Step-by-step

1. 1

   Remove the SIM tray

   1 min

   Insert a SIM eject tool into the hole on the left edge of the phone to pop out the SIM card tray. Pull the tray fully out of the device.

2. 2

   Heat the back cover

   2 min

   Use a heat gun or hair dryer on low power to warm the perimeter of the back cover for 2 minutes to soften the adhesive.

3. 3

   Slice the rear adhesive

   4 min

   Insert an opening pick under the plastic back cover near the bottom edge. Slide the pick around the perimeter to slice through the adhesive seal.

4. 4

   Detach the back cover

   2 min

   Gently lift the back cover off the phone frame and set it aside on a clean surface.

5. 5

   Unscrew the midframe

   4 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all visible screws securing the plastic midframe and camera bracket.

6. 6

   Pry off the midframe

   3 min

   Insert a plastic spudger into the seam between the midframe and the chassis. Pop the clips along the edges to release and lift off the midframe.

7. 7

   Disconnect the battery cable

   1 min

   Use the flat end of a plastic spudger to pry the battery connector directly up from its socket on the motherboard. This cuts power and prevents further short circuits.

8. 8

   Disconnect interconnect flex cables

   2 min

   Pry up the display flex cable, main interconnect cable, and antenna cable press-fit connectors from the motherboard.

9. 9

   Remove the motherboard

   3 min

   Unscrew any remaining board-retaining screws and lift the motherboard out of the phone chassis using tweezers.

10. 10

    Remove the lower sub-board

    3 min

    Disconnect the lower end of the interconnect cable and speaker module screws, then pry the sub-board out of the housing.

11. 11

    Clean corrosion from the motherboard

    8 min

    Dip a soft nylon brush into 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub away liquid residue, white powder, or corrosion from all exposed board components.

12. 12

    Clean the sub-board and USB port

    5 min

    Scrub the sub-board and inside the USB-C port with isopropyl alcohol using the soft brush to remove liquid oxidation.

13. 13

    Dry all circuit boards

    10 min

    Wipe down the cleaned boards with a lint-free microfiber cloth and let them air dry completely for at least 10 minutes.

14. 14

    Reinstall the motherboard and sub-board

    3 min

    Seat the dried motherboard and sub-board back into their respective slots inside the phone housing.

15. 15

    Reconnect internal flex cables

    3 min

    Align and firmly press down the display cable, interconnect cable, and antenna wire connectors onto the motherboard.

16. 16

    Reconnect the battery cable

    1 min

    Press the battery cable connector straight down into its motherboard socket until it snaps into place.

17. 17

    Secure the midframe

    4 min

    Align the midframe over the chassis, press along the edges until clips snap into place, and reinstall all Phillips screws.

18. 18

    Reseal the back cover

    3 min

    Apply new adhesive tape strips to the rear perimeter, align the back cover, and press firmly along all edges to secure it.