Tag: iphone

  • No Programming, 100% Health – Revealing the new method of iPhone Battery Repair

    No Programming, 100% Health – Revealing the new method of iPhone Battery Repair

    Are you tired of complicated battery repair methods that require extensive programming knowledge? REWA Technology has the solution for you! In this video, we’ll showcase the latest battery repairing method that requires no programming at all. Gone are the days of connecting a repair programmer and an extension board to modify the data. All you need now is a REFOX tag-on flex that comes pre-set with the value of 100% battery health and 0 cycles. Once installed, restart your device, and the battery health will be 100%.

    This revolutionary method is a game-changer in the world of iPhone battery repair. Not only is it faster and easier, but it’s also more reliable. Plus, the no-programming approach means that anyone can perform the repairs, even without programming experience. If you’re looking for a more efficient and effective way to repair your iPhone’s battery, this video is a must-watch. Join us as we reveal the latest method for achieving 100% battery health without any programming.

  • Unlock Your iPhone Potential: Converting eSIM to Physical Dual SIM

    Unlock Your iPhone Potential: Converting eSIM to Physical Dual SIM

    Global resellers are worried about Apple’s decision to switch from physical Sim cards to Esims for the US market. In this tutorial video, we have guided you through the process of converting eSIM to physical dual SIM on the iPhone. With the help of REWA Tech’s expert, you will learn the detailed s eps and tools required to successfully execute this conversion.

    This procedure can be useful for those who prefer to have two separate SIM cards for different purposes, or for those who wish to switch between eSIM and physical SIM as needed. Watch this video to learn a new skill and enhance your technician expertise!

  • iPhone 14 Teardown | Repair Tips From REWA

    iPhone 14 Teardown | Repair Tips From REWA

    As iPhone users, we are all aware of the damage that water can cause to our devices. Even though iPhones are water-resistant to a certain extent, this feature can become compromised. Therefore, it is essential to know how to maintain your iPhone’s water resistance after a repair such as a screen or battery replacement.

    To assist you in this process, REWA Technology has created a helpful video tutorial. By following this guide, you will learn how to preserve your iPhone’s water resistance after a repair. You’ll discover effective ways to keep your device protected so that you can use it worry-free. Join us in this tutorial and continue to enjoy your iPhone to the fullest.

  • iPhone 7 Serious Drop Damage Repair and Restoring Functionality

    iPhone 7 Serious Drop Damage Repair and Restoring Functionality

    When an iPhone 7 is slammed to the ground, the damage can be severe, affecting not only the screen but also internal components. In this guide, we’ll walk through the process of diagnosing and repairing an iPhone 7 serious drop damage, rendering it unable to boot. From addressing display issues to resolving baseband problems, this step-by-step guide will help you restore your iPhone 7 to full working order.

    iphone 7 black

    Phone Details:

    Model: iPhone 7

    Announced: 2016, September 07

    Defect Phenomenon

    The iPhone 7 was slammed to the ground during an argument, resulting in a shattered screen and the inability to boot.

    Troubleshooting to Repair iPhone 7 Drop Damage

    1: Initial Inspection

    • Disassemble the phone and carefully remove the motherboard for inspection.
    • The motherboard appears to be in good condition with no visible deformation or missing components.

    2: Screen Replacement and Testing

    • Replace the shattered screen with a new one and attempt to boot the phone.
    • The boot current is normal, but the screen remains blank, indicating a possible issue with the display circuit.

    3: Diagnosing the Display Circuit:

    • Measure the diode values on the display connector. One pin shows an abnormal diode value of OL (open loop).
    • According to the bitmap, this pin is connected to L3902, indicating a problem with the combined inductor.

    4: Repairing the Inductor

    • Remove the black glue on the surface of the inductor.
    • After removal, the diode value on the inductor pin is 512, confirming that the inner rail is broken.
    • Instead of replacing the inductor, which could cause soldering issues due to the number of connectors, jump a copper wire to repair the connection.

    5: Completing the Display Repair

    • Use the red-circled points to jump a wire, reconnecting the display signal (90_MIPI_AP_TO_LCM_DATA0_P).
    • Apply a UV mask and cure it with UV light to secure the connection.
    • Reassemble the phone and test it again. The phone now boots normally, and the display functions properly.

    Addressing the Baseband Issue

    1: Identifying the Problem

    iphone 7 no internet
    • After the initial repair, the phone boots, but there is no service, which is a common issue in iPhone 7s after serious drops. This typically points to damage in the Baseband PMU or Baseband CPU.

    2: Repairing the Baseband PMU

    • Remove the protective sticker to access the Baseband PMU chip.
    • Apply solder paste and use a hot air gun to carefully remove the chip.
    • Reconnect the broken wire using a soldering tin ball and resolder the Baseband PMU chip in place.

    3: Final Testing

    iPhone 7 Serious Drop Damage Repair
    • Clean the motherboard with PCB cleaner to ensure all components are properly soldered and free of debris.
    • Reassemble the phone and test it again. This time, the phone successfully recognizes the SIM card, and the “No Service” issue is resolved.

    Conclusion

    Repairing an iPhone 7 serious drop damage is a multi-step process that requires careful diagnosis and precision. By addressing both the display circuit and the baseband issues, you can restore full functionality to your device. If you encounter similar issues, follow these steps to effectively repair and revive your iPhone 7. For more detailed repair tutorials, visit REWA Academy and enhance your technical skills.

  • How to Fix iPhone XR Keeps Rebooting While Gaming: Full Chip-Level Repair Guide

    How to Fix iPhone XR Keeps Rebooting While Gaming: Full Chip-Level Repair Guide

    Is your iPhone XR keeps rebooting, especially when playing games? You’re not alone. This common issue often stems from overheating at the chip level, causing the device to trigger Apple panic codes and enter a reboot loop. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through a professional-level solution: chip-level board repair involving CPU, NAND, EEPROM, and baseband CPU transfer. Whether you’re a repair shop, technician, or DIYer, this guide will help you understand the root cause and how to fix it permanently.

    iPhone XR Rebooting While Gaming

    Device Details

    Model: iPhone XR

    Announced: September 12, 2018

    Customer Faced iPhone XR Keeps Rebooting

    A customer’s iPhone XR would crash while playing games and then enter a constant reboot loop. The device wasn’t dropped, water-damaged, or improperly charged—ruling out external physical causes.

    Step 1: Observe the Boot Loop

    The phone repeatedly shows the Apple logo but fails to boot into iOS. Occasionally, it enters the system after several failed attempts.

    iPhone XR keeps rebooting

    Step 2: Analyze Panic Logs

    We check the panic-full logs in the system. One key entry stands out:

    AppleSocHot
    Hot Hot Hot...

    This message indicates SoC (System on Chip) overheating, which causes the phone to reboot. This type of error often stems from internal chip failure rather than external factors.

    Solution: Swap Encrypted Chips to Another Working Board

    Due to the chip-level failure, a board swap with encrypted chip transfer is required. The following components need to be moved:

    • CPU
    • NAND chip
    • Baseband CPU
    • Logic EEPROM

    Repair Process

    1. Disassemble the iPhone and Remove the Motherboard

    Open the phone and safely remove the motherboard.

    iphone motherboard

    2. Remove the Shielding Cover and Clean CPU

    • Use a hot air gun to remove the shielding cover.
    • Clean the thermal grease from the CPU.

    3. Remove Black Glue & Detach the CPU

    • Carefully remove the black glue surrounding the CPU.
    • Reheat the area using a hot air gun.
    • Gently insert a thin blade while heating until the CPU chip is removed.

    ⚠️ Caution: Do not blow away the nearby Logic EEPROM (U1401) when heating.

    4. Clean and Resolder the CPU

    • Clean the removed CPU and the board’s contact pads.
    • Reball and solder the CPU to a new donor motherboard.
    iphone cpu repair

    5. Resolder the Logic EEPROM

    Once the CPU is soldered, install the Logic EEPROM back in place.

    Power-On Test

    Connect the reassembled motherboard to a DC power supply and trigger the boot. A stable current jump to around 50mA indicates the CPU is functioning correctly.

    check motherboard with Dc power supply

    Remaining Steps

    • Remove and reball the NAND chip and Baseband CPU from the original board.
    • Solder them onto the new motherboard along with the already-transferred CPU and EEPROM.

    Reballing and soldering steps are similar to the techniques taught in REWA’s Handwork Course.

    Final Testing

    Once all encrypted chips are swapped and the board cools down, reassemble the phone.

    Results:

    • All functions work normally.
    • The phone no longer reboots.
    • It runs games and videos smoothly for over 30 minutes with no crash or loop.
    iPhone XR Keep Rebooting

    Conclusion

    An iPhone XR keeps rebooting while gaming is typically suffering from a chip-level fault, especially overheating related to the SoC. The key solution is swapping all critical encrypted chips—CPU, NAND, Baseband CPU, and EEPROM—to a healthy donor board. Though this process requires advanced soldering skills and professional tools, it’s a proven and permanent solution. For repair shops and experienced technicians, this guide offers a reliable path to restore full functionality to affected iPhones.

    Tools & Parts Used:

    Tools:

    • Hot air gun
    • Thin blade
    • Tweezers
    • DC power supply
    • Soldering iron
    • Microscope (recommended)
    • Thermal grease cleaner
    • Reballing station (optional but preferred)

    Parts:

    • Donor iPhone XR motherboard
    • Original iPhone XR CPU (encrypted)
    • Original NAND chip
    • Original Logic EEPROM (U1401)
    • Original Baseband CPU

    Technical Term Clarifications:

    • AppleSocHot – A panic log error indicating SoC overheating.
    • CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Main processor of the phone.
    • NAND chip – Memory storage chip that holds iOS and user data.
    • Logic EEPROM (U1401) – Stores logic configuration data.
    • Baseband CPU – Handles communication functions like cellular and WiFi.
    • Reballing – Reapplying solder balls to a chip to prepare it for resoldering.
  • How to Fix iPhone 12 Pro Overheating Issue

    How to Fix iPhone 12 Pro Overheating Issue

    Have you encountered the dreaded “iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it” message on your iPhone 12 Pro? Overheating can cause your phone to become unstable, slow, or even shut down completely. This is a common problem faced by both technicians and phone users alike—but what causes it, and how can you fix it?

    In this guide, we’ll take you through a real-life repair case involving an iPhone 12 Pro that experienced severe overheating due to a damaged earpiece flex cable. We’ll outline the repair steps, the tools used, and provide tips to help prevent similar damage in future repairs.

    Symptoms of iPhone 12 Pro Overheating

    • iPhone 12 Pro shows:
      “Temperature: iPhone needs to cool down before you can use it.”
    • Heat is noticeably coming from the back cover
    • Device shuts down or freezes due to high temperature

    Troubleshooting Process

    1. Disassemble the iPhone 12 Pro and remove the motherboard.
    2. Connect the motherboard to a DC power supply and trigger the boot process.
    3. The phone boots normally and current readings are within normal range, which means the motherboard itself is not causing the iPhone 12 Pro overheating.
    dc power supply

    🔍 Initial Diagnosis:

    The issue likely originates from internal components other than the motherboard, such as flex cables, battery, or other connected modules.

    Identifying the Real Culprit

    • Upon close inspection, a crack was discovered in the earpiece flex cable. This component is often damaged during previous repairs like screen replacement, battery swaps, or logic board servicing.
    • Over time, exposed copper wires on the flex cable can lead to short circuits, resulting in excessive heat generation.

    💡 Tech Tip: Flex cables are thin and fragile. Improper folding or pinching can expose internal wiring, causing shorts that lead to iPhone 12 Pro overheating.

    Repair Steps

    Inspect the damage:

    The crack on the earpiece flex cable was minor, so no need to replace it or jump wires.

    Apply UV Solder Mask:

    • Coat the damaged section of the flex cable with UV solder mask to insulate the exposed copper.
    • Cure with a UV lamp for several minutes until hardened.

    Reassemble the phone:

    • Carefully reattach the motherboard.
    • Pay extra attention to the earpiece flex cable during screen reassembly to avoid further damage.

    Final Testing

    • Power on the device and run high-load tests such as video playback and gaming for 30+ minutes.
    • ✅ Result: No overheating message, and the device remains cool and stable.
    how fix iphone 12 pro overheating issue assemble the phone to test no

    Tools & Parts Used

    Tools:

    • DC Power Supply
    • UV Solder Mask
    • UV Curing Lamp
    • Screwdrivers and disassembly tools (plastic pry tools, tweezers)
    • Anti-static gloves and mat (optional but recommended)

    Parts:

    • Original iPhone 12 Pro earpiece flex cable (not replaced but inspected)
    • UV Solder Mask (for insulation)

    Conclusion

    This iPhone 12 Pro overheating issue wasn’t caused by a motherboard problem as initially suspected, but by a slightly damaged earpiece flex cable. By identifying and repairing the faulty flex using a UV mask instead of replacing the entire module, the issue was fully resolved.

    When troubleshooting iPhone 12 Pro overheating problems, don’t overlook small internal components. Flex cables, dock connectors, or even a poorly executed battery replacement can all contribute to heating issues.

    Lessons Learned

    • Not all problems come from the motherboard.
    • Precision matters. When handling internal parts like flex cables, be meticulous to avoid causing additional damage.
    • A good repair technician must have strong diagnostic skills and pay attention to small details.

    Stay Ahead in Mobile Repair

  • How to Repair iPhone 12 Pro Water Damage: Step-by-Step Motherboard Fix

    How to Repair iPhone 12 Pro Water Damage: Step-by-Step Motherboard Fix

    Water damage is one of the most common and frustrating issues faced by iPhone users—especially when the phone won’t power on. In this detailed repair guide, we’ll show you how to diagnose and fix an iPhone 12 Pro water damage and remains unresponsive, even after 20 days. You’ll learn how to disassemble the device, locate the short-circuited component, and restore full functionality by removing a damaged capacitor on the motherboard.

    Whether you’re a repair technician, shop owner, or an experienced DIYer, this article offers expert-level insights and real repair case experience to help you successfully revive a water-damaged iPhone 12 Pro.

     

    Step-by-Step Repair Guide: iPhone 12 Pro Water Damage Repair

    1. Initial Inspection & Disassembly

    Client complaint: The iPhone 12 Pro cannot boot after water damage and has been sitting for around 20 days.

    iphone 12 pro water damage

    Disassembly steps:

    • Remove the two screws at the bottom of the device.
    • Place the phone on a heating platform at ~70°C to soften the adhesive between the screen and the frame.
    • Use a plastic pry card to gently separate the screen.
    how repair iphone 12 pro water damage step motherboard fix the phone get

    2. Water Damage Indicators

    • iPhones have Liquid Contact Indicators (LCIs) that turn red when exposed to water.
      • ✅ Indicator near the SIM card slot: Normal (white).
      • ❌ Indicator near the earpiece speaker: Turned red.
    • Conclusion: Water likely entered the motherboard through the earpiece speaker mesh.
    how repair iphone 12 pro water damage step motherboard fix indicator

    3. Screen & Motherboard Check

    • Protect sensitive modules like the front camera, infrared camera, and dot projector.
    • Remove the screen — no visible damage observed.
    • Take out the motherboard and connect it to a DC power supply for testing.
      • Result: High current draw immediately after connection, indicating a short circuit.

    4. Identifying the Faulty Component

    • Visual inspection under a microscope: No physical damage or corrosion detected.
    • Diode mode test reveals:
      • PP_VDD_MAIN line is shorted to ground.
    • Use a thermal imaging camera while connected to DC power:
      • No heating component detected — the short must be internal.

    5. Motherboard Separation & Deep Inspection

    • Use a heating platform and hot air gun to separate the sandwiched motherboard layers.
    • Upon inspection, a capacitor labeled C413_E appears discolored — likely damaged.
      • Based on repair experience, this indicates internal capacitor failure.

    6. Remove the Faulty Capacitor

    • Desolder and remove C413_E without replacing it:
      • Reason:
        • It’s located near the middle layer — re-soldering could damage nearby connections.
        • The Baseband CPU is adjacent — excessive heat could cause baseband failure.
        • PP_VDD_MAIN has multiple filter capacitors — removing one won’t affect performance.
    • Re-check the PP_VDD_MAIN line:
      • ✅ Short circuit resolved.

    7. Reassemble and Test

    • Recombine the motherboard layers.
    • Reassemble the iPhone and power it on.
    • ✅ All functions are working properly.
    12 Pro Cannot Be Booted

    Tools & Parts List

    🛠️ Tools Used:

    • Heating platform (70°C)
    • Hot air gun
    • Microscope
    • DC power supply machine
    • Thermal imaging camera
    • Plastic pry card
    • Screwdriver set
    • Multimeter (with diode mode)

    🔩 Parts/Components Involved:

    • iPhone 12 Pro motherboard
    • Capacitor C413_E (removed, not replaced)

    Technical Terms Explained

    • PP_VDD_MAIN: The main power rail distributing voltage to critical components on the motherboard.
    • DC Power Supply Machine: A diagnostic tool that simulates the iPhone battery, helping identify short circuits based on current flow.
    • Thermal Imaging Camera: Detects abnormal heat to help find shorted components.
    • C413_E: A small filter capacitor used to smooth voltage spikes — one of many on the PP_VDD_MAIN line.
    • Diode Mode Testing: A multimeter function that checks for short circuits or open circuits by measuring voltage drop across components.

    Conclusion

    Water damage doesn’t always mean your iPhone is beyond saving. With the right tools and expertise, even a non-booting iPhone 12 Pro can be revived. In this case, the culprit was a shorted capacitor (C413_E) on the PP_VDD_MAIN line, which was successfully removed to restore full functionality.

    If you’re a technician or DIYer, always proceed carefully when dealing with internal motherboard repairs. And for those looking to enhance their skills, REWA Academy’s iPhone 12 Pro Online Course is a great place to deepen your understanding.

  • iPhone 12 Won’t Boot After Drop? How to Fix Logic Board Damage Step by Step

    iPhone 12 Won’t Boot After Drop? How to Fix Logic Board Damage Step by Step

    When an iPhone 12 experiences a severe drop, it’s not just the screen or back glass that suffers—internal logic board components can also sustain serious damage. If your iPhone 12 won’t boot and only shows a fixed current of around 70mA on a DC power supply, this guide details a real-world board-level repair case. We’ll cover how to identify NAND or CPU damage, perform encrypted chip swaps, and restore the phone to working condition—perfect for advanced repair technicians, refurbishers, and repair shop owners.

    Initial Diagnosis: Phone Doesn’t Boot

    After disassembling the iPhone 12, the motherboard was tested using a DC power supply. The boot current remained fixed at ~70mA, a common indicator of NAND or CPU failure.

    Internal Board Inspection

    The motherboard was separated into upper and lower layers using a heating platform. Upon inspection:

    • Some pads were missing.
    • The NAND chip had a minor crack on the edge.
    • The rest of the board looked intact.

    Under normal circumstances, removing the NAND still allows the phone to connect to iTunes or 3uTools, but this one didn’t. This raised suspicion of CPU damage.

    NAND & CPU Removal

    1. Carefully removed black glue around NAND with a sculpting knife and heat gun.
    2. Heated the chip until solder melted and pried it off.
    3. Board under NAND was heavily deformed (seesaw-like).
    4. CPU was then removed and inspected — no visible cracks or missing pads.
    iphone 12 repair

    Chip Swapping Repair Process

    Given the physical deformation, the likely fix involved transplanting key encrypted chips to a new board.

    1. Swapped the following from the damaged board to donor board:
      • NAND chip
      • CPU
      • Logic EEPROM
    2. Connected upper logic board to DC power — the phone booted successfully!
    iphone 12 a14 chip

    Signal Board Chip Swap

    To restore network and connectivity functions:

    Baseband CPU and Wi-Fi chip were also transferred to the donor signal board.

    With both board layers temporarily connected for testing, the phone booted properly again.

    iphone 12 repair

    Final Assembly

    • Upper and lower layers were permanently rebonded.
    • Phone was fully reassembled.
    • All functions passed — iPhone 12 fully restored!
    iPhone 12 won't boot

    Tools & Parts List

    Tools:

    • DC power supply
    • Heating platform
    • Microscope
    • Hot air gun
    • Sculpture knife
    • Blade knife
    • Motherboard layered test fixture

    Parts:

    • Donor iPhone 12 logic board
    • Replacement signal board
    • Logic EEPROM
    • NAND chip
    • CPU
    • Wi-Fi chip
    • Baseband CPU

    Conclusion

    Severe drop damage doesn’t always mean your iPhone 12 is unsalvageable. If it won’t boot and shows a 70mA current, a deformed board or NAND/CPU failure is likely. With careful inspection, encrypted chip transplants, and the use of donor boards, a skilled technician can revive a seemingly dead phone.

    Got questions? Leave a comment or share your toughest iPhone 12 repair story below!

  • How to Fix iPhone X Apps Crashing Issue (Error 1100) – Step-by-Step CPU Resoldering Repair

    How to Fix iPhone X Apps Crashing Issue (Error 1100) – Step-by-Step CPU Resoldering Repair

    Is your iPhone X constantly crashing whenever you open apps—even after a restore? You’re not alone. This issue is often linked to a deeper hardware fault, especially if you’re seeing iTunes restore error 1100. While software problems are a common culprit, in this case, the cause is more likely poor CPU soldering on the motherboard.

    In this comprehensive repair guide, we’ll walk you through how to diagnose and resolve iPhone X app crashing problems by resoldering the CPU upper layer and properly reassembling the motherboard. Whether you’re a repair technician, DIY enthusiast, or run a repair shop, this guide offers actionable steps to bring the iPhone X back to life.

    iphone x

    Model Overview

    Model: iPhone X

    Announced: 2017, September 12

    Issue: Apps keep crashing after restore; iTunes reports error 1100

    Defect Analysis: iPhone X Apps Crashing Issue

    A customer brought in an iPhone X with persistent app crashing problems. Despite performing a full system restore just days before, the issue remained. We initially suspected a software glitch but ruled it out after another restore attempt via iTunes resulted in error 1100.

    🔍 What’s Error 1100?

    Error 1100 typically indicates a hardware communication failure, often related to the CPU or NAND soldering quality. In this case, the CPU’s upper layer connection was the root cause.

    Repair Process: iPhone X CPU Resoldering & Motherboard Recombination

    Here’s a breakdown of the hands-on repair process performed by REWA technicians:

    Step 1: Attempt Restore via iTunes

    • Restored the device using iTunes → Error 1100 appeared
    • Diagnosis: Potential CPU upper layer soldering issue
    iphone x motherboard repair

    Step 2: Remove the CPU Upper Layer

    Tools used: Hot air gun, sculpture knife

    • Gently heat the CPU using a hot air gun
    • Carefully pry the upper layer off the chip with a sculpture knife
    iphone x motherboard repair

    ⚠️ Caution: Do not overheat. Avoid damaging the lower CPU layer.

    Step 3: Clean the Tin Pads

    • Remove residual glue using cleaning solvent
    • Ensure all solder pads are clean and evenly exposed

    Step 4: Solder the CPU Upper Layer Back

    Tools used: Solder flux, tweezers, hot air gun

    • Apply solder flux to the CPU pad area
    • Align the upper layer with the lower layer using tweezers
    • Heat gently with a hot air gun and slightly press the chip
    • If the chip re-seats perfectly, soldering is successful
    iphone x a11 chip

    Step 5: Reassemble the Motherboard

    Tools used: Heating platform

    • Align both layers of the motherboard using tweezers
    • Set heating platform temperature to 130°C
    • Start heating. Continue for 1 additional minute once the motherboard sinks and solder flux flows out
    iPhone X Apps Crashing

    Step 6: Final Testing

    • Reassemble the phone
    • Power it on and test:
      ✅ Apps launch normally
      ✅ All functions work as expected

    Tools & Parts Used

    • Hot air gun
    • Sculpture knife
    • Solder flux
    • Tweezers
    • Cleaning solution (for glue removal)
    • Heating platform
    • iTunes (for initial software restore)

    Technical Terms

    • Sculpture knife: A precision tool used to lift components or remove glue without damaging the PCB.
    • Solder flux: A chemical agent that helps solder flow smoothly and prevents oxidation during soldering.
    • Tin pads: The contact areas on the motherboard or CPU where solder connects components.
    • Heating platform: A temperature-controlled base used to heat the motherboard evenly for soldering or reflow work.
    • Motherboard recombination: Reassembling a split-layered motherboard (common in iPhone logic boards) using controlled heat and alignment.

    Conclusion: Mastering iPhone X App Crash Repairs

    Fixing the iPhone X apps crashing issue—especially those tied to iTunes error 1100—often goes beyond software troubleshooting. As this case demonstrated, poor soldering between CPU layers can disrupt app stability. By mastering CPU resoldering and motherboard recombination, you can restore functionality and save devices that might otherwise be considered irreparable.

    Want to perfect your soldering skills? Join the REWA Academy’s iPhone Motherboard Repair Course for in-depth, hands-on training.

  • iPhone 12 Pro Boot Failure After Drop – Data Recovery & Logic Board Repair Guide

    iPhone 12 Pro Boot Failure After Drop – Data Recovery & Logic Board Repair Guide

    Have you experienced boot failure after dropping the iPhone 12 Pro? Drop damage is one of the most common causes of boot failure in smartphones. In this repair guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of reviving a severely damaged iPhone 12 Pro that won’t boot due to a fractured double-layer motherboard. Moreover, we’ll show you how to recover lost data by swapping encrypted chips onto a donor board, such as irreplaceable photos. Whether you’re a professional repair technician or a DIY enthusiast, this article provides a deep look into advanced logic board repair methods.

    iPhone 12 Pro

    Phone Overview

    Model: iPhone 12 Pro

    Announced: 2020, October 13

    Damage Inspection:

    After the drop, the iPhone 12 Pro showed a cracked screen and back glass. More concerning iPhone 12 Pro boot failure. The customer urgently needed to recover important photos from the device.

    iPhone 12 Pro Drop Damage

    Initial Diagnosis:

    Upon disassembling the phone, it became clear the double-layer motherboard was nearly separated due to the impact.

    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 3
    • Removed the protective sticker on the NAND chip – visually intact.
    • Heated the board using a hot air gun and heating platform to carefully separate the two layers.

    Chip Condition Check:

    • After separation, both the NAND chip and CPU appeared undamaged.
    • However, internal damage was found in the logic board’s rail area, indicating the board was structurally broken and beyond full restoration.
    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 6

    Chip Swapping Process for Data Recovery:

    Considering that the board inside the rails is cracked and broken, the data recovery can be accomplished by swapping out the encrypted chip for a different one.

    The first step is to carefully remove the NAND chip and CPU.

    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 7
    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 8

    Remove the glue from the CPU pads, then clean them and reball them

    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 9

    Also, clean the pads on the NAND chip and reball it using the stencil, solder paste, and hot air gun.

    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 10

    We have now prepared the two most important chips.

    • Solder the CPU onto the new motherboard
    • Swapping the Logic EEPROM (stores calibration/configuration data).

    Trigger Current Test:

    • Tested the board without the NAND chip installed.
    • Read a trigger current of 80mA, which is consistent with normal DFU mode—good sign.

    NAND Installation & Boot Test:

    • Soldered the NAND chip back onto the new board.
    • Assembled and tested the device. Still wouldn’t boot.
    • Suspected dock flex cable damage. Re-tested the board by connecting only the battery and screen.

    ✅ The iPhone booted successfully.

    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 17

    Signal Board Repairs:

    • Reballed and reinstalled the Baseband CPU and Wi-Fi chip onto the baseband layer.
    • Cleaned the frame pads and rebonded the two motherboard layers together.

    Final Testing:

    After reassembling the iPhone 12 Pro:

    • All functions tested and passed.
    • Only the screen needed replacement.
    • The phone was successfully restored—full data recovery and operational. A true “full blood resurrection”.
    iphone 12 pro boot failure drop data recovery logic board repair guide 20

    Tools & Parts Used:

    Tools:

    • Hot air gun
    • Heating platform
    • Soldering iron
    • Stencil for reballing
    • Solder paste
    • Tweezers
    • Microscope
    • Flux
    • Logic board holder
    • Cleaning solution (e.g., isopropyl alcohol)

    Parts:

    • iPhone 12 Pro motherboard
    • Replacement screen
    • Dock flex cable (if damaged)
    • Thermal pads (if needed)

    Technical Terms:

    • Double-layer motherboard: The iPhone 12 Pro’s logic board consists of two layers soldered together, one handling signal processing (logic layer) and the other handling power and RF signals (baseband layer).
    • NAND chip: The flash storage chip that contains user data such as photos and apps.
    • CPU (Central Processing Unit): The phone’s main processing chip. In iPhones, it contains encrypted data tied to the NAND.
    • Reballing: A process where you apply new solder balls to a chip to allow it to be soldered onto another board.
    • DFU Mode (Device Firmware Update): A recovery mode that allows communication between the phone and a computer even when the phone isn’t booting normally.
    • Baseband CPU: Controls cellular communication. It must be matched and reballed if swapped.

    Conclusion:

    Physical damage doesn’t always mean the end for your iPhone 12 Pro—especially if important data is at stake. With advanced microsoldering skills and the right tools, it’s possible to swap critical encrypted chips like the CPU and NAND onto a new motherboard, recovering full functionality and preserving user data. For professionals and skilled DIYers, this repair highlights the importance of precision, patience, and a strong understanding of iPhone logic board architecture.

  • Explore 4 Different Quality Standard iPhone Charging Port Flex

    Explore 4 Different Quality Standard iPhone Charging Port Flex

    With the continuous expansion of mobile phone after-sales market, charging port flex cable, as perishable products, have a very huge market demand potential.

    In order to meet the different needs of users, REWA will introduce four grades of iPhone charging port flex cable.  Explore the difference bewteen those iPhone Charging Port Flex now!

    OEM NEW

    Brand new and fully-functional.

    OEM New Quality

    OEM USED

    Signs of use but fully-functional.

    OEM Used Quailty

    S+

    It has uneven sealing and some useless ICs.

    S+ Quality

    A+

    It has rough sealing and some missing ICs. FPC flex is bright black and not 1:1 made. 

    A+ Quality

    REWA-Selected iPhone charging port flex cables are best of the best. With multiple standard inspection procedures and clear quality standards, our product boasts high quality, stable charging speed and strong signal.

    For more discounts, you can contact our wholesale team: https://shop.rewa.tech/wholesale.html.

    Any questions or demands please feel free to contact us at: sales@rewa.tech

  • Real iPhone XR Repair Cases: Boot Failure, No Display, Speaker Issues & Baseband Fixes

    Real iPhone XR Repair Cases: Boot Failure, No Display, Speaker Issues & Baseband Fixes

    The iPhone XR remains a popular device, but like any smartphone, it’s not immune to hardware issues. Whether you’re a professional technician, repair shop owner, or DIY enthusiast, understanding real-world failure cases can help you troubleshoot and fix common problems more efficiently.

    In this article, we share four practical iPhone XR repair cases covering issues such as failure to boot, speaker malfunctions, display problems, and baseband failure after a drop. Each case includes clear diagnostics, repair techniques, and component-level solutions to guide your repair process with confidence.

    Case 1: iPhone XR Cannot Boot – High Current Draw on DC Power Supply

    Symptoms:

    • Phone won’t boot
    • Large current spike when connected to a DC power supply

    Diagnosis & Fix:

    Using the rosin inspection method (a technique where rosin is applied to the board and heated to detect short circuits visually), a shorted capacitor—C5655—was found. This component is associated with the PP_DISPLAY_BL12_ANODE line, which powers the backlight.

    Solution:

    Replace the shorted C5655 capacitor. Once replaced, the short circuit disappears and the phone powers on normally.

    Case 2: Speaker Rings Once, Then No Sound

    Symptoms:

    • The speaker makes a single ring or sound
    • No audio afterward

    Diagnosis & Fix:

    This issue is typically caused by poor soldering of the speaker amplifier ICs. Diagnosing each chip individually can be time-consuming, so the recommended approach is to directly replace both speaker amplifier ICs: U5102 and U4902.

    Solution:

    Replace both chips. After replacement, the speaker function returns to normal.

    iphone xr motherboard

    Case 3: No Display, But Normal Boot Current

    Symptoms:

    • Screen remains black
    • DC power supply shows normal boot current

    Diagnosis & Fix:

    Check the display connector and nearby components. The FL5752 inductor was found missing. This inductor is responsible for the PMU_TO_DISPLAY_RESET_CONN_L signal, which is crucial for initializing the display.

    Solution:

    First, test by jumping a wire across the missing inductor location. If the display lights up, replace the FL5752 inductor with one of the same specification to complete the repair.

    iphone xr motherboard
    iphone xr motherboard
    iphone xr repair

    Case 4: No Baseband Function After Drop Damage

    Symptoms:

    • Phone shows no service
    • Baseband information missing

    Diagnosis & Fix:
    Focus on components related to the Baseband CPU, Baseband PMU, and transceiver IC. Start by removing the shielding cover with a hot air gun (avoid using a cutter to prevent damage).

    Next, measure the diode readings around these chips. In this case, C906_K capacitor was found shorted. It is connected to the PP_1V3_SMPS3_XCVR_ANA power supply and acts as a filter.

    Solution:
    Replace the shorted C906_K capacitor with a new one of the same specification. This ensures long-term stability for the Baseband and RF functions.

    (Tips: Use a hot air gun to remove the shielding cover slightly. Avoid using a cutter in order to prevent crack damage to the chips underneath)

    Tools & Parts List

    🛠 Tools:

    • DC Power Supply
    • Rosin + Heat Source (for rosin inspection)
    • Hot Air Gun
    • Multimeter (for diode value testing)
    • Soldering Station
    • REFOX Bitmap/Boardview Software
    • Precision Tweezers
    • Flux

    🔩 Parts:

    • Capacitor C5655 (PP_DISPLAY_BL12_ANODE line)
    • Inductor FL5752
    • Capacitor C906_K (PP_1V3_SMPS3_XCVR_ANA line)
    • Speaker Amplifier ICs: U5102, U4902

    Conclusion

    These real-world iPhone XR function failure cases provide valuable insights into common hardware issues and how to fix them. From identifying shorted capacitors and missing inductors to replacing speaker amplifier ICs, the cases demonstrate how careful inspection and chip-level diagnosis can quickly restore devices.

    Whether you’re an experienced technician or just starting with phone repairs, understanding these examples can enhance your repair skills and confidence. Always use boardview tools like REFOX for guidance and replace components with exact specifications to ensure long-lasting results.

    Technical Term Explanation

    • Rosin Inspection Method: A technique used to locate shorts by applying rosin and heating it. The spot with a short typically produces smoke or changes color first.
    • PP_DISPLAY_BL12_ANODE: A power rail that supplies the display backlight circuit.
    • PMU_TO_DISPLAY_RESET_CONN_L: A low-level reset signal from the power management unit to the display.
    • PP_1V3_SMPS3_XCVR_ANA: A power supply line for the RF transceiver’s analog section.
    • Diode Value Test: A multimeter-based test to identify whether small components like capacitors or diodes are shorted or functioning.