Resetting an iPhone... but there's a catch(es)

Forums › Apple iOS and devices › Resetting an iPhone... but there's a catch(es)

sdav

846 posts

Ultimate Geek

#147378 17-Jun-2014 18:22

So my iPhone 4 screen has failed but before I do anything with it I want to do a hardware reset to see if that fixes it. I assume its only the screen at the moment because the phone still rings and when I mute/unmute it vibrates.

I know about the sleep/wake and home button combination but my sleep/wake button is not working. I had been using the virtual home button via the accessibility options but since the screen is off i can't use that...

My next plan was to reset via iTunes... except on my laptop it does not show up and because my other computer has not been connected to it before it wants permission from my phone... which I can only grant via a button on the phone... where the screen does not work...

So unless someone has any other ideas - and because non-removable batteries are an awesome idea - my only option is to let it run flat and then try charging it.

So annoying! Lucky it wasn't in the middle of streaming radio or something...

gehenna

8502 posts

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#1067796 17-Jun-2014 18:34

You're kind of screwed without the home button, because you can't force the iPhone into DFU mode which is where you need to be to force a restore.

Really I think this iPhone is now bricked.

skewt

750 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1067837 17-Jun-2014 20:08

open it up and disconnect the battery and reattach?

PhantomNVD

2619 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1067838 17-Jun-2014 20:14

where are you located?

i have a really great Apple support shop/guy here in Pukekohe who'd happily open it and replace the button for $35 and even then only charge if it made it a working phone... i think he charges $105 ish for a screen (again only if you happy with the result so no win=no pay...

check out "iMendit" if you're nearby?
http://www.pukekohe.org.nz/listing/business/imend-it

sdav

846 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1067850 17-Jun-2014 20:26

Thanks for your suggestion Phantom - literally completley other end of the city though!

I'll see how it goes going flat and chucking it into a charger and go from there. Might call your dude to see what he suggests.

nitrotech

1285 posts

Uber Geek

#1067861 17-Jun-2014 20:28

We have some special software that kicks the phone out of DFU but it depends where you are, we've got shops in Tauranga and Rotorua.

The lock button is one of the most common repairs.

gehenna

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#1067869 17-Jun-2014 20:35

^If you mean Recboot that only works if the phone is actually in that mode already. Sounds like it's not.

sdavisnz

1015 posts

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#1067871 17-Jun-2014 20:40

Take it to dr mobiles in takapuna.....

Voice gives context

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sdav

846 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1068936 18-Jun-2014 22:56

So for anyone that's interested, after posting this the phone started working again even though the battery had some charge. But the exact same issue happened and it happened the same way as the first time. It was while I was in the mail app - the screen froze, was unresponsive and then went black - it would ring but that would not wake it.

Anyway - it went flat overnight and in the morning I did a full reinstall (man that takes ages) and now its back to normal... well with a broken power button. I will take on board the suggestions of repairers (I'm in north Auckland). Thanks guys.