Fixing iPhone 12 Earpiece Speaker Without Losing Face ID

Fixing the iPhone 12 Earpiece Speaker without Losing Face ID

If you're one of the many iPhone 12 or 12 Pro owners who have experienced issues with the earpiece speaker, you may be aware that this is a hardware fault that Apple has acknowledged. The company offered a warranty repair program for up to three years after the date of sale. However, if your device is no longer under warranty and you don't have Apple Care+, repairing it through Apple can cost at least $450.

DIY Repair vs. Professional Repair

If you opt for the DIY repair route, you'll discover that the speaker and front-facing sensors are a single assembly. Replacing this entire assembly would require you to sacrifice Face ID functionality due to parts pairing issues.

A Solution that Preserves Face ID

Fortunately, there is an alternative solution that allows you to fix the earpiece speaker without losing Face ID. This involves keeping the sensor package intact and only replacing the faulty speaker.

Required Tools and Materials

• iPhone 12 display assembly adhesive
• Replacement earpiece speaker
• P2 pentalobe driver
• Phillips 00 driver
• Tripoint Y000 driver
• Anti-clamp
• Eye opener
• Hair dryer or heat gun
• iFixit opening picks
• Spudger
• Tweezers
• iFixit smart soldering iron (optional)
• Flux and solder

Preparation and Safety Precautions

Before starting the repair, ensure your iPhone battery is discharged below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire or explode if accidentally punctured.

Step-by-Step Repair Process

1. Power off your iPhone and remove the two P2 screws on either side of the lightning cord.
2. Apply heat to all four edges of your iPhone using a heat gun, heat mat, or eye opener.
3. Lock Clampy into place and ensure you have a good grip on the screen and back glass with the suction cups.
4. Slowly turn the handle one full rotation clockwise until you see the suction cups lift the screen.
5. Continue to apply heat and gently pry the screen away from the frame.
6. Remove the top brackets and all four tri-point screws, followed by the bottom brackets and the last two tri-point screws.
7. Carefully disconnect the front-facing sensor assembly press connector and other connectors from the logic board.
8. Gently lift the screen away from the frame and set it aside.
9. Locate the faulty earpiece speaker and carefully remove it from the device.
10. Install the replacement earpiece speaker, ensuring proper alignment and connection.

Reassembly

Carefully reattach the screen to the frame, ensuring proper alignment and secure fastening of all screws and connectors. Apply pressure to ensure the glue adheres to both the front and back of the display.

Final Touches

Replace the two P2 screws to secure the screen in place. Your iPhone should now be fully functional, with a working earpiece speaker and Face ID intact.

Congratulations!

You have successfully fixed your iPhone 12 earpiece speaker without losing Face ID functionality. This repair should cost you less than $20 in parts, saving you hundreds of dollars compared to professional repair or replacement.

Fixing iPhone 12 Earpiece Speaker Without Losing Face ID

• Restart Your iPhone: Often, a simple reboot can resolve many issues. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until the "Slide to Power Off" slider appears, then drag it to the right.
• Check for Software Updates: Ensure your iPhone 12 is running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• Disable and Re-enable Face ID: This step can sometimes resolve connectivity issues between the earpiece speaker and Face ID. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, then toggle off Face ID and wait for a few seconds before toggling it back on.

• Warranty Check: Before undergoing any repairs, check if your iPhone 12 is still under warranty. If it is, Apple may cover the repair costs.
• Data Backup: Always back up your data before sending your device for repair or attempting to fix it yourself. Use iCloud or iTunes to ensure all your important files are safe.
• Avoid DIY Repairs: While DIY repairs can be cost-effective, they may void your warranty and could potentially cause more harm than good, especially with complex components like the earpiece speaker and Face ID system.

• Pentalobe screwdriver (P2)
• Tri-point screwdriver (Y000)
• Phillips screwdriver (#000)
• Anti-static wrist strap
• Soldering iron and flux
• Wire strippers and tweezers

1. Remove the SIM card tray and any external cases or covers.
2. Use a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the screws from the bottom of the iPhone.
3. Gently pry open the screen bezel using a plastic spudger, working your way around the edges.
4. Disconnect the antenna cables and carefully lift the screen away from the midframe.

1. Locate the earpiece speaker and gently pry it away from the midframe using a plastic spudger.
2. Disconnect the flex cable connector from the logic board.
3. Use a soldering iron to remove any residual solder from the logic board pads.
4. Apply flux to the pads and carefully solder the new earpiece speaker in place, ensuring proper alignment and connection.

• Avoid touching or damaging the Face ID components, including the TrueDepth camera, flood illuminator, and dot projector.
• Do not disconnect any Face ID-related cables or connectors, as this can compromise Face ID functionality.
• When reassembling the iPhone, ensure proper alignment of the screen and midframe to avoid damage to the Face ID components.

1. Reattach the earpiece speaker to the midframe using a small amount of adhesive or tape.
2. Reconnect the flex cable connector to the logic board, ensuring secure connection and proper alignment.
3. Reassemble the iPhone in reverse order of disassembly, ensuring all screws are securely tightened.