Step-by-step

1. 1

   Remove the Stylus and SIM Tray

   2 min

   Eject the SIM card tray using an eject tool or paperclip. Pull the integrated stylus out from its slot at the bottom corner of the device.

2. 2

   Heat the Back Cover

   3 min

   Apply a heat gun or hairdryer along the outer edges of the rear glass/plastic panel for 2 minutes to soften the underlying adhesive.

3. 3

   Slice the Back Cover Adhesive

   5 min

   Attach a suction cup near the bottom edge of the back panel to create a gap. Insert a plastic opening pick and slide it around the perimeter to slice the adhesive.

4. 4

   Disconnect the Fingerprint Cable

   2 min

   Slightly lift the back cover from the right edge like a book. Use a spudger to pop off the fingerprint reader ribbon cable attached to the motherboard before removing the cover completely.

5. 5

   Unscrew the Plastic Midframe

   4 min

   Remove the Phillips #00 screws securing the plastic inner midframe and speaker cover to the phone frame.

6. 6

   Pry Off the Midframe

   3 min

   Insert a plastic spudger between the midframe bezel and the display assembly. Gently pry around the edges to release the plastic clips and lift the midframe off.

7. 7

   Disconnect the Battery

   1 min

   Pry up the battery press connector immediately using a nylon spudger to cut off power and stop further electrical shorting.

8. 8

   Disconnect Motherboard Interconnect Flexes

   3 min

   Unplug the display flex cable, main-to-sub interconnect cable, and lower antenna coaxial cables from the top motherboard.

9. 9

   Remove the Motherboard

   3 min

   Remove any remaining logic board retaining screws with a Phillips #00 screwdriver. Carefully lift the motherboard out of the chassis by its edges.

10. 10

    Remove the Sub-Board and Speaker Assembly

    4 min

    Disconnect the lower coaxial cable and interconnect flex from the bottom sub-board. Lift the speaker housing and sub-board out of the lower chassis.

11. 11

    Inspect Circuit Boards for Liquid Damage

    3 min

    Examine both circuit boards under bright light and magnification. Look for white, green, or black corrosion marks around ICs and connectors.

12. 12

    Scrub Boards with Isopropyl Alcohol

    8 min

    Soak the motherboard and sub-board in 99% isopropyl alcohol. Gently scrub all corroded areas and connector ports using a soft-bristled brush.

13. 13

    Dry Components with Compressed Air

    10 min

    Use compressed air to blast trapped alcohol and liquid out from underneath metal shields and microscopic components. Let the boards dry on a clean mat for 20 minutes.

14. 14

    Clean the Frame and Battery Bay

    4 min

    Wipe down the display frame, battery compartment, and stylus cavity using cotton swabs dampened with 99% isopropyl alcohol to remove remaining moisture.

15. 15

    Reinstall Circuit Boards and Interconnects

    5 min

    Place the sub-board and main motherboard back into the frame, secure their screws, and reconnect all display and interconnect flex cables.

16. 16

    Reconnect Battery and Attach Midframe

    4 min

    Plug the battery cable back into the motherboard. Position the plastic midframe over the body and press firmly along the edges until clips snap into place, then replace all screws.

17. 17

    Attach Fingerprint Sensor and Seal Back Cover

    4 min

    Reconnect the fingerprint reader cable to the motherboard. Apply new adhesive strips to the perimeter, press the back cover on firmly, and reinsert the SIM tray and stylus.