iPhone XR Front Camera Replacement Guide

Hi everyone, welcome back to DIYGeardo!
Today, we’ll show you how to replace the front camera on the iPhone XR mobile phone.

Front camera issues on the iPhone XR can include selfie camera not working, blurry images, black screen in camera app, video call issues, or poor image quality. However, it’s important to note that the front camera assembly is linked with Face ID components, so extra care is required during this repair.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through opening the device safely, removing the front camera assembly, installing a new one, and testing the phone properly before sealing it back up.

---

Compatibility and Model Numbers

Compatible Mode Numbers l A2105, A1984, A2107, A2108, A2106

Tools You Need

• Heating pad / heat gun / hairdryer
• Suction cup
• Plastic card pry tools / opening picks / Tweezers
• Phillips PH000/PH00 screwdriver
• Pentalobe P2 Screwdriver (for bottom screws)
• Tri-Point Y000 Screwdriver (in rare cases)
• Adhesive (B7000 or double-sided frame adhesive)
• Pre-cut water-seal adhesive
• Bonding clips or rubber bands (optional but recommended)

How to Find Tools and Parts

• Heating pad – https://amzn.to/3H0tHzJ
• Portable Heat Gun – https://amzn.to/4mszih1
• Clamps https://amzn.to/3GYJT4w
• STREBITO 142 Piece Repair Tool Kit https://amzn.to/3UO1jUx
• Glue | Adhesive https://amzn.to/46exVxe
• Compatible Parts https://amzn.to/3Vi5fx2
• Silicone Work Repair Mat https://amzn.to/45Emz5l

Important: Keep screws organized. Mixing screws can damage the logic board or display.

Read More information about choosing tools

---

Repair Difficulty & Time Estimate

Difficulty Level:
🟠 Medium to Advanced

This repair involves battery removal and handling delicate Face ID–related cables.

Estimated Time Required:
⏱ 30–45 minutes

---

Step-by-Step Front Camera Replacement Instructions

Step 1: Power Off & Remove SIM Tray

1. Turn off the iPhone XR completely.
2. Remove the SIM tray using a SIM ejector tool.
3. Undo the two bottom screws using a Pentalobe screwdriver.

Step 2: Heat the Screen Adhesive

1. Gently heat around the screen edges to soften the adhesive.
2. Place the front screen side down on a heating pad, select the mobile phone heating option, and wait until the cycle completes.
3. Alternatively, use a heat gun or hairdryer, keeping a safe distance.

Tip: Do not overheat the screen—excess heat can damage the display or Face ID components.

Step 3: Lift the Screen

1. Use a double-sided suction cup to lift the front assembly.
2. If unavailable, use a regular suction cup along with a plastic card or triangle picker.
3. Carefully loosen the rubber gaskets around the frame.
4. Lift the screen like opening a book, keeping one side hinged.

Step 4: Disconnect Battery & Display

1. Remove the shield by undoing three screws.
2. Disconnect the battery connector first.
3. Remove both screen and earpiece connector shields by undoing six screws.
4. Undo the screw, remove the bracket, and disconnect:
   • Earpiece assembly connector
   • LCD connector
   • Touch connector

Now the front screen assembly can be separated from the body.

Step 5: Remove the Battery

1. Locate the battery adhesive tabs (four total).
   • Two at the top
   • Two at the bottom
2. Gently pull the adhesive strips using your fingers or tweezers.
3. Remove the battery carefully from the body.

Tip: Pull adhesive slowly at a low angle to avoid tearing.

Step 6: Remove the Front Camera Assembly

1. Disconnect the three front camera unit connectors from the logic board.
2. Gently peel the flex cables from the body.
3. Carefully lift and remove the front camera assembly using tweezers.

Important Face ID Note:
The front camera assembly includes Face ID–related components.
Replacing this assembly may cause Face ID to stop working if the replacement is not original or properly programmed.

If You Have a Faulty Rear Camera, Follow This Guide to Replace it

Step 7: Install the New Front Camera

1. Place the new front camera assembly into position.
2. Route the flex cables correctly.
3. Secure and connect all three front camera plugs to the logic board.

Step 8: Reinstall the Battery

1. Apply new battery adhesive to the body.
2. Place the battery back into position securely.

Step 9: Apply Water-Seal Adhesive

1. Add the pre-cut water-seal adhesive into the frame.

Note: This adhesive restores basic sealing but does not make the phone waterproof.

Step 10: Reconnect Screen & Test

1. Reconnect the following connectors:
   • LCD
   • Touch
   • Earpiece assembly
   • Battery
2. Power on the device and test:
   • Front camera image
   • Video recording
   • Face ID functionality
   • Proximity sensor

If everything works properly, proceed with final assembly

Step 11: Reinstall Shields & Close the Phone

1. Place all three shields and the bracket back into position.
2. Secure them using the correct screws.
3. Be gentle and avoid overtightening

Step 12: Clamp the Phone

1. Click in the top section first.
2. Then press the sides and bottom simultaneously.
3. Apply pressure only on the frame edges.

Step 13: Final Assembly

1. Insert the SIM tray.
2. Secure the phone with the two bottom screws.
3. The iPhone XR front camera replacement is now complete.

---

Front Camera / Face ID Not Working After Replacement – Troubleshooting

1. Check Camera Connectors

• Ensure all three front camera connectors are fully seated
• Reseat them and test again

2. Face ID Not Working

• Face ID may stop working if the replacement part is not original
• This is normal behavior on iPhone XR and not a repair mistake

3. Camera App Shows Black Screen

• Check for loose connectors
• Inspect flex cables for damage or folds

4. Proximity Sensor Issues

• Ensure the front camera assembly is aligned correctly
• Misalignment can affect screen auto-lock during calls

---

FAQs

1. Will replacing the front camera affect Face ID?
Yes. Face ID may stop working if the replacement is not original or not paired.

2. Can I replace only the selfie camera without Face ID parts?
No. The front camera comes as an integrated assembly.

3. Do I need to remove the battery for this repair?
Yes. Battery removal is required to safely access the front camera connectors.

4. Should I test Face ID before sealing the phone?
Yes. Always test front camera and Face ID before final assembly.

5. Is this repair suitable for beginners?
It’s recommended for experienced DIY repairers due to Face ID sensitivity.

Related Repair Guides

• Replace Broken iPhone XR Screen
• iPhone XR Sound Issues
• iPhone XR is Not Charging