Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the device

   1 min

   Press and hold the Power button until the menu appears, then tap Power Off. Ensure the phone is completely shut down before proceeding.

2. 2

   Remove the rear cover

   1 min

   Insert a plastic opening tool or fingernail into the notch on the side of the back panel. Gently pry the rear cover off the chassis.

3. 3

   Extract the battery

   1 min

   Insert your finger into the recess at the bottom of the battery compartment. Lift the battery up and remove it from the phone.

4. 4

   Remove the SIM and microSD cards

   2 min

   Press the SIM card inward slightly to release it from its slot, then slide it out. Repeat the process for the microSD card if installed.

5. 5

   Unthread the midframe screws

   3 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the ten identical screws securing the rear midframe. Store the screws in a safe place.

6. 6

   Separate the midframe from the screen

   3 min

   Insert a plastic opening pick between the chrome bezel and the rear midframe. Slide the pick around the perimeter to release the plastic clips.

7. 7

   Disconnect the display flex cable

   2 min

   Locate the display cable near the top left of the motherboard. Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry the press connector straight up.

8. 8

   Disconnect the digitizer flex cable

   2 min

   Pry up the digitizer flex cable connector located at the top edge of the motherboard using a plastic spudger.

9. 9

   Unplug the coaxial antenna cable

   2 min

   Use tweezers or a spudger to pry up the gold coaxial antenna connector near the bottom right corner of the motherboard.

10. 10

    Remove the motherboard screw

    1 min

    Unscrew the single silver Phillips #00 screw securing the main motherboard to the display frame assembly.

11. 11

    Pry up the motherboard

    2 min

    Carefully lift the motherboard out of the front housing starting from the top edge. Ensure no connected cables snag during removal.

12. 12

    Remove the microphone gasket

    1 min

    Locate the small square microphone at the bottom corner of the motherboard. Use tweezers to pull off the black rubber acoustic gasket.

13. 13

    Clean the microphone opening

    2 min

    Dip a cotton swab in high-concentration isopropyl alcohol and clean the tiny hole in the phone frame to remove trapped dust or debris.

14. 14

    Solder the replacement microphone

    10 min

    Apply flux and heat with a fine soldering iron to desolder the old SMD microphone. Clean the pads with wick, then solder the new microphone into place.