Phone · Samsung · Galaxy S21
Samsung Galaxy S21 Fingerprint Sensor Repair
Fingerprint Sensor Repair guide for the Samsung Galaxy S21
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic opening tools
- Opening picks
- Suction cup
- Heat gun or iOpener
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Spudger
Parts / materials
- Replacement ultrasonic fingerprint sensor
- Pre-cut rear cover adhesive sticker
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
Safety
- Wear protective eyewear when heating phone glass and plastic components.
- Disconnect the battery before handling any internal flex cables.
- Do not bend or puncture the internal battery during disassembly.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Down the Device
1 minPress and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons, then tap Power Off on the screen. Ensure the phone is completely shut down before starting.
- 2
Heat the Rear Panel
3 minApply a heated iOpener or heat gun to the edges of the rear plastic cover for two minutes. This softens the adhesive securing the back panel.
- 3
Apply Suction Cup
2 minPlace a suction cup on the lower portion of the rear panel. Pull up firmly to create a small gap between the cover and the frame.
- 4
Slice Rear Panel Adhesive
5 minInsert an opening pick into the gap at the bottom edge. Slide the pick around all perimeter edges to cut through the frame adhesive.
- 5
Remove the Rear Cover
2 minGently lift the rear cover off the frame once all adhesive is severed. Set the rear cover aside in a safe location.
- 6
Unscrew Wireless Charging Coil
3 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 5 screws securing the wireless charging coil bracket.
- 7
Remove Wireless Charging Coil
2 minPry up the edges of the wireless charging coil with a plastic spudger. Peel the coil and attached NFC assembly off the motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect the Battery
1 minUse the flat end of a plastic spudger to pop the battery connector straight up from its socket on the mainboard.
- 9
Unscrew Loudspeaker Bracket
3 minRemove the 6 Phillips #00 screws holding the lower speaker enclosure to the frame.
- 10
Remove Loudspeaker
2 minInsert a spudger under the top lip of the speaker assembly and pry upwards to remove it from the bottom frame.
- 11
Disconnect Display and Sensor Flex
2 minUnplug the display press connector and fingerprint sensor ribbon cable from the main motherboard and sub-board.
- 12
Warm Display Assembly
2 minApply gentle heat to the lower front screen area for 60 seconds to loosen the glue holding the sensor beneath the OLED panel.
- 13
Remove Old Fingerprint Sensor
4 minSlide precision tweezers under the sensor flex edge beneath the midframe cutout. Carefully lift and remove the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
- 14
Install New Fingerprint Sensor
3 minAlign the replacement fingerprint sensor into the screen recess carefully. Press down lightly to seat the adhesive backing securely.
- 15
Reconnect Flex Cables and Battery
3 minSnap the new sensor flex, display cable, and battery press connector firmly back onto their motherboard sockets.
- 16
Reattach Wireless Coil and Cover
5 minReinstall the speaker bracket and wireless coil screws, then press the rear cover back onto new adhesive strips.
After your Samsung Galaxy S21 fingerprint sensor repair
Power the Galaxy S21 back on and test the fingerprint sensor 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 S21 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 S21 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
