I'm having a bugger of a time taking off the back cover of the iphone... got the antenna part off fine, but even my plastic ipod opening tool SNAPPED as I went up one side and is wedged in there now.

Has anyone had any luck taking off the iphone back WITHOUT ipod opening tools? Or am I better off getting another couple of opening tool sets? At this point, the back edges are already pretty scratched up... I don't really care if I end up scratching the back more...

[edit: ok, ended up just using a sharp but strong kitchen knife. It ain't pretty... but it's finally open... if they ever get the iphone back replacements in stock, I'm going to have to get one of those...]

Hehe, yes, it's a nightmare, but I've finally found an way that works everytime for me

i use a .5mm pick and take a small flat head driver and gently pry up so it goes in and slide it down the side, this will ruin the pick but usually pops off the first two snaps then i use a 1mm pick and snap the rest off.

I used a razor. Worked great.

Best is to lift up the casing about 8 to 9mm in using a firm part of the antenna as a lever. It is very very hard to try and lift at the sides. The lift direction must be vertically UP, once you find a really solid location, use a very small screwdriver making sure you do NOT touch anything that looks remotely like it carries a current. I do not advise you try all your lifting action along the side case of the iPhone, is really not the best advise from a dismantling point of view. JsR

I just found a great way to open the case without damaging it. I started off with a razor and could see the potential for damage so I stopped before I did much noticeable damage. Finally, after searching high and low for something that would work I had an idea. FLOPPY DISKS!

What I did was cut 2 strips. 1 was 1/2 inch other was 1/4th. I then I followed the guide:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iPhone/R.../Antenna-Cover

in regards to where to put the (metal in that guide) Spudger. I put one under the dock area to keep the tabs up then slid the other in from the right rear side of the battery cover as in the guide:

http://www.hacktheiphone.com/iphone_...nlock_mac.html

I then had the same progress as in the guide above and after sliding the right side slightly forward I was able to get the 2nd plastic shim under the black antenna cover and slide it to the left side to dislodge the last hook from the top left corner. After that I just pulled the antenna cover downward firmly and it came off.

I also used a razor blade to trim one end of the plastic shim to make it thin and easy to insert in the gap.

Thought I would pass this along, worked like a charm for me.

After working around the back cover for an hour or so (being very careful because I didn't want to break/snap or damage). I tried using a small thin butter knife to wedge into the case (between the battery and case). Pushing it up slowly worked great at getting enough space on the side to remove everything.

YMMV

I managed to remove the screws using a flat screwdriver (a small headed one). Just insert the pointed edge of the screwdriver at a 30 degree angle into the screw. Press down carefully while rotating the iPhone swiftly in an anti-clockwise direction. The screws will come out slowly.

Originally Posted by Avinash Boodhoo

I managed to remove the screws using a flat screwdriver (a small headed one). Just insert the pointed edge of the screwdriver at a 30 degree angle into the screw. Press down carefully while rotating the iPhone swiftly in an anti-clockwise direction. The screws will come out slowly.

You realise this thread is 5 years old and they're talking about the original iPhone?