Case Study Summary
- Device: iPhone 12
- Problem: Would not turn on or charge after a drop on a tiled surface
- Prior attempts: A mobile phone repair shop could not fix it, then another data recovery company tried for about a week without success
- Fault found: Short circuit on the CPU side of the logic board (under the top surface)
- Recovery method: Temporary logic board fix to allow an iTunes backup, then photos and videos saved to a USB hard drive
- Outcome: Photos and videos backed up successfully
iPhone 12 drop damage case study covers a phone that would not turn on or charge after being dropped on a tiled surface. The customer had already tried a repair shop and then another data recovery company. After about a week, they were told the data could not be recovered. The customer then brought the phone to us as a third option.
What the customer noticed after the drop
The phone appeared externally intact. The screen was not cracked and the device did not look badly damaged, but it still would not turn on or charge.
What we found during diagnosis
We found a short circuit. In this case, the short was on the CPU side of the logic board and was not visible from the top surface. To locate it, we had to troubleshoot further and then separate the logic board to inspect underneath.
How we recovered the data
Once the fault was identified, we carried out a temporary repair so the iPhone could operate long enough to extract the data. The recovery workflow shown in the video was:
- Troubleshoot the short circuit: Confirm the short circuit and locate it on the CPU side of the logic board.
- Access the affected board area: Separate the logic board and identify the issue underneath the top surface.
- Temporary logic board fix: Restore power long enough for stable data access.
- iTunes backup and extraction: Create an iTunes backup and copy photos and videos to a USB hard drive.
What to avoid if an iPhone will not turn on after a drop
- Avoid repeated charging and power cycling if the phone will not start, especially if it becomes warm.
- If the data is the priority, avoid experiments that can change the condition of the phone before assessment.
Apple’s guidance for basic steps when an iPhone will not turn on is here: If your iPhone won’t turn on or is frozen.
Service process for mobile phones and tablets
- Fixed price service
- No pre-quote testing
- Economy, Priority, Emergency options
- Payment only after successful 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 quote
Read more about our Mobile Phone Data Recovery Service
Email: help@payam.com.au
Phone: 1300 444 800
Related iPhone data recovery case studies
- iPhone X data recovery case study after drop
- iPhone 11 data recovery case study
- iPhone storage full case study: boot loop data recovery
Video transcript
Click to expand full transcript
OnTrack Data Recovery in Brisbane, that other recovery company tried to recover the data, but after about a week of trying to unsuccessful and told the customer they couldn’t help either.
Our customer came to us as a third option.
Was really desperate to get those photos back from this iPhone.
We found that there was a short circuit on the phone and we asked the customer what happened to the phone.
Customer said they just dropped the phone on a tiled surface.
Now when we looked at the phone, the screen was not broken or smashed.
Didn’t appear to be too badly damaged.
We were surprised the phone was damaged due to a drop.
In this case, we found it was a short circuit on the CPU side of the logic board underneath the top surface so we had to actually troubleshoot the short circuit on the top layout, which was unable to be found.
And then we’d pull the logic board apart and found that underneath.
We’re able to temporarily fix that problem and the phone was able to work to allow us to make an iTunes backup as well as back up all the photos and videos for this particular customer to a USB hard drive.
If you have a similar problem with your phone suddenly died, we would definitely recommend bring it to us first.
Don’t waste your time or money sending it to other data recovery companies or mobile phone repair shops, if all you care about is the data.
Your best chance of getting your data back is with someone experienced and skilled like our team.
If you have any questions or any comments, please leave them in this video.
Otherwise, feel free to reach out to us if you need our help.
Thanks.