iPhone 15 Plus Taptic Engine Replacement

Source: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+15+Plus+Taptic+Engine+Replacement/166856
Category: Repairs
Type: External SOP

Summary

Replace the Taptic Engine in an iPhone 15 Plus. Indicated when vibrations are rattly or intermittent. Requires back glass adhesive for reassembly.

Drain battery below 25%. Power off the device (hold Power + Volume, then slide to power off).
If glass is cracked, cover with overlapping strips of packing tape. Ensure a smooth area near the bottom edge for suction cup placement.
Mark an opening pick at 3 mm from the tip with a permanent marker to prevent inserting too deep.

Use a P2 pentalobe driver to remove the two 7.7 mm screws on either side of the charging port.
Heat the bottom edge of the back glass with a heat gun or hair dryer until hot to the touch. Do not overheat — battery is susceptible to heat damage.
Apply suction handle to the bottom edge. Pull up to create a gap and insert an opening pick.
Cable/contact caution: A delicate cable runs near the volume up button — do not insert pick in that area. Multiple spring contacts are around the perimeter — do not exceed depth limits.
Slide pick along the bottom edge (max depth: 5 mm). Leave pick inserted at the bottom right corner.
Heat the right edge. Rotate pick around the bottom right corner and slide halfway up the right edge (max depth: 7 mm). Stop at any hard clip. Do not slice near volume buttons. Leave pick inserted.
Heat the left edge. Insert a second pick at the bottom left corner (max depth: 5 mm). Slide up to the top left corner. Leave inserted.
Heat the top edge. Slide second pick across the top edge to the top right corner (max depth: 3 mm). You may hear clips release. Leave inserted.
Heat the top right corner. Rotate second pick around the top right corner and slide down to the volume up button (max depth: 4 mm).
Swing the back glass open to the right. Rest it against a raised surface — do not strain the cable. If stuck, re-check for missed adhesive or clips.

Use a tri-point Y000 driver to remove the two 1.3 mm screws from the lower connector cover. Use tweezers to slide the cover toward the top of the phone to unlatch and remove it.
Rotate the back glass to reveal the battery press connector below the volume buttons. Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector.

Use a Phillips #000 driver to remove the four screws securing the Taptic Engine and its connector cover:
– One 1.4 mm screw
– One 1.9 mm screw (larger head)
– One 1.9 mm screw (smaller head)
– One 2.1 mm screw
Use tweezers to remove the connector cover. Note for reassembly: Orient cover so the gold spring contact faces the edge of the frame.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the Taptic Engine press connector.
Use a standoff driver to remove the 3.3 mm screw securing the top left of the Taptic Engine.
Remove the Taptic Engine with tweezers or fingers.

Reassemble in reverse order. Apply new back glass adhesive before reinstalling the back glass.
To reconnect any press connector: align over socket, press down one side until it clicks, then press the other side. Ensure it sits flat.

A standoff driver is required for Step 19. A thin flathead can substitute — avoid stripping the shallow screw head notches.
Keep all screws organized and return each screw to its original location.
New back glass adhesive is required to complete reassembly.
Do not insert picks near the volume up button area — a wireless charging cable runs through that region.
Battery must be below 25% charge before beginning disassembly.