Fix for iPhone 6 iOS 9 GPS/Bluetooth/Wifi Issues

[Mx356]

As others have experienced, after iOS 9 came out I starting experiencing issues with my GPS, Bluetooth, and Wifi connections. The GPS app Waze would always tell me "No GPS found", Google Maps as well as Apple Maps would have my location off by several miles/blocks and could not route me to my destination. The Bluetooth connection would be horrible unless my phone was sitting right on the bluetooth device. And lastly, I was experiencing wifi reliability and connection issues.

I tried everything from a factory reset of the phone to going to the Apple Store and being told there was nothing they could do. After doing some research I noticed that some people on another site stated that replacing the Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable fixed the issue for them. With nothing really to lose I decided to give it a shot.

I located the replacement cable on Amazon for under $6: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Ipho...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

Also purchased a cell phone tool kit to make sure I had everything I needed: http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Phone-Re...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02

I received the replacement parts and used the teardown guide on iFixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Logic+Board+Replacement/30696

I took my time doing the teardown/install to ensure no screws disappeared and that no other pieces would get damaged. After about an hour everything was back together. After powering the phone up and testing it over the past couple days, I can confirm that this did in fact resolve my issues.

So for around $20 and an hour later my phone is finally working the way it should.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to post this incase anyone else has been struggling with this issue. Hope this helps

 

[adamhenry]

So how was iOS9 involved in your problem?

 

[Mx356]

So how was iOS9 involved in your problem?

Because my problems did not start until the phone was updated to iOS 9...

Same for everyone else that is experiencing the same issues

 

[mrkamerer]

Thanks for the encouragement...I've spent a solid few hours poking around for answers on how to fix this issue via software workarounds and such but it's clear that this antenna replacement is the only way!

 

[Mx356]

Thanks for the encouragement...I've spent a solid few hours poking around for answers on how to fix this issue via software workarounds and such but it's clear that this antenna replacement is the only way!

Just wanted to check with you and see if you replaced the antenna? If so, did this resolve your issue like it did for me?

 

[mrkamerer]

Just wanted to check with you and see if you replaced the antenna? If so, did this resolve your issue like it did for me?

Haha, well, looooong story but I haven't actually resorted to that yet since I thought maybe I could get Apple to just replace the phone...I'm trying to employ as much patience as I can though as it's been really annoying and frustrating dealing with Apple so far.

 

[kappaz]

Having this exact same problem. Not going to pay Apple $299 for repair. The tool kit from ifixit was more than $80, but if the one from Amazon has everything you need I will give this a shot.

 

[manu_lete19]

As others have experienced, after iOS 9 came out I starting experiencing issues with my GPS, Bluetooth, and Wifi connections. The GPS app Waze would always tell me "No GPS found", Google Maps as well as Apple Maps would have my location off by several miles/blocks and could not route me to my destination. The Bluetooth connection would be horrible unless my phone was sitting right on the bluetooth device. And lastly, I was experiencing wifi reliability and connection issues.

I tried everything from a factory reset of the phone to going to the Apple Store and being told there was nothing they could do. After doing some research I noticed that some people on another site stated that replacing the Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable fixed the issue for them. With nothing really to lose I decided to give it a shot.

I located the replacement cable on Amazon for under $6: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Ipho...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

Also purchased a cell phone tool kit to make sure I had everything I needed: http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Phone-Re...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02

I received the replacement parts and used the teardown guide on iFixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Logic+Board+Replacement/30696

I took my time doing the teardown/install to ensure no screws disappeared and that no other pieces would get damaged. After about an hour everything was back together. After powering the phone up and testing it over the past couple days, I can confirm that this did in fact resolve my issues.

So for around $20 and an hour later my phone is finally working the way it should.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to post this incase anyone else has been struggling with this issue. Hope this helps

It works for me!!!! I had the same problem, I went to an Apple Store and they told me everything was Ok, after that I found this forum and I followed your instructions and now I have my Iphone 6 working as usual!!!!

Thank you so much!!!!!

 

[MiniGeek]

My iPhone 6 experienced similar issues with the wifi/bluetooth. The phone was about 4 months old when I started having issues. Apple ended up replacing it.

 

[ATLienwithaquestion]

@Mx356, thank you for this! My question, however, is do I not need a separate part for the GPS? I ask because I saw this on Amazon when I went to order the items you used: https://www.amazon.com/Signal-Anten..._SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=PFDWWAWAK70Z7BJRW2QQ

Also, was the screwdriver in the tool repair kit you ordered sufficient for the job? If so, I will just order the ribbon cable that is sold without the screwdrivers: https://www.amazon.com/Signal-Anten...1&refRID=PFDWWAWAK70Z7BJRW2QQ#customerReviews

 

[Mx356]

@Mx356, thank you for this! My question, however, is do I not need a separate part for the GPS? I ask because I saw this on Amazon when I went to order the items you used: https://www.amazon.com/Signal-Antenna-Network-Replacement-Iphone/dp/B00ZK9720M/ref=pd_sim_107_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=414UVlOwMTL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=PFDWWAWAK70Z7BJRW2QQ

Also, was the screwdriver in the tool repair kit you ordered sufficient for the job? If so, I will just order the ribbon cable that is sold without the screwdrivers: https://www.amazon.com/Signal-Antenna-Ribbon-Replacement-Iphone/dp/B00XJ63720/ref=pd_sim_107_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=319ewh-Wy-L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=PFDWWAWAK70Z7BJRW2QQ#customerReviews

I apologize as I just saw this reply. I only purchased and installed the Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable Ribbon and not the GPS Signal Antenna. The cable ribbon was all I needed to resolved the issue.

As far as the screwdriver goes, I did not use the included ones as they seemed very cheap and didn't want to rise anything getting stripped. The Cell Phone Tool Kit that I purchased from Amazon is perfect and had everything I needed and really good quality.

Hope that helps and let me know if you have any additional questions about it.

 

[semiMurr]

As others have experienced, after iOS 9 came out I starting experiencing issues with my GPS, Bluetooth, and Wifi connections. The GPS app Waze would always tell me "No GPS found", Google Maps as well as Apple Maps would have my location off by several miles/blocks and could not route me to my destination. The Bluetooth connection would be horrible unless my phone was sitting right on the bluetooth device. And lastly, I was experiencing wifi reliability and connection issues.

I tried everything from a factory reset of the phone to going to the Apple Store and being told there was nothing they could do. After doing some research I noticed that some people on another site stated that replacing the Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable fixed the issue for them. With nothing really to lose I decided to give it a shot.

I located the replacement cable on Amazon for under $6: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Ipho...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

Also purchased a cell phone tool kit to make sure I had everything I needed: http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Phone-Re...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02

I received the replacement parts and used the teardown guide on iFixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Logic+Board+Replacement/30696

I took my time doing the teardown/install to ensure no screws disappeared and that no other pieces would get damaged. After about an hour everything was back together. After powering the phone up and testing it over the past couple days, I can confirm that this did in fact resolve my issues.

So for around $20 and an hour later my phone is finally working the way it should.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to post this incase anyone else has been struggling with this issue. Hope this helps

Thank you for your suggestion, tried it and it worked! THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY PHONE

 

[Jesparza]

Thank you for your suggestion, tried it and it worked! THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY PHONE

The part that is linked to is an antenna while the directions are for a board. Which one did you replace?
Thanks.

 

[AdrenalineXI]

The part that is linked to is an antenna while the directions are for a board. Which one did you replace?
Thanks.

I believe they replaced the antenna flex cable. I also replaced this on my wife's phone last spring and it fixed her problem. Now mine is having the problem and I'll have to spend the $10 on another antenna flex cable.

Apple hardware is ****.

 

[brehas]

Thanks for posting this fix, I ordered this and got it installed today: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XJ63720/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's a bit of a pain to install, but doable with the right tools.

 

[Tdkyray]

Thanks for posting this fix, I ordered this and got it installed today: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XJ63720/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's a bit of a pain to install, but doable with the right tools.

[doublepost=1486407031][/doublepost]I'm having issues where wifi and Bluetooth have to be really close to work and gps only if not moving, are these the same issues you fixed by replacing flex cable ribbon?

 

[meic]

[doublepost=1486407031][/doublepost]I'm having issues where wifi and Bluetooth have to be really close to work and gps only if not moving, are these the same issues you fixed by replacing flex cable ribbon?

i did my ribbon antenna for a sick wifi/bluetooth took 1/2 hour and cost like $10 happy it works well finally piece of crap phone but cheaper than a new one thanks steve you dink jobs

 

[Junhao]

Thank you for the confidence boosting post and detailed instructions. Over here in Singapore I had the same struggle with my iPhone6 and the various repair shops all said I had to change the whole logic board for $100plus.

I bought the signal flex cable (not original) $2.50 from Lazada. And changed it on my own following iFixit's instructions.

Worked like a charm!

As others have experienced, after iOS 9 came out I starting experiencing issues with my GPS, Bluetooth, and Wifi connections. The GPS app Waze would always tell me "No GPS found", Google Maps as well as Apple Maps would have my location off by several miles/blocks and could not route me to my destination. The Bluetooth connection would be horrible unless my phone was sitting right on the bluetooth device. And lastly, I was experiencing wifi reliability and connection issues.

I tried everything from a factory reset of the phone to going to the Apple Store and being told there was nothing they could do. After doing some research I noticed that some people on another site stated that replacing the Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable fixed the issue for them. With nothing really to lose I decided to give it a shot.

I located the replacement cable on Amazon for under $6: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Ipho...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

Also purchased a cell phone tool kit to make sure I had everything I needed: http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Phone-Re...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02

I received the replacement parts and used the teardown guide on iFixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Logic+Board+Replacement/30696

I took my time doing the teardown/install to ensure no screws disappeared and that no other pieces would get damaged. After about an hour everything was back together. After powering the phone up and testing it over the past couple days, I can confirm that this did in fact resolve my issues.

So for around $20 and an hour later my phone is finally working the way it should.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to post this incase anyone else has been struggling with this issue. Hope this helps

 

[isken99]

Thank you for the confidence boosting post and detailed instructions. Over here in Singapore I had the same struggle with my iPhone6 and the various repair shops all said I had to change the whole logic board for $100plus.

I bought the signal flex cable (not original) $2.50 from Lazada. And changed it on my own following iFixit's instructions.

Worked like a charm!

Hi Junhao, do you mind share how you remove and fix the signal flex cable to the logic board ? Thanks!

 

[nieks]

quite easy, if you know what you're doing. Thanks to iFixit, i fixed the same issue with this guide:
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Antenna+Flex+Cable+Replacement/90317

 

[Hallelujah!!!]

As others have experienced, after iOS 9 came out I starting experiencing issues with my GPS, Bluetooth, and Wifi connections. The GPS app Waze would always tell me "No GPS found", Google Maps as well as Apple Maps would have my location off by several miles/blocks and could not route me to my destination. The Bluetooth connection would be horrible unless my phone was sitting right on the bluetooth device. And lastly, I was experiencing wifi reliability and connection issues.

I tried everything from a factory reset of the phone to going to the Apple Store and being told there was nothing they could do. After doing some research I noticed that some people on another site stated that replacing the Wifi Antenna Signal Flex Cable fixed the issue for them. With nothing really to lose I decided to give it a shot.

I located the replacement cable on Amazon for under $6: http://www.amazon.com/Original-Ipho...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01

Also purchased a cell phone tool kit to make sure I had everything I needed: http://www.amazon.com/Cell-Phone-Re...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02

I received the replacement parts and used the teardown guide on iFixit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone+6+Logic+Board+Replacement/30696

I took my time doing the teardown/install to ensure no screws disappeared and that no other pieces would get damaged. After about an hour everything was back together. After powering the phone up and testing it over the past couple days, I can confirm that this did in fact resolve my issues.

So for around $20 and an hour later my phone is finally working the way it should.

Sorry for the long post but wanted to post this incase anyone else has been struggling with this issue. Hope this helps

Thank you for posting. I can’t believe Apple can get away with this nonsense. I had the exact same issues and followed your advice. Now my WiFi and Bluetooth are functioning again! Unfortunately I got nowhere by taking it to Apple repair techs (as you said) so I had a friend who repairs phones and tablets do it for me. Even he was skeptical that it would work because in his opinion the part is not one that is complex enough to fail and not a major component for WiFi and Bluetooth. I told him to try it because I “didn’t have anything to lose” and to his surprise it worked! Saved me from having to buy a new phone...

Thanks Again

 

[nieks]

True, it is really the antenna flex cable that gives the problems.
I took my phone to a local repair shop (a big one, that sells and fixes phones and elektronics for business clients), but they told me: "No, you'll need a new motherboard. We can fix that, but will likely cost you around €300,-".

All it cost me: the part (€4,-) and a toolkit (decided to buy the pretty one, from ifixit because i wanted it, could have done with a €6,- toolkit and be done with it for €10,-)

 

[ankur.me]

Hi all,

So I stumbled upon this post as I am having same problem with my iphone6. Long story short. After watching this post. I tried this myself. Changed the flex cable but this did not resolve the issue. Any suggestions or ideas? Does it take sometime for this to effect? or is it possible only part of issue is fixed? Anyone having similar issue?

Thank You

 

[nieks]

It should not take some time, if your flex cable is defective or incorrectly connected and you fix it, it should work instantaneously. Are you sure you connected everything correctly?

 

[ankur.me]

It should not take some time, if your flex cable is defective or incorrectly connected and you fix it, it should work instantaneously. Are you sure you connected everything correctly?

I am pretty sure. I followed the instruction as given.. could it be possible new flex cable is also defective? or in order to connect cable I used my hands as it wont connect easily that caused trouble? Any suggestions? As the phone have exactly same issue as before(wifi, bluetooth and gps).