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iPhone 4 not vibrating at all

So my phone isn't vibrating at all for calls or sms on either loud or silent. Vibrate is enabled in settings for both. Am I doing something wrong here? Any suggestions? How long do we think it will be before I can get a replacement?

Windows 7

Posted on Jun 24, 2010 9:41 PM

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137 replies

Mar 13, 2012 8:00 PM in response to ronoldo

That may work if the vibrate motor is stuck. However, mine is not. I followed the previously these instructions as well as the instructions to take it apart and verified that it spins freely, no sticking. The tape is also secure and the contacts were cleaned but it still doesn't work. I've ordered a new vibrate motor - if that doesn't resolve it I can only assume it is the connection on the logic board in which case I will live without vibrate till the 5 comes out.

Apr 1, 2012 4:22 PM in response to whoknows7

Phew! This worked. Thanks for taking the time everyone to report, solve, post and continue keeping this a relevant topic. This just happened to my iPhone4 a week ago. I thought it was because I haven't updated to the March 2012 update. I did have to tap a few times even after it got going. Wonder if that's going to be an ongoing issue. This is already a replacement because the massive scratching that occurs on the back lens cover rendered the camera pretty useless with very bad images. They ended up replacing the entire phone for that instead of just the back case.


Hopefully it won't be long for the next release. I can't wait to give Apple more of my money. (sarcasm).

Apr 19, 2012 10:24 PM in response to whoknows7

This whole situation *****!!! I can't believe Apple gets away with kind of stuff!!! Every iPhone I've had has ended up with some issue for no reason!!! My hubby and I payed a good penny for both our new iPhones and for it, and so many others, to break already is an outrage!!! The fix to download an app is plane ridiculous!! I doubt we will buy the next one released!!!

May 14, 2012 8:29 AM in response to whoknows7

I followed the directions here, and at first, I wasn't sure it would work. Banging the corner did work. The iBrate vibration was kind of weak, but at least it was vibrating. It did shut off a few times, so I don't know how long this will work for me. I have been sitting here with it on silent, waiting to see if it would vibrate from a call, text, email, etc. And, very weakly, it did when an email came in.

I've missed so many calls and messages from this problem! Crossing fingers this works for a long time.

May 16, 2012 12:04 AM in response to brooksthepro

That's the very OTHER fix for the iPhone vibrator, as brooksthepro and others said above.


The "iBrate" fix works, but not for everybody. And actually it takes a few minutes for the vibrator to get stuck again in some cases.


So, the other way to get it working again is to take off the screws and open the iPhone carefully. Check the vibrator part (upper left side, next to the headphone jack) and take a look at the PIECE OF CLEAR TAPE to the very left of the vibrator's weigth, it's probably peeling off. And because of that, the vibrator's weigth gets stuck with the tape, creating that "ticking" sound you guys sometimes hear.


Just push the tape back with some flat object or a flat-head screwdriver. (I really don't know if you can just remove it from there. If someone can confirm that, it would be cool).


When I finished, I got the screws back and my iPhone 4 started to vibrate even better than before. I was so happy 😀 Still....I don't exactly know that clear tape's function and if it is VERY important or not. Maybe you can remove it, who knows.


So, thanks again for the help and suggetions. Now we have two very good fixes (easy and advanced) for the iPhone vibrator.

Jun 19, 2012 8:51 AM in response to whoknows7

Same issue here.

I have iPhone 4 since last 16 months. I tapped with my finger and the issue solved for a few hours. The issue appears again and again.


Except this problem i realised that my vibration is weaker than my friend's iphone 4.


My warranty has ended, so i have to fix it alone. I think is easy and cheap.


Before this, i will try the software fix.

iPhone 4 not vibrating at all

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