Tablet · Microsoft · Surface RT
Microsoft Surface RT Home Button Repair
Home Button Repair guide for the Microsoft Surface RT
Before you begin
Tools
- T5 Torx screwdriver
- Plastic opening tools
- Plastic spudger
- Opening picks
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement Surface RT home button flex cable
- Double-sided repair tape
- Isopropyl alcohol (90%+)
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Always wear an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic damage to internal components.
- Disconnect the battery before touching internal circuit boards to avoid electrical shorts.
- Use caution when handling glass panels to avoid injury or cracking the screen.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power off the Surface RT
1 minPress and hold the power button, then slide down on the screen to completely turn off the device.
- 2
Extend the kickstand
1 minFlip the rear kickstand outward to access the hidden screws along the bottom rear housing.
- 3
Remove kickstand screws
3 minUse a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the screws securing the kickstand hinges to the chassis.
- 4
Pry off the top camera bezel
2 minInsert a plastic opening tool under the plastic camera cover strip at the top edge and gently pop it off.
- 5
Unscrew the perimeter fasteners
4 minRemove all T5 Torx screws revealed underneath the camera bezel and behind the kickstand.
- 6
Separate the display assembly
5 minInsert opening picks between the glass screen and the magnesium casing, sliding gently along the seam to release plastic clips.
- 7
Lift the display panel
2 minCarefully tilt the screen up from the right side, taking care not to strain the ribbon cables attached at the left.
- 8
Disconnect the battery cable
2 minUse a plastic spudger to pry the battery connector straight up off the motherboard to prevent electrical shorting.
- 9
Disconnect digitizer flex cables
3 minFlip open the small locking levers on the ZIF connectors, then slide out the screen ribbon cables.
- 10
Locate the home button flex assembly
1 minFind the small capacitive Windows home button ribbon cable attached near the bottom edge of the glass display bezel.
- 11
Peel back conductive tape
2 minUse tweezers to carefully peel away the black conductive shielding tape covering the home button connector.
- 12
Disconnect the home button ZIF connector
2 minUse a spudger tip to flip up the tiny ZIF connector latch and slide the home button ribbon out.
- 13
Remove the old home button flex cable
2 minGently pry the capacitive touch sensor off the lower bezel glass using a flat opening tool.
- 14
Clean adhesive residue
2 minApply a drop of isopropyl alcohol to a microfiber cloth and wipe away old adhesive from the bezel mounting area.
- 15
Install the new home button flex cable
2 minAlign the replacement capacitive sensor over the Windows logo outline and press down firmly to set the adhesive.
- 16
Secure the home button ribbon cable
2 minInsert the flex cable into the motherboard ZIF socket and press down the locking tab to lock it in place.
After your Microsoft Surface RT home button repair
Power the Surface RT back on and test the home button 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 Microsoft Surface RT job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Microsoft Surface RT repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
