Phone · Samsung · Galaxy Note 3
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic spudger
- Plastic prying tool
- Soft-bristled ESD brush
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Compressed air canister
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using isopropyl alcohol.
- Wear safety glasses when using compressed air to avoid flying debris.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Eject the S Pen
1 minPress the S Pen inward to release the latch, then slide it completely out of the phone.
- 2
Pry Off Back Cover
1 minInsert a plastic prying tool into the notch near the power button and lift the rear cover off.
- 3
Remove the Battery
1 minLift the battery out from the bottom recessed edge to disconnect power immediately.
- 4
Extract SIM and MicroSD
1 minSlide out both the SIM card and microSD card from the stacked reader slot.
- 5
Unscrew Midframe Screws
3 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all 12 screws holding the rear midframe in place.
- 6
Unclip Rear Midframe
3 minInsert a plastic spudger between the front display assembly and midframe, prying around the edges to release the plastic clips.
- 7
Disconnect Display Connectors
2 minUse a spudger to carefully pop off the display and digitizer press-fit connectors from the top of the motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect Peripheral Connectors
2 minUnplug the front camera, headphone jack, and soft key flex connectors attached to the motherboard.
- 9
Remove Main Motherboard
2 minGently lift the motherboard out of the frame, taking care not to snag the bottom dock connector cable.
- 10
Detach Camera Modules
2 minDisconnect the rear camera and front camera modules from the motherboard to clear liquid trapped underneath.
- 11
Scrub Motherboard with Alcohol
5 minSubmerge the motherboard in a dish of 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub all corrosion using a soft brush.
- 12
Clean Chassis and Charging Port
4 minDip the soft brush in alcohol and clean the charging port assembly and frame contacts inside the phone body.
- 13
Blow Dry Components
15 minUse compressed air to displace remaining alcohol and liquid from under micro-components, then allow to air dry for 30 minutes.
- 14
Reattach Camera Modules
2 minSnap the front and rear camera press-connectors securely back onto the dried motherboard.
- 15
Reinstall Motherboard
2 minPlace the motherboard back into the frame and align it over the alignment pegs.
- 16
Reconnect Cable Connectors
3 minSnap all display, digitizer, and peripheral ribbon cables firmly onto their motherboard sockets.
- 17
Reassemble Frame and Enclosure
4 minSnap the midframe onto the chassis, reinstall the 12 Phillips screws, insert the battery, and snap the back cover on.
After your Samsung Galaxy Note 3 water damage repair
Power the Galaxy Note 3 back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Samsung Galaxy Note 3 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Samsung Galaxy Note 3 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
