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iPhone Vibration / Taptic Engine RepairJohannesburg, Pretoria & Gauteng
📳 No Vibration · Weak Haptics · Rattle Diagnosis · All Models
The Taptic Engine is a precision linear actuator — not a simple vibration motor. It provides haptic feedback for every touch interaction: keyboard clicks, Haptic Touch, notifications, and the 'click' of the Home button on Touch ID models. When it fails, the device produces no vibration, weak haptics, or an internal rattling sound. We diagnose Taptic Engine faults specifically — distinguishing from bottom speaker rattle, which has a different frequency and location character.
Silvamonte, Johannesburg — serving all Gauteng with R300 collection & delivery. Free diagnostic before any work begins.
10+Years experience
4.9★Google reviews
FreeDiagnostics
6-monthWarranty
R300Gauteng pickup
How we do it
The iPhone Taptic Engine is a linear actuator producing the precise haptic feedback Apple uses throughout iOS — keyboard clicks, notification pulses, the 'click' of the home button on iPhone 7 and 8, and the broader system haptics on newer models. A failed Taptic Engine produces no vibration, weak or inconsistent haptic response, or a buzzing/rattling sound instead of a clean click.
The Taptic Engine is paired to the logic board on iPhone 7 and 8, where it replicates the solid-state home button click. Replacing it on these models without programmer-based re-pairing results in a non-functional home button. From iPhone X onwards, the Taptic Engine is not paired and replacement restores full function. iAssist stocks OEM Taptic Engines per model — aftermarket units consistently produce inferior haptic quality and develop rattle at higher vibration intensities.
No vibration for calls or notifications
Silent mode functions (screen shows call) but no physical vibration. Taptic Engine has failed — replacement required.
Home button not clicking — iPhone 7/8
The solid-state home button requires the Taptic Engine for its click feedback. No haptic = no button feel. Programmer pairing required with replacement.
Rattling sound from inside the phone
Internal Taptic Engine weight has broken free from the linear actuator. Produces a distinct rattle when the phone is shaken or receives an alert.
Weak or inconsistent haptics
Haptic feedback present but noticeably weaker than normal or only working sometimes. Taptic Engine partially failed — replacement recommended before complete failure.
Haptics stopped after water damage
Taptic Engine is vulnerable to liquid ingress. Cleaning and drying may restore function — assessed before replacement.
Buzzing instead of clicking
Degraded Taptic Engine producing motor-like buzz rather than precise click. Quality of haptic feedback has deteriorated — OEM replacement restores Apple-grade haptics.
Our iphone vibration / taptic engine repair process
Vibration test
Settings → Sounds & Haptics — system haptics, ringtone vibration, and custom patterns tested to confirm Taptic Engine failure.
Rattle diagnosis
Taptic Engine rattle (internal mechanism), bottom speaker membrane, and loose component vibration distinguished — different diagnoses and repairs.
Taptic Engine replacement
Failed unit removed, replaced with OEM-quality Taptic Engine.
Haptic calibration
Full haptic function tested — keyboard, notifications, Home button (Touch ID models), and silent mode vibration.
Pricing
Select your iPhone model
Select your model for exact pricing on this repair — every tier, every model.
iPhone Vibration / Taptic Engine Repair — pricing by model
All prices include parts, labour, and a 6-month warranty. Confirmed in writing after free diagnostic. Click any model for the full repair price list.
| Model |
Tier / option |
Price (incl. labour) |
| iPhone 8 & SE series |
| iPhone 8 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R600 |
| iPhone SE (2020) |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R800 |
| iPhone SE (2022) |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R800 |
| iPhone X · XS · XR series |
| iPhone X |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R800 |
| iPhone XS |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R800 |
| iPhone XR |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R800 |
| iPhone XS Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R800 |
| iPhone 11 series |
| iPhone 11 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R850 |
| iPhone 11 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R900 |
| iPhone 11 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R900 |
| iPhone 12 series |
| iPhone 12 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,000 |
| iPhone 12 mini |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,000 |
| iPhone 12 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,000 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,000 |
| iPhone 13 series |
| iPhone 13 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,200 |
| iPhone 13 mini |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,200 |
| iPhone 13 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,200 |
| iPhone 13 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,500 |
| iPhone 14 series |
| iPhone 14 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,500 |
| iPhone 14 Plus |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,500 |
| iPhone 14 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,500 |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,800 |
| iPhone 15 series |
| iPhone 15 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,800 |
| iPhone 15 Plus |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R1,800 |
| iPhone 15 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R2,000 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R2,000 |
| iPhone 16 series |
| iPhone 16 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R2,500 |
| iPhone 16 Plus |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R2,500 |
| iPhone 16 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R3,000 |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R3,000 |
| iPhone 16e |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R2,500 |
| iPhone 17 series |
| iPhone 17 |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R3,500 |
| iPhone 17 Air |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R3,500 |
| iPhone 17 Pro |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R3,500 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max |
OEM Taptic Engine |
Assessment + quote |
| iPhone 17e |
OEM Taptic Engine |
R3,500 |
Why choose iAssist for iphone vibration / taptic engine repair?
Free diagnostic
We confirm the exact fault before quoting. No charge if we can't fix it.
6-month warranty
Parts and labour carry a full 6-month warranty. Written quote before work begins.
Component-level repair
Micro-soldering means we fix what other shops call unrepairable.
170 reviews · 4.9★
Johannesburg's most reviewed specialist Apple repair centre.
OEM-grade parts
No cheap aftermarket parts. OEM-quality components on every repair.
Nationwide courier
R300 insured collection across Gauteng. Nationwide courier available.
Three ways to get your iPhone to us
Walk in, arrange Gauteng collection, or ship from anywhere in South Africa. Every repair starts with a free diagnostic and written quote.
In person
Drop it off at the workshop
Walk in to our Silvamonte workshop any business day. Free parking, free diagnostic on the spot. Most screen and battery replacements can be completed while you wait or same day.
Shop 4, Silvercrest Centre
11 Swemmer Rd, Silvamonte, Johannesburg
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 · Sat 09:00–13:00
Gauteng · R300
Door-to-door via Eliz Courier
Eliz Courier & Messenger Services collects and returns your iPhone across Joburg, Pretoria, Centurion, and the East Rand. R300 round-trip. WhatsApp us to book — usually within 24 hours.
WhatsApp to book collection →
Nationwide
Ship via The Courier Guy
Anywhere in South Africa — Cape Town, Durban, PE, Bloem, Polokwane. We arrange Courier Guy collection from your door, your iPhone ships to us insured, gets repaired, and returns via the same courier.
WhatsApp to arrange courier →
Common questions
iPhone Vibration / Taptic Engine Repair — frequently asked questions
My iPhone doesn't vibrate at all — is that the Taptic Engine or a setting?
Check Settings → Sounds & Haptics — confirm Vibration is on and haptic intensity is not at minimum. Also check the Ring/Silent switch. If settings are correct and there's still no vibration — Taptic Engine has failed.
My iPhone makes a rattling sound from inside when I move it — what is that?
Three common causes: Taptic Engine internal mechanism loose, bottom speaker membrane rattling (occurs during audio playback), or OIS camera mechanism (rattle stops when camera app opens). We diagnose which during the free assessment.
Will the iPhone camera OIS rattle go away when I open the camera app?
Yes — OIS rattle is normal and expected. When the camera app opens, OIS locks and the rattle stops. OIS rattle does not indicate any fault.
My iPhone Home button on SE 2020 doesn't click anymore — is that the Taptic Engine?
Yes. The 'click' of the Home button on iPhone 8, SE 2020, and SE 2022 is produced by the Taptic Engine — no mechanical moving parts. If the click sensation is gone, Taptic Engine replacement is needed.
Does Taptic Engine failure affect other functions?
Yes — keyboard click sensation, Haptic Touch feedback, and haptic notifications are all absent. If haptics are globally absent across all interactions, Taptic Engine failure is confirmed.
Can a Taptic Engine be repaired?
The Taptic Engine is not serviceable at component level — replaced as a complete unit. Sometimes a disconnected flex cable causes the same symptoms. We check the connector first.
How long does Taptic Engine replacement take?
30–45 minutes. Same-day at our Silvamonte centre.
Is Taptic Engine replacement available for all iPhone models?
Yes — we stock or can source Taptic Engine units for all current and recent models.
