Question about the Home Button and Isopropyl Alcohol ...

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 08:06 AM

Hi guys,

The home button on my iPhone 4 is getting worse and worse. I now need to press it 4 or 5 times (each time) to get it to work. It's driving me nuts! I've heard that a couple drops of 99.9% isopropyl alcohol might do the trick, but here's my question:

Does it HAVE TO BE 99.9% isopropyl alcohol? Or can it be 91% isopropyl alcohol?

I can find the 91% stuff in local stores for fairly cheap, but I'd have to order the 99.9% stuff online -- and frankly I'd rather not spend around $10 for literally 2 drops of this stuff.

Anyone know? Thanks!

iRepairParts · Feb 21, 2013, 08:27 AM

99.9% Isopropyl alcohol would be a very quick and effective fix if you just needed to clean the flex cable area of dirt or other debris. If you have to push the home button down several times before it works, you may need to replace the home button flex cable. What happens is, over time the metal disc on the home button flex cable loses its "bounce" and needs to be replaced.

I would first try the isopropyl alcohol first; but I would recommend 99.9% over the 91%. The higher percentage means a higher concentration of alcohol which results in less water, and a much faster evaporation of the alcohol. Water is our iPhones 2nd greatest enemy after hard surfaces,

Givmeabrek · Feb 21, 2013, 08:38 AM

91% should be just fine. Many home buttons have been repaired that way. Your phone is out of warranty anyway. Just a drop or two.

Bugeyeblue · Feb 21, 2013, 09:31 AM

I know this isn't really the answer you're looking for, but if that doesn't work for you, you can always turn on assistive touch through settings, general, accessibility, assistive touch. It gives you a small software button to simulate a home button umong other things. Just an option if the alcohol doesn't help.

inselstudent · Feb 21, 2013, 09:46 AM

Never mind, sorry.

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRepairParts

If you have to push the home button down several times before it works, you may need to replace the home button flex cable.

Yikes. I hope that's not the case.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRepairParts

I would first try the isopropyl alcohol first; but I would recommend 99.9% over the 91%.

Yeah, I understand. Tough call. $10 for 2 drops. But I know it's the safest way to go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugeyeblue

I know this isn't really the answer you're looking for, but if that doesn't work for you, you can always turn on assistive touch through settings, general, accessibility, assistive touch.

I read about that too. I might have to do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Givmeabrek

91% should be just fine. Many home buttons have been repaired that way. Your phone is out of warranty anyway. Just a drop or two.

I'm kinda thinkin' the same thing. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

iRepairParts · Feb 21, 2013, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

Yikes. I hope that's not the case.

Yeah, I understand. Tough call. $10 for 2 drops. But I know it's the safest way to go.

I read about that too. I might have to do it.

I'm kinda thinkin' the same thing. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Here's the thing: Generally, 91%-94% Isopropyl alcohol SHOULD be ok. We just choose to take the path with the least possibility of collateral damage.

If you are willing to try the 91% though, I would say go ahead and see if it works! If it does, you saved your phone and saved some money

Another plus is that if the home button flex does need to be repaired, you can get a replacement for under $10. Keep us posted with the results!

urbanlung · Feb 21, 2013, 10:08 AM

Hi, it really depends on what the other 9% is. I can certainly atest to the Isopropy and Peanut Butter mixture being somewhat detrimental. I'd also steer clear of any Isopropyl with Kangaroo or spanners, both can cause problems.

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbanlung

Hi, it really depends on what the other 9% is. I can certainly atest to the Isopropy and Peanut Butter mixture being somewhat detrimental.

I just came back from the store. Turns out the other 9% *is* peanut butter!

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 12:51 PM

UPDATE: Well, maybe I was a bit too careful to not use too much alcohol, but my first attempt did not work.

I'm gonna try it once more.

iRepairParts, where can I get that home button flex thingamajig, just in case this doesn't work?

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 01:06 PM

Oh my. I think it worked!

I tried it again, this time using more alcohol and rubbing/clicking a bit more. So far it seems to be MUCH improved. I'll play with it a bit more and see what happens.

iRepairParts · Feb 21, 2013, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

Oh my. I think it worked!

I tried it again, this time using more alcohol and rubbing/clicking a bit more. So far it seems to be MUCH improved. I'll play with it a bit more and see what happens.

Sounds good! PM me if you need a flex cable. I am not sure if I can post links to websites here.

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iRepairParts

Sounds good! PM me if you need a flex cable. I am not sure if I can post links to websites here.

Thanks, I appreciate that. But this HAD TO have been the problem because now the home button works like brand new. In fact it's smooth as buttah!

For those of you that know how frustrating this button problem can be, you know how happy I am right now.

iRepairParts · Feb 21, 2013, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

Thanks, I appreciate that. But this HAD TO have been the problem because now the home button works like brand new. In fact it's smooth as buttah!

For those of you that know how frustrating this button problem can be, you know how happy I am right now.

Yup, it sounds nailed the problem right on the head! There's no better feeling than a successful repair!

libertysat · Feb 21, 2013, 02:38 PM

When I experienced similar symptoms I got my shop vac out, turned phone facing down and held the suction real close to button as I pushed the button all sorts of ways
Took about 5 seconds and button works perfect ever since

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libertysat

When I experienced similar symptoms I got my shop vac out, turned phone facing down and held the suction real close to button...

That really sucks, man.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Sounds Good · Feb 21, 2013, 08:07 PM

Well guys, it's been about 7 hours now and I'm just blown away with the improvement. For others out there with the same home button problem, I highly recommend buying a bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol for around $1.49. You'll be glad you did!

iRepairParts · Feb 21, 2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libertysat

When I experienced similar symptoms I got my shop vac out, turned phone facing down and held the suction real close to button as I pushed the button all sorts of ways
Took about 5 seconds and button works perfect ever since

Its amazing how much dirt and grime can get in under the home button

mikeydeezy · Feb 21, 2013, 11:40 PM

Now it's time to discover the magic of Zephyr (assuming you're JB'ed)

Sounds Good · Feb 22, 2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeydeezy

Now it's time to discover the magic of Zephyr (assuming you're JB'ed)

I've never done the jailbreak thing. Always been concerned that it might cause something negative to happen that I'd regret!

macingman · Feb 23, 2013, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sounds Good

Well guys, it's been about 7 hours now and I'm just blown away with the improvement. For others out there with the same home button problem, I highly recommend buying a bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol for around $1.49. You'll be glad you did!

Fixed the problem for me to. However after I spilt the alcohol all over the phone while trying to put the phone back in it's case so broke the screen.

Sounds Good · Feb 24, 2013, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macingman

Fixed the problem for me to. However after I spilt the alcohol all over the phone while trying to put the phone back in it's case so broke the screen.

Ouch. Serious bummer.

Christian 5G · Feb 24, 2013, 10:37 PM

My friend has this problem( he's iPhone 4 button doesn't work at all unless you push it so hard that you get a spots on your fingers.) , thanks for letting know. Is it really works?

iRepairParts · Feb 24, 2013, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian 5G

My friend has this problem( he's iPhone 4 button doesn't work at all unless you push it so hard that you get a spots on your fingers.) , thanks for letting know. Is it really works?

Isopropyl alcohol is great for cleaning away debris such as dirt, dust, and other small particles from the the home button flex cable which can cause issues with the home button function.

If the isopropyl alcohol does not work, the home button flex cable needs to be replaced.

nroma23 · Feb 25, 2013, 12:19 PM

Don't do it!

Feb 21, 2013, 08:06 AM	#1
Sounds Good macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2007	Question about the Home Button and Isopropyl Alcohol ... Hi guys, The home button on my iPhone 4 is getting worse and worse. I now need to press it 4 or 5 times (each time) to get it to work. It's driving me nuts! I've heard that a couple drops of 99.9% isopropyl alcohol might do the trick, but here's my question: Does it HAVE TO BE 99.9% isopropyl alcohol? Or can it be 91% isopropyl alcohol? I can find the 91% stuff in local stores for fairly cheap, but I'd have to order the 99.9% stuff online -- and frankly I'd rather not spend around $10 for literally 2 drops of this stuff. Anyone know? Thanks!
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 10:08 AM	#8
urbanlung macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: location, location!	Hi, it really depends on what the other 9% is. I can certainly atest to the Isopropy and Peanut Butter mixture being somewhat detrimental. I'd also steer clear of any Isopropyl with Kangaroo or spanners, both can cause problems. __________________ Hofstadter's Law: It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law
	2

Feb 21, 2013, 11:40 PM	#19
mikeydeezy macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: MN, USA	Now it's time to discover the magic of Zephyr (assuming you're JB'ed) __________________ "Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. ... Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful -- that's what matters to me." - Steve Jobs
	1

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Feb 21, 2013, 08:27 AM	#2
iRepairParts macrumors regular Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Rochester, NY	99.9% Isopropyl alcohol would be a very quick and effective fix if you just needed to clean the flex cable area of dirt or other debris. If you have to push the home button down several times before it works, you may need to replace the home button flex cable. What happens is, over time the metal disc on the home button flex cable loses its "bounce" and needs to be replaced. I would first try the isopropyl alcohol first; but I would recommend 99.9% over the 91%. The higher percentage means a higher concentration of alcohol which results in less water, and a much faster evaporation of the alcohol. Water is our iPhones 2nd greatest enemy after hard surfaces,
	1

Feb 21, 2013, 08:38 AM	#3
Givmeabrek macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY	91% should be just fine. Many home buttons have been repaired that way. Your phone is out of warranty anyway. Just a drop or two.
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 09:31 AM	#4
Bugeyeblue macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2011	I know this isn't really the answer you're looking for, but if that doesn't work for you, you can always turn on assistive touch through settings, general, accessibility, assistive touch. It gives you a small software button to simulate a home button umong other things. Just an option if the alcohol doesn't help.
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 09:46 AM	#5
inselstudent macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2012	Never mind, sorry.
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 12:51 PM	#10
Sounds Good Thread Starter macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2007	UPDATE: Well, maybe I was a bit too careful to not use too much alcohol, but my first attempt did not work. I'm gonna try it once more. iRepairParts, where can I get that home button flex thingamajig, just in case this doesn't work?
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 01:06 PM	#11
Sounds Good Thread Starter macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2007	Oh my. I think it worked! I tried it again, this time using more alcohol and rubbing/clicking a bit more. So far it seems to be MUCH improved. I'll play with it a bit more and see what happens.
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 02:38 PM	#15
libertysat macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2010	When I experienced similar symptoms I got my shop vac out, turned phone facing down and held the suction real close to button as I pushed the button all sorts of ways Took about 5 seconds and button works perfect ever since
	0

Feb 21, 2013, 08:07 PM	#17
Sounds Good Thread Starter macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2007	Well guys, it's been about 7 hours now and I'm just blown away with the improvement. For others out there with the same home button problem, I highly recommend buying a bottle of 91% isopropyl alcohol for around $1.49. You'll be glad you did!
	0

Feb 24, 2013, 10:37 PM	#23
Christian 5G macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Orange County	My friend has this problem( he's iPhone 4 button doesn't work at all unless you push it so hard that you get a spots on your fingers.) , thanks for letting know. Is it really works?
	0

Feb 25, 2013, 12:19 PM	#25
nroma23 macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: usa	Don't do it!
	0