How difficult to replace 4S wifi chip?

[DaveTheRave]

My 4s can barely connect to Wifi and disconnects very quickly. Local repair shop seemed reluctant to offer to fix it because he said problem not guaranteed to get better and basically said the problem is caused by the heat generated by the phone. Maybe that's BS, not sure.

Anyway it looks like a replacement part only costs a few bucks off of eBay and iFixit sells the special screwdrivers, etc and shows how to do it. Has anyone here done this themselves? And did it work? I might give it a shot.

 

[Intell]

It's near impossible to replace the chip itself. The only thing you can really do is replace the whole logicboard. Those cost more than a few dollars on eBay.

 

[Applejuiced]

You're sure the antenna wire is not disconnected or lose.
Like intell said you cant replace just the chip, that's soldered on to the board.

 

[DaveTheRave]

Hmmm maybe I was thinking of the upper assembly which is the antenna, according to iFixit. I have no idea if it is loose. But thought maybe if I replace it that would solve the problem (I thought that included the chip). Ugh not sure what to do!

 

[Mrbobb]

Some of people I know skip WIFI altogether because they have unlimited data plan. So depends how desperate you are married to your WIFI to attempt a DIY.

Do you consistently get low WIFI signal on the ICON? if so that maybe good news of a loose antenna that is manageable. Do you even have a decent soldering iron?

 

[DaveTheRave]

No I don't have any gear yet. I thought that all I needed was the new wifi antenna, which I incorrectly referred to as the wifi chip. I'd like to have wifi so I can do Airplay and backup to iCloud. But it's not the end if the world. But considering I've had the phone for less than 2 years disappointed that the wifi hasn't lasted longer. And I have a small yellow splotch on the side of the screen, which I've heard happens sometimes. #

 

[bdrake47]

Less than 2 years?

Has it always had poor wifi reception? Have you ever had Apple check it?

 

[DaveTheRave]

No, problem just started last month. Phone is out of warranty and was hoping for a cheaper solution than paying Apple lots of cash to fix it or have to buy another one.

 

[nilzi]

It's very hard to replace the Wifi chip separately, but you can replace the Wifi antenna easily.

 

[McStud]

Maybe buy a new flex cable shield. The half circle prongs may have gotten damaged if you repaired it before. Or try removing the long middle screw at top which is the wifi screw and put it back in. Or get a new screw. That should do it.

 

[DaveTheRave]

It's very hard to replace the Wifi chip separately, but you can replace the Wifi antenna easily.

I think I will wait for iOS7 and see if that does anything (not expecting much). If not, then I'll try to replace the antenna.

 

[eben.he]

I think I will wait for iOS7 and see if that does anything (not expecting much). If not, then I'll try to replace the antenna.

If you can make sure your wifi chip is not working. You can bid an iPhone 4s wifi chip from any B2B site or try ebay. And use a heat gun to set the temperature to 370℃ put some flux on the chip then blow for 1-2mins ,you can remove the chip from the board ,after that clean your board with 99%alcohol ,put the new chip on then blow for less 1 min.