Ethan Clarke
The iPhone 5C's plastic back can be replaced, and it is possible to do it yourself. However, it is important to note that attempting a DIY repair will void your warranty. If you would like to replace the back yourself, you will need to disassemble the entire device. This involves removing the battery, display assembly, and internal components. You will also need to purchase a replacement rear case, which can be ordered online. It is recommended that you refer to a detailed repair guide or video tutorial for specific instructions on how to safely disassemble and reassemble your iPhone 5C.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the battery
To remove the battery from your iPhone 5c, follow these steps:
Firstly, apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) under the battery. This will weaken the adhesive holding the battery in place. High-concentration isopropyl alcohol acts as a solvent and dries without leaving any residue, so it won't damage your phone.
Next, carefully wedge a plastic card under the battery, on the side nearest the logic board. It is important not to pry against the logic board, as this may damage your phone. Avoid prying near the top edge of the battery, as this could damage the upper component ribbon cable. Instead, slide the card from the top of the battery to the bottom, pushing towards the edge of the case. If necessary, repeat this process on the case side of the battery.
If the battery is still stuck, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the adhesive. Do not apply heat directly to the battery, as this may cause it to ignite. Alternatively, you can use an iOpener to heat the adhesive—place it flat on the backside of the iPhone, to the right of the camera.
Once the adhesive is heated, carefully lift and remove the battery from the iPhone. If there is any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, wipe it off or allow it to air dry before installing a new battery. There should be no resistance when removing the battery. If it remains stuck, reheat the adhesive and try again.
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Using a hair dryer to heat the adhesive
To replace the back of your iPhone 5c, you will need to remove the battery. The adhesive strips that secure the battery are not reusable, so you will need to have a supply of replacement adhesive strips on hand before you begin.
If the battery is still stuck to the case, you can use a hair dryer to heat the adhesive securing the battery to the rear case. First, lay the iPhone flat with the back of the device facing up. Then, heat the back of the iPhone until it is slightly too hot to touch. This will soften the adhesive, making it easier to prise the battery out.
When using a hair dryer to heat the adhesive, it is important to be cautious and avoid overheating the device. Keep the hair dryer on a low heat setting and maintain a safe distance from the iPhone. Do not heat the device for too long, as this could damage the internal components.
Once the adhesive is softened, you can carefully begin to lever and prise the battery from different angles and positions on its left side. Be careful not to lever right next to the volume buttons, as this could damage the cable. If you are having difficulty removing the battery, you can try using a metal tool such as tweezers to help loosen it.
After removing the battery, you can continue with the iPhone 5c rear case replacement process. This will involve separating the front and back assembly, removing the old rear case, and installing a new one. Remember to follow a detailed repair guide specific to the iPhone 5c to ensure a safe and successful replacement.
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Using a plastic card to remove the battery
To replace the plastic back of your iPhone 5C, you will first need to remove the battery. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this using a plastic card:
Before you begin, it is important to discharge your iPhone battery below 25%. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode if accidentally punctured. Power off your iPhone before proceeding with disassembly.
Now, apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) under the battery. This will help weaken the adhesive that secures the battery to the device. High-concentration isopropyl alcohol acts as a solvent and dries without leaving any residue, so it will not damage your iPhone.
Next, carefully wedge a plastic card under the battery, starting from the side nearest the logic board. Be extremely cautious during this step. Do not pry against the logic board, as this may damage your phone. Also, avoid prying near the top edge of the battery, as this could damage the upper component ribbon cable.
Once the plastic card is in place, slide it from the top of the battery to the bottom, pushing toward the edge of the case. If necessary, repeat the same procedure on the case side of the battery.
If the battery is still stuck, you can use a hair dryer to heat the adhesive. Alternatively, follow the instructions for using an iOpener to heat the adhesive. Lay the iOpener flat on the backside of the iPhone, to the right of the camera.
After successfully removing the battery, make sure to handle it with care. Do not puncture or damage the battery, as it can be hazardous.
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Disassembling the iPhone
To disassemble your iPhone 5c, start by locating and removing the two pentalobe screws on either side of the lightning dock connector port at the bottom of your iPhone. Then, place a suction cup near the home button on the display assembly side of the iPhone. While holding the outside of the iPhone, use the suction cup to pull the display assembly away from the rear case/housing.
Next, use a plastic opening tool to pry up the series of three connections for the display assembly and front camera. You can now remove the display assembly from the iPhone 5c. Locate and remove the two Phillips screws (#00) that secure the back plate for the home button assembly. With the lightning connector and speaker assembly free from the case, use a spudger to separate the two units from each other. They are held together with a small amount of adhesive.
Locate and remove the two small Phillips screws (#00) securing the metal clip over the earpiece speaker. Pry up the clip from its location with a pair of tweezers to free the speaker assembly and remove it from the iPhone 5c. The front-facing camera assembly is a series of components that you will need to pry up from their housing. The assembly is also held down by a sticker/adhesive. You can now remove the front-facing camera assembly from the iPhone 5c.
To remove the battery, apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) under the battery and let it flow around the adhesive to help weaken it. Carefully wedge a plastic card under the battery on the side nearest the logic board. Do not pry against the logic board or you may damage the phone. Avoid prying near the top edge of the battery, or you may damage the upper component ribbon cable. Slide the card from the top of the battery to the bottom, pushing toward the edge of the case. If necessary, repeat the same procedure with the case side of the battery.
If the battery is still stuck to the case, use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the adhesive securing your battery to the rear case. Ensure that you do not apply heat directly to the battery, as this may ignite it. Once the battery is removed, you can proceed to remove the rear case/housing of your iPhone 5c.
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Using a plastic opening tool
To replace the back of your iPhone 5c, you will need to disassemble the phone. This process will involve removing the battery, the display assembly, the motherboard, and other components.
Before beginning, it is important to note that the adhesive strips securing the battery are not reusable, so you will need to have replacement adhesive strips on hand. Additionally, if your display glass is cracked, it is recommended to lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPhone's display to prevent further breakage and to provide structural integrity during the prying and lifting process.
Now, let's focus on the steps that specifically involve the use of a plastic opening tool:
- Begin by locating and removing the two pentalobe screws on either side of the lightning dock connector port at the bottom of your iPhone 5c.
- Place a suction cup close to the home button on the display assembly side of the iPhone.
- While holding the iPhone down, use the suction cup to pull the display assembly slightly away from the rear case.
- With a plastic opening tool, gently pry the rear case down, away from the display assembly. You may need to use a combination of the suction cup and the plastic opening tool to free the front panel assembly, as there are several clips attaching the two together.
- Once the front panel assembly is free, pull the plastic nub to release the vacuum seal on the suction cup, then remove the suction cup from the display assembly.
- Lift the home button end of the front panel to access the connectors near the top of the phone.
- Open the display to about a 90-degree angle and prop it against something to keep it in place while you work on the phone.
- Use the plastic opening tool to pry up the battery from the adhesive securing it to the iPhone, then remove the battery.
- Use the plastic opening tool to disconnect the front-facing camera and sensor cable connector by prying up on the connector, being careful not to pry on the socket on the logic board.
- Disconnect the LCD cable connector using the plastic opening tool or your fingernail. Ensure that the two cables are fully disconnected before removing the display.
- Use the plastic opening tool to peel the home button spring contact cable up from the speaker enclosure.
By following these steps, you will have successfully used the plastic opening tool to disassemble the iPhone 5c and replace the rear case. Remember to refer to other resources for additional steps and information on replacing the iPhone 5c's back, as this guide focuses specifically on the use of the plastic opening tool.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to replace the back of an iPhone 5C.
You will need a plastic opening tool, a spudger, a hair dryer or heat gun, a SIM card removal tool or paper clip, tweezers, a small flathead screwdriver, and a supply of replacement adhesive strips.
First, disassemble the iPhone 5C by removing the display assembly, front-facing camera assembly, and battery. Then, heat the back of the iPhone with a hair dryer or heat gun until it is slightly too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the device as this may ignite the battery. Next, remove the battery by prying it from the adhesive using a plastic card or the plastic opening tool. Finally, install the new back cover and battery, adhering them in place with the replacement adhesive strips.
You can order a replacement rear case for the iPhone 5C from the iFixit store, or try searching for one online from other suppliers.
