If you can't seem to obtain a signal on your Verizon or Sprint iPhone 4, it may mean that you have a faulty cellular antenna. DIY replacing it is a relatively straight-forward repair that isn't too difficult. If you're out of warranty, it's also a much cheaper option than purchasing a new iPhone or paying for a replacement.


How to remove the cellular antenna in a CDMA Verizon Sprint iPhone 4

What you need for a DIY CDMA (Verizon or Sprint) iPhone 4 cellular replacement

PXLFIX recommends using only quality and genuine parts from a reputable supplier like eTech Parts. They have quality parts, tools, and much more for all your repair needs. We've linked to the part you need below but feel free to order parts from another source as well. Just verify they have high quality parts and not knock-offs.

  • CDMA iPhone 4 (please note there ARE internal differences between the GSM and CDMA models - this guide strictly deals with the CDMA model - in the US, that means Verizon or Sprint)
  • Replacement cellular antenna - CDMA cellular antenna
  • #00 Phillips screwdriver
  • Pry tool or spudger
  • Security screwdriver (to remove the 2 screws in your dock connector, all CDMA models will come with security screws)

Power off your iPhone 4

iPhone slide to power off


Remove the back

    Remove the dock connector screws on your CDMA iPhone 4
  2. Remove the back of your CDMA iPhone 4
  4. Set the back and 2 dock connector screws aside.

Organize your screws


Remove the battery

    Remove battery screw iPhone 4 CDMA
  2. Remove battery clip iPhone 4 CDMA
  4. Remove battery iPhone 4 CDMA
  6. Fold over battery tab on iPhone 4

Remove the grounding clip

To the left of where you disconnected the battery you'll see another screw holding in a grounding clip over the end of the cellular antenna. We'll need to remove it.

    Remove grounding clip screw on CDMA iPhone 4
  2. CDMA iPhone 4 grounding clip for antenna

Remove the dock connector shield and disconnect the cable

    Remove dock connector shield iPhone 4 CDMA
  2. Remove dock connector cable iPhone 4 CDMA

Unclip the antenna from the logic board


  2. Unclip antenna cable iPhone 4 CDMA

Remove the speaker assembly

The cellular antenna is held down to the speaker assembly with 2 screws and some adhesive. We'll need to remove the speaker assembly to remove the antenna from the iPhone.

    Remove the 2 screws holding down iPhone 4 speaker assembly
  2. Carefully remove iPhone 4 CDMA speaker assembly from the device

Remove the old cellular antenna and install the new one


Remove the 2 screws holding the cellular antenna down and peel it off the speaker assembly. You can see by comparing the new cellular antenna and the one on the speaker assembly how the adhesive peels off and how it is held in.

Reassemble your iPhone 4


And... done!

Reboot your iPhone 4 and hopefully you should now have signal bars. Now it's time to let us know how it went! Want to know how to perform another type of iPhone repair or modification? Send me suggestions to ally.kazmucha@imore.com or leave them in our Mod & DIY forums via the link below.


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