Phone · Samsung · Galaxy Note 4
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic prying tools
- Spudger tool
- Tweezers
- Soft-bristle brush
- Compressed air canister
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Microfiber cloth
- Shallow cleaning container
Safety
- Disconnect and remove the battery immediately to prevent permanent short circuits.
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect sensitive circuit boards from static discharge.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Eject the S Pen
1 minPress the S Pen inward until it clicks, then pull it completely out of the slot.
- 2
Remove the Rear Cover
1 minInsert your fingernail or prying tool into the notch near the power button and lift the rear cover off.
- 3
Remove the Battery
1 minLift the battery from the recess at the bottom edge and set it aside immediately to stop short circuits.
- 4
Remove SIM and MicroSD Cards
2 minSlide both the Micro-SIM and MicroSD cards out of their respective tray slots.
- 5
Unscrew the Midframe Screws
5 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all 16 screws securing the midframe to the front assembly.
- 6
Separate the Midframe
4 minInsert a plastic spudger between the chrome bezel and display glass to unclip the midframe around the perimeter.
- 7
Disconnect Flex Connectors
3 minUse the flat end of a spudger to pry up the display, front camera, earpiece, and charging port flex connectors.
- 8
Remove the Motherboard
2 minGently lift the motherboard out of the frame, taking care not to snag any remaining ribbon cables.
- 9
Soak Board in Isopropyl Alcohol
10 minPlace the motherboard into a clean container filled with 99% isopropyl alcohol for 5 to 10 minutes.
- 10
Scrub Board Corrosion
5 minUse a soft-bristle brush dipped in isopropyl alcohol to gently scrub away visible corrosion and mineral deposits.
- 11
Clean the Charging Port Board
3 minBrush isopropyl alcohol directly into the lower USB charging port assembly to clear liquid residue.
- 12
Dry Circuit Components
15 minBlow compressed air across the motherboard and sub-boards, then let them air-dry completely for at least two hours.
- 13
Reinstall the Motherboard
3 minLower the clean, dry motherboard back into the display chassis, ensuring all alignment pins align.
- 14
Reconnect Flex Cables
3 minPress down on each flex cable connector until you feel it press firmly into place on the mainboard.
- 15
Snap Midframe into Place
2 minAlign the midframe over the phone housing and squeeze around the outer edges until all plastic tabs snap shut.
- 16
Secure Midframe Screws
4 minReinsert and tighten the 16 Phillips screws around the rear housing until snug.
- 17
Reinsert Battery and Cover
2 minReinstall the SIM card, microSD card, dry battery, S Pen, and plastic rear cover before attempting to power on.
After your Samsung Galaxy Note 4 water damage repair
Power the Galaxy Note 4 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 4 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 4 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
