Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the tablet

   1 min

   Press and hold the power button, then tap Power Off on the screen. Ensure the device is completely powered down before continuing.

2. 2

   Eject the microSD tray

   1 min

   Insert a SIM eject tool or thin paperclip into the pinhole on the side tray. Push firmly until the tray pops out, then pull it out.

3. 3

   Heat the rear edges

   2 min

   Use a heat gun or hair dryer on low heat to warm the outer seam of the rear shell for about two minutes. This softens internal plastic clips and light adhesive.

4. 4

   Insert an opening pick

   2 min

   Place a suction cup near the lower edge of the back panel and pull upward to create a small gap. Insert a guitar pick into the seam between the frame and rear panel.

5. 5

   Unclip the rear panel

   4 min

   Slide the guitar pick along all four edges of the tablet to release the plastic retaining clips. Listen for distinct popping sounds as each clip releases.

6. 6

   Remove the rear cover

   1 min

   Lift the rear cover straight off the chassis assembly. Set the back panel aside in a clean area.

7. 7

   Disconnect the battery cable

   2 min

   Locate the battery flex connector on the lower section of the motherboard. Use a plastic spudger to pry the battery connector straight up off its socket.

8. 8

   Remove motherboard shield screws

   3 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the small metal shield screws covering the upper motherboard. Keep the screws organized by size.

9. 9

   Detach the metal motherboard shield

   1 min

   Gently lift the thin metal protective cover off the motherboard using precision tweezers. Store it near its matching screws.

10. 10

    Disconnect the power button flex cable

    2 min

    Locate the small button cable connected to the motherboard ZIF socket. Flip open the locking flap on the ZIF socket with a spudger and gently pull the flex cable out.

11. 11

    Unscrew the button bracket

    2 min

    Remove the Phillips screws holding the internal metal power and volume button bracket against the frame. Set the bracket aside.

12. 12

    Peel up the power button assembly

    2 min

    Use tweezers to slide under the power button flex cable and lift the switch contacts off the side frame. Remove the damaged button assembly.

13. 13

    Position the new power button flex

    3 min

    Align the replacement power button flex assembly into the frame slot, ensuring the physical button switches rest directly behind the exterior plastic covers.

14. 14

    Secure the button bracket screws

    2 min

    Place the metal retaining bracket over the button board and tighten the Phillips screws to hold the assembly firmly in place.

15. 15

    Lock the button cable connector

    2 min

    Slide the end of the new button flex cable squarely into the motherboard ZIF socket. Flip the small locking tab down to clamp the cable.

16. 16

    Reinstall the metal motherboard shield

    3 min

    Place the metal protective shield back over the motherboard logic components. Drive the Phillips screws down until finger-tight.

17. 17

    Reconnect the battery cable

    1 min

    Align the battery press connector over its header on the motherboard. Press straight down until it snaps firmly into socket position.

18. 18

    Snap the rear panel into place

    3 min

    Align the rear shell over the screen frame assembly. Work your fingers around the entire outer perimeter, pressing firmly until all plastic clips snap tight.

19. 19

    Insert the microSD tray

    1 min

    Reinsert the microSD tray into its side housing slot until flush with the side edge.