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How to Repair an iPhone Backlight

Posted on: 03/27/2023

One of the most commonly seen issues with the iPhone after an accidental drop is the backlight not working on the device. This can be a problem for most users and unfortunately, accidental drops and falls are expected, so you could run into this issue at almost any time. 

Even if you have not dropped your phone, it is possible that your iPhone’s backlight could malfunction and leave you with a fuzzy or black display. Not only is it inconvenient, but it can also be quite frustrating too. 

Below, we will discuss what can cause the problem and how you can potentially fix it right from your couch. 

Why is My iPhone Backlight Not Working?

Knowing the reason for your backlight not working can help you understand what is going on. The most common reason why people struggle with the backlight to work is due to a drop, as we mentioned above. The backlight can stop working due to two main causes: 1) a software issue and 2) a hardware issue. 

The iPhone can run into issues with the software from time to time and this can lead to bugs in the system that may make the backlight not work or work in a very low-definition manner. Fixing these issues is usually just a matter of updating the phone or removing applications that are the source of the problem. 

Just as the iPhone can have software issues, it can also have hardware issues, especially if the phone has been dropped or knocked into. For example, a dropped phone can cause the light to burn out and thus you have no backlight anymore. 

Solutions to Fix Your Non-Working Backlight 

We will look at a solution for fixing your backlight issue if you have a hardware issue and if you have a software issue. 

Solution for a Software Issue with the iPhone 

  1. Download the TunesKit iOS System Recovery tool on your Windows or Mac computer 
  2. Connect your phone to the computer utilizing the cable 
  3. Open up the TunesKit application and click the start button 
  4. Change the repair mode to standard and then click to proceed to the next screen 
  5. Continue to follow the prompts on the screen to enter into recovery or DFU mode 
  6. Click the download button 
  7. Once the download has finished, press the repair button 
  8. Once finished, disconnect the phone and attempt to use it 

Do note that the repair process can take some time, so it is important to leave your phone connected to the computer the entire time. If you interrupt the process, you may find that problems occur with the device afterward. 

Solution for a Hardware Issue with the iPhone 

  1. Remove the back panel on your phone but make sure to turn the device completely off before you do this 
  2. Remove the screw(s) that are holding the battery connector onto the logic board 
  3. Pry up the battery connector carefully and then remove the battery from the device 
  4. Take the SIM card out of its bracket 
  5. Pry open the antenna connector
  6. Remove the screws that are connecting your Wi-Fi antenna to the motherboard (logic board) 
  7. Now lift up the connectors for the front camera cable, digitizer cable, headphone jack, rear camera connector, top microphone, and LCD cable 
  8. Once the components have all been removed as directed, you can then remove the logic board from the device 
  9. You should remove all screws that secure the vibrator to the inner speaker and frame 
  10. You can now remove the SIM card screws and the button 
  11. Once all the screws are removed, you can lift up the top edge of the front panel 
  12. Remove the display 
  13. Replace the broken display pieces and then reassemble your device 

Performing a DIY repair on your iPhone due to hardware issues can be difficult, especially if you do not have any experience. You will be handling and removing the logic board, which is the most important piece of your phone. 

Hiring a professional for iPhone backlight repair in NYC is recommended and the experts at I Repair Cracked Screens can help. Give our team a call today or stop by our shop and let us inspect your phone.