Step-by-step

1. 1

   Eject the SIM tray and remove the stylus

   2 min

   Insert a SIM eject tool into the tray hole on the side to pop out the SIM card holder. Pull out the integrated stylus from its slot at the bottom.

2. 2

   Heat the back cover

   3 min

   Use a heat gun or heated iOpener along the outer edges of the rear panel for two minutes to soften the adhesive. Keep the heat source moving constantly to avoid melting plastic.

3. 3

   Slice the perimeter adhesive

   5 min

   Attach a suction cup to the lower back glass and pull up to create a gap. Insert a plastic opening pick and slice along all four edges.

4. 4

   Lift away the back cover

   3 min

   Gently lift the back cover off the chassis and set it aside. Clean off any residual adhesive around the frame edges.

5. 5

   Unscrew the upper motherboard shield

   4 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the top plastic motherboard housing. Track screw positions as lengths may vary slightly.

6. 6

   Pry off the motherboard cover

   2 min

   Insert a spudger under the edge of the upper plastic cover and pop it off the frame clips. Lift it off to expose the mainboard.

7. 7

   Disconnect the battery flex cable

   2 min

   Use the flat end of a plastic spudger to pop the battery connector straight up from its socket. Cutting power immediately stops ongoing liquid corrosion.

8. 8

   Disconnect remaining board flex cables

   3 min

   Disconnect the display cable, interconnect cable, and side key flex connectors from the mainboard using a spudger. Lift carefully to prevent tearing the ribbon flexes.

9. 9

   Unscrew the lower loudspeaker housing

   3 min

   Remove the Phillips #00 screws holding the lower speaker assembly over the daughterboard. Lift the speaker assembly out of the phone.

10. 10

    Remove the motherboard and daughterboard

    4 min

    Unscrew any remaining board retaining screws and gently pry the main motherboard and sub-board out of the frame. Place both boards on a clean anti-static surface.

11. 11

    Scrub board corrosion with isopropyl alcohol

    10 min

    Submerge a soft ESD brush in 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub all liquid residue or white corrosion off both boards. Pay close attention to connectors and surface-mount chips.

12. 12

    Dry components thoroughly

    10 min

    Blow low-pressure compressed air over the boards or allow them to air-dry completely for 20 minutes. Ensure no alcohol trap remains under board shields before reassembly.

13. 13

    Reinstall boards and connect main flexes

    4 min

    Place the motherboard and sub-board back into the chassis and press flex connectors into their matching sockets. Do not connect the battery yet.

14. 14

    Reconnect the battery cable

    2 min

    Align the battery press connector over its socket and press firmly down until it clicks into place. Ensure all lower and upper flex cables are securely seated.

15. 15

    Reattach shield covers and screws

    4 min

    Place the loudspeaker and upper motherboard covers back in position and press down to snap the clips. Tighten all Phillips #00 screws until snug.

16. 16

    Reseal and press the back cover

    3 min

    Apply fresh double-sided adhesive strips around the rear frame perimeter. Press the back panel down firmly along all edges for 30 seconds.