Skip to main content

iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement

What you need

  1. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Removing the Pentalobe screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Before you proceed, discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

    • Power off your iPhone before beginning disassembly.

    • Remove the two 3.9 mm Pentalobe screws from either side of Lightning connector.

  2. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Taping the display glass: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Taping the display glass: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Taping the display glass: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.

    • Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's display until the whole face is covered.

    • This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

    • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any glass shaken free during the repair.

  3. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Display separation prevention: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Display separation prevention: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Display separation prevention: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • In the following steps you will be pulling the display up out of the phone body. The display is composed of a glass screen and a plastic bezel with metal clips.

    • Regardless of the tool you use, you need to be sure you pull up the entire display.

    • If the glass begins to separate from the plastic, as shown in the first image, slide a plastic opening tool between the plastic frame and the metal phone body to pry the metal clips out of the case.

    • If you are reassembling a phone with a separated display bezel, you may want to place a thin strip of adhesive between the plastic bezel and the glass to keep the phone closed.

  4. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next two steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Slide the arms over either the left or right edge of your iPhone.

    • Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the iPhone just above the home button—one on the front, and one on the back.

    • Squeeze the cups together to apply suction to the desired area.

    • If the surface of your iPhone is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use the included tape pad to create a grippier surface.

  5. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the blue handle forwards to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

    • Insert an opening pick under the screen when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, rotate the handle a quarter turn.

    • Don't crank more than a quarter turn at a time and wait a few seconds between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next two steps.

  6. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Manual Opening Procedure: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • If you don't have an Anti-Clamp, use a single suction cup to lift the front panel:

    • Press a suction cup onto the screen, just above the home button.

    • Be sure the cup is completely on the screen to get a tight seal.

  7. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Start lifting the front panel assembly: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • The front panel is attached with clips, and there are several ribbon cables connecting it to the rest of the phone. Your goal here is to release the clips and open the phone only enough to disconnect the cables. Go slowly and carefully to avoid damage.

    • Make sure the suction cup is firmly attached to the front panel assembly near the home button.

    • While holding the iPhone down with one hand, pull up on the suction cup to slightly separate the home button end of the front panel from the rear case.

    • With a plastic opening tool, gently pry the edges of the rear case down, away from the front panel assembly, while you pull up with the suction cup.

    • Take your time and apply firm, constant force. The front panel assembly is a much tighter fit than on most other devices.

  8. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Do not try to completely remove the front panel assembly from the rear case, as there are several delicate ribbon cables connecting them.

    • Pull the plastic nub to release the vacuum seal on the suction cup.

    • Remove the suction cup from the screen.

  9. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Removing the Touch ID cable bracket: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Removing the Touch ID cable bracket: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Removing the Touch ID cable bracket: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Open the phone just enough to reveal the metal bracket covering the home button cable.

    • Do not open the phone too far or you risk damaging the home button cable, or the socket it plugs into. Keep the cable loose—if it is stretched taut, that's too far.

    • Only the phone's original home button assembly will be capable of using the Touch ID functionality. If you rip the cable, installing a new home button will only restore ordinary home button functions, not the Touch ID features.

    • Use the tip of a spudger to push the bracket free and remove it with tweezers.

    • The next two steps apply to reassembly. Skip them and continue to Step 12 until reassembly.

  10. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • During reassembly, you will need to reinstall the Touch ID cable bracket. The top of the bracket needs to slide between the battery and Touch ID cable connector, in front of the metal tab. The bottom must latch down over the connector.

    • Slide the top of the bracket over the Touch ID cable connector from left to right.

  11. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • During reassembly, use the flat end of a spudger to snap the front portion of the Touch ID cable bracket down over the cable connector.

    • If the bracket does not snap down flush, you may need to remove the bracket and slide it over the cable connector again for a better fit.

  12. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Disconnecting the home button cable connector: step 12, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Disconnecting the home button cable connector: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry the home button cable connector up out of its socket.

    • Be sure you're separating the cable connector from its socket, and not prying the entire socket up. The socket is on its own glued-down cable that can be pried up if you aren't careful.

  13. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Opening up the phone: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Opening up the phone: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Opening up the phone: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Once the connector has been released, pull the home button end of the assembly away from the rear case, using the top of the phone as a hinge.

    • Open the display to about a 90º angle, and lean it against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

    • Add a rubber band to keep the display securely in place while you work. This prevents undue strain on the display cables.

    • In a pinch, you can use an unopened canned beverage to hold the display.

  14. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 1.6 mm Phillips #000 screws securing the metal battery connector bracket to the logic board.

  15. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the metal battery connector bracket from the iPhone.

  16. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Be very careful to only pry up on the battery connector itself and not the socket on the logic board. If you pry up on the logic board socket or the board itself, you may destroy the socket or damage nearby components on the board.

  17. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the front panel assembly cable bracket to the logic board:

    • One 1.7 mm Phillips #000 screw

    • One 1.2 mm Phillips #000 screw

    • One 1.3 mm Phillips #000 screw

    • One more 1.7 mm Phillips #000 screw

    • This 1.7 mm screw tends to not be attracted to a magnetized screwdriver. Take care not to lose it when removing.

    • It is especially important to keep track of your screws in this step for reassembly. Accidentally using the 1.3 mm screw or one of the 1.7 mm screws in the bottom right hole will result in significant damage to the logic board causing the phone to no longer boot properly.

    • Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, and don't force them. If they don't fit easily when you are securing them, they may be the wrong size.

  18. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the front panel assembly cable bracket from the logic board.

  19. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front-facing camera and sensor cable.

  20. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Make sure the battery is disconnected before you disconnect or reconnect the cable in this step.

    • Disconnect the LCD cable connector.

    • When reassembling your phone, the LCD cable may pop off the connector. This can result in white lines or a blank screen when powering your phone back on. If that happens, simply reconnect the cable and power cycle your phone. The best way to power cycle your phone is to disconnect and reconnect the battery.

  21. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Finally, disconnect the digitizer cable connector.

  22. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the front panel assembly from the rear case.

  23. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Battery: step 23, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Battery: step 23, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Battery: step 23, image 3 of 3
    • Run the tip of a spudger between the battery and the headphone jack to unfold the battery adhesive tab.

  24. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 24, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the battery adhesive tab away from the phone.

    • Cut the black battery adhesive tab between the two white adhesive strips, separating them.

  25. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Try to keep the strips flat and unwrinkled during this procedure; wrinkled strips will stick together and break instead of pulling out cleanly.

    • Slowly pull one of the battery adhesive strips away from the battery, toward the bottom of the iPhone. Pull the white portion of the strip when possible, the black tab may fall off.

    • Pull steadily, maintaining constant tension on the strip as it slips out from between the battery and the rear case. For best results, pull the strip at a 60º angle or less.

    • Be careful not to snag it on any of the other internal iPhone components.

    • The strip will stretch to many times its original length. Continue pulling, re-grabbing the strip near the battery if necessary, until the entire strip comes free.

  26. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Repeat for the second strip.

    • If you removed both strips successfully, skip the next step.

    • If the adhesive breaks off underneath the battery and can't be retrieved, apply a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol under the edge of the battery in the area of the broken adhesive strip(s).

    • Wait about one minute for the alcohol solution to weaken the adhesive. Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the battery.

    • Don't try to forcefully lever the battery out. If needed, apply a few more drops of alcohol to further weaken the adhesive. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.

    • Do not pry against the logic board or you may damage the phone.

    • Avoid prying at the top left near the volume controls, or you may damage the volume button ribbon cable.

    • You can also try the alternative methods in the next step.

  27. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Alternative methods to unstick the battery from the case: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • If the battery remains stuck to the rear case, prepare an iOpener or use a hair dryer to heat the rear case directly behind the battery.

    • Overheating the iPhone may ignite the battery.

    • Don't try to forcefully lever the battery out. Never deform or puncture the battery with your pry tool.

    • Do not pry against the logic board or you may damage the phone.

    • Avoid prying at the top left near the volume controls, or you may damage the volume button ribbon cable.

    • A piece of dental floss may be used to separate the battery from the rear case. A stronger alternative to dental floss is an unwound guitar string, such as a 0.009 E string from a 12-string set.

    • Thread the floss or string behind the upper battery corners, bring the ends together, wrap them around a folded cloth, and pull evenly.

  28. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the battery out of the rear case.

    • If your replacement battery came in a plastic sleeve, remove the sleeve before installation by pulling it away from the ribbon cable.

    • If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing your new battery.

    • Before you adhere the replacement battery, temporarily reconnect the battery connector to the logic board socket. This ensures that the battery is properly aligned in its recess.

    • Adhere the battery, disconnect it, and continue reassembling your device.

    • If your new battery doesn’t have adhesive preinstalled, refer to this guide to replace the adhesive strips.

    • Perform a hard reset after reassembly. This can prevent several issues and simplify troubleshooting.

  29. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement, Volume Controls: step 29, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the volume button and ringer switch brackets to the side of the rear case:

    • One 1.9 mm Phillips screw

    • Two 1.6 mm Phillips screws

  30. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry the ringer switch bracket away from the side of the case.

    • Remove the ringer switch from its recess between the ringer switch bracket and the case.

    • Note the orientation for reassembly: The red line should be at the top of the button. The notch in the back of the ringer switch button should be in the same position as, and mate with, the mechanical switch on the cable.

  31. iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 iPhone 5s Volume Controls Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry the volume button bracket from the side of the rear case.

    • Remove the volume buttons.

    • During reassembly, make sure the '+' (volume up) button is in the hole closest to the ringer switch.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

56 other people completed this guide.

Sam Goldheart

Member since: 10/18/12

465,116 Reputation

538 Guides authored

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

135 Members

16,475 Guides authored

4 Comments

My phone was shattered and i did a total replacement of the rear case and the screen. All went well except... the volume controls do not work. The silence button above it does, but the +- dont. They feel wrong when pressed. They don't make the clicking sound. Anyone a suggestion of what went wrong?

steven - Reply

I had to replace the power flex cable, which means taking almost everything out. Scary! When I restarted, my power button and flash were fixed but my volume was the same as yours and my home button didn't work. :( That Touch ID cable and cover are from h#$l! Anyway, I went back in and everything is working now. Instead of doing them like in the photos and videos, I attached the silence button first and then the volume buttons. So when you put in the middle screw that holds them both in, the screw goes through volume first and then silence.

Oh ya, ifixit is a great resource. Thanks!

Kim Mace - Reply

I noticed one thing during my replacement that may affect others doing this repair. Upon reaching step 30 I noticed that my volume button bracket appeared to be bent slightly near the lower screw (the one toward the bottom of the case). Ultimately I had to bend the bracket to make the volume button work correctly. When I reassembled the bracket with the new buttons before bending it the - button would not come back fully to its normal position. After careful bending with a pair of needle nose pliers and the button worked correctly.

It is CRITICAL that you test your volume buttons and the ringer switch before you reassemble your phone!

che1991 - Reply

Great guide, but I can’t get out the screw that is located between the volume up button and the mute switch! It is not stripped (at lease the head isn’t), any ideas?

TheRe - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 3

Past 7 Days: 12

Past 30 Days: 55

All Time: 47,162