SE Battery Replacement = WiFi Issues

Question

Level 1

23 points

SE Battery Replacement = WiFi Issues

This morning, I replaced my iPhone SE’s battery with one from Imilitis. This is the 6th iPhone battery I’ve replaced, but, the first time this phone has had its battery replaced.

I’m now experiencing WiFi connectivity / range issues. For example, I live in a small home, our router is upstairs and I am downstairs and the phone will not connect to either network (2.5GHZ / 5GHz). When I walk upstairs, closer to the router, voila.

In previous posts, people have mentioned that it was “coincidence” that the Wifi/Bluetooth antenna would fail / degrade at the same time. I call bullsh*t on that. I’ve watched the tear down videos to see if maybe I damaged the Wifi/Bluetooth module/antenna, and while the antenna lives in the general area of the display's flex cables, I was as careful as I've always been. The only error I can think I made was replacing the flex cables' screws in the wrong position (2 of the 4 are longer) and possible punctured the logic board?

I realize that finding out the cause is now less important than the fix to get the phone back up and working properly. That said, what are my options?

iPhone SE, iOS 13

Posted on Nov 29, 2019 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,543 points

Nov 29, 2019 12:02 PM in response to Globalksp

If you have done this before then you know there are websites out there that you can look at that will help you with checking your work (we are forbidden from mentioning it here). I would suggest that you did indeed damage the antenna connection when your replaced the battery which is why you are having the signal strength problem. That will be your next project.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

228,510 points

Nov 29, 2019 10:41 AM in response to Globalksp

Unfortunately, you've rendered your phone unsupportable by tampering with it.

Either find a competent 3rd party shop and see if they can help you, or just go buy a new phone.

Apple won't touch that one now.

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Answer 3

Globalksp Author

Level 1

23 points

Nov 29, 2019 10:48 AM in response to KiltedTim

Thanks for this, but, yes, I know that. I wasn't intending to bring it to Apple, ever, which is why I replaced the battery myself in the first place. I'm more interested in hearing from people who have successfully replaced their WiFi antenna and / or have figured out work arounds.

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Answer 4

y_p_w

Level 6

17,762 points

Nov 29, 2019 12:01 PM in response to Globalksp

Globalksp wrote:

Thanks for this, but, yes, I know that. I wasn't intending to bring it to Apple, ever, which is why I replaced the battery myself in the first place. I'm more interested in hearing from people who have successfully replaced their WiFi antenna and / or have figured out work arounds.

This is a forum provided by Apple. It's one thing to talk about "unauthorized service" in the abstract, such as what it means for warranty or future Apple service, but another to ask for specific instructions or guides on how to do it. I speak from experience, where I've had posts removed for talking about DIY work that Apple theoretically considered user-serviceable.

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Answer 5

KiltedTim

Level 10

228,510 points

Nov 29, 2019 12:00 PM in response to Globalksp

Globalksp wrote:

Thanks for this, but, yes, I know that. I wasn't intending to bring it to Apple, ever, which is why I replaced the battery myself in the first place. I'm more interested in hearing from people who have successfully replaced their WiFi antenna and / or have figured out work arounds.

You're not going to get that here. You'll have to look elsewhere.

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