The iPhone X is a remarkable device known for its camera capabilities. However, when the iPhone X front camera or rear cameras cease to function, it can be a real inconvenience. In this guide, we will explore how to diagnose and repair this issue, particularly when it stems from a motherboard problem.
Diagnosis: The Camera Dilemma
Before diving into the repair process, it’s crucial to correctly diagnose the problem. If your iPhone X’s front and rear cameras are unresponsive, as well as the flashlight, this could indicate an issue with the rear camera circuit.
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
Cosmetic Inspection: Examine your iPhone X to ensure it hasn’t been subjected to water damage or physical impacts. If your device is free from these issues, you can proceed with confidence.
Step 2: Motherboard Installation
Getting Started: Begin by acquiring a known good iPhone X back glass assembly and install your motherboard securely.
Connecting Components: Carefully connect the power flex cable, charging port flex cable, front and rear cameras, and other necessary cables.
Earpiece and Sensor Flex Cable: Connect the earpiece speaker and sensor flex cable to prevent screen dimming after booting.
Digitizer and OLED Panel: Ensure you’ve connected the digitizer cable connector and the OLED panel cable connector.
Battery Connector: Finally, connect the battery connector and press the power button to turn on the device.
Step 3: Identifying the Problem
Camera Test: If your display is normal but the front and rear cameras remain unresponsive, the flashlight inactive, it’s time to focus on the rear camera circuit.
Step 4: Microscope Inspection
Disassembling the Phone: Begin by disconnecting the battery, removing the display assembly, and extracting the motherboard.
Use of PCB Holder: Secure the motherboard in a PCB Holder for a detailed inspection.
Microscope Examination: Examine the motherboard under a microscope. Look for any missing components or damage.
Locating the Issue: It’s crucial to identify the missing component. In this case, it’s “inductor FL3903,” which acts as a protective component for the 1V1 power supply line of the rear camera.
Step 5: Repairing the Missing Component
Bonding Pad Damage: If the bonding pad of FL3903 has been dislodged, you will need to reconnect it.
Cleaning: Use tweezers to remove any black adhesive around FL3903 and its nearby component, C3928. Clean the area with PCB Cleaner.
Solder Paste Application: For a secure connection, apply solder paste to the bonding pad with a soldering iron set at 360℃.
Wire Jumping: Use a 0.02mm diameter Enameled Copper Wire to jump a wire between the two pins of FL3903 and C3928. Remove excess wire with a Sculpture Knife.
Insulation Protection: Apply UV Curable Solder Mask to the wire for insulation protection, then solidify the board under a UV Dryer Lamp for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Final Testing
Reassembly: Assemble the phone with the repaired motherboard and display assembly. Connect the battery and press the power button.
Testing: Once the device powers on, open the camera app. Both the front and rear cameras should function normally, and the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
Repairing an iPhone X with non-functioning front and rear cameras can be a complex process, but with careful diagnosis and skilled repairs, it is possible to bring the device back to its full functionality. In this case, the missing component was a key factor in the camera issue, and by addressing it with precision, the problem was successfully resolved.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can save yourself the hassle of camera issues on your iPhone X and continue capturing memories without any hindrance.
