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Can you replace the iPhone 5S Fingerprint button?

The ribbon connecting my fingerprint button (home button) has snapped and therefore the button is totally useless. Is it possible to replace the button and the fingerprint feature still work? I was told the fingerprint button is matched to the motherboard in the phone?

iPhone 4, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Apr 20, 2016 2:01 AM

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Apr 20, 2016 3:28 AM in response to iKilledSiri

It's my understanding that they won't replace JUST the button.

Although they will replace the button at the same time as doing a screen replacement. But they won't replace the screen if there's nothing wrong with it.

Go figure? This sounds incorrect due to how absurd it is.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.


But yes, you can have the home button replaced by an independent repairer, but the fingerprint sensor won't work as only Apple can reprogram the button to match your motherboard. Having an independent replace anything on your phone will mean forgoing post warranty support in the future.

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Apr 20, 2016 3:40 AM in response to iKilledSiri

iKilledSiri wrote:


The ribbon connecting my fingerprint button (home button) has snapped and therefore the button is totally useless. Is it possible to replace the button and the fingerprint feature still work? I was told the fingerprint button is matched to the motherboard in the phone?

As you have done a self-repair Apple will not have anything to do with your phone. Your only option is to find a reliable independent repairer. There is no way to restore the Touch ID functionality, but the button can be replaced. If your iOS version is 9.2.1 or higher the phone will continue to work without fingerprint access. If it is an earlier version your phone will no longer work at all (error 53) until you update iOS from DFU mode.

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Apr 20, 2016 4:27 AM in response to SunOfRa78

Maybe you should add the fact to your posts, that you are, according to your profile, an "Independent repair technician of consumer electronics, including but not limited to Apple products", which could make your statements a bit one-sided sometimes.

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Apr 20, 2016 5:15 AM in response to Ingo2711

Ingo2711 wrote:

your statements a bit one-sided sometimes.

Hey Ingo, i was just informing you that your statement was incorrect. Nothing to do with bias.

As far as other comments are concerned... I usually give ALL of the options. including Apple. I'm for repair... regardless of who does it.

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Can you replace the iPhone 5S Fingerprint button?

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