6.2. Smartphone Screen Replacement: Smartphone Disassembly
Smartphone screen replacement is one of the most common services in technical assistance due to the fragility of the devices. With our step-by-step guide, you'll learn how to disassemble a smartphone for screen replacement, from basics to advanced.
Preparation
Before starting disassembly, it is crucial to have all the necessary tools at hand. You will need a precision screwdriver, a plastic putty knife, a heat gun or hair dryer, and anti-static gloves. Also make sure you have a clean and tidy work area to avoid losing small parts.
Turn off smartphone
The first step is to turn off the smartphone to avoid short circuits. Remove the SIM card and memory card, if any.
Rear cover removal
Most modern smartphones have a glass or plastic back cover that is glued to the body of the phone. Use the heat gun to heat the edges of the back cover and soften the glue. Then use the plastic spatula to carefully lift the back cover. Remember to do this slowly to avoid breaking the lid.
Battery disconnection
After removing the back cover, you will see the battery. Disconnect the battery cable from the phone's motherboard to avoid any electrical damage during disassembly. Some smartphones may have the battery glued on, so use the heat gun again to soften the glue.
Disassembling the motherboard
With the battery disconnected, you can now disassemble the motherboard. Remove all the screws that secure it to the phone body with the precision screwdriver. Next, disconnect all of the flex cables that connect the motherboard to other components such as the camera, speaker, and charge jack.
Screen Removal
Finally, we come to the screen removal step. The screen is usually glued to the phone body, so use the hot air blower to soften the glue. Then use the plastic spatula to slowly detach the screen from the phone body. Make sure you do this carefully so as not to damage the phone's screen or body.
After removing the screen, you can proceed with the replacement. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the new screen.
Smartphone rebuild
After replacing the screen, rebuild the smartphone in the reverse order of disassembly. Connect all the flex cables to the motherboard, reinstall the motherboard and battery, and finally replace the back cover.
With these steps, you should be able to disassemble a smartphone and change the screen successfully. Always remember to work carefully and patiently to avoid damage to the device.
