With the introduction of the iPhone X in 2017, Apple Inc. introduced the Face ID feature. This feature improved the security of the Apple iPhone by almost 20 times compared to Touch ID while also providing additional convenience for the user. Since then, Apple has released several models of iPhones and iPads that come with the Face ID feature. However, it can be troublesome when Face ID is not working, causing inconvenience.

There are some traditional methods for fixing Face ID issues that involve disassembling the phone, welding, and aligning the device, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. To solve this problem, REWA Tech introduced the latest and innovative REFOX RP30 multi-functional programmer. The RP30 can not only solve iPhones with Face ID issues, but it can also restore battery health and the true tone function of iPhones. It is our belief that by mastering the use of this device and technique, one will be able to greatly increase the efficiency of iPhone repairs.

How to Fix iPhone Face ID

REWA Tech understands the complexity of the Face ID repair or solution for iPhones, which is why we have designed a very simple solution for you to use. The only thing you need to do is to follow a few simple steps in order to resolve the issue.

Step 1. Preliminary judgment

The first thing we need to confirm is whether the failure of Face ID was caused by the dot fusion projector or not. So we turn on the phone to check Face ID. The screen shows that there is a problem detected with the TrueDepth camera. Face ID has been disabled. Then we dial the number to see if the proximity sensor and flood illuminator work properly. While focusing, the camera shows move farther away when set to portrait mode. Therefore, we can make a preliminary judgment that the issue of Face ID failure is caused by the dot fusion projector.

Step 2. Testing

After judgment, place the phone screen face down on top of the heating pad to heat it. We choose to use a screen opener to take the screen off and remove the battery and Face ID.

Next, put the battery and screen back into the phone and connect the phone to the computer. Then link the Face ID to the RP30 Projector for testing. The results show that the dot projector was fused. So we can use the latest solution to repair it.

Step 3. Fixing

Back up the data on the dot projector and connect the programmer to the high-voltage power cable.

Click activate and wait for the activation process to be completed. After the activation process, snap the dot projector cable onto the programmer and then write in the data that has been previously backed up. Then remove the dot project cable and snap the Face ID.

Be sure to pay attention to the folding process. If you have doubts about this, you can check our video or contact us for further discussion.

Step 4. Check

Connect the Face ID to the programmer again for the test. The test result is normal. Put Face ID back on the phone and install the battery and screen. Turn the phone on to test. Face ID can be set normally and unlocked successfully.

Above is the latest Face ID repair solution shared. Since this is a very simple and easy-to-follow solution that requires no soldering, level 2 technicians can now easily correct complex Face ID problems.

To Summarize

Fixing Face ID issues on an iPhone used to be a complicated process that required disassembling the phone and performing complex operations. However, with the introduction of the RP30 multi-functional programmer, level 2 technicians can now easily fix complex Face ID problems without soldering or complicated operations. This not only saves time but also reduces labor costs, making it an excellent choice for cell phone repair shops looking to improve their efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The no-soldering solution for fixing Face ID represents a significant advancement in the field of phone repairs. The step-by-step process for using the RP30 programmer is easy to follow, and the results are impressive.

Looking for a Coupon to save on RP30 programmer? Visit our coupon page or apply the coupon code from Wethrift REWA Page.

One of the major appearance differences between iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro is that iPhone 13 Pro has a smaller notch. After the iPhone 13 Pro teardown, we find that the TrueDepth camera system of iPhone 13 Pro is less of the flood illuminator than iPhone 12 Pro. The missing flood illuminator is one of the reasons why the notch is smaller.

The front camera module of iPhone 13 Pro is also smaller than iPhone 12 Pro. The dot projector is moved to the middle with obvious outlook differences. We guess it may have something to do with the missing flood illuminator. The missing flood illuminator is probably integrated with the dot projector.

In this video of a repair case, REWA LAB will find out where the missing flood illuminator is and what influences the change of design by Apple will bring to Face ID repairs.

The Face ID of the iPhone 13 Pro is not available. Then we take apart the phone. Disconnect the battery and remove the display.

To avoid potential damage, apply high-temperature tape on the front camera module before repairing. Next, yank the motherboard, earpiece speaker and front camera module out.

In the first place, we connect the front camera module with the programmer. Then connect the phone to the computer. Click “Pearl Unbind”.

After unbinding, attach the front camera module to the holder. Carefully grind the metal plate with a grinding pen. Pry up the metal plate with a sculpture knife. Then cut the pin.

The next step is to remove the dot projector with hot air gun at 120 °C. It can be seen that the dot projector of iPhone 13 Pro is integrated with the flood illuminator. The CMOS of the infrared camera is put aside.

Then we remove the chip with hot air gun at 330 °C. Clean the bonding pads with soldering iron at 360°C. Keep cleaning the bonding pads with solder wick. Please do not damage the gold wire or smudge the CMOS during operations.Scrub the bonding pads with PCB cleaner.

Apply some paste flux to the bonding pads. Align the PCB board. Solder the board with hot air gun at 330°C

To facilitate subsequent IC soldering, we flatten the bonding pads. Then put the IC in position. Solder the chip with hot air gun at 330°C.

After that, we connect the flex cable with the programmer. Connect the phone with the computer. The new IC binds the phone successfully.

Next, we install the flex cable for testing. The settings of Face ID can be open and the flood illuminator works fine.

Then we need to assemble the front camera module. After alignment, apply some adhesive

Once the adhesive is set, install the front camera module. Connect the screen and battery. Turn on the phone. Face ID can be set up and works perfectly.

The flood illuminator of iPhone 13 Pro is integrated with the dot projector, which can make the notch smaller but brings new challenges for Face ID repairs. Compared to the old method of flex cable replacement and module transfer, the new way is more difficult and demanding for handwork. REWA LAB recommends non-professionals do not try this as it might damage the Face ID for good. We will keep you posted on the latest Face ID repair solutions for iPhone 13 series.

With the diffused application of Face ID on iPhone X - 11 series, Face ID failure also appears at a high frequency. As our previous Face ID teardown video   has introduced, Face ID can be easily damaged and hardly repaired. If the problem is related to the flex cable, then it’s simple. However, based on statistics of REWA chip-level motherboard repair service , Face ID failure is caused by damage of the Flood illuminator/Dot Projector in most cases, which can not be repaired.

Today, we want to share a case about ‘move iPhone a little lower/higher when setting up Face ID’ and show you how our technicians find out the fault in 3 minutes with the help of REWA exclusive repair tricks on Face ID troubleshooting. Let’s get started!

Face ID Not Working Malfunction

The phone keeps sending messages: ‘move iPhone a little lower/higher’ during the setting up process of Face ID. It means that Face ID cannot be set up successfully on the phone.

Why is my face id not available troubleshooting

Now, let’s find out the fault step by step.

Step 1 Test The Flood Illuminator

Based on REWA exclusive repair tricks, let's start with the Flood Illuminator. There are two important Face ID parts whose behavior relies on the support of the Flood Illuminator. In our daily repair work, we can test the Proximity Sensor and the Ambient Light Sensor to confirm whether the Flood Illunmunator is working normally.

Let’s make a phone call to confirm whether the Proximity Sensor is working. During the phone call, cover the top of the screen with one hand. We can see that the screen turns black immediately. Judging by this, the Proximity Sensor is working normally. 

Next, test the Ambient Light Sensor. Set the screen brightness to the lowest and then hold the phone under a bright light. With the screen getting brighter, we can confirm that the Ambient Light Sensor is also working normally. Judging by this, the Face ID failure is not caused by Flood Illuminator. 

Step 2 Test The Front Camera Parts

Let’s move on to the next step of face id not working - test the front camera parts.

Open the camera app and swipe to Portrait Mode. The background is not blurred, which is abnormal.

Step 3 Observing The Dot Projector

At the Portrait Mode, there is no flashing red light from the Dot Projector. But the Dot Projector should emit flashing red light in normal status. We can confirm now that the Dot Projector has malfunctioned. This is the fault that causes the Face ID to set up failure. And the problem cannot be fixed.

Tips

The three parts ( infrared camera, flood illuminator and dot projector) are paired to the phone. Damage of any one of them can cause Face ID failure and such an issue is irreparable.

Right now, Face ID failure has become a common problem in our daily repair work. Whether the problem you are dealing with can be repaired or not is really an important thing for repair technicians. Don’t worry! REWA exclusive repair tricks on face id not working can be a great reference for repair technicians to find out faulty positions and improve repair efficiency.For details of this case, please check out the YouTube Video below.

Wanna learn basic knowledge about iPhone motherboard, master iPhone micro-soldering techniques, understand the work-flow of different iPhone circuits, master troubleshooting processes of different iPhone issues, and learn detailed screen/back glass refurbishing steps?

REWA Academy is a platform that provides repair technique learning, practical demonstration, and idea-sharing for practitioners in the electronic repair industry. 

Due to the vulnerability of the Face ID parts, it can be easily damaged when the phone is dropped or during screen replacement. And that’s what our blog is about today. iPhone X Face ID Not Available caused by broken flex cable of the Face ID parts. This is also a reminder. Please be careful in your daily use of the phone!

How Does Face ID Work

With user’s face closing to the screen, the proximity sensor starts the recognition process. The flood illuminater helps the TrueDepth camera system determine how much illumination will be needed for face recognition. 

The dot projector projects over 30,000 dots in a known pattern onto the user’s face. Those dots are then photographed by infrared camera for analysis.

A 3D map of user’s face are then completed. The 3D model is then compared against the stored template. The phone authenticates the identity and unlocks or authorizes a payment.

Step 1 Test

Press the power button to turn on the phone. The iPhone X shows an alert that says it is ‘unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone’.

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID. When trying to set up Face ID on the iPhone X, we get the message 'Face ID is Not Available, try setting up Face ID later'.Judging by this, Face ID relevant circuit has probably malfunctioned. We need to check components on Face ID relevant circuit.

Step 2 Diagnose

Take apart the phone and disconnect the battery. We can see that the infrared camera module flex cable is broken. So the fault is probably caused by malfunction of the infrared camera.

Remove the Face ID parts. We can see clearly that the infrared camera module flex cable is broken.

Step 3 Troubleshoot

Fix the infrared camera module flex cable with High-temperature Tape. Then scrap off insulating varnish on the cable with the Sculpture Knife.

Notes: control the force applied when scrapping. The flex cable might be further damaged during the operation.As we all know, the Face ID parts cannot be replaced. So we need to treat the broken flex cable with jumper wiring.

Step 4 Jump-wiring

Continue to apply Paste Flux to the broken flex cable. Then heat with the Soldering Iron and tin the broken flex cable with solder paste. Once done, clean with PCB Cleaner.

Again, apply Paste Flux to the broken flex cable. Here we need the Enameled Copper Wire of 0.02mm in diameter. Heat up with the Soldering Iron and solder the two ends of the wire to the two pins of the broken cable.

Once done, cut off the excess wire with Sculpture Knife.Notes: keep the soldering iron tip away from pins of undamaged cables to prevent these pins from getting shorted.Once completed, check again to make sure that there is no shorted pin or pseudo soldering condition. Clean thoroughly with PCB Cleaner afterwards.

Step 6 Solidify

Once done, apply some UV Curable Solder Mask to the jumper wiring area for insulation protection.

Continue to solidify the flex cable under the UV Dryer Lamp. Stick High-temperature Tape/Solder Joint Sticker on the jumper wiring area to reinforce.

Step 7 Test

Next, let’s assemble the phone and test. Get the Face ID parts and the display assembly installed and the battery connected. Press the power button to turn on the phone. The phone turns on normally.

Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID. Face ID can be set up successfully. The screen can be unlocked automatically.

Tools & Parts Needed

Hot Air Gun Rework Station

Integrated Mobile Phone Repair Platform

iPhone Disassembling Tool Kits

Electron Microscope

You can also visit REWA YouTube Channel to check our video and learn how to fix iPhone X Face ID not available efficiently.

Today we will share a repair case on how to repair iPhone X Face ID not working.

The phone used to keep restarting. After testing, it was found that the earpiece flex cable was faulty. We replaced it with a new earpiece flex cable. The restarting problem was fixed but Face ID was not working and True Tone disappeared. This is because Face ID needs dot projector, infrared camera and floodlight illuminator to work together. The three parts are encrypted separately, so each part is indispensable. Both damage and replacement will result in the Face ID not working. The dot projector and infrared camera can be fixed if damaged. Because its data is bound to the motherboard, the floodlight illuminator on the earpiece flex cable can’t be repaired if damaged. Since the floodlight illuminator is in the earpiece flex cable, the data is hard to read.

If the Face ID is not working because the earpiece flex cable has been replaced or damaged, there is no way to repair it. But recently this type of problem has a solution and the original flex cable is no longer needed.

In the first place, we need to jailbreak the iPhone. Connect the phone with the computer. Open the software and click “Start”. The phone is in recovery mode automatically. Put the phone into DFU mode manually. The jailbreaking has succeeded.

Then connect the phone to J-BOX. Connect the J-BOX to the computer. Select “Face”. Begin reading data. We can see that the data of the distance sensor and ambient light sensor don’t  match the data on the motherboard. It can be confirmed that the earpiece flex cable has been replaced, which resulted in the Face ID not working.

Open the JCID Repair Assistant. Click “Detect” and unlock automatically.

Then we use V1S to write the data. Connect V1S and phone to the computer. Get a new JC earpiece flex cable. Attach the earpiece flex cable to V1S.

Open the JCID Repair Assistant again. Click “Connect” and start testing.

Click “Activate FPC”. Bind the flex cable to the phone.

Next, we only need to install the new flex cable with written data.
Disassemble the phone and disconnect the flex cables. Remove the display assembly and detach the earpiece flex cable. Install the new earpiece flex cable. Connect the display assembly. Assemble the phone. Turn on the phone to test. True Tone has been restored. Face ID can be set up and is working normally.

Some people may come across such problems when using the iPhone with Face ID - iPhone continues to prompt "Move a Little Lower/Higher". But no matter how you move, you can’t reset the Face ID. You can try the following methods to solve the problem:

1. Restart your device

iPhone X and later model restart method: please press the side button and any volume button until the slider is displayed, then slide the slider to shut down; then press the side button until the Apple logo appears.

If it is a problem with software or temporary system failure, it is generally resolved after reboot.

2. Take off the film or check if there is dirt

Please check if there is a stain or occlusion near the front camera, and clean it with a lift.

3. Check if the device is water damaged

If the device has touched or fallen into the water before the problem occurs, it may cause the Face ID not working. Please bring your device to Apple after-sales.

Understand if the iPhone is water damaged by the indicator:

Most iPhones are equipped with an LCI that can be seen from the outside. The LCI can tell if the device is not exposed to a liquid or aqueous liquid. Normally, the indicator should be white or silver. But after contacting the water or aqueous liquid, it will become red.

To determine if the LCI of your device touches the liquid, you can refer to the following picture to help you see the LCI. Please use the lamp magnifying glass, adjust the angle of the light or device until you can see LCI.

4. Update the system

If the device is not accidentally water damaged, you can try to update the system to the latest version. If the problem is still unable to resolve, you should send your device for repair in no time.

Recently we got many messages about Face ID not available after screen replacement from our clients, which surprised our technicians greatly. Since the screen replacing would not affect face ID function at all according to our practical verification. However, REWA has done some further researches and will share you the detailed analysis and solution for iPhone X face ID failure caused by damage of flex cable after repair here.

How does face ID work?

First, let’s understand how face ID works. The whole functional area is dubbed the “TrueDepth camera system”, which is made up of flood illuminator, infrared camera, front camera, dot projector, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, speaker and microphone. Speaking of which, have you read iPhone 8/X Ambient Light Sensor Issues ? Every time you glance at your iPhone X, the flood illuminator detects your face with infrared light and forms an image. Then the dot projector will project out over 30,000 invisible infrared dots over your face to create a 3D map. Last, the infrared camera reads this map and sends the data to neural networks to create a mathematical model of your face. Your iPhone X will check that mathematical model against the one that you've set up and stored on your device to see if it's a match, and if it is, it will unlock your phone.

How do we repair?

According to the description, this iPhone X was dropped once. However, the face ID is in normal status. It fails to work until a replacement of screen assembly. With all the knowledge, we begin our repair.

Power on the phone and it shows “unable to activate Face ID on this iPhone” . So we resort to resetting face ID. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Reset Face ID. We get the message “Face ID is Not Available, try setting up Face ID later” . Our initial judgment is that the unavailable Face ID might be caused by misoperation in the screen replacing process. Therefore, next thing we do is to check flex cables that are related to Face ID.

Disassemble the phone. And check the Infrared camera and dot projector module under Microscope first. Nothing goes wrong. Then move to the Flood illuminator module on the earpiece speaker assembly. Check the connector and flex cables carefully. Still, nothing goes wrong.

Then remove screws. And detach the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly from the phone. Be careful not to damage flex cables in the process since the Flood illuminator module is bonded to glass lens with double-sided tape. We can see clearly that the flex cable where locates the Flood illuminator module is fractured at the edge.

Since the Flood illuminator module is an essential part for Face ID circuit, damage of the flex cable can result in not working of it, which can absolutely affect normal working of Face ID. Also, as flex cable repair is difficult, we can solder the Flood illuminator module to a new flex cable. To replace with a new flex cable, we need to separate the earpiece speaker and the ambient light sensor module from the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly first. Heating with Soldering Iron, the ear speaker was separated successfully. Then, secure the flex cable in the place with High-Temperature Protective Tape for further separating the ambient light sensor module flex cable. Soldering Iron and Hot Air Gun are required to remove this flex cable. Once done, remove excess tins on the flex cable with Soldering Iron and clean with PCB Cleaner.

Now the fractured flex cable is separated completely. Next thing we do is to replace with a new flex cable. Remove the Flood illuminator module on the flex cable first. Prepare a new flex cable. Apply some Paste Flux to the bonding pad. Align the Flood illuminator module in place with the new flex cable. Be careful with the direction. Then solder with Hot Air Gun. Remove residual glue on the module afterward.

The repair part is almost over right the moment. Next thing we need to do is to re-solder the ambient light sensor module and earpiece speaker. However, the soldering of the ambient light sensor is the most difficult part of this repair. Whatever, let’s do it. Apply some Paste Flux to the bonding pad of ambient light sensor module. Then apply tins to the bonding pad with Soldering Iron . Clean with PCB Cleaner. Apply some Paste Flux to the bonding pad again. Get the detached ambient light sensor module flex cable in position. Secure the flex cable with one specific position soldered by Soldering Iron with curved nozzle first. Then use Soldering Iron with cutter nozzle to complete the remaining soldering process. Clean with PCB Cleaner afterwards. Now we need to solder the earpiece speaker back to flex cable.

It’s time to get the earpiece speaker and front sensor assembly assembled to the display assembly. Re-assemble the phone and test. Press power button to power on. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode > Set up Face ID . Face ID can be set up successfully. Press the power button to lock the screen. Press the power button again. The screen lights up. Glance at the iPhone X. The screen can be unlocked automatically. Fault cleared.

questions about iPhone X Face ID Not Working After Repairing Tutorial, welcome to comment below or ask a question on ASK Forums .

Click below if you are interested in the Tools & Spare Parts used in the video. For more details and latest price please feel free to contact sales@rewatechnology.com

* Integrated Mobile Phone Repair Platform

* Tri-wing Screwdriver - Type 2

* Straight Tweezer - Type 3

* 4x Optical Microscope - KS7045

* PCB Cleaner - 250ml

* BGA Strip Flux Soldering Paste

* Anti-static Plastic Pry Bar

* Heat-resisting Adhesive Tape - 5.0mm

* 100g Solder Wire - Type 1

* iPhone X Replacement Parts

Visit REWA  online shop  for more parts and tools.

I wanna learn basic knowledge about iPhone motherboard, master iPhone micro-soldering techniques, understand the work-flow of different iPhone circuits, master troubleshooting processes of different iPhone issues, and learn detailed screen/back glass refurbishing steps——You can visit REWA Academy.

Dot projector parts are extremely fragile. A fall or water damage may harm dot projector parts, inducing Face ID not working. Since the dot projector IC is encrypted and replacement requires data encryption bonding for the new IC, repair technicians find it a challenge to repair the Face ID. The good news is that REWA LAB has developed a simple and efficient method to repair the Face ID. Let’s check it out!

Go to Settings, Face ID & Passcode, and Set Up Face ID. When trying to set up Face ID, “Move iPhone a little lower/higher” pops up. Face ID cannot be normally set up. It can be judged that the dot projector of the Face ID has malfunctioned.

Remove the display and then detach the Face ID module. We can see a red mark, which indicates that the phone has water damage.

Connect the dot projector flex cable with the I2C Repair Programmer. The test shows that the dot projector flex cable has malfunctioned.

Press “Read” and read the data from the dot projector flex cable.

Connect a new I2C iPhone 11 Pro Max flex cable to the programmer. Press “Write” and write the data that has been read on the new flex cable.

Dip a small amount of UV Adhesive on the crystal of the dot projector flex cable and solidify it with UV Lamp. This step is aimed to fix the crystal.

Remove the foam on the back of the dot projector.

To make positioning easier while assembly, mark the module with Sculpture Knife.

Since the dot projector flex cable is under the metal plate, lift the metal plate to remove the flex cable.

Get the Holding Fixture. We use Wextom Face ID Module and Dot Projector Board Holding Fixture for the repair.

Attach the Face ID module to the Holding Fixture and grind the welding position of the metal plate.

Insert the pry knife into the gap between the dot projector module and the crystal. Heat with Hot Air Gun at 150℃ and remove the dot projector flex cable.

Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ and detach the dot projector module.

Attach the dot projector module to the Holding Fixture. Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ and take out the MOSFET.

Apply a small amount of Solder Paste to the bonding pad with Soldering Iron at 365℃. Jump wire between pin 2 and pin 3 of the MOSFET with 0.02mm copper wire.

Attach the dot projector module to the holder. To clean the tin on the dot projector module, smear rosin with Soldering Iron at 365℃ and solder-wick.

Clean the module with PCB Cleaner afterward. Heat with Hot Air Gun at 240℃ and remove residual adhesive with tweezers.

Get the new flex cable. Put the Reballing Stencil in the right position and apply some medium-temperature Solder Paste evenly.

Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ and remove the Reballing Stencil after the flex cable has cooled.

Heat with Hot Air Gun at 320℃ again and apply a small amount of Paste Flux to the flex cable.

Fix the flex cable to the holder and align the dot projector module.

Solder with Hot Air Gun at 320℃. Connect the flex cable that has been soldered to the I2C programmer.

Press “Test” and the screen shows “Pass” which indicates that the flex cable is normal.

Attach the flex cable to the Holding Fixture and put the dot projector flex cable in position. Apply a small amount of 460 Adhesive between the dot projector module and the crystal. Once the adhesive has set, arrange the flex cable.

Install the flex cable on the phone. Boot up the phone, and go to Face ID settings. Face ID is set up normally and unlocks normally. The fault is cleared.      

Please feel free to visit our online shop for repair parts and tools.

For more Face ID content, please read the articles below.

Watch the video below to get a more detailed iPhone 11 Pro Max Face ID repair.

Recently, Phone Repair Guru posted a video about iPhone 13 screen replacement. After replacement, “Important Display Message” pops up. What’s worse, Face ID is not available.

Since the iPhone 13 screen includes no flood illuminator module and all the parts for the TrueDepth system are housed in the iPhone itself,

REWA LAB speculates that the chip on the original screen has saved Face ID data. Transferring the chip to the new screen might solve the problem. Today, let’s verify this speculation.

In the first place, we test the Face ID function of iPhone 13. True Tone function is normal. Face ID can be set up and is working fine.

Then we disassemble the phone and try to replace the screen with an original and genuine one. Remove the original screen. Detach the sensor flex cable with Hot Air Gun at 100 °C. Please be careful not to damage the flex cable when you remove it. 

Attach the removed sensor flex cable to the new screen. Install the screws. Connect the new screen. Turn on the phone.“Important Display Message”  appears. Face ID can’t be set up. True Tone disappears.

Next, we try to transfer the IC on the original screen to the new screen. Remove the new screen. To prevent scratches on the screen during operations,

apply a protective film to the screen. 

Heat the screen flex cable with Hot Air Gun at 100 °C. Gently pull up the flex cable. To protect the screen, insert the reballing stencil under the flex cable for insulation. Apply high-temperature tape.

Remove black adhesive around the chip with Hot Air Gun at 240 °C. To remove the chip, set the temperature to 300 °C and airflow to 6.

Apply some middle-temperature Solder Paste. Clean the bonding pads with Soldering Iron at 360 °C and solder wick. Keep cleaning the bonding pads with PCB Cleaner.

Next, remove the chip on the original screen with the same method.

Clean tin on the chip of the original screen. Apply some middle-temperature Solder Paste to the bonding pads. Clean tin and black adhesive on the bonding pads of the chip with Solder Wick. Keep cleaning the bonding pads with PCB Cleaner.

Next, reball the chip. Put the reballing stencil in position. Apply a layer of middle-temperature Solder Paste evenly. Heat with Hot Air Gun at 300 °C to form the solder balls. After the solder balls are formed, clean with PCB cleaner.

Apply Paste Flux to the bonding pads of the new screen. Align the chip of the original screen. Solder the chip with Hot Air Gun at 300 °C.

Remove high-temperature tape after the flex cable has cooled. Connect the screen. Turn on the phone. There is no “Important Display Message”. Face ID can be set up and is working fine. But True Tone hasn’t been restored.

Apple has long faced criticism for displaying prompts like “Important Battery Message” and “Important Camera Message”, which makes it difficult for third-party repair stores to fix their products.

With the ‌iPhone 13‌ this year, Apple further makes it more difficult for customers to get repairs from third-party stores. However, it is risky to replace the chip to solve Face ID not working after iPhone 13 screen replacement. REWA LAB does not recommend that non-professionals try this method. Apple could patch this via an iOS update in the future. Let’s wait and see. Please feel free to leave your thoughts on the problem.

Face ID Not Working 'Move iPhone a Little Lower/Higher' is usually caused by damage to the dot projector and the problem is confirmed to be almost unrepairable. However, there is finally a solution to fix the problem. Today REWA LAB will show you the latest dot projector repair technique!

Problem  

When trying to set up Face ID on the iPhone, we get the message 'move iPhone a little lower/higher'. Next, switch to the front camera, we found that the name of the lighting effect ‘Natural Light’ stays the same when the camera detects a person's face. What's more, the pop-up notification keeps saying ‘Move farther away’. Normally, when Portrait mode is ready, the name of the lighting effect ‘Natural Light’ should turn yellow. Judging by this, the dot projector or relevant circuits of the dot projector might have malfunctioned.

Diagnosis 

Take apart the phone and remove the display assembly first. We can see that the dot projector has been water damaged and the crystal on the dot projector is broken. Take out the front camera assembly carefully. Here we recommend using a repair programmer to check the dot projector flex cable. Connecting the dot projector flex cable with the programmer, the results show ‘Fusing’ which means the dot projector flex cable has been damaged. We need to burn data of the original dot projector flex cable onto a new one and then replace the broken crystal.

Troubleshooting   

In the first step, we should separate the crystal from the cable. Compared to traditional operations with a hot air gun, we prefer to use an intelligent preheating platform. Put the dot projector into the matching rubber mold and separate the crystal from the flex cable carefully with the blade.  Next, we use the repair programmer again to burn the origin data onto the new dot projector flex cable. After completing these two steps, we need to solder the dot projector module and glue a known-good crystal. For detailed instructions, click on the video at the bottom of the article.

Reassemble and Test 

Apply double-sided adhesive tape on the backside of the front camera, and adhere the dot projector flex cable to the right position. Get the front camera assembly installed and get the logic board assembled and buckle the display assembly. Face ID can be set up successfully, and the phone can be unlocked with Face ID this time.  Tips: The double-sided adhesive tape used here is for the test. We need to glue the dot projector module onto the flex cable after fault clearance.

Tools Used

Tweezers

Soldering Station & Material Set

Medium-Temperature Solder Paste

Hot Air Gun

Intelligent Preheating Platform

Visit our online shop for more parts and tools.You can also visit REWA YouTube Channel to check our video.