iPhone 5c front camera sensor cable repair guide

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

In this guide, we show you how to replace your iPhone 5c’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
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
Plastic prying tool

Plastic prying tool

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

Required replacement part

iPhone 5c FaceTime Camera/Sensor Cable

iPhone 5c FaceTime Camera/Sensor Cable

from €14.99 on Amazon

Show all replacement parts for the iPhone 5c

Steps

10 Steps

Removing the enclosure screws

Step 1

Lifting the display

Step 2

Disconnecting the connectors

Step 3

Removing the earpiece

Step 4

Removing the front camera/sensor

Step 5

Installing the camera/sensor cable set

Step 6

Installing the earpiece

Step 7

Connecting the display

Step 8

Attaching the display

Step 9

Fastening the enclosure screws

Step 10

Getting started with the repair of your iPhone 5c

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

10 steps

Removing the enclosure screws
You need a pentalobe screwdriver to open the iPhone 5c.

Remove the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the enclosure. They are located to the right and left of the Lightning connector. Put the screws in the same compartment of your organizer tray.
2 x 3.8 mm pentalobe screws
Lifting the display
Put your iPhone 5c on a soft, clean surface to avoid scratching the back.

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.

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 plastic frame and the display frame and press down the plastic frame. Also use the hard plastic pick to raise the screen (see figure 2). This usually takes several attempts.

As soon as you can lift the screen a few millimeters (see figure 3), you have to carefully work your way around the outside until it’s loosened on both sides (see figure 4).
Disconnecting the connectors
First remove the four Phillips screws from the silver cover (see figure 1). Put the screws in the same compartment of your organizer tray. Then lift the cover to remove it.
1 x 3.2 mm Phillips screw (not magnetic)
2 x 1.2 mm Phillips screws
1 x 1.7 mm Phillips screw

Disconnect the following three connectors (see figure 2). Be very careful. Place the pointed tip of the spudger very slightly below the contact and lift it up.
Touchscreen
LCD
Front camera/sensor/earpiece/ambient microphone

Test the new display.

Temporarily connect the new display assembly.

Start the iPhone and check whether the LCD and touchscreen work properly. Make sure the connectors are securely plugged in to the connections. If not, the display will remain black or stripes will appear on it.
If the display is slightly yellow, see the last step in this manual.
Removing the earpiece
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 4.0 mm Phillips screw
1 x 2.2 mm Phillips screw

Now remove the cover. It’s hooked on in two places. Carefully detach the hooks on one side and lift out the cover. Put it in the container with the screws you removed beforehand (see figure 2).

Then uncover the earpiece (see figure 3) so you can remove it with your fingers.
Removing the front camera/sensor
Remove the cable set. It’s lightly glued to the sensors. Carefully pull it off of them using the laboratory spatula (see figure 1).

Now you can lift the cable set with your fingers. Fold it so the camera is over the rear panel (see figure 2). You don’t need to remove the heat shield.

Detach the heat shield from the rear panel. It’s glued in place. Carefully pull it off with your fingers. If that doesn’t work, you can use a heat gun to warm it up a little and soften the adhesive.

Installing the camera/sensor cable set
First put the ambient microphone in the little black groove (see figure 1).

Then attach the front camera and the sensor to the corresponding brackets (see figure 2).
It’s important to position the sensors correctly because, otherwise, the proximity sensor won’t be fully functional.
Installing the earpiece
Put the earpiece back in its original position (see figure 1). Then put the cover back on (see figure 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 4.0 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.
Connecting the display
Reattach the connectors (see figure 1). The touchscreen connector sometimes comes undone when you connect the LCD connector.
Touchscreen
LCD
Front camera/sensor/earpiece/ambient microphone

Start your iPhone as soon as the connectors are securely attached. Check the function of the LCD, touchscreen, proximity sensor, front camera and earpiece.
If the connectors aren’t connected properly, stripes will appear on the display or parts of the touchscreen won’t work.

Now attach the cover and screw it in place (see figure 2).
1 x 3.2 mm Phillips screw (not magnetic)
2 x 1.2 mm Phillips screws
1 x 1.7 mm Phillips screw
Attaching the display
Then carefully fold down the screen. Make sure that the edge on the upper part of the screen where the cables are clicks into place properly. Now carefully push the screen on toward the Home button until it is properly installed in the frame.
Fastening the enclosure screws
Now screw in the two pentalobe screws at the bottom of the enclosure.
2 x 3.8 mm pentalobe screws