Step-by-step

1. 1

   Eject the SIM and MicroSD tray

   1 min

   Insert a SIM eject tool into the hole on the top frame to release the tray. Remove the tray completely and set it aside.

2. 2

   Heat the display edges

   3 min

   Apply a heated pad or heat gun around the screen perimeter for 2-3 minutes to soften the display adhesive.

3. 3

   Attach a suction cup

   2 min

   Place a suction cup near the bottom edge of the display and pull upward firmly to create a seam.

4. 4

   Slice through perimeter adhesive

   5 min

   Insert a plastic opening pick into the gap and slide it along all four edges to cut through the screen adhesive.

5. 5

   Open the display screen

   2 min

   Slowly pivot the display open from the left edge like a book page. Do not pull the screen away entirely as flex cables are still connected.

6. 6

   Unscrew the display cable shield

   2 min

   Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the metal shield over the display connector.

7. 7

   Disconnect the display cable

   2 min

   Pry the display flex ribbon connector straight up from the motherboard using a plastic spudger. Set the screen assembly aside.

8. 8

   Disconnect the battery flex cable

   1 min

   Pry the battery connector up from the motherboard immediately to cut power and prevent further electrical short circuits.

9. 9

   Unscrew the main motherboard

   3 min

   Remove all Phillips screws securing the main logic board to the aluminum chassis.

10. 10

    Disconnect motherboard flex cables

    3 min

    Use a spudger to gently pop off the camera, speaker, and interconnect flex cable connectors attached to the main board.

11. 11

    Remove the main motherboard

    2 min

    Lift the motherboard out of the frame by holding its edges, taking care not to snag any remaining ribbon cables.

12. 12

    Remove the charging port daughterboard

    3 min

    Unscrew the daughterboard at the bottom of the chassis and lift it out using fine tweezers.

13. 13

    Scrub liquid corrosion with Isopropyl Alcohol

    10 min

    Submerge or generously wet the circuit boards with 99% isopropyl alcohol. Gently scrub all corrosion and mineral deposits using a soft ESD brush.

14. 14

    Inspect board components

    5 min

    Examine the logic board under a magnifying glass to check for remaining residue, corrosion under shields, or burnt chips.

15. 15

    Dry all cleaned components

    15 min

    Place the scrubbed circuit boards on a lint-free towel and allow them to air dry completely for at least 30 minutes.

16. 16

    Reinstall circuit boards

    4 min

    Place the main board and daughterboard back into the chassis, securing them with their respective Phillips screws.

17. 17

    Reconnect all internal cables

    4 min

    Snap all camera, speaker, interconnect, and display ribbon connectors firmly back into their motherboard sockets, then reconnect the battery.

18. 18

    Apply new adhesive and seal screen

    5 min

    Clean old adhesive from the frame, apply fresh display adhesive strips, align the screen, and press firmly along the perimeter to seal.