How to disassemble an Android smartphone: safe instructions with photos and tips

Disassembling a smartphone is a task that every owner of a device faces sooner or later. If you want to replace the battery, clean the charging connector or diagnose a breakdown after a fall, knowing the correct sequence of actions will help you avoid costly mistakes. However, Android-devices.whether you want to replace the battery, clean the charging connector, or diagnose damage after a fall, knowing the correct sequence of actions will help you avoid costly mistakes. However incorrect disassembly can lead to damage to the cables, loss of tightness, or even complete failure of the gadget.

In this article we will analyze a universal algorithm that is suitable for most modern smartphones on Android —from budget Redmi to flagship Samsung Galaxy. You'll learn what tools you'll need, how to safely remove the back cover, and what to do if the screws become stuck. And also - unique life hacks for disassembling devices with adhesive fastening without damaging the case.

Before you begin, please note: disassembling a smartphone voids warrantyif it is still in effect. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a service center. But if you decide to act on your own, follow our recommendations carefully.

1. Preparation: tools and safety

The first step is collecting the necessary tools. Without them, it is almost impossible to disassemble a smartphone without damage. Here is the minimum set that is useful for most models:

• 🔧 Screwdriver set (cross-head PH00, PH0, flat 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, as well as five-beam Pentalobe for iPhone-like screws in some Androiddevices).
• 🧲 Sucker for removing the display module or back cover (especially important for smartphones with adhesive fastening, for example Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 7).
• 📏 Plastic picks or guitar picks - they will help to carefully pry the lid without damaging the case.
• 🔥 Hair dryer or hot air station (to soften the glue when disassembling sealed devices, for example, with protection IP68).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90% and above) - to clean contacts and remove glue residues.
• 📦 Organizer or a magnetic mat - to avoid losing small screws and parts.

Also prepare your work area: it should be well-litclean and free of static electricity (ideally, an antistatic mat). short circuit. non-removable battery, charge it beforehand 30-50% - this will reduce the risk of fire in the event of an accidental short circuit.

⚠️ Attention: Some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or OnePlus 11) have hidden latches under the back cover. If you pull. cover with force, the plastic fasteners may break. Always make sure all screws are removed before using force.

If you disassemble a smartphone with OLED screen, be careful: such displays are thinner and more fragile than IPS. Even slight pressure on the corners can lead to damage to the matrix or the appearance of dead pixels.

2. How to remove the back cover: universal method

The method of removing the back cover depends on the design of the smartphone. Modern devices are divided into three types:

1. With a removable cover (rare in 2026, but still found in budget models, for example Nokia 2720 or some Samsung Galaxy A older than 2020).
2. With screws under the cover (most middle-class smartphones, for example Redmi Note 12 or Realme 10 Pro).
3. With adhesive fastening (flagships and devices with water protection, for example, Samsung Galaxy S24 or Google Pixel 8).

Let's consider the most difficult case - glue fastening. Here are step-by-step guide:

1. Heat the case with a hairdryer (temperature ~60°C) around the perimeter for 2-3 minutes. Do not overheat. - the plastic may be deformed!
2. Apply suction cup closer to the bottom edge of the smartphone (where the connectors are usually located) and slightly pull up.
3. Into the formed insert slot plastic mediator and carefully move it along the body, separating the cover. If you feel resistance, warm up this place again.
4. As soon as the cover comes off, do not remove it completely: there are often attached to it cables (for example, a fingerprint scanner or antenna NFC).

For smartphones with screws, the process is simpler:

1. Unscrew all the screws around the perimeter (usually there are 6-10 pieces). In some models (for example, POCO X5) the screws may be hidden under stickers - do not forget to remove them.
2. Carefully pry the cover with a pick, starting from the bottom corner. If the cover does not budge, check that all the screws are unscrewed.

⚠️ Attention: In smartphones Samsung from 2021 (for example, Galaxy S21 and newer) under the back cover can be an additional layer of glue around the camera. If you pull the cover sharply, you can tear off the flexible cable of the camera!

3. Disconnecting the battery: why is this critical

Once you have removed the back cover, the first thing you need to do is disconnect the batteryThis will prevent a short circuit if you accidentally touch the contacts with a screwdriver. In most smartphones, the battery is connected via connector on the motherboard.

Here's how to do it safely:

1. Find the battery - it usually takes up most of the internal space.
2. Find black connector (most often it is located near the bottom of the battery).
3. Carefully pry up the connector plastic tool (not metal!) and disconnect it. Do not pull the wires!

In some models (for example, Huawei P60 or Oppo Find X6) the battery may be glued to the case. If you need to remove it (for example, to replace it), you will have to use special solvent adhesive or heat the battery with a hairdryer to separate it. But remember: a damaged battery can ignite!

If you do not plan to replace the battery, it is better not to touch it. It is enough to simply disconnect the connector.

What will happen if you do not disconnect the battery?

When a metal screwdriver touches the contacts on the board, a short circuit may occur. This will lead to burnt components (such as the power controller) or even a fire. In the best case, the smartphone simply will not turn on after assembly.

4. Removing the motherboard and other components

After disconnecting the battery, you can begin to remove the internal components. It is important to remember here: each screw and cable has its place. By mixing them up, you risk damaging the device during assembly.

Typical disassembly sequence:

1. Disconnect all cables from the motherboard. Usually they are fixed with latches - carefully lift them with a screwdriver, then pull out the cable. Do not pull the wires!
2. Unscrew the screwsthat secure the motherboard. In some models (for example, Asus ROG Phone 7), the board can be secured with additional latches.
3. Carefully remove the board, starting from the edge where there are the fewest connectors. If the board is tightly seated, check that all screws are unscrewed.

The table below shows the approximate location of key components in popular smartphones:

Component	Samsung Galaxy S24	Xiaomi 14 Pro	Google Pixel 8
Battery	Bottom part, glued	Bottom part, removable	Bottom part, glue + graphite gasket
Motherboard	Under the screen, 12 screws	Center, 8 screws + latches	Top part, 10 screws
Camera	Upper left corner, 3 cables	Upper module, 2 cables	Center of the upper part, 1 cable
Speakers	Bottom and top edges	Bottom edge + under the screen	Bottom edge, glued

If you are disassembling a smartphone for screen replacement, be especially careful: the display module is connected to the board with several fragile cables. In models with Always-On Display (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra), the cable may be thinner than usual.

5. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen sometimes make mistakes when disassembling smartphones. Here are the most common of them and ways to prevent them:

• 🔩 Tearing off the screws. Use a screwdriver with magnetic tip and do not apply excessive force. If the screw is “stuck,” drop a drop on it WD-40 or heat it with a hairdryer.
• 🧲 Loss of screws or parts. Use organizer with cells or tape the screws in the order they are removed.
• 🔥 Damage to the cables. Never pull on the wires - only on the connectors! The camera and display cables are especially fragile.
• 💧 Moisture ingress. If you clean your smartphone with alcohol, let it dry completely before reassembling. Moisture under the battery can cause corrosion.
• 📱 Damage to the display. Do not place your smartphone face down on a hard surface. Use soft backing.

Another common problem is wrong assembly. For example, if you forget to connect the fingerprint scanner cable, the smartphone may not recognize your finger after assembly. Or if you overtighten the screws, you can damage the threads in the case.

If after assembly the smartphone does not turn on, check:

1. Is the battery connected.
2. Is the motherboard damaged (are there any blackened components).
3. Are all cables connected correctly.

⚠️ Attention: In smartphones with wireless charging (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5) under the back cover there may be Qi coilglued to the body. If it is damaged, wireless charging will not work.

6. Disassembling smartphones with a folding screen (Galaxy Z Fold, Huawei Mate X)

Folding smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Huawei Mate X3) are disassembled according to a different principle. Their design is more complex, and the risk of damage is flexible screen higher. Here are the key differences:

• 📱 Hinges and hinges. Foldable devices have a mechanical hinge that secures the screen. It cannot be disassembled without a special tool!
• 🔧 Additional screws. Often the screws are hidden under decorative plugs or stickers.
• 🧲 Two batteries. Many folding smartphones have two batteries (one for each half of the body), which are connected by a cable.
• ⚠️ Fragile flexible screen. Even slight pressure can lead to damage to the matrix or the appearance of folds.

If you have never disassembled folding smartphones, we We do not recommend doing it yourself. The risk of damage is too high, and the cost of repairing a flexible screen can exceed half the price of the device.

If you decide, here are some tips:

1. Use ultra-thin plastic picks (thickness 0.1-0.2 mm).
2. Do not heat the case above 50°C - the flexible screen may become deformed.
3. Do not try to disassemble the hinge! Repairing it requires special equipment.

What happens if the flexible screen is damaged?

Flexible screens in folding smartphones consist of several layers, including ultra-thin glass and a polymer substrate. If one layer is damaged, the screen may stop responding to touches and “dead zones” or stripes may appear. Repairing such a screen costs 50-80% of the cost of a new device.

7. Assembling a smartphone: a reverse process with nuances

Assembling a smartphone is a reverse disassembly process, but with several important nuances:

1. Check all the rubber seals (if any). In waterproof smartphones (for example Sony Xperia 1 V), their damage will lead to loss of sealing.
2. Apply new glue on the back cover if the old one has lost its stickiness. Suitable for this 3M double-sided tape or special glue Tesa 61395.
3. Tighten the screws crosswiseto avoid warping the board or case.
4. Check the operation of all functions before final assembly: camera, speakers, sensors, wireless charging.

If you replaced the battery, calibrate it:

1. Charge the smartphone until 100%.
2. Disconnect charging and use the device until completely discharged (before turning off).
3. Charge again to 100% without interruptions.

After assembly, turn on the smartphone and check:

• 📶 Network operation (calls, mobile data).
• 📷 Cameras (main and front).
• 🔊 Speakers and microphone.
• 👆 Touch screen (especially around the edges).
• 🔋 Wireless charging (if supported).

⚠️ Attention: If after assembly the smartphone overheats or discharges quickly, most likely you connected the battery incorrectly or damaged the power controller. Immediately turn off the device and check the connections!

8. When disassembly does not help: cases for the service center

Not all breakdowns can be repaired yourself. Here are the cases when it is better to turn to professionals:

• 💧 Liquid ingress. Even if the smartphone turned on after drying, corrosion may appear later. The service uses ultrasonic cleaning and special solutions.
• 🔥 Burnt components on the board. If you see blackened or swollen parts, you will need resoldering of the chips.
• 📡 Problems with antennas (no network, bad signal Wi-Fi/5G). Damaged ones are often to blame RF cables, which are difficult to replace without experience.
• 🔄 Problems with chargingif replacing the connector USB-C did not help. The power controller on the board may be damaged.
• 🔍 Problems with biometrics (the fingerprint scanner or face recognition does not work). This may be due to damage secure chip.

It is also worth contacting the service if:

- You have disassembled the smartphone, but cannot put it back together (for example, the lid does not close).

- After assembly, the device does not turn on or boots in mode Fastboot.

- Appeared on the screen artifacts (stripes, flickering, dead pixels).

The cost of repairs in the service may seem high, but sometimes it is cheaper than buying a new smartphone after unsuccessful disassembly on your own.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disassembling smartphones

❓ Is it possible to disassemble a smartphone without special tools?

Technically yes, but the risk of damage is extremely high. For example, you can use a plastic card instead of a mediator, but it can scratch the case or break the cables. Screwdrivers from a regular set often do not fit, which leads to the screws breaking off. If you are disassembling a smartphone for the first time, it is better to spend money on a minimal set of tools (costs from 500 rubles).

❓ How to understand that all the screws have been unscrewed?

Look at the body of the smartphone - usually the screws are located symmetrically. You can also carefully pull the cover: if it does not give in, most likely there are unscrewed screws or hidden latches. In some models (for example Google Pixel), the screws may be hidden under stickers or rubber plugs.

❓ What to do if after disassembling the smartphone does not turn on?

First, check the connection of the battery and display cable. If everything is connected correctly, but the device does not respond, try:

1. Connect to charge for 10-15 minutes (sometimes a discharged battery does not show signs of life).
2. Press the power button for 20-30 seconds (sometimes it helps when the power controller freezes).
3. Ring with a tester the main circuits on the board (if you have the skills to work with a multimeter).

If all else fails, the motherboard is most likely damaged.

❓ Is it possible to disassemble a smartphone with IP68 protection without losing water resistance?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is very difficult. To save IP68 you need to:

1. Use original glue (for example, Samsung sells repair kits with glue and seals).
2. Check the integrity of all rubber gaskets.
3. After assembly, test the tightness (for example, by immersing the smartphone in water for a short time, but this is risky!).

Even in service centers, after disassembly, the degree of protection is often reduced to IP67 or IP65.

❓ What glue to use for the back cover?

Suitable for most smartphones:

• Double-sided tape 3M VHB (thickness 0.5 mm or 1 mm).
• Special glue for electronics (for example, Tesa 61395 or B-7000).
• Liquid glue (for example, LOCTITE 406), but it is more difficult to apply evenly.

For waterproof smartphones, it is better to use original adhesive tapes from the manufacturer.