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iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement

What you need

  1. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Pentalobe Screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Before disassembling your iPhone, discharge the 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 3.4 mm P2 Pentalobe screws on the bottom edge of the iPhone, on either side of the Lightning connector.

  2. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 2, 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 three 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 you find that the surface of your iPhone is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use tape to create a grippier surface.

  3. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 3, 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 three steps.

  4. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Opening Procedure: step 4, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • If you don't have an Anti-Clamp, follow the next three steps to use a suction handle.

    • Apply mild heat to the lower edge of the iPhone using an iOpener or hair dryer for about a minute.

    • Heat softens the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

  5. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Opening the display on the 6s separates a thin strip of adhesive around the perimeter of the display. If you prefer to replace the adhesive, have a set of new adhesive strips ready before you continue. It's possible to complete the repair without replacing the adhesive, and you probably won't notice any difference in functionality.

    • Apply a suction cup to the lower left corner of the display assembly.

    • Take care not to place the suction cup over the home button.

    • If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

  6. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

    • Take your time and apply firm, constant force. The display assembly is a much tighter fit than most devices and is held down with adhesive.

    • Pulling too hard may damage the display assembly. Apply just enough pressure to create a small gap between the display assembly and the rear case.

    • If you have any trouble, heat the front of the iPhone using an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun until it's slightly too hot to touch. This will help soften the adhesive securing the edges of the display.

  7. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • There is a notch on the underside of the display, just above the headphone jack. This is the safest place to begin prying the phone open.

    • Place the flat edge of a spudger into the gap between the screen and rear case, directly above the headphone jack.

  8. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Twist the spudger to widen the gap between the front panel assembly and the rest of the phone.

  9. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the flat end of the spudger on the left side of the phone, between the display assembly and rear case.

    • Slide the spudger up the side of the phone to separate the adhesive and pop the clips free.

  10. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the spudger and reinsert it on the bottom edge, where you pried the phone open.

    • Slide the spudger to the right, along the bottom edge of the phone.

  11. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the spudger up the right side to continue separating the adhesive and popping the display clips free from the iPhone.

  12. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Use the suction cup to open the display, breaking the last of the adhesive.

    • Don't open the display more than 90º, as it is still connected at the top by three cables that may break if stretched.

  13. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Pull up on the nub on the top side of the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

  14. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Gently grasp the display assembly and lift it up to open the phone, using the clips at the top of the front panel 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.

  15. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Battery Connector: step 15, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove two Phillips screws securing the battery connector bracket, of the following lengths:

    • One 2.9 mm screw

    • One 2.2 mm screw

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPhone.

  16. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the battery connector bracket from the iPhone.

  17. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to disconnect the battery connector by prying it straight up from the logic board.

  18. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2
    • Push the battery connector away from the logic board until it stays separated from its socket, so as to avoid any accidental connection to the battery while you work.

  19. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Unfasten the display cable bracket: step 19, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following four Phillips screws securing the display cable bracket:

    • Three 1.2 mm screws

    • One 2.8 mm screw

  20. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the display cable bracket.

  21. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger or a clean fingernail to disconnect the front camera flex cable by prying it straight up from its socket on the logic board.

  22. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the digitizer cable by prying it straight up from its socket on the logic board.

    • When reconnecting the digitizer cable, do not press the center of the connector. Press one end of the connector, then press the opposite end. Pressing in the center of the connector can bend the component and cause digitizer damage.

  23. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Make sure the battery is disconnected before you disconnect or reconnect the cable in this step.

    • Disconnect the display cable by prying it straight up from its socket on the logic board.

  24. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
  25. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Cellular Antenna: step 25, image 1 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Cellular Antenna: step 25, image 2 of 3 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement, Cellular Antenna: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the two 2.3 mm Phillips screws over the audio control cable bracket.

    • Remove the audio control cable bracket.

  26. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the following five Phillips screws holding the antenna in place:

    • Two 1.5 mm screws

    • One 2.3 mm screw

    • Two 2.0 mm screws set into the top edge of the rear case

  27. iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPhone 6s Cellular Antenna Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the upper left antenna.

Conclusion

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

52 other people completed this guide.

Evan Noronha

Member since: 02/05/15

223,163 Reputation

168 Guides authored

10 Comments

Hi Evan, could you clarify if this is a WiFi antenna or cellular antenna? In the Step 31 of some other 6S guides e.g. iPhone 6s Upper Component Cable Replacement, iPhone 6s Power Button Cover Replacement, you have described it as WiFi antenna. Thanks in advance for your clarification.

Edmond Benny - Reply

Bei Schritt 23 wurde vergessen, 2 1,5 mm Schrauben vor Kopf in y+ zu entfernen - siehe Bild

holgerklingelhoefer - Reply

Those screws are in the second photo of step 23.

Evan Noronha -

If I replace this antenna, will it fix my iphone that gets “No Service” although it recognizes the SIM card?

kraki - Reply

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