Modern flagship and mid-budget devices of the South Korean giant Samsung are famous for their tightness and premium materials, but this same feature makes their repair a difficult task for an untrained user. If your device stops holding a charge, the screen is broken, or moisture gets inside, there is a natural desire to look inside and try to fix the problem yourself. The process of opening the case requires not only accuracy, but also an understanding of the internal architecture of the device, since inept actions can lead to irreversible damage to the cables or even fire of the battery.
Unlike old models with removable covers, modern Samsung Galaxy are monoblocks, where all components are tightly glued to the frame. The adhesive that holds the rear glass softens only at a temperature of 80-90 degrees Celsius, which is a critical parameter for a successful start to work. Before you pick up the tools, you need to be aware of the risks: breaking the seal will deprive you of moisture protection, and careless movement can damage the screen, the cost of which is often half the price of the device.
In this guide we will analyze in detail the stages of preparation, the necessary tools and the process of dismantling the main components. We will look at the nuances of working with various series, from budget Galaxy A to top-end Galaxy S i Note.
Necessary tools and preparation of the workplace
High-quality disassembly is impossible without a specialized set of tools, which differs significantly from standard household ones. You'll need more than just a screwdriver, but an entire arsenal of tools designed to work with miniature electronics. The core of the set is precision screwdriver setincludes Phillips bits in sizes PH00 and PH000, as well as flat and torx bits, which are often used in Samsung screws.
The second critical element is the heat source. A household hair dryer is not recommended due to the difficulty of temperature control and the risk of overheating internal components. The ideal solution would be heat gun with temperature control or professional heating panel (pre-heater), which evenly heats the entire area of the case. To separate the screen and the body, plastic spatulas, mediators and thin metal blades are needed to help penetrate the adhesive layer.
Use high-purity isopropyl alcohol (99%) to dissolve residual adhesive - it does not conduct current and quickly evaporates without leaving traces.
Don't forget to prepare a container for sorting screws. They can differ in length even within the same module, and if you mix them up, you risk breaking the motherboard or damaging the threads. You should also have tweezers with an antistatic coating and a suction cup on hand for carefully lifting the glass.
- 🔧 A set of precision screwdrivers with magnetic tips for working with small screws.
- 🌡️ A hot air gun or heating panel for controlled heating of the adhesive layer.
- 🧰 Plastic picks, paddles and a thin metal blade for opening the case.
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves and tweezers to protect electronics from static electricity.
Safety measures and turning off power
The first and most important step before starting any physical manipulation is to completely turn off the device. Even if the phone is turned off by software, there may be residual voltage on the board that can cause a short circuit when tools come into contact with the contacts. Lithium polymer battery is an energy source that can ignite or explode if damaged, so it must be handled with extreme caution.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to remove the battery without disconnecting its cable from the motherboard! Accidentally shorting the battery connector contacts with a metal tool can instantly damage the power controller.
If the device turns on, it is recommended to discharge the battery to 25% or lower before disassembling. This reduces the battery's energy potential and minimizes the risks in case of damage. While working, be sure to use an antistatic wrist strap or regularly touch a grounded metal object to remove static charge from your body, which is detrimental to microcircuits.
The workplace should be well lit and free of unnecessary objects. Use a special antistatic mat if you have one, or just a clean, dry surface. Do not allow small metal objects (paper clips, screws) to get inside the case during operation.
The process of removing the back cover and accessing the internals
Modern Samsung smartphones are held together with a powerful adhesive around the perimeter of the case. To begin disassembly, you need to uniformly heat the perimeter of the device. Set the heat gun to a temperature of about 80-90 degrees and heat the edges for 2-3 minutes, constantly moving the air flow so as not to overheat the central part of the screen. If you are using a heating panel, place the phone on it with the screen down (after protecting the glass) and warm it up for 5-7 minutes.
Once warmed up, insert a thin suction cup at the bottom of the back cover, close to the speaker, where there are usually no critical components. Pull the suction cup up, creating slight tension, and carefully insert a plastic pick or thin blade into the resulting gap. Move the tool along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Do not try to pry the cover sharply - the glass may crack from stress.
Pay special attention to the areas around the cameras and fingerprint scanners if they are built into the back panel. In these places, the glue can be applied more abundantly, and additional heating is required. If you feel strong resistance, stop and warm up the area again.
Nuances of working with curved screens
When disassembling models with curved edges (Edge screens), the risk of damaging the display when removing the back cover is much higher, since cables can pass close to the frame. Be extremely careful with the depth of insertion of the blade.
When the cover is removed, you will gain access to the insides, but that is not the end. Under the back cover there is often hidden a middle frame (mid-frame), fastened with many screws. You need to unscrew them all, remembering the location, since they can have different lengths and threads.
Removing the battery and replacing batteries
Replacing the battery in Samsung smartphones is one of the most common reasons for disassembly. Once you remove the back cover and the middle frame (if there is one), you'll see the battery taking up most of the interior space. It is also glued in and removing it requires patience. Under no circumstances should you use metal tools to pry the battery directly - puncturing the casing will result in instant ignition.
For safe removal, use special pull-tabs, if provided by the design, or apply a little isopropyl alcohol under the edges of the battery to dissolve the glue. Gently rock the battery from side to side, gradually increasing the amplitude, until it comes unstuck from the case. The process may take from 10 to 20 minutes.
| Samsung model | Capacity (typical) | Type of fastening | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21 / S22 | 4000 mAh | Glue + Pull-tab | Average |
| Galaxy A52 / A53 | 4500 mAh | Glue (without tapes) | High |
| Galaxy Note 20 | 4300 mAh | Glue + Frame | High |
| Galaxy Z Flip | 3300 mAh | Two batteries + Glue | Extreme |
When installing a new battery, make sure that the connector fits tightly in the connector. If you used alcohol, let it dry completely before connecting. To fix the new battery, use special double-sided adhesive strips (B-7000 glue or ready-made stickers), avoiding filling the entire space under the battery with glue to make it easier to replace in the future.
Removing the display and working with cables
Replacing the display is the most expensive and risky operation. In modern Samsung, the screen is often glued not only around the perimeter, but also over the entire area to the frame. It should be removed only after the battery has been completely disconnected. The display and digitizer (sensor) cables are very thin and fragile.
Use a plastic spatula or fingernail to disconnect the cables. Pry the connector from bottom to top, avoiding pressure on the connector itself on the board. When installing a new module, first connect the cables, check the functionality (by turning on the phone carefully, without gluing the screen), and only then fix it in the case.
☑️ Check before assembly
⚠️ Attention: Press the cable connectors with your fingers or tools very carefully. Excessive pressure can damage the tracks inside the connector, causing streaking on the screen or sensor failure.
If you are changing only the glass (without the matrix), you will need to use a separator and a UV lamp for the glue, which is a professional procedure that requires expensive equipment. At home, it is recommended to change the screen assembly with the frame, which simplifies the process and guarantees quality.
Assembling the device and checking the tightness
Assembly is done in the reverse order. Clean all surfaces of old adhesive with alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Apply a new adhesive line or use a ready-made adhesive frame. Make sure that all screws are tight, especially those that hold the board and charging connector, as they provide grounding and mechanical strength.
After assembly, you need to check the tightness. Although it is impossible to recreate the factory IP68 level at home, a tight fit of the lid will protect against splashes and dust. Turn on the phone and check all functions: speakers, microphone, vibration, cameras and sensor.
Build quality directly affects the operation of the antennas - poorly tightened screws can lead to poor signal reception and Wi-Fi performance.
Don't forget to remove the protective film from the new screen before final installation of the cover. Allow the glue to dry for several hours, preferably placing the phone under a small weight (through a soft cloth) to ensure an even seal.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to disassemble the Samsung Galaxy without removing the back cover?
In most modern models, access access to the battery and main components is only possible by removing the back cover. Removing the screen without removing the cover is only possible to replace the screen itself, but this requires working with very thin layers of glue and carries a high risk of damaging the matrix.
Which glue is best to use for gluing the cover?
The optimal choice is special glue B-7000 or T-7000, as well as ready-made adhesive frames (adhesive frames), which follow the contours of the body. They provide the necessary elasticity and adhesive strength.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after assembly?
First of all, check the connection of the battery cable. Make sure all connectors are fully latched. If the problem persists, the cable or power controller may have been damaged during disassembly.
Do you need to completely discharge the phone before disassembling?
It is advisable to discharge the device to 25% or less. This reduces the risk of fire or short circuit in the event of accidental damage to the battery case by a tool.
Will the water protection be restored after self-disassembly?
It is almost impossible to completely restore the factory IP68 water protection level at home. You can only count on basic protection from dust and accidental splashes, but immersing the phone in water after repair is strictly not recommended.