Board-level repair is a type of iPhone repair that involves fixing or replacing components on the phone’s motherboard. The motherboard is the main circuit board in the phone and contains all the components that allow the phone to function. When a component on the motherboard fails or is damaged, it can cause a range of issues with the phone’s performance, including rebooting, lack of power, inability to connect to WiFi, or audio problems (Apple Support, 2020). Board-level repair is a complex and technical process that requires specialized skills and equipment. It is typically more expensive than iPhone repairs, such as screen or battery replacements (Repair Estimates, 2021). However, it can be necessary in cases where the phone has suffered severe damage or has a hardware issue that cannot be resolved through other means. Board repairs are also often required for data recovery in mobile devices (Data Recovery Specialists, 2021).
Types of Board-Level Repairs: Several board-level repairs can be performed on an iPhone. Some common examples include:
• Charging port repair:
The charging port is where you plug in the phone’s charging cable. If the charging port is damaged or not functioning correctly, it can cause issues with charging the phone. Repairing the charging port typically involves replacing it or the components that control it on the motherboard (iFixit, 2021).
• Logic board repair:
The logic board is the main component of the motherboard and contains the processor, memory, and other essential components. If the logic board is damaged or has a malfunctioning component, it can cause various issues with the phone’s performance. Repairing the logic board typically involves replacing the entire board or specific components (Apple Support, 2020).
• Audio IC repair:
The audio IC (integrated circuit) controls the phone’s audio functions, such as speaker and microphone performance. If the audio IC is damaged or not functioning correctly, it can cause issues with the phone’s audio. Repairing the audio IC typically involves replacing the IC or the components that control it on the motherboard (iFixit, 2021).
Average Cost: A board-level repair will vary depending on the specific issue and the repair shop or technician you use. In general, board-level repairs are more expensive than iPhone repairs, such as screen replacements or battery replacements (Repair Estimates, 2021). For example, according to data from Repair Estimates (2021), the average cost of a board-level repair for an iPhone 6 is $200, while the average price for an iPhone X is $300. However, these are just estimates. Depending on the specific issue and repair shop, the actual cost may be higher or lower.
Board-level repair and data recovery: In some cases, board-level repair may be necessary to recover data from a damaged or malfunctioning iPhone. This can be the case if the phone’s storage is physically damaged or if the logic board or other components on the motherboard are causing issues with the phone’s performance (Data Recovery Specialists, 2021). To recover data from a damaged iPhone, a technician must disassemble the phone and repair or replace any damaged components on the motherboard. This complex and technical process requires specialized skills and equipment (Data Recovery Specialists, 2021). Once the damaged components have been repaired or replaced, the technician can attempt to access and recover the data from the phone’s storage. This may involve using specialized software and equipment to extract the data or manually repairing the storage component itself (Data Recovery Specialists, 2021). It’s important to note that data recovery is not always possible, especially in cases where the device’s memory is severely damaged. However, in some instances, board-level repair and data recovery can salvage essential data from a damaged iPhone.
The cost of data recovery will vary depending on the specific issue and the cell phone repair store or technician you use. However, data recovery is generally more expensive than other types of repairs (Data Recovery Specialists, 2021).
Conclusion: Board-level repair is a specialized form of iPhone repair that involves repairing or replacing components on the device’s motherboard. It can be necessary in cases where the phone has suffered serious damage or has a hardware issue that cannot be resolved through other means. Board repairs may also be required for data recovery in some instances. Board-level repair is a complex and technical process requiring specialized skills and equipment. It is typically more expensive than other types of iPhone repairs. Therefore, it is essential to consider the specific issue, the cost of the repair, and the expertise of the repair shop or technician when deciding on a course of action for repairing a damaged or malfunctioning iPhone.
References: Apple Support. (2020). If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen. Retrieved from https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201412
Data Recovery Specialists. (2021). iPhone Data Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.datarecoveryspecialists.co.uk/iphone-data-recovery/
iFixit. (2021). iPhone 6 Charging Port Replacement. Retrieved from https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Charging+Port+Replacement/37363
Repair Estimates. (2021). iPhone Repair Cost. Retrieved from
The Motherboard Is the Main Circuit Board of a Microcomputer. https://www.studymode.com/essays/The-Motherboard-Is-The-Main-Circuit-52374.html
If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch won’t turn on or is frozen. https://ibluetech.ca/en/if-your-iphone-ipad-or-ipod-touch-wont-turn-on-or-is-frozen/
