iPhone 14 – Full Teardown & Complete Repair Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In this teardown, we dive deep into the internal structure of the iPhone 14. While the external design is nearly identical to the iPhone 13, Apple introduces some significant changes under the hood. The most notable is the removable back glass, which is a welcome improvement for repairability. The phone is IP68 rated, which means extensive adhesive is used to maintain water resistance. Our detailed teardown will cover each component’s removal with care and precision, using only the tools and methods mentioned in the original walkthrough.

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2 TO 3 HOURS to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of fragile flex cables and thorough adhesive removal techniques.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a suction cup, heating mat set between 70 to 90 degrees Celsius, isopropyl alcohol for loosening adhesive, an eye opener, pentalobe and tri-wing screwdrivers, a plastic spudger, and a curved screen disassembler. Additional tools like a curved pry tool may also be used as needed during component removal.

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Heat the phone to loosen adhesive

• Preheat the heating mat to around 70°C, letting it climb between 80–90°C.
• This helps loosen the strong waterproof adhesive used on the iPhone 14.
• Extra glue is present due to the IP68 waterproof rating and the new removable back glass.

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Remove the front screen assembly

• Use a suction cup and the curved screen disassembler to lift the screen slightly.
• Carefully work around the edges using a spudger to release the adhesive.
• Watch for the two flex cables on either side of the screen to avoid tearing them.

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Test the display after lifting

• Once the screen is lifted, power the device to verify the display still functions.
• This step ensures the phone is salvageable for parts or refurbishing.
• If the display works, proceed carefully with full removal.

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Begin removing the back glass

• Reheat the back of the phone again to about 90°C.
• Use the suction cup and firm spudging tools to gain leverage on the glass.
• Slowly separate the back glass, avoiding damage to internal components.

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Detach the battery connection

• Locate the flex cable that connects the battery to the NFC/wireless charging pad.
• Use a spudger to disconnect the cable and free the back glass.
• This completes the back glass removal, which is a big improvement over older models.

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Examine the motherboard and chips

• Identify the A15 Bionic chip and the flex cable area around it.
• Take note of the careful smudging technique around cables near the volume buttons.
• These cables are fragile and require precise disassembly.

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Remove the front camera module

• Locate and disconnect the front-facing camera.
• It comes off cleanly without resistance.
• Handle gently to avoid damaging lens or connectors.

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Remove the rear camera module

• Disconnect the flex cable holding the back camera.
• Wiggle it free with a spudger to release any adhesive.
• Lift and set aside safely for reuse or replacement.

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Take out the taptic engine

• Unscrew and remove the vibrating motor at the bottom of the phone.
• It appears slightly larger than previous models.
• Use care not to damage the housing or its contacts.

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Loosen the battery adhesive

• Apply isopropyl alcohol around the battery edges.
• Allow it to sit and soften the adhesive (“marinate”).
• Skip pull tabs, as they often break; isopropyl works more reliably.

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Remove the loudspeaker

• While the battery adhesive loosens, detach the loudspeaker.
• It sits near the bottom of the phone and lifts out easily.
• Set aside for inspection or reuse.

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Remove the eSIM reader

• Although the iPhone 14 has no physical SIM tray, it has an eSIM reader.
• Carefully lift and remove it using a spudger.
• It is easily accessible once the loudspeaker is out.

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Remove the battery

• After soaking, pry the battery out with a curved tool.
• Avoid using excessive force to prevent puncture.
• Gently lift it from the chassis without bending.

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Detach the 5G module

• The 5G module sits beneath the battery and is inaccessible until it’s removed.
• Remove it using precision tools and avoid contact with surrounding modules.
• Set aside carefully to preserve its integrity.

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(Optional Mistake) Power and volume button access

• A small screw allows removal of the power and volume buttons.
• This wasn’t intended, but demonstrated in the video as an example.
• Removing the screw gives access to those flex components.

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Remove the GPS module

• Locate the GPS antenna module.
• This version has a new flex cable design compared to the 13.
• Lift carefully to avoid damaging the thin cable.

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Begin removing the motherboard

• Isolate the A15 Bionic chip and gently start prying the motherboard.
• Lift using a plastic spudger to avoid conductive tools.
• Carefully work around the frame to remove it fully.

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Remove the top speaker

• Unscrew and lift the top earpiece speaker near the front camera.
• It detaches easily but contains delicate mesh.
• Set aside with other components.

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Expose midframe housing and final parts

• At this point, only the frame, charging dock, mesh, NFC connector, and power flex remain.
• These are left in place as they are embedded deeply in the frame.
• The teardown is now complete.

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CONCLUSION:

The iPhone 14 brings some welcome changes, especially the removable back glass, which improves repairability. With stronger adhesive and waterproofing features, the teardown takes patience and precision. Each internal component is tightly packed and requires careful handling to avoid damage. Despite its similar appearance to the iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 has notable design improvements under the hood. Following these steps closely will allow you to safely disassemble the device and understand its inner workings.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. A good set of repair tools makes all the difference in a smooth teardown experience.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below or contact us. Our team will be happy to help!

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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