Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power Off Device

   1 min

   Turn off the phone completely to prevent short circuits. Do not attempt to charge the device while water damage is suspected.

2. 2

   Eject SIM Tray

   1 min

   Insert a SIM eject pin into the hole on the side of the device frame. Push firmly to eject the tray and remove it.

3. 3

   Heat Rear Cover

   3 min

   Apply a heat gun or hairdryer around the edges of the rear cover for two minutes. This softens the factory adhesive holding the plastic back.

4. 4

   Slice Rear Panel Adhesive

   4 min

   Insert an opening pick under the plastic back panel and slide it around the perimeter. Be careful not to slide too deep near the power button flex cable.

5. 5

   Disconnect Fingerprint Sensor

   2 min

   Slightly lift the back cover to access the fingerprint reader connector. Use a plastic spudger to gently pop the flex cable off the motherboard.

6. 6

   Unscrew Midframe Fasteners

   4 min

   Remove all Phillips #00 screws securing the upper motherboard shield and middle plastic frame. Organize the screws by location.

7. 7

   Pry Off Midframe Shield

   3 min

   Insert a plastic opening tool beneath the edge of the midframe assembly. Pop the clips free and lift the frame off the chassis.

8. 8

   Disconnect Battery Press Connector

   1 min

   Use a nylon spudger to disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard immediately. This disconnects power from all remaining circuitry.

9. 9

   Disconnect Interconnect and Display Cables

   2 min

   Unplug the main interconnect flex cable and the display connector from the motherboard. Use non-conductive plastic tools only.

10. 10

    Remove Motherboard Retaining Screws

    2 min

    Unscrew the single Phillips screw holding the main motherboard to the aluminum frame. Disconnect the coax antenna cable from its socket.

11. 11

    Lift Out Motherboard

    2 min

    Grasp the edges of the main motherboard and carefully lift it out of the plastic phone body. Do not flex or strain the board.

12. 12

    Remove Sub-board Fasteners and Cable

    3 min

    Remove the screws securing the lower loudspeaker housing and charging sub-board. Disconnect the lower coax antenna connector.

13. 13

    Inspect Components for Corrosion

    3 min

    Examine the mainboard, sub-board, and housing sockets under a magnifying glass. Look for white, green, or dark residue caused by liquid exposure.

14. 14

    Clean Mainboard with Isopropyl Alcohol

    5 min

    Submerge a soft-bristle nylon brush in 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and scrub off all mineral deposits from the mainboard. Avoid soaking the camera lenses.

15. 15

    Clean Charging Sub-board

    4 min

    Scrub the lower daughterboard, USB-C port, and flex cable connectors thoroughly with alcohol. Flush out any trapped moisture inside the port.

16. 16

    Dry Circuit Boards

    15 min

    Let the motherboard and sub-board sit on a clean microfiber cloth in a well-ventilated area for 15 minutes to allow full evaporation.

17. 17

    Reinstall Boards and Cables

    5 min

    Set the dried motherboard and sub-board back into the frame. Reattach the antenna cable, interconnect flex connectors, and board screws.

18. 18

    Reattach Midframe and Reseal Back Cover

    5 min

    Connect the battery and fingerprint flex cables, screw down the midframe, apply fresh back panel adhesive, and press the rear cover firmly shut.