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iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement

What you need

  1. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Pentalobe Screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Before you begin, 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 3.5 mm pentalobe screws from the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    • Opening the iPhone's display will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement seals ready before you proceed past this step, or take care to avoid liquid exposure if you reassemble your iPhone without replacing the seals.

  2. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • If inserted too far, an opening pick can damage your device. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.

    • Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.

    • You can also mark the other corners of the pick with different measurements.

    • Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

  3. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Tape over any cracks: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • If your iPhone has a cracked screen, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping over the glass.

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

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

    • If you can't get the suction cup to stick in the next few steps, fold a strong piece of tape (such as duct tape) into a handle and lift the screen with that instead.

    • If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the screen.

  4. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next three 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.

  5. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable 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.

  6. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Heat an iOpener and thread it through the arms of the Anti-Clamp.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but extreme heat can damage the display and/or internal battery, so proceed with care.

    • Fold the iOpener so it lays on the bottom edge of the iPhone.

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • 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, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle a quarter turn.

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

    • Skip the next three steps.

  7. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • The next three steps show how to separate the screen using a suction cup.

    • Heating the lower edge of the iPhone will help soften the adhesive securing the display, making it easier to open.

    • Use a hairdryer or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the lower edge of the iPhone for about 90 seconds in order to soften up the adhesive underneath.

  8. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Apply a suction cup to the lower half of the front panel, just above the home button.

    • Be sure the suction cup does not overlap with the home button, as this will prevent a seal from forming between the suction cup and front glass.

  9. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure to create a slight gap between the front panel and rear case.

    • Insert an opening pick or other thin pry tool a few millimeters into the gap.

    • The watertight adhesive holding the display in place is very strong; creating this initial gap takes a significant amount of force. If you're having a hard time opening a gap, apply more heat, and gently rock the screen up and down to weaken the adhesive until you create enough of a gap to insert your tool.

  10. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • Slide your pick around the corner and up the left edge of the phone, moving towards the volume control buttons and silent switch, breaking up the adhesive holding the display in place.

    • Stop near the top left corner of the display.

  11. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Screen information: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • There's a delicate cable along the right edge of your iPhone. Don't insert your pick here, as you may damage the cable.

  12. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert your tool at the lower right corner of the iPhone, and slide it around the corner and up the right side of the phone to separate the adhesive.

    • Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm, as you may damage the display cables.

  13. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Gently pull up on the suction cup to lift up the bottom edge of the display.

    • Do not raise the display more than 15º or you'll risk straining or tearing the ribbon cables connecting the display.

  14. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Pull on the small nub on the suction cup to remove it from the front panel.

  15. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Slide an opening pick underneath the display along the top edge of the phone to loosen the last of the adhesive.

  16. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the display assembly slightly down (away from the top edge of the phone) to disengage the clips holding it to the rear case.

  17. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Open the iPhone by swinging the display up from the left side, like the back cover of a book.

    • Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as several fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the iPhone's logic board.

    • Lean the display against something to keep it propped up while you're working on the phone.

  18. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 18, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Battery Disconnection: step 18, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove four Phillips (JIS) screws securing the lower display cable bracket to the logic board, of the following lengths:

    • Two 1.3 mm screws

    • One 1.4 mm screw

    • One 2.7 mm screw

    • Throughout this guide, keep careful track of your screws so that each one goes back where it came from during reassembly. Installing a screw in the wrong place can cause permanent damage.

  19. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the lower display cable bracket.

  20. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry the battery connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Bend the connector cable up slightly to prevent it from accidentally making contact with the socket and providing power to the phone during your repair.

  21. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Display Assembly: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Display Assembly: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the large lower display connector by prying it straight up from its socket.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is even slightly misaligned, the connector can bend, causing permanent damage.

  22. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the second lower display cable connector, directly behind the one you disconnected in the previous step.

  23. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the two tri-point Y000 screws securing the bracket over the front panel sensor assembly connector:

    • One 1.0 mm screw

    • One 1.2 mm screw

  24. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the bracket covering the front panel sensor assembly connector.

  25. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger or a fingernail to disconnect the front panel sensor assembly connector from its socket.

  26. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 1
  27. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Earpiece Speaker: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the five Phillips screws securing the earpiece speaker bracket:

    • Two 1.8 mm screws

    • One 2.3 mm screw

    • One 2.4 mm screw

    • One 2.8 mm screw

  28. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the earpiece speaker bracket.

  29. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the front-facing camera from its housing.

    • Gently bend the camera ribbon cable to the side to clear the way to the earpiece speaker underneath.

  30. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the earpiece speaker.

  31. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Front Camera and Sensor Cable: step 31, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement, Front Camera and Sensor Cable: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • Gently fold the camera and attached ribbon cable toward the bottom of the iPhone to allow access to the components underneath.

  32. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1
    • Use a hairdryer or heat gun or prepare an iOpener and apply it to the top front of the display for about a minute, in order to soften the adhesive securing the sensors.

    • The sensors in the following steps are fragile. To increase your chances of removing them without damage, repeatedly add more heat as needed. Alternatively, add a drop or two of isopropyl alcohol and let it penetrate under the sensors before you pry them up.

  33. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Slide a spudger under the ambient light sensor flex cable, and lift the sensor out of its housing.

  34. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 34, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the tip of a spudger underneath the proximity sensor flex cable, and lift the sensor out of its housing.

  35. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 35, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the sharp edge of an iFixit opening tool underneath the camera assembly's flex cable, on the opposite side from the front-facing camera.

    • Use an iOpener or hair dryer as needed to heat the top portion of the display and soften the adhesive securing the flex cable.

    • Pry up to separate the edge of the flex cable from the back of the display.

  36. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 36, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the point of a spudger underneath the same portion of the flex cable that you separated in the previous step.

    • Continue separating the remainder of the flex cable, pushing the spudger underneath the row of circular gold earpiece speaker contacts.

  37. iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 3 iPhone 8 Plus Front Camera and Sensor Cable Replacement: step 37, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the front camera and sensor cable assembly.

    • A piece of black double-sided insulating tape lies between the display and three rows of copper contacts on the back of the camera/sensor cable. It may remain stuck to the display, or it may come off with the cable.

    • When reassembling, verify the tape is in place, or else cover the contacts on the back of the cable with an appropriate tape, such as Kapton tape.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

30 other people completed this guide.

Jeff Suovanen

Member since: 08/06/13

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8 Comments

What happens if the camera/ sensor cables come apart but dont tear if ya know what i mean? theres 2 cables and theyre like taped on top of one another and they connect eachother… well, in my case they just came apart..

Devayn “LiveLoveDMND” Diamond - Reply

Just had the same problem. I placed a new flexcable, they're not very expensive.

Davy Thoelen -

what is the tape, or the gold connectors that the tape covers for?

lewis - Reply

Salve,

Ho proceduto alla sostituzione della camera frontale ma, quando accendo il tel il sistema si avvia in modalità loop senza mai avviare il sistema operativo.

Ovviamente se non collego il flat della camera frontale il telefono si avvia regolarmente. Ho anche provato con una camera frontale nuova senza risultato.

Potreste aiutarmi?

maurizio.r - Reply

I removed one of the 2 small circular stickers (one is white, one green) from where the sensor gets placed. Is it a problem?

alberto pias - Reply

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