Replace the rear camera of an iPhone 14
This tutorial explains how to replace the rear camera module of an iPhone 14 by opening the back of the device. It requires patience and great care with the ribbon cables and the battery.
The part for this repairRear ultra-wide camera for iPhone 14 (LED) – Compatiblefrom €8.90View the part →Tools needed
- Precision screwdrivers suited to the device's screws (pentalobe and other bits needed)
on sale · €8.90 - Suction cup
on sale · €7.90 - Thin plastic pry tool
on sale · €6.90 - Non-metallic fine-tip tweezers
on sale · €7.90 - Gentle, adjustable heat source (heat plate or hair dryer)
on sale · €12.90 - Anti-static wrist strap and work mat
on sale · €7.90 - Magnetic trays or sheet to sort the screws
- Masking tape and a pen to mark the screws
- Soft, lint-free cloth
Safety
- Lithium-ion battery: do not puncture, bend or pry it with a metal tool. A swollen, hot or damaged battery must not be reused.
- Heat: heat in short, moderate steps; excessive heat damages the screen, the battery and the seals.
- Static electricity: work on a non-metallic surface and discharge yourself before touching the ribbon cables.
- Always disconnect the battery before touching any other connectors.
- Work on a clean, well-lit surface, free of dust, as dust on the lens or sensor leaves marks on photos.
Steps
Diagram · Device switched off, clean workspace 1Prepare the device and the workspace
Back up your data, switch the iPhone off completely and disconnect all cables. Set up on a clean surface, put on the anti-static wrist strap and prepare something to sort the screws.
Diagram · Unscrew and keep the screws safe 2Remove the bottom screws
Remove the two small screws located on either side of the charging connector, at the bottom of the device. Keep them together and note where they came from.
Diagram · Suction cup, then pick 3Heat and lift the back
Gently heat the edges of the glass back to soften the adhesive. Place the suction cup, pull lightly and slide a thin plastic tool into the gap, then work your way around without forcing it.
Diagram · Lift the connectors 4Lift the back without tearing the ribbon cable
Open the back like a book, without pulling it off in one go, as a ribbon cable still connects it to the rest of the device. Set it down stably and protect it with a cloth.
Diagram · Disconnect the battery first 5Disconnect the battery
Remove the metal bracket that covers the battery connector, then unclip that connector with a plastic tool, lifting straight up. Move the cable aside so it cannot reconnect by itself.
Diagram · Lift the connectors 6Disconnect the camera ribbon cable
Locate the rear camera module and remove the cover or bracket that covers its connector. Lift the connector gently, without pulling on the ribbon cable.
Diagram · Old part: rear camera 7Remove the old camera
Remove the screws or brackets holding the module in place, marking them on a piece of tape. Then lift the module without touching the lenses with your fingers or knocking neighbouring parts.
Diagram · New part: rear camera 8Fit the new camera
Check that the housings are clean, then place the new module flat, in the same orientation as the old one. Refit the screws and brackets without overtightening, then reconnect the ribbon cable by pressing gently and flat.
Diagram · Test before closing up 9Test, close and refit the screws
Reconnect the battery, refit its cover and reconnect the back's ribbon cable to run a quick test: switch the device on and check that the camera works before closing it up. Switch it off again, replace the adhesive on the back if needed, close it by pressing along the edges and refit the two bottom screws.