The front-facing camera or proximity sensor isn’t working.

In this guide, we show you how to replace your iPhone 5’s defective front camera/sensor cable. You need this repair if the front camera isn’t working, the aperture doesn’t open, or your pictures are blurry. Even if your screen no longer goes dark when you’re talking on the phone, replacing this cable will fix the problem. Also replace the cable if your microphone no longer works for videos or FaceTime.

Required tools

  • For storing screws

    For storing screws

    We recommend storing your screws so you don’t mix up the various screws and small parts.

    from €10.99 on Amazon
  • Menda ESD Spudger

    Menda ESD Spudger

    You need a flat plastic prying tool to disconnect the various plugs and connectors.

    from €26.38 on Amazon
  • Tweezers

    Tweezers

    We recommend using tweezers to remove screws and various small parts from your device.

    on Amazon
  • Pick Set

    Pick Set

    You need a flat but stable tool such as a pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Steel Laboratory Spatula

    Steel Laboratory Spatula

    You need a flat and sturdy prying tool to disconnect glued parts.

    on Amazon
  • Pentalobe PL1 screwdriver

    Pentalobe PL1 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing pentalobe PL1 screws.

    on Amazon
  • Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.

    from €10.84 on Amazon
Show all replacement parts for the iPhone 5 

Getting started with the repair of your iPhone 5

If you get stuck or have questions, you can post a comment. We’d be happy to help.

9 steps
  1. Removing the enclosure screws

    iPhone 5 - Removing the enclosure screws 01
    1. You need a pentalobe screwdriver to open the iPhone 5.
    2. Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the enclosure. They are located to the right and left of the Lightning connector. LPut the screws in the same compartment of your organizer tray.
      2 x 3.6 mm pentalobe screws
  2. Lifting the display

    iPhone 5 - Lifting the display 01
    iPhone 5 - Lifting the display 02
    iPhone 5 - Lifting the display 03
    iPhone 5 - Lifting the display 04
    iPhone 5 - Lifting the display 05
    1. Put your iPhone 5 on a soft, clean surface to avoid scratching the back.
    2. To lift the front panel, you need a suction cup and the hard plastic pick. If the screen is severely cracked, cover all of it with packing tape.
    3. Place the suction cup over the Home button (if possible) or next to it (see figure 1). While lifting the screen with the suction cup, insert the hard plastic pick between the aluminum frame and the display frame and press down the aluminum frame. Also use the hard plastic pick to raise the screen (see figures 2 and 3). This usually takes several attempts.
    4. As soon as you can lift the screen a little bit (see figure 4), you have to carefully work your way around the outside until it’s loosened on both sides (see figure 5).
    5. Once the display is fully detached, you can flip it up at the Home button. Note that the display cables are still connected to the logic board (see next step).
  3. Disconnecting the connectors

    iPhone 5 - Disconnecting the connectors 01
    iPhone 5 - Disconnecting the connectors 02
    1. First remove the three Phillips screws from the silver cover (see figure 1). Put the screws in the same compartment of your organizer tray.
      2 x 1.2 mm Phillips screws
      1 x 1.7 mm Phillips screw (not magnetic)
    2. Now you can disconnect the following three connectors (see figure 2). Be very careful.
    3. Place the pointed tip of the spudger very slightly below the contact and lift it up. Make sure you don’t break off the resistors that are soldered onto the logic board. In later batches of phones, the resistors are protected by a black plastic film.
      LCD
      Touchscreen
      Front camera/sensor/earpiece
  4. Removing the earpiece

    iPhone 5 - Removing the earpiece 01
    iPhone 5 - Removing the earpiece 02
    iPhone 5 - Removing the earpiece 03
    1. The earpiece is on the back of the display unit. Remove the two Phillips screws from the cover on the earpiece (see figure 1) and put them in the same compartment of your organizer tray.
      1 x 4.1 mm Phillips screw
      1 x 2.2 mm Phillips screw
    2. Now take off the cover and put it with the screws you removed before (see figure 2).
    3. Then uncover the earpiece (see figure 3) so you can remove it with your fingers.
  5. The right tools for your repair

    With the right tools, you will succeed in any repair. In our store you will find a large selection of professional quality tools.
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  6. Removing the front camera/sensor

    iPhone 5 - Removing the front camera/sensor 01
    iPhone 5 - Removing the front camera/sensor 02
    1. Remove the cable set. It’s lightly glued to the sensors. Carefully pull it off of them using the laboratory spatula (see figure 1).
    2. Now you can remove the cable set with your fingers (see figure 2). Only the ambient microphone is still loosely attached.
  7. Installing the camera/sensor cable set

    iPhone 5 - Installing the camera/sensor cable set 01
    iPhone 5 - Installing the camera/sensor cable set 02
    1. First put the ambient microphone in the little black groove (see figure 1).
    2. Then attach the front camera and the sensor to the corresponding brackets (see figure 2).
  8. Installing the earpiece

    iPhone 5 - Installing the earpiece 01
    iPhone 5 - Installing the earpiece 02
    iPhone 5 - Installing the earpiece 03
    1. Put the earpiece back in its original position (see figure 1). Then put the cover back on (see figure 2).
    2. Now fasten the Phillips screws (see figure 3). Make sure the front camera is centered on the front of the display. Move it slightly if necessary.
      1 x 4.1 mm Phillips screw
      1 x 2.2 mm Phillips screw

    Note that the screws aren’t the same length. If you mix them up, a screw will press against the display glass from the inside and damage it.

  9. Attaching the display

    iPhone 5 - Attaching the display 01
    iPhone 5 - Attaching the display 02
    iPhone 5 - Attaching the display 03
    1. Now reconnect the connectors (see figure 1). The LCD connector sometimes comes undone when you connect the touchscreen connector.
      LCD
      Touchscreen
      Front camera/sensor/earpiece
    2. Reattach the battery connector and fix the coverplate again.
    3. Start your iPhone as soon as the connectors are securely attached. Check the function of the LCD, touchscreen, proximity sensor, front camera and earpiece.
    4. Now attach the cover and screw it in place (see figure 2).
      2 x 1.2 mm Phillips screws
      1 x 1.7 mm Phillips screw (not magnetic)
    5. Then carefully fold down the screen. Make sure that the edge of the screen where the cables are clicks into place properly. Now carefully press the screen on toward the Home button until it’s properly installed in the frame. (See figure 3).
  10. Fastening the enclosure screws

    iPhone 5 - Fastening the enclosure screws 01
    1. Now screw in the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the enclosure.
      2 x 3.6 mm pentalobe screws
Ø 5 (30 Ratings)

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