Repair parts iPhone 12 mini
Receive it on tuesday 3 de june
Your iPhone 12 mini Needs a Boost! Find the Perfect Spare Parts at iLevante.com 🚀
Is your trusty iPhone 12 mini starting to show signs of wear and tear? Is the screen acting erratically, the battery barely lasting a gasp, or the charging port playing up? Don't worry! At iLevante.com, we're your go-to for giving your little powerhouse phone a second life. We know this model is a gem for its size and power, and getting rid of it isn't an option. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide on the most common and essential spare parts for your iPhone 12 mini, so you know exactly what you need and how to restore its former glory.
The iPhone 12 mini, launched in 2020, won many hearts with its compact and ergonomic design, without sacrificing power. With its A14 Bionic chip, an impressive 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, and a dual camera system, it's a device that continues to perform excellently. However, like any electronic device, daily use, minor accidents, and the passage of time take their toll on its components. This is where quality spare parts come into play to keep it in top shape.
iPhone 12 mini Screens: Goodbye Broken Pixels! 💥
The screen is, without a doubt, the most exposed part and the one that suffers the most. Drops, knocks, rubbing against keys... any carelessness can render your beautiful screen unusable. But did you know that not all replacement screens are created equal? Here's a breakdown of your options for your iPhone 12 mini:
Types of Replacement Screens for iPhone 12 mini:
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Original (Refurbished OLED / Soft OLED)
Original or "refurbished" screens are those that have been recovered from other devices, repaired, and reconditioned. They maintain the factory OLED quality of the iPhone 12 mini, offering vibrant colours, pure blacks, and excellent brightness. Soft OLED screens are the closest to the originals, built on a flexible substrate that gives them greater impact resistance and an identical thickness to the factory display. If you're looking for the closest experience to the original, this is your best option, though it's also the most expensive.
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OLED (Hard OLED / Compatible AMOLED)
These screens are an excellent alternative if you're looking for good quality at a more affordable price. Hard OLED screens use a rigid substrate, which makes them slightly thicker and with slightly wider bezels (especially the bottom "chin") than Soft OLEDs. Nevertheless, they offer very good contrast and colours. AMOLED screens are a subcategory of OLEDs that offer improvements in energy efficiency and colours, and are a very good option for the iPhone 12 mini.
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INCELL
INCELL screens are the most economical option. Unlike OLEDs, these are LCD technology screens where the touch layer is integrated. This means that the image quality (colours, contrast, brightness) will be inferior to an OLED. They can consume more battery and generate more heat. Although some modern INCELL displays have improved, the visual experience won't be the same as the original. For an iPhone 12 mini, which originally has an OLED screen, the difference is noticeable.
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TFT
TFT screens represent the most basic LCD quality and, frankly, are not recommended for an iPhone 12 mini. The difference in visual quality (dull colours, limited viewing angles, lower brightness) is very obvious compared to the original OLED screen. While they are the cheapest, the investment isn't worth it for a device of this calibre.
When to replace it? If your screen has cracked glass, doesn't respond to touch in some areas, shows coloured lines, black spots, or flickers, it's time to replace it. The process involves removing the bottom pentalobe screws, applying heat to soften the adhesive, and using a suction cup and thin tools to separate the screen. Don't forget to disconnect the battery before handling any flex cables!
Battery for iPhone 12 mini: Get Your Stamina Back! 🔋
Is your iPhone 12 mini abandoning you by mid-afternoon? Does it unexpectedly shut down even with battery remaining? Battery degradation is a common problem in all smartphones. The original iPhone 12 mini battery is 2227 mAh, a capacity designed for its compact size.
How to tell if your battery is faulty:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging.
- If the Maximum Capacity is well below 80%, that's a clear indicator.
- You'll see messages like "Peak Performance Capability affected" or "Service" if performance is throttled.
- The phone overheats excessively or shuts down at high battery percentages.
"OEM without logo" Batteries: Are they like the originals?
You'll find "OEM without logo" batteries on the market. These are usually manufactured with original quality cells, but without Apple's circuitry or authentication chip. This means the flex cable connecting to the logic board lacks Apple's identifier. This causes the iPhone 12 mini to display an "Unknown Part" or "Important Battery Message" in the parts and service history, and the Battery Health feature won't be available. However, in terms of performance and lifespan, these batteries can be practically identical to the originals, as the internal cell is high quality. If you don't mind the message and want to save some money, they're a very viable option.
Changing your iPhone 12 mini battery:
This is one of the most common and relatively straightforward repairs for users with a bit of DIY skill. You'll need specific tools (pentalobe and tri-wing screwdrivers, spudger, tweezers, and a suction cup). The process involves removing the bottom screws, opening the screen (careful with the flex cables), disconnecting the battery, removing the adhesive (sometimes tricky), and fitting the new one. Remember: Make sure the battery is discharged (below 25%) before handling it to reduce risks.
Rear Covers for iPhone 12 mini: A Fresh Look! ✨
The glass back cover of the iPhone 12 mini not only gives it a premium feel but is also vital for wireless charging (MagSafe). If it's broken, your phone can be exposed to dust and liquids, as well as losing its charging functionality. The iPhone 12 mini was launched in a range of vibrant colours: black, white, (PRODUCT)RED, green, blue, and purple. You can find replacement back covers in all these colours to make your phone look brand new.
How are the rear covers replaced?
Here comes the technical bit and the warning: changing the glass back cover is one of the most complex repairs and is not recommended for the average user. The cover is strongly adhered with a very powerful glue, and to remove it without damaging the chassis or the wireless charging coil (MagSafe) located directly underneath, a specialised laser machine is usually required. If you try to do it manually, the risk of damaging other components or the phone's own structure is extremely high. Our advice is that if your back cover is broken, you should seek a professional repair service that has the appropriate machinery.
Other Key Spare Parts for Your iPhone 12 mini and Their Importance 🛠️
Beyond the screen and battery, there are other components that, if they fail, can render your iPhone 12 mini unusable. Here we detail some of the most sought-after and why they are so important:
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Bottom Screws for iPhone X to 14 Pro Max: Small but Essential!
These tiny Pentalobe screws are the guardians of your iPhone. Located on either side of the charging port, they are the first ones you need to remove to open the device. They are standardised across many iPhone models (from X to 14 Pro Max), making them a common replacement part. If lost or damaged, it's vital to replace them to ensure the screen is securely held and the phone maintains its structure.
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Flash Sensor Flex Cable for iPhone 12 Mini: Perfect Light and Sensing
This cable is crucial for the correct functioning of the rear camera flash and the proximity sensor (the one that turns off the screen when you bring the phone to your ear during a call). If your flash isn't working or the screen doesn't turn off during calls, it's likely this flex cable is damaged. It's a delicate component that can break during a fall or when handling the phone.
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Front Camera with IR Infrared for iPhone 12 Mini: The Key to Face ID
This part is fundamental for TrueDepth technology, which enables features like Face ID and Memoji. If your Face ID has stopped working, it's usually not a software issue; it's this camera or its flex cable that has suffered a knock. It's vital to get a quality part, as the Face ID system is strongly linked to the logic board chip, and a non-original replacement can cause the Face ID function to be permanently disabled.
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Rear Camera for iPhone 12 Mini: Capture Your Moments
The iPhone 12 mini boasts an excellent dual rear camera system (12 MP wide and ultra-wide). If your photos are blurry, have spots, or the camera isn't focusing, you need a replacement. It's a highly sought-after part, as a faulty camera significantly diminishes the user experience.
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Rear Camera Lens and Frame for iPhone 12 / 12 Mini: The Protective Glass
Often, it's not the camera itself that breaks, but the small glass protecting it. This replacement part includes the glass lens and the surrounding frame. It's a simpler repair than replacing the entire camera, and it's very common after a drop for the glass to scratch or fracture, affecting photo quality.
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Charging Port Flex for iPhone 12 Mini: Power Without Problems
One of the components that suffers most from constant use is the charging port. If your iPhone 12 mini isn't charging, charges intermittently, or won't sync with your computer, it's most likely you need a new charging port flex. It's a highly in-demand part, and its replacement, although it requires disassembling the phone, is feasible with the right tools.
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USB-C 20W Charger for iPhone and iPad: Guaranteed Fast Charging
While not an internal spare part, having a 20W USB-C charger is essential to take advantage of your iPhone 12 mini's fast charging, which can reach 50% battery in about 30 minutes. A good charger ensures your battery charges efficiently and safely, extending its lifespan.
Other important spare parts for your iPhone 12 mini:
- Speakers (Earpiece and Loudspeaker): If you can't hear calls properly or the phone's sound is low or distorted.
- Taptic Engine Motor (Vibrator): If your iPhone doesn't vibrate or does so strangely.
- Volume and Power Buttons: If they don't respond correctly when pressed.
- SIM Reader: If your iPhone doesn't recognise the SIM card.
- Screen and Rear Adhesives: Essential for re-sealing the device and partially restoring its water resistance (important: it will never be factory-level water-resistant after a repair).
Hardware vs. Software Problems on Your iPhone 12 mini: What's Wrong with My Phone? 🤔
Sometimes, your iPhone 12 mini might show symptoms that make you wonder if it's a hardware problem (a damaged physical component) or a software issue (an error in the operating system). As repair technicians, we know that this distinction is key for a correct diagnosis:
Common Hardware Problems:
- Broken screen or no display: Always hardware.
- Battery draining very quickly: Generally hardware (battery degradation), though software can influence consumption.
- Charging port not working: Hardware (damaged port, faulty flex cable).
- Camera not focusing or not opening: Hardware (camera module, flex cable).
- Face ID failure: Mostly hardware (TrueDepth sensor, flex cable).
- Speakers with no sound or distorted sound: Hardware (speaker, flex cable).
- Buttons not responding: Hardware (button module, flex cable).
- Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not activating: Can be hardware (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip) if software solutions don't work.
- Water damage: Hardware cause (corrosion, short circuits) affecting multiple components.
Software Problems That Can Mimic Hardware Failures:
- Fast battery drain: Before thinking about replacing the battery, make sure there are no background apps consuming excessively, that the brightness isn't at maximum, or that there isn't an iOS update pending that optimises consumption.
- Overheating: Sometimes, poorly optimised software or many demanding apps running simultaneously can cause the iPhone to heat up. If it persists after closing apps and restarting, it could be a hardware problem.
- Slow performance or crashes: Outdated iOS, low storage space, or buggy apps can slow down the phone. If after a data clean-up, updates, or even a factory reset the problem persists, it's time to consider a processor or memory failure (hardware).
- Face ID not working (temporarily): Sometimes, a simple restart or Face ID setup can resolve a temporary issue. If the failure is constant, the problem points to hardware.
- Connectivity problems (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth): Before thinking about a damaged chip, try resetting network settings or updating the software. If it's not resolved, the problem could be with the antenna or the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip.
From a technician's perspective, the first action is always a software diagnosis (updates, reset, settings verification). If the problem persists, then a hardware diagnosis and potential repair is proceeded with.
DIY Repairs for Your iPhone 12 mini: Basic Guide and Precautions ⚠️
While mobile phone repair might seem intimidating, some interventions like screen or battery replacement are accessible to users with patience and the right tools. Apple even offers a self-service repair programme, which shows it's possible to do it yourself. But, be careful! It's crucial to follow some guidelines to avoid greater damage:
Essential Tools:
- Precision screwdrivers: Pentalobe (P2), Phillips (#000), and Tri-wing (Y0.6).
- Opening tools: Suction cup, plastic picks (spudgers), and a thin metal tool.
- Tweezers: For manipulating small connectors and screws.
- Heat gun or hairdryer: To soften the adhesive.
- Replacement adhesive: To re-seal the screen or back cover.
Fundamental Precautions:
- Turn off the phone and disconnect the battery! This is always the vital first step to prevent short circuits.
- Discharge the battery: If you're going to replace the battery, make sure it's below 25% to reduce risks in case of accidental puncture.
- Back up your data: Before any repair, save your data.
- Organise the screws: They are tiny, and each goes in its specific place. Use a diagram or a magnetic mat.
- Be careful with flex cables: Flex cables are extremely delicate. Handle them gently using a plastic tool.
- Loss of water resistance: After any opening, your iPhone 12 mini will lose its IP68 certification. Even if you use new adhesives, it won't be submersible like it was from the factory. Keep this in mind.
- Patience and guide videos: Don't rush. Follow a specific video tutorial for the iPhone 12 mini step by step.
Basic Steps for Common Repairs (Screen and Battery):
- Remove the bottom screws: Two Pentalobe screws on either side of the charging port.
- Heat and open the screen: With a heat gun, gently warm the edges. Use the suction cup and pick to create a small gap and slide the tool all around the perimeter to cut the adhesive.
- Open the phone like a book: The screen opens to one side (usually the left) due to the flex cables. Don't separate it completely.
- Disconnect the battery: Locate the battery connector (normally under a small metal shield), remove the shield screws, and, with a plastic spudger, lift the connector to disconnect it.
- Disconnect the screen flex cables: Carefully remove the shields and disconnect the screen and Face ID flex cables with the spudger.
- For screen replacement: Transfer the components from the old screen (front camera, earpiece, ambient light sensor, Taptic Engine motor) to the new screen very carefully, following a specific tutorial.
- For battery replacement: Remove the old battery. Use the adhesive pull tabs if it has them, or apply a little isopropyl alcohol under the battery and carefully lift it. Never bend or puncture the battery! Place the new adhesive and the new battery.
- Reconnect the flex cables and assemble: Connect all the flex cables you disconnected, replace the shields, and close the screen by gently pressing until it clicks into place. Screw in the bottom screws.
- Test your iPhone! Turn it on and check that everything works correctly before permanently sealing it.
When to seek a professional? If you don't feel comfortable, don't have the right tools, or the repair is very complex (such as changing the back cover, logic board problems, or Face ID), don't hesitate to seek a specialised technical service. Sometimes, saving money can lead to irreparable damage if you don't have the knowledge or expertise.
At iLevante.com, your iPhone 12 mini is in the best hands (yours or a professional's)! 🛠️🛒
We hope this guide has been very helpful in better understanding the components of your iPhone 12 mini and the repair options. At iLevante.com, we are committed to offering you the highest quality spare parts so that your device can function like new again. Explore our website and find everything you need!
