Step-by-step

1. 1

   Eject the SIM tray and stylus

   1 min

   Insert a SIM eject tool into the hole near the SIM tray to release it. Slide out the stylus from its housing slot at the bottom of the device.

2. 2

   Heat the rear cover adhesive

   2 min

   Apply continuous heat around the outer perimeter of the back cover for 2 minutes using a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive.

3. 3

   Slice the back cover seal

   3 min

   Attach a suction cup to the lower back cover and pull upward to create a small gap. Insert a plastic prying tool into the seam and carefully slice along the perimeter.

4. 4

   Remove the back cover

   2 min

   Carefully lift the rear panel off the phone body. Disconnect any fingerprint sensor flex cable if attached before completely setting the panel aside.

5. 5

   Unscrew the motherboard bracket

   3 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all screws securing the top midframe cover over the mainboard.

6. 6

   Disconnect the battery flex cable

   1 min

   Pry up the battery press connector from the motherboard using a plastic spudger to cut off power immediately.

7. 7

   Lift out the upper midframe cover

   2 min

   Gently lift the plastic motherboard bracket off the chassis using tweezers or a spudger to reveal the underlying board.

8. 8

   Disconnect internal ribbon cables

   3 min

   Use a spudger to detach the display flex, main interconnect flex, and camera connectors from the motherboard.

9. 9

   Remove the motherboard

   2 min

   Carefully lever the motherboard out of its recess in the chassis using a flat plastic prying tool.

10. 10

    Unscrew the lower speaker housing

    2 min

    Remove the Phillips screws holding the bottom speaker assembly in place at the base of the device.

11. 11

    Remove the daughterboard

    2 min

    Disconnect the lower interconnect flex cable and gently pry the USB-C charging sub-board away from the lower frame.

12. 12

    Inspect for liquid corrosion

    3 min

    Examine the mainboard, daughterboard, and connectors under a bright light or magnifying glass for white or green mineral buildup.

13. 13

    Scrub the motherboard with isopropyl alcohol

    5 min

    Dip a soft brush into 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub all corroded areas and connector ports on the motherboard.

14. 14

    Clean the charging daughterboard

    4 min

    Submerge or thoroughly brush the sub-board and inside the USB-C port with 99% isopropyl alcohol to displace hidden water deposits.

15. 15

    Blow dry components with compressed air

    3 min

    Use short bursts of compressed air to blast away remaining alcohol and corrosion debris from board components.

16. 16

    Reinstall components and reconnect flexes

    4 min

    Place the dry motherboard and daughterboard back into the chassis and press all ribbon connectors firmly into their sockets.

17. 17

    Reconnect battery and reassemble

    3 min

    Snap the battery connector back onto the mainboard, screw down the midframe covers, and press the back cover firmly onto the phone.