iPhone 7 Lightning Connector Replacement- How To

Today, iFixit is going to show you how to take apart your iPhone 7 and replace the lightning connector yourself.

Get the Fix Kit for this repair!

Our videos are a great overview, but follow the guide to be safe!

Grab some tools before you begin

Subscribe to our channel for all our latest teardown and repair videos!

[conklinw]

Did the repair last night. Worked perfectly. Just have to be careful that you place the module on correctly since it uses adhesive. There are two spots on the case that align with the module to help you put it on. A lighted magnified glass is a must. Parts are cheap and usually come with tools. I got my lightning connector with nice tools for $16.99. Once you start fixing phones you start accumulating tools. I recommend using a razor when opening the iphone 7. Oh, I worked slow and made sure I got it right. Took me 4hrs. Could probably cut that time in half now that I know how to do it. Also, I used separate pieces of scotch tape to hold all my parts and I numbered them in the order I took them apart. Then I worked backwards.

[Crifstar]

So basically you are telling me that the lightning connector is the very first part installed and EVERYTHING has to come out to get to it?

[DanielMcTech]

Nice job! I didn't expect that a simple port replacement would need an almost full disassembly!

[Yudiguard]

I know Apple hate customers repairing their own devices but that is a hell of a lot of steps to repair something that is integral to the device functioning properly!

[StukaUK]

... and then go down to the store to buy a new 7.

[BannedPhotoshop]

LMFAO you have to take apart the entire f*cking phone in order to change the charger? Thanks apple

[JRJR]

I guess she knows I will break my phone on the first half of the installation so she doesn’t explain how to put it back together.

[TheLegendOfLlnk]

Very informative video. I now know that I have to go buy a new phone. Thanks iFixit!

[Oogabooga-]

Nevermind, I think I can live with it

[NeoJSsk]

Video Tittle update “ How to figure out that you just need to get another iphone” lol

[Forrestwilliam]

Hey Siri!
“Where’s the nearest iPhone repair shop?”

[smash]

Thanks iFixit for a good disassembly video but I would have appreciated you mentioning that the new lightning charging adhesive-backed circuit needs to be perfectly positioned on the reassemble for the ribbon connector closest to the battery connector to actually connect. (the one that folds over sideways isn't forgiving) I discovered this vital bit of info about 75% of the way through reassembly. Now to tear it back apart, peel up the lightning connector circuit and reposition checking with the logic board to ensure it will connect appropriately. When you are off by 0.5mm, you're still off and it will not connect.

[lukex]

I literally was thinking about doing this until I saw this video. This is way harder than taking apart my MacBook Pro!

[TheHeavyend]

When I did this I took a picture of the guts of the phone with the screen removed which is the easy bit. I then taped that picture (which I enlarged a bit) to a magnetic mat and just placed each screw and other bits on the picture, worked a treat...but don't sneeze ffs. All the items will only go in one place so that's not a problem. The important thing is don't get the screws mixed up.

[manimalmatt]

Definitely recommend following the link in the description to the guide. Use a few paper plates to place screws, write on plate to label steps. Use a plate to work over in case a screws drops as you unscrew it so you don't lose it.

[Jason-lebp]

This is a very good dismantling video. However, you never mentioned - The hardest bit is always putting the new part in. You have to crease it in several places. Very important - align the holes with two white dots. If you want to see what I mean, watch a proper fix video

[alexrobles]

Just completed the repair on my IPHONE 7 PLUS it is similar so it help really well, if you’re doing this repair just make sure to use a magnetic mat and to keep all of your screws organice with the parts that go on. It is not difficult you just need to take it easy and take your time. Good luck,

[santosurbina]

I did the repair twice and somehow managed to break the port each time I replaced it. I tested both before I started and they worked and then after I got everything back together it wouldn’t charge

[nigelthurstan]

Wow. Four hours. This is impossible if you are not dextrous or have any degree of shakes. Can't do it without the trilobe screwdriver. Lining up the charger port and cable with the two white dots in the back of the phone case is vital. I would suggest removing the sticky covers from the port cable and counter-intuitively sticking the cable end first, lining up the dots and working down the cable to the charger port. Reassembly steps, use the written stripdown in reverse order on the ifix website.
I have fiddled with several phones, replaced screens and batteries but this is the hardest job so far.

[rnapol]

wow... just wow. I thought I could maybe do this myself but I really dont want to screw my phone. Its a total disassembly to change something that needs to be changed after a few years of usage.