions feel free to ask

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Thanks bioChazTBO! I know this has been a while now but recently had issues with an iPod 4 Front Camera. The back camera worked and everything else did too but the front one would not. I check the jumpers and components above the front camera connector and the jumper was missing as well... I dropped some solder in between and it WORKED!! Thank you all so much for your comments.

I also had an iphone 4 that camera didnt work (had had it for a while and done nothing) and checked the same jumpers. As mememe143 commented there were not pins but only "dots" that were barely clearer than the rest of the logic board. I went ahead and burnt through using my soldering station and was able to see the two paths underneath. I could not solder and ordered the caig pencil and as soon as it gets here I will update.. just thought this might help someone in the future..

I also have another iPod 4th generation where both cameras do not work. I have tried replacing both and resetting ipod completely but no luck... if anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

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**iPod touch 4th generation Camera locks up when you try the camera App, after Digitizer/LCD Replacement was done**

Attempted new F&B cameras, still not working on cam app. But when I Open Face time the camera works!

NOTICE* Only the Front Camera works, because face time initiates the front camera from the start, unlike the camera app which initiates the back camera from the start.

Restored the iPod to factory settings in case it was a bug on 6.1.3, it still had the same issues.

Downloaded another camera app to test both cameras, the front camera initiated, the back camera would lock the app up.

Conclusion was that the back camera was bad..

Replaced back camera still had the same issues. Started thinking i would have to have the customer attempt to apple warranty the device.

**Hard reset device by holding the power button and home button down 10-15 seconds till the device shut off then came back on.**

Opened Camera app.

BOOM Back camera is now working, along with front camera.

Keep in mind i had the device powered on still the entire time during this repair, i should have had it shut off but i was diagnosing it from a previous repair as quickly as possible.

What i failed to notice was a hairline fracture on the flex of the back camera was the cause of the issue.

I've been doing Cell phone repairs, and iPod touch repairs for 5 years this July, and i still make rookie mistakes.

Small over sites that lead to a lot of trouble shooting can be annoying.

Hope this helps anyone with similar issues.

Camera in photos is not the exact camera that caused the issues, but it s ripped in the same area as the one that was.

Possibly crimped to hard right on the bend from the board and actual camera module.

From personal experience, a rip like this happens when you remove the metal plate and leave the foil over the camera, causing it to pop up and tare, even the littlest tare can cause this issue.. keep extra back cameras in stock in case of these issues being more common for your repairs.

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I have run into this issue multiple times and also found it to be very frustrating. Today I found a fix!!! What has happened is the cable on the front facing camera gets a small tear from the stress of removal. This somehow locks up the camera app even though it opens on the rear camera. After replacing the front facing camera all is fixed. I would highly recommend changing the front facing camera on any ipod that is locking up on the camera app!

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I am not saying i know what's wrong but i see a trend here.

I worked with various consumer electronic and maybe these cameras are getting blown out because the units are on, then when you discover they are bad before sealing you try to replace one with a new one that has a different profile.

What i am trying to say is it may not be like a hard drive or dvd drive where you can plug any new camera in. it might have to have a certain resistance or capacitance.

For example very sensitive electronics like thermal head printers , and dvd player optical lasers need to be calibrated before use. In a dvd factory they are in a bin that will accept a type of laser in a certain range then they self calibrate, that is what the mirror like ring is for in the center near the hole. it's called a mirror band. it's where all discs start to read before table of contents.

I cam to this conclusion after i bought 8 or more cameras, they were in a bin marked bad but in a bind i tried one then four and then it worked, i seem to have found one that would work with my unit. Apple loves this so much people with version or generation 5 are have the same problem.

Now they are running with this and they have to find a way to get rid of all GEN 4 ipod touch, here is their plan:

All applications will require ios 7 and all Ipod gens will never get it, they stop at 6. Now if you want to use "find my Ipod " you can't unless you have it backed up on your computer or icloud. Go there and try to download with you gen 4 ipod touch you can't download , it starts but 8 secs into it a warning comes up saying it will not work.

The whole thing is called Steve Jobs planned obsolescence

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Dave will be eternally grateful.
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