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Heroic iPhone XS Max Data Recovery: Solving a Main Power Line Short

29/04/20255 minute read
Damaged iPhone with cables near a computer on table

Case Study Summary

  • Client: Private customer (Australia)
  • Device: iPhone XS Max
  • Problem: Device not turning on due to main power line short circuit
  • Solution: Motherboard splitting, short circuit isolation, component removal
  • Outcome: Successful data recovery after restoring stable power

Learn more about Apple iPhone data recovery

This iPhone XS Max Data Recovery case study documents a recovery from a device that would not turn on due to a short circuit on the main power line. The phone showed no signs of life and required advanced component level diagnostics to restore stability long enough for data extraction.

The Problem: iPhone XS Max Not Turning On

When this iPhone XS Max arrived, it would not power on at all. Initial testing involved measuring current draw, which immediately indicated an abnormal power consumption pattern consistent with a short circuit on the main power line.

Issues like this cannot be resolved with screen or battery replacement. Professional Apple iPhone data recovery is required when faults exist at the logic board level.

The iPhone XS Max Data Recovery Case Study Process

The goal of this recovery was to isolate the short circuit, restore stable power, and extract the data before performing any permanent board repair.

  • Current testing: Measuring power draw to confirm a short on the main power line
  • DC power injection: Injecting voltage directly into the affected circuit
  • Motherboard removal: Isolating the logic board from the chassis
  • Freeze spray analysis: Locating the overheating component
  • Motherboard splitting: Heating the board to approximately 250 degrees to access internal layers
  • Component removal: Removing a blown capacitor located near the main power IC
  • Mounting jig emulation: Temporarily rejoining the board layers for safe data extraction

All work was performed in Australia using specialised microsoldering and diagnostic equipment designed for modern iPhone logic boards.

iPhone XS Max Data Recovery Case Study Results

After removing the faulty component and restoring stable power, the iPhone XS Max powered on successfully. Touchscreen functionality was verified to ensure the device would remain operational long enough to complete the data extraction.

This iPhone XS Max Data Recovery case study resulted in a full backup of the device, with customer data safely transferred to an external drive.

iPhone XS Max Data Recovery case study motherboard splitting process

Why Professional iPhone Data Recovery Matters

Modern iPhones use multi layer printed circuit boards with components embedded between internal layers. Accessing these layers requires controlled heat, precision tools, and experience with board level architecture.

Printed circuit board design is explained in detail by
Wikipedia, and helps illustrate why this type of recovery cannot be performed by standard repair methods.

iPhone Data Recovery Pricing and Service Options

All mobile phones and tablets including iPhone are fixed price services. There is no pre quote testing for mobile devices.

  • Economy: $795
  • Priority: $1,500
  • Emergency: $2,500

There is no attempt fee for mobile phone data recovery. Payment is only required after successful recovery. The device passcode or PIN is mandatory due to Apple encryption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why will my iPhone XS Max not turn on?

A common cause is a short circuit on the main power line, often due to a failed capacitor or power management component.

Can data be recovered if the motherboard is faulty?

Yes, in many cases data can be recovered by stabilising the logic board long enough to perform extraction.

Is motherboard splitting safe?

When performed by experienced engineers using controlled heat and specialised tools, motherboard splitting can be done without damaging data.

Can you recover deleted iPhone data?

No. Deleted data cannot be recovered due to Apple encryption.

Is my passcode required?

Yes. Without the correct passcode, iPhone data recovery is not possible.

What happens if data cannot be recovered?

If recovery is unsuccessful, no payment is required.

About Payam Data Recovery

Payam Data Recovery works with individuals, students, families, small and medium businesses, IT companies, and organisations that need their data recovered safely and professionally. Some customers come to us with a single damaged device containing personal memories, while others rely on us for complex technical recoveries that require specialist tools and experience.

We are based in Australia and have been recovering data since 1998. Our clients also include governments, law enforcement agencies, corporations, and public figures. Every job is handled with 100 percent confidentiality and privacy.

Request a Free iPhone XS Max Data Recovery Quote

Get a free quote

Read more about our iPhone Data Recovery Service

Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800

Related Data Recovery Case Studies

Video Transcript

Click to expand full transcript
so we have an iphone xs max here that’s not turning on at the first step of our process with this device is we plug it into a device that allows us to see the current going through the device we can see from the results that it looks like it’s going to be a short somewhere on the main power line our next step is to hook it up to a dc power supply and inject a voltage directly into the circuit we think is causing the problem and we can see that there is most definitely a short we then remove the motherboard from the chassis and inject voltage again into the main line to confirm that no other components are interfering with the problem now the tricky thing here is that there are three layers to this motherboard one layer is external and the other two are sandwiched in the middle of the motherboard we use freeze spray to identify the general area of the component and based on that we determine it is on an internal layer accessing the internal layers requires heating the board to about 250 degrees so that it can be split without damaging circuitry after removing the faulty component we use a mounting jig to emulate the reattached board and confirm that the device powers on and remains stable long enough for data extraction

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