Phone · Apple · iPhone 4S
Apple iPhone 4S Taptic Engine Repair
Taptic Engine Repair guide for the Apple iPhone 4S
Before you begin
Tools
- P2 Pentalobe screwdriver
- Phillips #000 screwdriver
- Spudger tool
- Precision tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement iPhone 4S vibrator motor
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
Safety
- Ensure the iPhone is completely powered off before starting the repair.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect internal circuit boards from electrostatic discharge.
- Avoid applying direct pressure or using sharp metal tools near the lithium-ion battery.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off the iPhone
1 minPress and hold the Sleep/Wake button on the top edge, then drag the power slider to turn off the iPhone completely.
- 2
Remove Bottom Pentalobe Screws
2 minUse a P2 Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two 3.6 mm screws located on either side of the 30-pin charging port.
- 3
Slide Rear Panel Upward
1 minGently push the rear glass panel upward toward the top of the device until it shifts approximately 2 mm.
- 4
Lift Off Rear Panel
1 minPry the rear glass panel away from the metal frame and set it aside carefully.
- 5
Unscrew Battery Connector Bracket
2 minRemove the single 2.5 mm Phillips #000 screw securing the battery connector to the logic board.
- 6
Disconnect Battery Connector
2 minInsert the flat end of a spudger underneath the battery connector and gently lift it straight up off the board socket.
- 7
Unscrew Vibrator Motor Assembly
2 minRemove the two Phillips #000 screws securing the linear vibrator motor to the top-right corner of the internal frame.
- 8
Remove Old Vibrator Motor
2 minUse precision tweezers to lift the original vibrator motor assembly out of the iPhone chassis.
- 9
Set Replacement Vibrator Motor in Place
2 minAlign the replacement vibrator motor into the top-right corner, ensuring the contact pads sit flat against the internal frame.
- 10
Secure Vibrator Motor Screws
2 minReinstall and tighten the two Phillips #000 screws to fasten the new vibrator motor into position.
- 11
Reconnect Battery Connector
2 minAlign the battery press connector with its socket on the logic board and press firmly until it clicks into place.
- 12
Secure Battery Connector Screw
1 minReplace the 2.5 mm Phillips #000 screw on the battery connector bracket and tighten it securely.
- 13
Reattach Rear Panel
2 minPosition the rear glass panel onto the back of the phone and slide it downward until it locks flush with the frame.
- 14
Reinstall Bottom Pentalobe Screws
2 minThread and tighten the two 3.6 mm P2 Pentalobe screws into the bottom edge of the frame next to the dock connector.
After your Apple iPhone 4S taptic engine repair
Power the iPhone 4S back on and test the taptic engine repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple iPhone 4S job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple iPhone 4S repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
