Phone · Samsung · Galaxy S4 Active
Samsung Galaxy S4 Active Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Active
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #00 screwdriver
- Plastic opening tools
- Spudger
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- Soft-bristle toothbrush
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Shallow bath container
Safety
- Work in a well-ventilated area away from open flames when handling isopropyl alcohol.
- Ensure the battery is removed immediately to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Wear protective eyewear while scrubbing components with isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove the Back Cover
1 minPry open the rear panel using the notch near the power button. Lift and remove the back cover from the chassis.
- 2
Remove the Battery
1 minUse a plastic opening tool to lift the battery out from the bottom recess. Set the battery aside in a safe, dry location.
- 3
Eject SIM and MicroSD Cards
2 minPress inward on the microSD card to release and slide it out. Push the SIM card out of its slot using a plastic tool.
- 4
Unscrew the Midframe
4 minUse a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all 12 screws securing the rear midframe to the body.
- 5
Separate the Midframe
4 minInsert a plastic pry tool into the seam between the midframe and display assembly. Pry around the perimeter to release the retaining clips.
- 6
Disconnect Motherboard Flex Cables
3 minUse a spudger to pop up the display, digitizer, front camera, and headphone jack flex connectors from the motherboard.
- 7
Remove Motherboard Screws
1 minRemove the single Phillips #00 screw securing the main logic board to the frame.
- 8
Lift Out the Motherboard
2 minGently tilt the motherboard up from the bottom edge and lift it out of the phone assembly.
- 9
Inspect for Water Corrosion
3 minExamine the board under a magnifying glass for white or green mineral deposits and check the liquid damage indicator stickers.
- 10
Clean Board with Isopropyl Alcohol
5 minDip a soft-bristle toothbrush in 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub away corrosion from all motherboard components.
- 11
Soak Motherboard in Alcohol
15 minSubmerge the logic board in a container of 99% isopropyl alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes to displace trapped moisture.
- 12
Dry Motherboard Completely
10 minRemove the board from the bath and place it on a lint-free cloth. Allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.
- 13
Clean Remaining Connectors
5 minUse a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the frame contacts, display flex ends, and USB charging port.
- 14
Reassemble and Test Device
10 minReinstall the dried motherboard, reconnect all flex cables, secure the midframe, insert the battery, and power on the phone.
After your Samsung Galaxy S4 Active water damage repair
Power the Galaxy S4 Active 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 S4 Active 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 S4 Active repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
