Phone · Samsung · Galaxy S5 Mini
Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Tweezers
- Magnifying glass or headlamp
- Heat gun or hairdryer
- Spudger
- Soft toothbrush
Parts / materials
- 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol
- Pre-cut display adhesive strips
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Shallow glass container
Safety
- Work in a well-ventilated area when using isopropyl alcohol.
- Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from fluid splashes.
- Ensure battery is disconnected before applying any liquids or tools to the board.
- Avoid excessive heat on the screen to prevent damaging the LCD panel.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power off the device
1 minPress and hold the power button to completely shut down the phone before starting.
- 2
Remove the rear cover
1 minInsert a plastic opening tool into the fingernail slot near the top corner to pop off the back cover.
- 3
Remove the battery
1 minLift the battery out from the bottom recess to cut all power to the mainboard.
- 4
Eject SIM and microSD cards
1 minSlide out the SIM card and microSD card to prevent corrosion damage trapped underneath them.
- 5
Heat the display perimeter
3 minUse a heat gun or hairdryer on low heat along the front glass edges for 2 minutes to soften adhesive.
- 6
Slice display adhesive
5 minInsert a plastic opening pick beneath the glass edge and slowly slide around the perimeter.
- 7
Disconnect the display cable
2 minGently lift the display assembly upward and disconnect the flex cable from the motherboard.
- 8
Remove midframe screws
4 minUse a precision Phillips screwdriver to remove all visible screws on the housing assembly.
- 9
Unclip the midframe
3 minPry around the inner edge of the plastic frame to separate it from the rear chassis.
- 10
Disconnect motherboard ribbons
3 minUse a plastic spudger to unplug the camera modules, headphone jack, and home button connectors.
- 11
Lift out the motherboard
2 minCarefully remove the main logic board from the phone casing.
- 12
Inspect for liquid corrosion
3 minExamine both sides of the board with a magnifying glass for white or green mineral buildup.
- 13
Clean board with isopropyl alcohol
5 minDip a soft toothbrush into 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub corroded contacts and components.
- 14
Soak board in alcohol bath
10 minSubmerge the motherboard in a shallow container of high-purity isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes to displace water.
- 15
Dry components thoroughly
15 minLay the board on a microfiber cloth and let it air-dry completely for at least 12 hours.
- 16
Reinstall the motherboard
2 minPlace the fully dry logic board back into its position inside the frame.
- 17
Reconnect internal flex cables
3 minPress down on the ribbon cable connectors until they snap securely into place.
- 18
Fasten the midframe
4 minSnap the inner midframe onto the body and reinstall all Phillips screws securely.
- 19
Apply new screen adhesive
4 minLine the edges of the frame with pre-cut double-sided display tape.
- 20
Connect and seal the display
3 minPlug in the display cable and press the screen firmly into the frame to seal.
- 21
Reinsert cards and battery
1 minSlide the SIM and microSD cards back in, then reseat the battery.
- 22
Snap on the rear cover
1 minAlign the rear cover and press around all edges until the plastic clips lock tight.
After your Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini water damage repair
Power the Galaxy S5 Mini 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 S5 Mini 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 S5 Mini repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
