Step-by-step

1. 1

   Remove the SIM Card Tray

   1 min

   Insert a SIM eject tool into the hole near the upper left frame to pop out the SIM tray. Pull the tray completely out of the phone.

2. 2

   Heat the Rear Cover

   3 min

   Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the perimeter of the back cover for two minutes to soften the adhesive. Keep the heat source moving constantly to prevent thermal damage.

3. 3

   Slice the Rear Cover Adhesive

   5 min

   Apply a suction cup near the bottom edge and pull upward to create a slight gap. Insert a plastic opening pick into the gap and slide it around the perimeter to cut the adhesive.

4. 4

   Remove the Back Cover

   2 min

   Gently lift the rear plastic cover away from the chassis. Clean off any residual broken adhesive along the rim.

5. 5

   Unscrew the Plastic Midframe

   4 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all 17 screws securing the plastic midframe assembly. Keep the screws organized for reassembly.

6. 6

   Pry Off the Midframe

   3 min

   Insert a plastic spudger between the midframe and the screen bezel. Carefully pry along the edges to release the internal plastic clips and detach the midframe.

7. 7

   Disconnect the Battery Cable

   1 min

   Locate the battery connector on the motherboard and pry it straight up using a plastic spudger. Disconnecting power immediately prevents further liquid short-circuiting.

8. 8

   Disconnect Display and Daughterboard Cables

   2 min

   Use a plastic spudger to detach the main display flex cable and the interconnect cable from the motherboard. Unclip the antenna coaxial cables from their sockets.

9. 9

   Remove the Main Logic Board

   3 min

   Remove the single Phillips screw securing the motherboard, then lift the board out from the top corner. Handle the logic board strictly by its plastic edges.

10. 10

    Remove the Lower Sub-Board

    3 min

    Remove the Phillips screws holding the lower sub-board in place. Carefully pry up the sub-board containing the USB-C charging port and headphone jack.

11. 11

    Clean Motherboard with Isopropyl Alcohol

    6 min

    Submerge a soft brush in 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub the motherboard to remove corrosion and mineral deposits. Pay close attention to board components and connector pins.

12. 12

    Clean Sub-Board and Flex Connectors

    5 min

    Scrub the sub-board, USB port, and flex cable connectors with isopropyl alcohol to dissolve remaining water residues. Ensure all corrosion crust is cleared away.

13. 13

    Blow Dry Components with Compressed Air

    10 min

    Use short bursts of compressed air to blast remaining alcohol and loosened debris out of board crevices. Let the parts air-dry on a lint-free towel for 20 minutes.

14. 14

    Inspect Components with a Magnifying Glass

    4 min

    Examine board traces, micro-chips, and solder joints under a magnifying glass for burnt traces or remaining corrosion. Re-clean any dirty areas with alcohol if necessary.

15. 15

    Reinstall Motherboard and Sub-Board

    3 min

    Place the main logic board and lower sub-board back into the chassis frame. Secure both boards using their designated Phillips screws.

16. 16

    Reconnect All Internal Cable Flexes

    3 min

    Snap the interconnect flex cable, display flex cable, and antenna wires back onto their connectors. Finally, press the battery connector straight down into place.

17. 17

    Fasten the Midframe Screws

    4 min

    Align the plastic midframe over the phone body and press down around the edges to snap it in place. Reinstall the 17 Phillips screws to secure it.

18. 18

    Re-seal the Rear Cover

    4 min

    Apply fresh double-sided frame adhesive to the rear perimeter. Press the back cover firmly onto the phone and apply light pressure along the edges for several minutes.