Top 5 iPhone Repair Mistakes – How to Avoid Them!

Introduction: What’s up, everybody? Hugh Jeffreys here. In this video, we’re diving into the top five biggest iPhone repair mistakes that people make—and, most importantly, how to avoid them. Whether you’re a seasoned repair pro or just starting out with your first iPhone repair, these tips will help you avoid costly errors that could damage your device. Let’s get into it!

Coming in at Number 5: Poor Screw Organization

When disassembling an iPhone, one of the most overlooked but critical steps is screw organization. iPhones have a variety of screws, many of which are different lengths and sizes, so it’s vital to organize them as you remove them. Proper screw organization ensures that when it comes time to reassemble the device, you know exactly where each screw goes. This isn’t just about making reassembly easier—using the wrong screw in the wrong hole can cause serious damage.

A common issue occurs during screen replacements when someone accidentally inserts a long screw into a short screw hole. This can result in the screw puncturing the logic board, causing the phone to malfunction or even preventing it from booting up entirely. This problem, known as “Long Screw Damage,” is one of the most frequent repair errors and can be devastating.

How to Avoid This Mistake: To avoid this, lay out the parts on your workspace in an organized manner, placing each screw next to the part it corresponds to. This way, you’ll know exactly where everything came from when you’re ready to put it back together. You can also use magnetic screw mats, which allow you to stick screws to the exact spot on the mat that corresponds to the part of the phone they came from. This method is particularly helpful for complex repairs where multiple different screw types are involved.

Number 4: Using Cheap or Generic Parts

Another big mistake is using cheap or generic replacement parts. It can be tempting to save money by buying the cheapest parts available, but this often leads to poor performance or even further damage to your device. Generic parts, especially those that are unbranded or counterfeit, may not function as well as genuine or high-quality third-party components. They can cause a range of issues, from decreased battery life to malfunctioning screens.

For example, I’ve seen many people fall for the allure of high-capacity “gold” batteries that promise to last longer than Apple’s original ones. In reality, these are usually just standard batteries with a fancy sticker slapped on them. Applications like CoconutBattery will often reveal that these batteries have the same capacity as a normal iPhone battery, proving that the extra capacity claim is a scam.

How to Avoid This Mistake: To avoid falling into this trap, always purchase parts from reputable sources. Look for parts that come from a known brand or have good reviews. In many cases, it’s worth paying a little extra to ensure you’re getting a part that will work correctly and last longer. For batteries, stick to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or high-quality aftermarket options that are well-reviewed by the repair community.

Number 3: Using Improper Tools and Equipment

Using the wrong tools is a common mistake, especially for beginners. While the cheap tool kits that come with replacement parts can sometimes get the job done, they are far from ideal. Cheap tools often strip screws, fail to provide the precision needed, and can even damage the device you’re trying to repair. Investing in a high-quality tool kit can make a world of difference.

For example, when I first started repairing iPhones, I used a kitchen knife to remove the standoff screws on an iPhone 5 because I didn’t have the proper standoff bit. This not only made the job more difficult but also risked damaging the components.

How to Avoid This Mistake: If you’re planning to do multiple repairs, it’s worth investing in a professional-grade tool kit. I personally use the iFixit Pro Tech Toolkit, which includes everything you need for most iPhone repairs, including a Phillips screwdriver, pentalobe bit, standoff bit, and various prying tools. If you’re only doing a one-off repair, at least make sure you have the basic tools: a Phillips screwdriver, pentalobe driver, SIM eject tool, and some plastic spudgers. Having the right tools will make the process smoother, safer, and more efficient.

Number 2: Incorrect Removal of Battery Adhesive Strips

Battery replacement is one of the most common iPhone repairs, but it’s also where many people make mistakes. The adhesive strips that hold the battery in place are notoriously strong and can be tricky to remove. Pulling on them at the wrong angle or too aggressively can cause them to snap, leaving you with a battery that’s nearly impossible to remove without resorting to risky prying or using heat, which can damage the phone.

Apple uses these adhesive strips as a way to make battery replacements more difficult for the average user. The strips are designed to be removed carefully, and if done correctly, they should come out without much resistance. However, if they break, you could end up spending more time prying out the battery than doing the actual repair.

How to Avoid This Mistake: To make the removal process easier, take out the Taptic Engine (for iPhone 6 and later) or the dock connector (for iPhone 5S and SE) before attempting to remove the adhesive strips. This will give you more space to pull the adhesive at the correct angle. Pull the strips slowly and steadily to avoid breaking them. If one does break, don’t panic—apply some isopropyl alcohol around the edges of the battery to help loosen the adhesive, making it easier to pry out the battery without damaging other components.

Number 1: Not Disconnecting the Battery Before Repairs

The biggest mistake of all, and one that can cause the most damage, is not disconnecting the battery before starting your repair. This is a critical step that many people overlook, and it can have disastrous consequences. When the battery is still connected, the components inside the iPhone are live. This means that if you accidentally touch or short-circuit any of the connectors, you could fry the motherboard or other critical components.

I’ve seen this happen firsthand. A friend of mine was replacing the display on their iPhone 6S and didn’t disconnect the battery. When they plugged in the new screen, it shorted out the backlight circuit, rendering the display completely dark. The phone still worked, but you couldn’t see anything on the screen, making it essentially unusable. Repairing the backlight circuit is a complex, time-consuming process that requires specialized skills and tools, and it’s something that could have been easily avoided by simply disconnecting the battery.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Always disconnect the battery as the first step in any iPhone repair. This is usually done by removing a small bracket that covers the battery connector, then carefully lifting the connector away from the logic board. Once the battery is disconnected, you can proceed with the rest of the repair without worrying about short circuits or other electrical issues. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Conclusion: And there you have it—the top five biggest iPhone repair mistakes and how to avoid them. Whether it’s organizing your screws, using the right parts and tools, or simply disconnecting the battery before you start, these tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and make your iPhone repair experience much smoother.

I hope you found these tips useful. If you did, make sure to hit that subscribe button for more repair videos and tips. Also, follow me on social media, where I share behind-the-scenes content, photos of iPhone repairs, and more. And if you’re looking for more detailed repair guides, check out my iPhone repair playlist.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll catch you in the next video!