Tag: face id repair

  • iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID Not Working? Expert Repair Guide

    iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID Not Working? Expert Repair Guide

    Dot projector parts are extremely fragile. A fall or water damage may harm dot projector parts, inducing Face ID not working.

    Since the dot projector IC is encrypted and replacement requires data encryption bonding for the new IC, repair technicians find it a challenge to repair the Face ID.

    The good news is that REWA LAB has developed a simple and efficient method to repair the Face ID. Let’s check it out!

    Go to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and Set Up Face ID. When trying to set up Face ID, “Move iPhone a little lower/higher” pops up.

    Face ID cannot be normally set up. It can be judged that the dot projector of the Face ID has malfunctioned.

    Remove the display and then detach the Face ID module.

    We can see a red mark, which indicates that the phone has water damage.

    Connect the dot projector flex cable with the I2C Repair Programmer. The test shows that the dot projector flex cable has malfunctioned.

    Press “Read” and read the data from the dot projector flex cable.

    Connect a new I2C iPhone 11 Pro Max flex cable to the programmer. Press “Write” and write the data that has been read on the new flex cable.

    Dip a small amount of UV Adhesive on the crystal of the dot projector flex cable and solidify it with UV Lamp. This step is aimed to fix the crystal.

    Remove the foam on the back of the dot projector.

    To make positioning easier while assembly, mark the module with Sculpture Knife.

    Since the dot projector flex cable is under the metal plate, lift the metal plate to remove the flex cable.

    Get the Holding Fixture. We use Wextom Face ID Module and Dot Projector Board Holding Fixture for the repair.

    Attach the Face ID module to the Holding Fixture and grind the welding position of the metal plate.

    Insert the pry knife into the gap between the dot projector module and the crystal.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 150℃ and remove the dot projector flex cable.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ and detach the dot projector module.

    Attach the dot projector module to the Holding Fixture.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ and take out the MOSFET.

    Apply a small amount of Solder Paste to the bonding pad with Soldering Iron at 365℃.

    Jump wire between pin 2 and pin 3 of the MOSFET with 0.02mm copper wire.

    Attach the dot projector module to the holder.

    To clean the tin on the dot projector module, smear rosin with Soldering Iron at 365℃ and solder-wick.

    Clean the module with PCB Cleaner afterward.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 240℃ and remove residual adhesive with tweezers.

    Get the new flex cable.

    Put the Reballing Stencil in the right position and apply some medium-temperature Solder Paste evenly.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ and remove the Reballing Stencil after the flex cable has cooled.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ again and apply a small amount of Paste Flux to the flex cable.

    Fix the flex cable to the holder and align the dot projector module.

    Solder with Hot Air Gun at 320℃. Connect the flex cable that has been soldered to the I2C programmer.

    Press “Test” and the screen shows “Pass” which indicates that the flex cable is normal.

    Attach the flex cable to the Holding Fixture and put the dot projector flex cable in position.

    Apply a small amount of 460 Adhesive between the dot projector module and the crystal.

    Once the adhesive has set, arrange the flex cable.

    Install the flex cable on the phone.

    Boot up the phone, and go to Face ID settings.

    Face ID is set up normally and unlocks normally. The fault is cleared.      

    Please feel free to visit our online shop for repair parts and tools.

    For more Face ID content, please read the articles below.

    Watch the video below to get a more detailed iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID repair.

  • Troubleshooting iPhone 13 Face ID & Display Message Issues after Screen Replacement

    Troubleshooting iPhone 13 Face ID & Display Message Issues after Screen Replacement

    Recently, Phone Repair Guru posted a video about iPhone 13 screen replacement. After replacement, “Important Display Message” pops up. What’s worse, Face ID is not available.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Since the iPhone 13 screen includes no flood illuminator module and all the parts for the TrueDepth system are housed in the iPhone itself,

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    REWA LAB speculates that the chip on the original screen has saved Face ID data. Transferring the chip to the new screen might solve the problem. Today, let’s verify this speculation.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    In the first place, we test the Face ID function of iPhone 13. True Tone function is normal. Face ID can be set up and is working fine.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Then we disassemble the phone and try to replace the screen with an original and genuine one. Remove the original screen. Detach the sensor flex cable with Hot Air Gun at 100 °C. Please be careful not to damage the flex cable when you remove it. 

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Attach the removed sensor flex cable to the new screen. Install the screws. Connect the new screen. Turn on the phone.“Important Display Message”  appears. Face ID can’t be set up. True Tone disappears.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Next, we try to transfer the IC on the original screen to the new screen.

    Remove the new screen. To prevent scratches on the screen during operations,

    apply a protective film to the screen. 

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Heat the screen flex cable with Hot Air Gun at 100 °C. Gently pull up the flex cable.

    To protect the screen, insert the reballing stencil under the flex cable for insulation. Apply high-temperature tape.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Remove black adhesive around the chip with Hot Air Gun at 240 °C.

    To remove the chip, set the temperature to 300 °C and airflow to 6.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Apply some middle-temperature Solder Paste.

    Clean the bonding pads with Soldering Iron at 360 °C and solder wick.

    Keep cleaning the bonding pads with PCB Cleaner.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Next, remove the chip on the original screen with the same method.

    Clean tin on the chip of the original screen.

    Apply some middle-temperature Solder Paste to the bonding pads.

    Clean tin and black adhesive on the bonding pads of the chip with Solder Wick.

    Keep cleaning the bonding pads with PCB Cleaner.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Next, reball the chip. Put the reballing stencil in position.

    Apply a layer of middle-temperature Solder Paste evenly.

    Heat with Hot Air Gun at 300 °C to form the solder balls.

    After the solder balls are formed, clean with PCB cleaner.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Apply Paste Flux to the bonding pads of the new screen.

    Align the chip of the original screen.

    Solder the chip with Hot Air Gun at 300 °C.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Remove high-temperature tape after the flex cable has cooled.

    Connect the screen. Turn on the phone.

    There is no “Important Display Message”. Face ID can be set up and is working fine.

    But True Tone hasn’t been restored.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    Apple has long faced criticism for displaying prompts like “Important Battery Message” and “Important Camera Message”, which makes it difficult for third-party repair stores to fix their products.

    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement
    Fix iPhone 13 Face ID Not Working & Important Display Message after Screen Replacement

    With the ‌iPhone 13‌ this year, Apple further makes it more difficult for customers to get repairs from third-party stores.

    However, it is risky to replace the chip to solve Face ID not working after iPhone 13 screen replacement. REWA LAB does not recommend that non-professionals try this method.

    Apple could patch this via an iOS update in the future.

    Let’s wait and see. Please feel free to leave your thoughts on the problem.

  • Face ID Not Working? 8 Simple Fixes to Save Your iPhone

    Face ID Not Working? 8 Simple Fixes to Save Your iPhone

    Apple’s Face ID is commended for its speed and precision. It is the most helpful approach to open your iPhone after Apple decided to dispose of the Home Button for their iPhone X and latter models.

    It’s likewise secure to the point that Apple says the likelihood of an arbitrary individual could unlock your iPhone (or iPad) utilizing Face ID is around 1 out of 1,000,000, that is with a solitary enrolled appearance.

    iPhone and iPad Face ID solely permits up to five unsuccessful attempts before the password is needed.

    Face ID is also used to validate buys and sign in to applications. Be that as it may, what occurs if your Face ID quits working?

    Follow the below steps to fix your Face ID

    1. Check Your Face ID Settings

    Apple educates you to go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode.

    See that your Face ID is set ready for action, with the vital features flipped on.

    In case there are a few features off, feel free to flip the settings you need to utilize Face ID for while you’re there: Apple Pay, opening your iPhone, Password AutoFill, and the iTunes and App Store,

    In case it’s not set up, tap “Set Up Face ID.” Your cell phone will walk you through the means which includes shifting and pivoting your head for the face examines.

    If you can’t move your head, Apple’s Accessibility Options button is additionally there for you to tap.

    A password will be needed on the off chance that you’ve had five unsuccessful Face ID attempts and need to get to your phone.

    2. Ensure Nothing is Covering Your Face

    The TrueDepth camera needs to see your eyes, nose, and mouth completely noticeable for the Face ID to work.

    That implies you can’t utilize it while wearing a face veil.

    Face ID can work with numerous shades, however.

    In any case, Apple cautions that a few sunglasses that are intended to hinder particular kinds of light can impede the infrared light utilized by the TrueDepth camera and thus Face ID can’t remember you.

    If that is the case, take your shades off when expecting to utilize Face ID.

    3. Reset Face ID

    If none of the past ways work, reset Face ID. Just head to Settings > Face ID and Passcode and tap “Reset Face ID”. It’s underneath “Set Up and Alternate Appearance.”

    Whenever that is done, go ahead and set up Face ID once more.

    4. Restart Your iPhone (or iPad)

    This might sound senseless but now and then software can glitch and a straightforward restart can assist with getting things back altogether.

    Go ahead to restart your cell phone by either going to Settings > General > Shut Down or squeezing your Side Button and either one of the Volume Buttons together.

    5. Set up an Alternate Appearance

    In the event that you have an appearance that can appear to be endlessly unique from the first enrolled appearance, you can set up a substitute appearance so Face ID can in any case remember you and let you access your iPhone.

    Note that this doesn’t work in case you’re wearing a face veil, Apple says.

    To add an alternate appearance, go to Settings > Face ID and Passcode. You may be needed to enter your password. Tap “Set Up an Alternate Appearance” and begin.

    It’s fundamentally the same way you set up your first enrolled appearance. Once more, if you are unable to move your head, the Accessibility Option button can help you with that.

    6. Make Sure that the TrueDepth Camera is Free of Barrier

    Apple advised ensuring nothing is covering the TrueDepth camera, which includes your phone case or the protector. Make sure no dirt or buildup is covering the TrueDepth camera.

    7. Ensure You’re Facing the Camera The Right Way

    For iPhone users, hold your iPhone in a portrait direction when utilizing Face ID. Those who use iPad can utilize it in any direction.

    Additionally, ensure you are confronting the camera straightforwardly.

    Apple says the TrueDepth camera has a comparable scope of view as when you take a selfie or make a video call. So ensure that your phone is at a safe distance or 10-20 inches away from your face.

    8. Contact Apple Support

    In the event that all these steps have been conducted, Face ID is as yet not working and you accept that this is a result of a new iOS update.

    Feel free to contact Apple Support and report the issue.

    In case there are different reasons you suspect like you can’t enroll your appearance or different issues, Apple Support ought to have the option to help you with that.

  • For Safe & Efficient FACE ID Repair – REWA SELECTED WYLIE Intelligent Preheating Platform

    For Safe & Efficient FACE ID Repair – REWA SELECTED WYLIE Intelligent Preheating Platform

    Hot Air Guns are commonly used for desoldering/soldering in Face ID repair. However, the operation of a hot air gun is difficult and it can easily bring damage to components. And that’s why REWA LAB brings you this brand-new Heating Platform. Specially designed for Face ID repair, the heating platform can heat Face ID parts evenly and efficiently with simple operation. Check out our video now and you will definitely be surprised!

    • 00:00 Intro
    • 00:18 WYLIE Intelligent Preheating Platform
    • 00:35 Temperature Setting
    • 01:27 Ambient Light Sensor&Flood Illuminator Repair
    • 02:29 Front Camera&Infrared Camera& Dot Projector Removing
    • 04:08 Dot Projector Repair
    • 05:13 Separating/recombining of double-stacked motherboards
  • iPhone Face ID Dot Projector Repair (By Replacing Flex Cable)

    iPhone Face ID Dot Projector Repair (By Replacing Flex Cable)

    Dot projector parts are extremely fragile. A fall or water damage may harm dot projector parts, inducing Face ID malfunction. Since the dot projector IC is encrypted and replacement requires data encryption bonding for the new IC, repair technicians find it a challenge to repair the Face ID. The good news is that REWA LAB has developed a simple and efficient method to repair the Face ID. Let’s check it out!

    Products recommended in this video:

  • How to Fix iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID not working

    How to Fix iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID not working

    Dot projector parts are extremely fragile. A fall or water damage may harm dot projector parts, inducing Face ID not working.

    This article explores a breakthrough method developed by REWA LAB for repairing Face ID, making it accessible and effective.

    The Problem

    The heart of Face ID lies in the dot projector integrated circuit (IC), a critical and encrypted component. Replacing this IC necessitates a complex process involving data encryption bonding, which repair technicians typically find daunting.

    The Solution

    Fortunately, REWA LAB has devised a streamlined and efficient approach to resolve Face ID issues.

    The step-by-step guide presented here will help you understand and perform the repair procedure.

    Step 1: Initial Diagnosis

    • Begin by navigating to your device’s Settings, then select “Face ID & Passcode” and “Set Up Face ID.”
    • During the setup process, you may encounter the message “Move iPhone a little lower/higher.” This indicates a malfunction in the dot projector.

    Step 2: Disassembly

    • To access the dot projector, remove the device’s display.
    • If you observe a red mark, it suggests that the phone has experienced water damage.
    • Connect the dot projector flex cable to the I2C Repair Programmer and perform a diagnostic test, confirming a malfunction.

    Step 3: Data Transfer and Crystal Fix

    • Use the programmer to read data from the malfunctioning flex cable.
    • Replace the flex cable with a new one and transfer the previously read data.
    • Apply a small amount of UV adhesive to secure the crystal of the dot projector flex cable using a UV lamp.

    Step 4: Removing the Dot Projector

    • Remove the foam covering the back of the dot projector.
    • For precise alignment during reassembly, mark the module with a Sculpture Knife.
    • Lift the metal plate to access the dot projector flex cable beneath.

    Step 5: Precision Work

    • Utilize a Holding Fixture for precise handling of the Face ID module.
    • Grind the welding position of the metal plate to access the dot projector.
    • Carefully detach the dot projector module using a Hot Air Gun.
    • Remove the MOSFET by heating at 320°C.

    Step 6: Soldering and Reassembly

    • Apply Solder Paste to the bonding pad with a Soldering Iron and jump wire between pins 2 and 3 of the MOSFET using 0.02mm copper wire.
    • Clean the dot projector module with rosin and solder-wick, followed by PCB Cleaner.
    • Reball the new flex cable, apply Paste Flux, and solder it to the dot projector module.

    Step 7: Testing and Final Assembly

    • Connect the soldered flex cable to the I2C programmer and run a test.
    • If the test passes, attach the flex cable to the Holding Fixture and align it with the dot projector module.
    • Apply 460 Adhesive to secure the components.
    • Install the flex cable in the phone.
    • Power up the device and configure Face ID settings.

    Conclusion

    By following these meticulous steps, you can successfully restore your device’s Face ID functionality. The fault will be cleared, and your phone will regain its secure and convenient authentication feature. 

    Please feel free to visit our online shop for repair parts and tools.

    Watch the video below to get a more detailed iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID repair.

  • iPhone X Face ID Not Working Repair

    iPhone X Face ID Not Working Repair

    With the diffused application of Face ID on iPhone X – 11 series, Face ID failure also appears at a high frequency.

    As our previous Face ID teardown video has introduced, Face ID can be easily damaged and hardly repaired. If the problem is related to the flex cable, then it’s simple.

    However, based on statistics of REWA chip-level motherboard repair service, Face ID failure is caused by damage of the Flood illuminator/Dot Projector in most cases, which can not be repaired.

    face id setup not working

    Today, we want to share a case about ‘move iPhone a little lower/higher when setting up Face ID’ and show you how our technicians find out the fault in 3 minutes with the help of REWA exclusive repair tricks on Face ID troubleshooting. Let’s get started!

    Face ID Not Working Malfunction

    The phone keeps sending messages: ‘move iPhone a little lower/higher’ during the setting up process of Face ID. It means that Face ID cannot be set up successfully on the phone.

    face id is not available

    Face id not available troubleshooting

    Now, let’s find out the fault step by step.

    Step 1 Test The Flood Illuminator

    Based on REWA exclusive repair tricks, let’s start with the Flood Illuminator. There are two important Face ID parts whose behavior relies on the support of the Flood Illuminator. In our daily repair work, we can test the Proximity Sensor and the Ambient Light Sensor to confirm whether the Flood Illunmunator is working normally.

    why is my face id not working

    Let’s make a phone call to confirm whether the Proximity Sensor is working.

    During the phone call, cover the top of the screen with one hand.

    We can see that the screen turns black immediately.

    Judging by this, the Proximity Sensor is working normally.

    how to fix face id

    Next, test the Ambient Light Sensor. Set the screen brightness to the lowest and then hold the phone under a bright light.

    With the screen getting brighter, we can confirm that the Ambient Light Sensor is also working normally. Judging by this, the Face ID failure is not caused by Flood Illuminator.

    my face id wont work

    Step 2 Test The Front Camera Parts

    Let’s move on to the next step of face id not working – test the front camera parts.

    Open the camera app and swipe to Portrait Mode. The background is not blurred, which is abnormal.

    why is face id not working

    Step 3 Observing The Dot Projector

    At the Portrait Mode, there is no flashing red light from the Dot Projector.

    But the Dot Projector should emit flashing red light in normal status.

    We can confirm now that the Dot Projector has malfunctioned.

    This is the fault that causes the Face ID to set up failure. And the problem cannot be fixed.

    why wont my face id work

    Tips:

    The three parts ( infrared camera, flood illuminator and dot projector) are paired to the phone. Damage of any one of them can cause Face ID failure and such an issue is irreparable.

    Right now, Face ID failure has become a common problem in our daily repair work.

    Whether the problem you are dealing with can be repaired or not is really an important thing for repair technicians.

    Don’t worry! REWA exclusive repair tricks on face id not working can be a great reference for repair technicians to find out faulty positions and improve repair efficiency.

    For details of this case, please check out the YouTube Video below.

    Wanna learn basic knowledge about iPhone motherboard, master iPhone micro-soldering techniques, understand the work-flow of different iPhone circuits, master troubleshooting processes of different iPhone issues, and learn detailed screen/back glass refurbishing steps?

    REWA Academy is a platform that provides repair technique learning, practical demonstration, and idea-sharing for practitioners in the electronic repair industry.

    You can also click the course link below to know more!

  • The Vulnerabilities of Face ID: Why Face ID Can Be Easily Damaged and Hardly Repaired?

    The Vulnerabilities of Face ID: Why Face ID Can Be Easily Damaged and Hardly Repaired?

    As a facial-recognition technology initially launched on iPhone X, Face ID has been applied to latest iPhones, including iPhone XS,XS Max and XR. With this amazing Face ID system, users can unlock their devices by scanning and confirming facial identity. Whether you are wearing a hat, putting on glasses or you are in the dark.

     There are 8 components packed into the front of the phone.   Infrared Camera   Flood Illuminator   Proximity Sensor   Ambient Light Sensor   Speaker   Microphone   Front Camera

    There are 8 components packed into the front of the phone.

    • Infrared Camera
    • Flood Illuminator
    • Proximity Sensor
    • Ambient Light Sensor
    • Speaker
    • Microphone
    • Front Camera

    Dot ProjectorThe infrared camera, the dot projector and the front camera are located on the back glass assembly. The flood illuminator, the proximity sensor, the ambient light sensor, the speaker and the microphone are located on the display assembly. Please be careful when disassembling or repairing the phone. Damage of any component will cause Face ID failure.

    Next, we will disassemble the flood illuminator module and the dot projector and find out the reason why Face ID can be so easily damaged.

     Next, we will disassemble the flood illuminator module and the dot projector and find out the reason why Face ID can be so easily damaged.

    Let’s disassemble the flood illuminator module first. Pry open the glass cover with a blade. We can see that there are many holes on the flood illuminator that are arranged in a matrix of 11×11. The chip is connected to the circuit board with the help of gold wires. Once water damaged, these holes can be blocked. And you will be faced up with Face ID failure.

    Let’s continue!

     Chip 1 is an unencrypted chip. Since some repair technicians have replaced it before, our guess is that chip 1 might be a boost chip or an EEPROM chip. So chip 2, chip 3, or chip 4 might be the encrypted chip. Still, due to the difficulty of replacing, no one has verified that. As you can see, with thousands of components integrated, the composition of the flood illuminator module is very precise.   Chip 2 is the flood illuminator.   Chip 3 and Chip 4 are proximity sensors that are responsible for receiving and transmitting respectively. The infrared light emitted from the two proximity sensors could be a single dot or a single set of dots. Independent of each other, the three chips are indispensable. And this is what you should know about the flood illuminator module.

    Chip 1 is an unencrypted chip. Since some repair technicians have replaced it before, our guess is that chip 1 might be a boost chip or an EEPROM chip. So chip 2, chip 3, or chip 4 might be the encrypted chip. Still, due to the difficulty of replacing, no one has verified that. As you can see, with thousands of components integrated, the composition of the flood illuminator module is very precise.

    Chip 2 is the flood illuminator

    Chip 3 and Chip 4 are proximity sensors that are responsible for receiving and transmitting respectively. The infrared light emitted from the two proximity sensors could be a single dot or a single set of dots. Independent of each other, the three chips are indispensable. And this is what you should know about the flood illuminator module. Let’s move on to the dot projector.

    The camera parts of iPhone X work in the same way as front cameras of other iPhone series. Now we will focus on the dot projector. The outer layer of the dot projector is sealed with resin and protected by metal welding techniques. Pay attention to these welding points.

    Easily Damaged And Hardly Repaired

    They can easily fall off once the phone is dropped. And once off, they cannot be restored. When disassembling, we need to cut open the outer metal cover at first. Then heat with the Hot Air Gun and remove the resin with tweezers. Once the dot projector has been detached, we can see a crystal that looks just like a diamond lens. The infrared light is emitted from here. Then reflected by the crystal. Its projection range is determined by the lens afterwards.

     They can easily fall off once the phone is dropped. And once off, they cannot be restored. When disassembling, we need to cut open the outer metal cover at first. Then heat with the Hot Air Gun and remove the resin with tweezers. Once the dot projector has been detached, we can see a crystal that looks just like a diamond lens. The infrared light is emitted from here. Then reflected by the crystal. Its projection range is determined by the lens afterwards.

    Pry open the crystal, here we can see the complete internal structure of the dot projector.

    Pry open the crystal, here we can see the complete internal structure of the dot projector.

    The chip on the left is used to store data, whereas the chip on the right side acts just like a projector. We can see that there are thousands of dots arranged here. The infrared light is emitted from here. Since necessary power supply is needed for chip on the right side to work normally, once water damaged, circuits here are most likely to get short. Which can also result in Face ID not working. And please be noted that the chip is exposed without black adhesive seal. So it can be easily damaged once water-damaged or dropped. What’s more, it also can not be restored once damaged. And this is the internal structure of the dot projector. Let’s continue with the crystal part of the dot projector.

    The chip on the left is used to store data, whereas the chip on the right side acts just like a projector. We can see that there are thousands of dots arranged here. The infrared light is emitted from here. Since necessary power supply is needed for chip on the right side to work normally, once water damaged, circuits here are most likely to get short. Which can also result in Face ID not working. And please be noted that the chip is exposed without black adhesive seal. So it can be easily damaged once water-damaged or dropped. What’s more, it also can not be restored once damaged. And this is the internal structure of the dot projector. Let’s continue with the crystal part of the dot projector.

    We can see that there is a concave lens and a convex lens on the crystal. And the two are made of glass. Once dropped, Face ID can also be affected.

    Judging by what we have learned during the disassembling, main circuits of the Face ID are exposed. Once water damaged or exposed to a relatively humid environment, there might be electricity leakage or short-circuit problem that can result in Face ID failure. What’s more, most of the Face ID parts are made of glass. Once dropped, Face ID is most likely to be unavailable.

     We can see that there is a concave lens and a convex lens on the crystal. And the two are made of glass. Once dropped, Face ID can also be affected.  Judging by what we have learned during the disassembling, main circuits of the Face ID are exposed. Once water damaged or exposed to a relatively humid environment, there might be electricity leakage or short-circuit problem that can result in Face ID failure. What’s more, most of the Face ID parts are made of glass. Once dropped, Face ID is most likely to be unavailable.

    In summary, Face ID can be easily damaged and hard to be restored. Therefore, please be very careful in daily use. Make sure the phone is protected from water-damage or heavy falling. Repair technicians must exercise caution when repairing the logic board or replacing the display assembly. Also, for those in need, we have summarized repair experience of REWA repair technicians and hereby present you the following troubleshooting guide on common Face ID failure.

    Here is the detailed video for your reference.

    When repairing iPhone logic boards, we identify the issue first, find out why it occurred next, and figure out how to fix it in the end. This is a general process adopted by professional repair technicians around the world.

    Wanna be a professional repair technician and handle iPhone tough repair? You need systematic training courses on REWA Academy.

  • Troubleshooting iPhone X Face ID Issues after Screen Replacement

    Troubleshooting iPhone X Face ID Issues after Screen Replacement

    Recently we got many messages about Face ID not available after screen replacement from our clients, which surprised our technicians greatly.

    Since the screen replacing would not affect face ID function at all according to our practical verification.

    However, REWA has done some further researches and will share you the detailed analysis and solution for iPhone X face ID failure caused by damage of flex cable after repair here.

    How does face ID work?

    First, let’s understand how face ID works.

    The whole functional area is dubbed the “TrueDepth camera system”, which is made up of flood illuminator, infrared camera, front camera, dot projector, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, speaker and microphone.

    Speaking of which, have you read iPhone 8/X Ambient Light Sensor Issues ?

    Every time you glance at your iPhone X, the flood illuminator detects your face with infrared light and forms an image.

    Then the dot projector will project out over 30,000 invisible infrared dots over your face to create a 3D map.

    Last, the infrared camera reads this map and sends the data to neural networks to create a mathematical model of your face.

    Your iPhone X will check that mathematical model against the one that you’ve set up and stored on your device to see if it’s a match, and if it is, it will unlock your phone.

    How To Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Working

    How do we repair?

    According to the description, this iPhone X was dropped once.

    However, the face ID is in normal status.

    It fails to work until a replacement of screen assembly. With all the knowledge, we begin our repair.

    Power on the phone and it shows “unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone” . So we resort to resetting face ID. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID.

    We get the message “Face ID is Not Available, try setting up Face ID later” .

    Our initial judgment is that the unavailable Face ID might be caused by misoperation in the screen replacing process.

    Therefore, next thing we do is to check flex cables that are related to Face ID.

    How To Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Working

    Disassemble the phone.

    And check the Infrared camera and dot projector module under Microscope first. Nothing goes wrong.

    Then move to the Flood illuminator module on the earpiece speaker assembly.

    Check the connector and flex cables carefully. Still, nothing goes wrong.

    How To Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Working

    Then remove screws. And detach the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly from the phone.

    Be careful not to damage flex cables in the process since the Flood illuminator module is bonded to glass lens with double-sided tape.

    We can see clearly that the flex cable where locates the Flood illuminator module is fractured at the edge.

    How To Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Working

    Since the Flood illuminator module is an essential part for Face ID circuit, damage of the flex cable can result in not working of it, which can absolutely affect normal working of Face ID.

    Also, as flex cable repair is difficult, we can solder the Flood illuminator module to a new flex cable.

    To replace with a new flex cable, we need to separate the earpiece speaker and the ambient light sensor module from the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly first.

    Heating with Soldering Iron, the ear speaker was separated successfully.

    Then, secure the flex cable in the place with High-Temperature Protective Tape for further separating the ambient light sensor module flex cable.

    Soldering Iron and Hot Air Gun are required to remove this flex cable.

    Once done, remove excess tins on the flex cable with Soldering Iron and clean with PCB Cleaner.

    Now the fractured flex cable is separated completely.

    Next thing we do is to replace with a new flex cable.

    Remove the Flood illuminator module on the flex cable first.

    Prepare a new flex cable. Apply some Paste Flux to the bonding pad.

    Align the Flood illuminator module in place with the new flex cable.

    Be careful with the direction.

    Then solder with Hot Air Gun. Remove residual glue on the module afterward.

    How To Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Working

    The repair part is almost over right the moment.

    Next thing we need to do is to re-solder the ambient light sensor module and earpiece speaker.

    However, the soldering of the ambient light sensor is the most difficult part of this repair. Whatever, let’s do it. Apply some Paste Flux to the bonding pad of ambient light sensor module.

    Then apply tins to the bonding pad with Soldering Iron .

    Clean with PCB Cleaner.

    Apply some Paste Flux to the bonding pad again.

    Get the detached ambient light sensor module flex cable in position.

    Secure the flex cable with one specific position soldered by Soldering Iron with curved nozzle first.

    Then use Soldering Iron with cutter nozzle to complete the remaining soldering process.

    Clean with PCB Cleaner afterwards.

    Now we need to solder the earpiece speaker back to flex cable.

    How To Fix iPhone X Face ID Not Working

    It’s time to get the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly assembled to the display assembly.

    Re-assemble the phone and test.

    Press power button to power on. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set up Face ID .

    Face ID can be set up successfully.

    Press the power button to lock the screen. Press the power button again. The screen lights up. Glance at the iPhone X.

    The screen can be unlocked automatically. Fault cleared.

    questions about iPhone X Face ID Not Working After Repairing Tutorial, welcome to comment below.

    Click below if you are interested in the Tools & Spare Parts used in the video. For more details and latest price please feel free to contact sales@rewatechnology.com

    * Integrated Mobile Phone Repair Platform

    * Tri-wing Screwdriver – Type 2

    * Straight Tweezer – Type 3

    * 4x Optical Microscope – KS7045

    * PCB Cleaner – 250ml

    * BGA Strip Flux Soldering Paste

    * Anti-static Plastic Pry Bar

    * Heat-resisting Adhesive Tape – 5.0mm

    * 100g Solder Wire – Type 1

    * iPhone X Replacement Parts

    Visit REWA  online shop  for more parts and tools.

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