iPhone 4 (CDMA/Verizon) Dock Connector

Mon problème

My son really did a number on his iPhone 4. The front and back glass were cracked into pieces. The

charging port barely made enough contact to charge the battery. And since there were so many cracks in the front and rear glass, water found it's way in. Water damaged the logic board, the charging dock no longer intermittently worked, the rear camera was full of water and the phone would no longer illuminate. It had a black screen and I could barely see anything unless I used a flashlight to view. And the home button wasn't functioning at all (while using a flashlight to view apps)

Ma solution

The parts that I purchased from iFixit were either original, seemingly factory OEM. High Quality. I fixed the phone. Unfortunately, damage to the logic board was the main culprit. I should of known all along.

Mon conseil

Throw $ at an iPhone 4? Probably not a good idea but I had to complete the repair! It was a good learning experience. I will purchase repair components from iFixit when necessary in the future.

Mon problème

the Kid's iPhone 4 stopped charging.

Ma solution

After replacing a dying battery (From ifixit) we noticed the phone stopped charging. found out the dock connector had started to burn, likely due to the old battery. Bought a new connector, used the repair video to ensure I didn't make it worse, and now the kid's iPhone is good as new !

Mon conseil

don't mess around with Axxzon.com or Fleabay. these parts from ifixit are new and in many cases, O.E.M. (That means made by the device manufacturer) and the same price as the junk you find from China or sold as "new".

The repair videos are great, even for a guy like me who's been a tech for over 28 years !

Mon problème

The phone would not charge. Based on some Internet research I decided to try replacing the Dock Connector and that did it. It's my girlfriend's phone and we needed to get it charged to get the data off it. Verizon store said it couldn't be fixed and local shop wanted $100 or more. I guess they don't know about ifixit.

Ma solution

Using the guide on your website the repair was straight forward. Fortunately I already had your special screwdrivers and pry bar from a recent battery replacement on another phone so I needed nothing more than a pair of fine, needle nose pliers. Only problem was one of the screws appeared to be stripped or something when I replaced it, so I just put it in there the best it would go and finished the job. Seems just fine.

Mon conseil

Not all the screws are the same, so when I work I line up the screws in the same order I remove them and just reverse that on reassembly. Magnetizing the screwdriver really, really helps and I already had a very fine needle nose pliers which is needed for repair. I did have some trouble sliding the back cover glass on as you need to fit the parts parts back in there tightly. I wound up squeezing the glass tightly with my hand and gently using a small, rubber hammer to tap it into place. Probably not the smartest thing to do but it worked like a charm.

Mon problème

Replaced my dock connector because it became corroded and didn't function.

Ma solution

Everything went well except the screws holding the dock connector in were a BEAR! I tried not to, but ended up stripping them completely. I used a small flat head and a hammer to make notches in the screws and with A LOT of elbow grease finally got them out. In that process, the home button ribbon became damaged. Now my physical home button doesn't work, but Apple thought of everything, and under "Accessability" there's an option for a virtual home button. My phone works great now and I was especially happy to be able to get my honeymoon pics off it. Thanks ifixit!

Mon conseil

Buy the driver kit because the phillips they sent doesn't fit the screws perfectly. Also, be very gentle with the home button ribbon.

Mon problème

My friend stays busy with two jobs and a family; he hadn't backed up the photos of his daughter's first birthday party before he bent and broke his iPhone 4 charging dock.

Ma solution

Replacing an iPod Classic battery helped me gain experience to fix the iPhone, even though it's a bit harder, your instructions were great. I just went slow and easy! I was a hero to my friend and his family! Plus I got to learn a new skill. Love the instructions!

Mon conseil

Remember this new manufacturing technology is so tiny and delicate, it's easy to damage plugs, especially those between circuit boards. Most do not have "plugs" as we know them; just bare ribbon type flat foil laminated in plastic without plugs.

Ice trays are great for keeping parts organized.

Definitely get the tool kit that includes specialty bits and spudgers. These repair and mod projects are addictive; might as well have the tools for future projects!

Mon problème

My daughter said her cat pushed her phone in the toilet and she couldn't talk out on it any longer. Hmmm a likely story! I disinfected it prior to repair.

Ma solution

Yes repair went well with the tools and microphone kit I purchased from ifixit. It took about 45 minutes using the online repair guide with the great pictures.

Mon conseil

Don't let the cat in the bathroom with you! Really the only advice would be to keep track of the screw sizes. I drew circles on a paper towel and set the screws in the circle for different steps since there were different lengths

Mon problème

The phone would not take a charge because my wonderful daughter had put a wet charger in it.

Ma solution

It was fun to do, but I did struggle getting the dock connector to seat properly. Once I did get it seated, it worked great!

Mon conseil

Make sure you feel the dock connector "click" into place. It was difficult for me to get it just right. The cover that holds the dock connector in place should be FLAT with no bulge at all.

Mon problème

The Mic went dead and we figured trying the repair/replacement was a no loose situation.

Ma solution

We ran into a fit problem with the dock connector itself. Although the old part slipped in and out the new part was a little off - enough that the internal mounting screw holes were not aligned with the part. I cleaned a bit of flashing from the connector and using a small jewelers file opened the holes on the part slightly. From that point all was good and well worth the effort!

Mon conseil

Don't forget to remove the protective film on the adhesive - got to use that stickum!