Published 29 April 2025. Updated 26 October 2026.
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
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.
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.
Why People Choose Payam Data Recovery
When an iPhone will not start, its data is locked to its own chips, so those chips have to be working again before anything can be copied. That is the work we do every day.
- We are a specialist data recovery lab, not a phone repair shop. We have been recovering data since 1998, from over 300,000 devices.
- We are listed on Apple’s data recovery provider page, one of three recommended data recovery providers.
- 500 mobile phone repair shops and over 2,000 IT companies and computer shops across Australia send us their customers’ complex cases every year.
- Board level repair under the microscope by our own data recovery engineers, here in Australia and never outsourced overseas.
- Your data stays private. Our data recovery engineers open only a few random, non-sensitive files to check the recovery worked, and we can sign an NDA on request.
- Rated 4.9 from over 2,400 Google reviews.
We are not the cheapest. We are the best in Australia at this work. We know what to do, how to do it, and we will do our very best for you. Your best chance of getting your data back is with us.
Mobile phone and tablet data recovery service
Mobile phones and tablets, including iPhone and iPad, are a fixed price service. Phones and tablets are a fixed price. You pay only if we recover your data, and you see your files before you pay. We are successful in 99 percent of cases. Contact us for a free quote and we will confirm the price, the turnaround options and the next step. You will need to know the passcode. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Link or PayPal, split the cost with Afterpay, Zip, Klarna or PayPal Pay in 4, or pay by bank deposit (EFT).
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 data recovery 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?
Phone and tablet recoveries are a fixed price. You pay only if we recover your data, and you see your files before you pay. The rare exception is a complex logic board transplant that needs an expensive or uncommon donor phone. If your phone needs one, we quote the extra cost first, and you choose whether to go ahead. These rare cases usually cost $1,500 to $2,500, plus any donor phone or parts we need to buy.
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.
Get a free quote
Get a free quote today, or if you are ready to get started, submit a job now.
Read more about our iPhone Data Recovery Service
Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800
International customers are always welcome. The easiest way to reach us from overseas is by email at help@payam.com.au, which works in every time zone.
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