Hey everyone, Hugh Jeffries here! In today’s video, we’re going to dive deep into a topic that’s incredibly important if you’re planning to fix your own iPhone. We’ll be taking a look at the top 5 biggest iPhone repair mistakes that people commonly make—and, more importantly, how to avoid them! Whether you’re a seasoned repair tech or just starting out, these tips can save you time, frustration, and possibly even your phone. So, let’s not waste any time and get straight into it!

Coming in at Number 5: Poor Screw Organization

Let’s kick things off with a mistake that might seem trivial at first but can have serious consequences: poor screw organization. When you’re disassembling an iPhone, it’s incredibly easy to misplace screws or forget where each one goes. This might not sound like a big deal, but trust me—it is. Organizing screws during disassembly is crucial for two main reasons: making reassembly easier and preventing damage to your device.

For example, iPhones use different screw lengths and types for various components. If you accidentally place a longer screw into a hole designed for a shorter one, especially in sensitive areas like the logic board, you could end up causing what’s known as “long screw damage.” This occurs when a screw punctures through layers of the logic board, potentially damaging traces and causing irreversible harm. The phone might refuse to boot up, or certain features might stop working altogether. This is a common issue during screen replacements, where people mistakenly put the longer screws for the metal plate into the smaller screw holes.

To avoid this, I recommend a simple yet effective method: as you disassemble the phone, lay out each component you remove on a clean, flat surface. Place the corresponding screws right next to that component. This way, when it’s time to reassemble the device, you’ll know exactly where each screw belongs. Some people even take things a step further by using magnetic project mats, where they can write notes next to each screw and component, keeping everything perfectly organized.

Another tip is to take photos as you go. Documenting your progress can serve as a visual guide during reassembly, especially if the repair takes longer than expected. These small steps can make a huge difference in preventing screw mix-ups and ensuring a successful repair.

Number 4: Using Cheap or Generic Parts

Next up, let’s talk about the quality of the parts you use. One of the most common mistakes I see is people opting for the cheapest or most generic parts they can find, especially when it comes to critical components like screens and batteries. I understand the appeal of saving a few dollars, but going the cheap route can lead to more headaches than it’s worth.

Low-quality parts often don’t match the performance or reliability of genuine Apple parts or high-quality third-party replacements. For example, a cheap screen might have poor touch sensitivity, incorrect color calibration, or might even fail entirely after just a few weeks of use. Worse yet, installing a low-quality battery could result in shorter battery life, poor charging performance, or even safety risks like overheating.

Let’s take those “high-capacity” gold batteries as an example. They’re often marketed as having more power than the original Apple battery, but in reality, they’re just regular batteries with a misleading label slapped on. If you check the actual battery capacity using apps like Coconut Battery, you’ll see that these “high-capacity” batteries offer no more than the standard amount—and sometimes even less. Worse, they can be unsafe and prone to swelling or leaking.

To avoid these pitfalls, it’s important to invest in quality parts. Always buy from reputable sources that offer warranties and have good reviews. Known brands and suppliers usually test their products and offer more reliable replacements. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, knowing that your repair will last and that your phone will function as it should.

Another aspect to consider is the environmental impact. High-quality parts typically last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing less to electronic waste. By choosing better parts, you’re not only ensuring a successful repair but also making a more sustainable choice.

Number 3: Using the Wrong Tools or Equipment

Let’s move on to the tools you use. A common mistake is relying on cheap or incorrect tools for the job. I’ve seen so many people, especially those new to iPhone repairs, grab the cheapest toolkit they can find or use the free tools that sometimes come bundled with parts. While these might get the job done once, they often lead to issues down the road.

Using the wrong tools can cause a variety of problems. For instance, cheap screwdrivers may not be precisely sized, leading to stripped screws that are incredibly difficult to remove. Similarly, poor-quality prying tools can break easily or damage sensitive components like ribbon cables. These issues can turn a simple repair into a frustrating experience and may even cause you to give up midway through the process.

I still remember when I first started repairing iPhones. I didn’t have the proper tools, so I ended up improvising with whatever I had on hand. One time, I used a knife to remove the standoff screws inside an iPhone 5 because I didn’t have the correct standoff bit or a flathead screwdriver that fit. Needless to say, it wasn’t the best idea and could have easily resulted in damage to the phone.

If you’re serious about doing your own repairs, it’s worth investing in a high-quality toolkit. I personally use the iFixit toolkit, which I highly recommend. It’s a bit of an investment upfront, but it pays off in the long run. The tools are precisely machined, durable, and designed specifically for electronics repair, making the process much smoother and less likely to result in accidental damage.

However, if you’re only doing a one-time repair and don’t want to buy a full toolkit, there are a few essential tools you should have: a good Phillips screwdriver, a pentalobe bit (for the screws that hold the iPhone together), an iPhone standoff bit, a SIM eject tool, and some high-quality prying tools. These basics will cover most iPhone repairs and help you avoid the common pitfalls associated with using the wrong tools.

Additionally, having proper lighting and a clean, organized workspace can make a big difference. Repairing electronics requires precision, and a well-lit, clutter-free environment helps you see what you’re doing and avoid mistakes.

Number 2: Incorrect Removal of Battery Adhesive Strips

The number two mistake on our list is a particularly frustrating one: the incorrect removal of battery adhesive strips. Apple uses incredibly strong adhesive to secure the battery inside the iPhone, and if you’re not careful, removing these strips can quickly become a nightmare.

The adhesive strips are designed to be pulled out slowly, allowing the battery to be removed without the need for excessive prying. However, if you don’t pull the strips correctly—say, if you pull at too steep an angle—they can snap, leaving the battery firmly glued to the inside of the phone. This situation is all too common, and it turns what should be a straightforward battery replacement into a much more difficult task.

For example, if you’re working on an iPhone 5s or SE, you should first remove the dock connector to give yourself more room to work. For iPhone 6 models and later, removing the Taptic Engine will provide the necessary clearance to pull the adhesive strips without obstruction. The key is to pull the strips at a shallow angle, keeping them as flat as possible. This minimizes the risk of them breaking, which is crucial because once they snap, you’re in for a lot of prying and possibly even heating to remove the battery.

If the adhesive does break, you’ll need to be very careful when prying the battery out. Excessive force or using the wrong tools can easily puncture the battery, which is both dangerous and damaging to the phone. In some cases, you might need to use isopropyl alcohol to dissolve the remaining adhesive, making it easier to lift the battery out.

To avoid all this hassle, it’s best to take your time with the adhesive strips. Be gentle and patient, and you’ll likely be able to remove the battery without any issues. If you do end up with broken strips, remember to stay calm and approach the removal process carefully. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes on this step than to risk damaging your phone or, worse, causing a safety hazard.

And the Number 1 Mistake: Not Disconnecting the Battery

Finally, we’ve reached the most critical mistake that you absolutely must avoid: not disconnecting the battery before starting your repair. This is the golden rule of iPhone repair, and yet, it’s one that many people overlook, especially when they’re in a hurry or just starting out.

Failing to disconnect the battery can lead to catastrophic results. The moment you start working on the phone—whether you’re removing the display, swapping out a part, or even just inspecting the internals—there’s a risk that live circuits could short out. One common scenario is when people attempt a screen replacement without disconnecting the battery. If the battery is still connected and you accidentally touch the display connectors, you could create a short circuit. This often results in frying the backlight, leaving you with a phone that powers on but has a completely dark screen.

I know someone who experienced this first-hand with their iPhone 6s. They tried to replace the display without disconnecting the battery, and as soon as they plugged in the new screen, it sparked. The backlight was completely destroyed, and while the phone still turned on, the screen remained pitch black. Repairing a backlight is not an easy fix—it requires specialized tools and expertise in board-level repair, something most DIYers aren’t equipped to handle. Plus, it’s costly and time-consuming to fix.

To avoid this nightmare, make it a habit to always disconnect the battery as your first step. It only takes a minute, but it can save you from hours of troubleshooting, expensive repairs, or even the loss of your device. Once the battery is disconnected, you can proceed with your repair confidently, knowing that you’ve greatly reduced the risk of accidental damage.

Even after disconnecting the battery, it’s wise to handle the phone with care. Static electricity can still pose a threat to sensitive components, so grounding yourself and working in an ESD-safe environment is a good practice. Additionally, when reconnecting the battery after your repair, double-check all your connections to ensure everything is properly seated and secured.

So there you have it—the top five biggest iPhone repair mistakes, and more importantly, how to avoid them. Over the years, I’ve made some of these mistakes myself, and I hope that by sharing them with you, I can help you avoid the same pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, keeping these tips in mind will help ensure that your iPhone repairs are successful, safe, and long-lasting.

If you found this video helpful, be sure to hit that subscribe button and check out my social media for more tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes content. I’m always posting updates, including photos and stories from my repair work, so if you’re interested in more insights, definitely follow along. And don’t forget to check out my iPhone repair playlist for more videos like this one. Thanks for watching, and I’ll catch you guys next time!