Smartphone Parts Testing and Troubleshooting Guide

Test hardware parts of smartphone

When troubleshooting and replacing smartphone parts, a multimeter is the best tool for testing. Whether you're testing batteries for voltage, checking loudspeakers, or diagnosing microphones, using digital multimeter can save you time and money. In this guide, I teach you the practical techniques for testing various smartphone parts like batteries, vibrators, and even analog and SMD microphones. Also, teach you to test new spare parts before placing them on your customers. From diagnosing faulty parts to understanding repair possibilities, this comprehensive guide will help you learn the use of a multimeter for testing and get your smartphone parts back in working order.

Why Test Hardware Parts Of Smartphone?

Hardware parts of smartphone

Before soldering or testing components on the phone PCB, we test spare parts to find out if they need to be changed or fault is related to the phone PCB. In this part of the guide, we will explain how to use a multimeter to test different spare parts of a smart phone.

Internal Parts Of A Smartphone

Before you perform testing the internal parts of a smart phone with the multimeter, let us first tell you the names of the parts.

• Battery. 
• Non-removable battery.
• Ear Receiver.
• Loudspeaker.
• Vibrator.
• Analog Mic.
• SMD Mic.

Smart phone parts name

For those interested in exploring or purchasing replacement parts for smartphones, visiting platforms like Amazon's Cell Phone Replacement Parts can provide a vast selection of components. Whether you're looking to replace a cracked screen, or a worn-out battery, or perhaps experiment with customization, these resources offer valuable options for maintenance and upgrades.

Smartphone Parts Testing

Now we will tell you step by step how to check smartphone parts with digital multimeter one by one. By using the technique, you will be able to check the parts of any smartphone.

Cold testing with digital multimeter

Check out the article Mobile hardware refers to the physical components of mobile devices. Understanding mobile hardware provides insights into how these components influence the overall performance and usability of modern devices.

Testing batteries with a Multimeter:

Use a multimeter to test the voltage of the battery. Compare the reading of the battery company print on the battery. If the battery doesn't show any voltage during testing, the battery may need to be replaced.

Testing batteries with Multimeter

Set the multimeter to 20 DC. Place the red probe on the positive side of the battery and the black probe on the negative side. Then read the battery's voltage off the meter's display screen.

Note: if the battery shows no reading, then the battery is discharged or dead.

Battery Activation Board To Check and Repair Battery: To charge the non-removable battery on your smartphone, you need a Battery Activation Board Device. It is used to check battery voltage and ampere and auto-charge the battery.

Repair phone battery

Plug the non-removable battery into the Activation Board. it shows you the battery charging ampere and starts auto charging the battery. When the battery gets full the chargers show a green light.  

Note: if the battery shows no reading on the Battery Activation Board, then the battery is dead. Replace the battery.

For testing and repairing your smart phone non-removable battery, watch this short video that shows how to use a battery activation board. Check out my article on how to test and repair your phone's battery with easy steps. It also includes information on the price of the battery activation board.

Testing Ear Receiver with a Multimeter: Place the multimeter on buzzer mode. Place the red and the black probes on the Ear Receiver tips. You hear a beep sound from the multimeter.

Ear speaker testing

Note: "If there is no beep sound on the Ear Receiver, then it means the loudspeaker is not functioning."

Testing loudspeakers with a Multimeter: Place the multimeter on buzzer mode. Place the red and the black probes on the loudspeaker tips. You hear a beep sound from the multimeter.

Phone loudspeaker testing digital multimeter

Note: "If there is no beep sound on the loudspeaker, then it means the loudspeaker is not functioning."

Testing vibrator with a Multimeter: Place the multimeter on buzzer mode. Place the red and the black probes on the vibrator tips. You hear a beep sound from the multimeter.

Phone vibrator checking

Note: "If there is no beep sound on the vibrator, then it means the loudspeaker is not functioning."

Testing Analog MIC with a Multimeter: Place the multimeter on buzzer mode. Place the red probe on the positive side of the MIC and the black probe on the negative side. Then the MIC shows the reading on the meter's display screen. Now Place the black probe on the positive side of the MIC and the red probe on the negative side. MIC shows no reading on the meter's display screen. It means the MIC is functioning.

Testing phone mic with digital multimeter

Note: "If the MIC shows no reading from both sides then the MIC is dead."

Testing SMD MIC with a Multimeter: The smartphone contains two built-in SMD mics. The type of microphone varies by the smartphone model. Now let me explain how to test the SMD microphone with its pin-outs. First, I will show you the microphone picture, then identify its positive and negative pins and test it with a meter.

Phone SMD mic testing pinouts

The process for replacing these spare parts may vary depending on the type of part and the smartphone model. However, it typically involves disassembling the phone, replacing the damaged part with a new one, and reassembling the phone. Experienced technicians can typically perform these repairs in smartphone repair stores or by manufacturers. With the help of this guide, you can do it at home with the right tools and tips. When replacing these smartphone parts, it is crucial to use high-quality spare parts to ensure the phone's reliable performance and a long-term relationship with your customers. Testing new spare parts before placing them on your customer's phone is important. Now Let me teach you how to test new smartphone parts.

The Importance of Testing New Parts of Smartphones

Before a smartphone reaches the customer after repair, the technicians must stringently test every part from the screen to the battery to the tiniest sensor. These tests ensure that each part after replacement shall meet its standards of quality, durability, and performance. This not only guarantees customer satisfaction but also minimizes the risk of repairing again. It saves customers money and protects your shop's reputation in front of your customers.

Techniques for testing new parts

Techniques for Testing New Parts of Smartphones

LCD, OLED, and AMOLED Testing

1. Brightness and color accuracy: Test screens for brightness levels and color fidelity to ensure vivid and accurate displays under various lighting conditions.
2. Touch responsiveness: Check the accuracy and speed of touch input across the entire display surface.

Defective LCDs can significantly hamper a smartphone's functionality and user experience. Read what causes LCD screen damage on phone the recent article in this blog explores common issues faced by phone LCD displays, highlighting the testing processes implemented to mitigate these problems. Read it to learn more about smartphone LCDs.

Battery Testing

1. Capacity and efficiency: Check the Battery's discharge cycles to determine the backup capacity and efficiency over time.
2. Thermal management: Ensure that the battery doesn't overheat during heavy use, maintaining safety and performance.

Camera Systems Testing

1. Image quality: Check Sensors and lenses for clarity, color balance, and low-light performance.
2. Stabilization and focus: Record video from each camera to verify stabilization and precise autofocus for a seamless video capture experience.

For an in-depth look into the phone camera technology, read Troubleshoot Mobile Camera Error's recent article in this blog. This article provides insights into how mobile camera systems have transitioned from pixelated beginnings to the sophisticated imaging devices they are today, highlighting key advancements and testing processes.

Sensors

1. Accuracy and Responsiveness: Sensors, such as fingerprint scanners and gyroscopes, are tested to ensure they provide accurate and fast responses.

Speaker and Mic

1. Check the speaker and microphone during a call to ensure there are no sound issues when listening or speaking.

Conclusion: Understanding and testing smartphone hardware is crucial for ensuring the phone's top performance after repair. Our Smartphone Parts Testing Guide addresses several key areas, including why testing is essential, testing batteries, speakers, vibrator, and microphones with digital multimeter, what internal smartphone parts require attention, and the most effective techniques for evaluating new components. This guide will equip you with the step-by-step techniques to handle the most common issues with ease. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional technician, this knowledge boosts your confidence and enhances your smart phone hardware parts testing ability. I encourage you to implement our smartphone parts testing guide in your practices, enhancing your work quality and staying ahead in the competitive tech industry.