Chosen Solution
Replaced my screen about 3 times and my charging port went out. Replaced about 3 days after I get either no service, searching, or “service” (says I have bars but I don’t). I am wondering if the charging port would be the issue
It can be a hardware issue. First rule out a bug by going to Settings>General>Reset>Reset Networks Settings. Next try your SIM in a different phone and a different SIM in your own phone. Must be network compatible. After that, yes check that your antenna is there on the new lightning dock and that the coaxial cable next to the battery connector is properly plugged in. Next you will want to try a different (possibly the old) lightning dock to see if things will improve. Don’t screw it in at first; just try by overlaying over the existing one and connect the coaxial and test. If it does turn out to be the cause, you need to replace it again. Choose a reputable supplier such as iFixit. Not cheap POS parts from random sellers on eBay. Otherwise if none of the above solves it, your issue probably lies in the Base Band IC acting out - very possible seeing that the device was dropped before and had the screen shattered 3 times already? This could be solved by an expert microsolderer but note that this repair is quite delicate and time consuming. Someone not trained enough will likely tear pads and ruin it forever. Choose wisely. Check my profile here on iFixit for a website with some references. Some of them perform this repair. Your other option would have been be to replace it out of warranty from Apple - not possible in your case since the device has already been tempered with by third party techs other than Apple. That would have been your most expensive option and you would probably have received a refurbished device.
