Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the screen on your Nintendo Switch Lite. The screen consists of the LCD and digitizer. If you're only replacing the LCD, follow this guide. If you're only replacing the digitizer, follow this guide.

Replacement adhesive is required to complete this guide.

Note: Although removing the joysticks and buttons isn’t required, it makes this repair much easier.

What you need

  1. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the back panel screws: step 1, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy

    • Before beginning this repair, make sure that the device is completely turned off.

    • Use a Y00 screwdriver to remove the four 6.3 mm-long screws securing the back panel.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    Edit

  2. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the top and bottom back panel screws: step 2, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the top and bottom back panel screws: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the following screws securing the back panel:

    • Two 3.6 mm-long screws on the top of the device

    • Two 3.6 mm-long screws on the bottom of the device

    • To prevent these tight screws from stripping, apply firm downward force, work slowly and try a different screwdriver if the screws won't come out.

    Edit

  3. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Release the clips securing the back panel: step 3, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Release the clips securing the back panel: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening tool into the left speaker grille on the bottom of the device.

    • Twist the opening tool to release the clips securing the back panel.

    • Avoid inserting the opening tool further than required to prevent damage to the speaker module.

    Edit

  4. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Continue releasing the clips around the device: step 4, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Continue releasing the clips around the device: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening tool around the bottom-left corner to release the clips on the left side of the device.

    Edit

  5. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Twist to release the clips: step 5, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Twist to release the clips: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening tool into the right speaker grille on the bottom of the device.

    • Twist the opening tool to release the clips.

    • Avoid inserting the opening tool further than required to prevent damage to the speaker module.

    Edit

  6. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slide and pry around the corners: step 6, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slide and pry around the corners: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Slide and pry the opening tool around the bottom-right corner to release the clips on the right side of the device.

    Edit

  7. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Continue sliding and prying the opening tool along the gap on the top of the device to release the clips.

    Edit

  8. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the back panel: step 8, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the back panel: step 8, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the back panel: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the bottom edge of the back panel, opening it like a book.

    • Remove the back panel.

    Edit

  9. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the shield plate: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the following four screws:

    • Three 3.1 mm screws

    • One 4.5 mm screw

    Edit

  10. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger or your fingers to lift the shield plate up and out of the device.

    • You may feel a bit of resistance. This is normal, since the shield plate is slightly bonded to the heat sink with thermal paste.

    • Remove the shield plate.

    • Clean off the old thermal paste from the shield plate and heat sink using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Apply new thermal paste to the heat sink before reassembly.

    Edit

  11. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 11, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the motherboard interconnect cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  12. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Do Not Use Metal Tweezers! Some fixers state that metallic tweezers can short circuit the ribbon cable/connector. It might be safer to just use nylon-tipped or ceramic-tipped tweezers.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the interconnect cable out of its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  13. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry the battery connector straight up and out of its socket on the motherboard.

    Edit

  14. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the heat sink: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Use the flat end of a spudger or your fingers to carefully peel up the foam that's lightly adhered to the fan.

    • The foam only needs to be peeled back enough to clear the fan.

    Edit

  15. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the three 3 mm screws securing the heat sink to the motherboard.

    Edit

  16. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger or your fingers to lift the heatsink up and off of the motherboard to remove it.

    • You may feel a bit of resistance. This is normal, since the heat sink is slightly bonded to the CPU with thermal paste.

    • Clean off the old thermal paste from the heat sink and CPU using isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth. Apply new thermal paste to the CPU before reassembly.

    Edit

  17. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the game card reader and headphone jack: step 17, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the game card reader and headphone jack: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the game card reader cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  18. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the seven 3.1 mm screws securing the game card reader and headphone jack.

    Edit

  19. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully lift the game card reader and maneuver it to the left to slide the cable out of its connector.

    • Remove the game card reader and headphone jack.

    Edit

  20. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the right trigger button assembly: step 20, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the two 4.5 mm screws securing the right trigger button assembly to the motherboard.

    Edit

  21. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the right trigger button assembly.

    Edit

  22. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to remove the right trigger button assembly's rubber pad if it didn't stay attached to the button assembly.

    Edit

  23. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 23, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 23, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry the black antenna cable straight up out of its socket on the motherboard.

    • Repeat the same process for the white antenna cable.

    Edit

  25. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the fan cable: step 24, image 1 of 1

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the fan cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  26. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide out the fan cable from its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  27. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen cable: step 26, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen cable: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the screen cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  28. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the screen cable out of its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  29. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the digitizer cable: step 28, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the digitizer cable: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the digitizer cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  30. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the digitizer cable out of its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  31. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the right joystick cable: step 30, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the right joystick cable: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the right joystick cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  32. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the right joystick cable out of its connector on the motherboard.

    Edit

  33. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the motherboard assembly: step 32, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the following six screws securing the motherboard:

    • Three 3.1 mm screws

    • Three 4.5 mm screws

    Edit

  34. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 33, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a spudger in the gap between the frame and the motherboard and lift the motherboard up and out of its recess.

    • Remove the motherboard assembly.

    Edit

  35. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the right joystick: step 34, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the two 3.5 mm screws securing the joystick.

    Edit

  36. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to remove the joystick.

    • There is a thin black gasket around the hole where the joystick pokes through the frame. Try not to disturb this gasket as you remove the joystick.

    Edit

  37. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the left speaker module: step 36, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the left speaker module: step 36, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to pull the left speaker cable straight up and out of its socket on the daughterboard.

    • Do not pull from the wires, or else you risk ripping the wires off the connector.

    Edit

  38. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the 4.5 mm screw securing the left speaker module.

    Edit

  39. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 38, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lift the speaker module up and out of its recess to remove it.

    • Part of the speaker module sits underneath a delicate ribbon cable. Take care not to snag the speaker module on the cable as you remove it.

    Edit

  40. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the motherboard interconnect cable: step 39, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the motherboard interconnect cable: step 39, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the motherboard interconnect cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  41. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the motherboard interconnect cable out of its connector on the daughterboard.

    Edit

  42. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen and volume button cables: step 41, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen and volume button cables: step 41, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flaps on the two ribbon cable ZIF connectors.

    Edit

  43. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 42, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the daughterboard screen cable out of its connector on the motherboard.

    • Repeat this procedure for the volume buttons cable.

    Edit

  44. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the volume buttons: step 43, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the volume buttons: step 43, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to remove the volume buttons.

    Edit

  45. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the joystick cable: step 44, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Disconnect the joystick cable: step 44, image 2 of 2

    • Use an opening tool or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the left joystick cable's ZIF connector.

    Edit

  46. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to slide the left joystick cable out of its connector on the daughterboard.

    Edit

  47. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the left trigger button assembly: step 46, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the two 4.5 mm screws securing the left trigger button assembly.

    Edit

  48. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 47, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the left trigger button assembly.

    Edit

  49. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the daughterboard: step 48, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the following four screws:

    • Two 4.5 mm screws

    • Two 6 mm screws

    Edit

  50. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 49, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift the daughterboard up and out of its recess to remove it.

    Edit

  51. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the left joystick: step 50, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH 000 driver to remove the two 3.5 mm screws securing the left joystick.

    Edit

  52. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 51, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 51, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 51, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the joystick up and out of its recess.

    • Use your fingers to remove the joystick.

    • There is a thin black gasket around the hole where the joystick pokes through the frame. Try not to disturb this gasket as you remove the joystick.

    Edit

  53. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Unfasten the midframe assembly: step 52, image 1 of 1

    • Use a JIS 000 driver or an official iFixit PH000 driver to remove the four screws securing the midframe assembly:

    • Three 2.5 mm screws

    • One 6 mm screw

    Edit

  54. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the midframe assembly: step 53, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the midframe assembly: step 53, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the midframe assembly: step 53, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to pry the midframe assembly up until you can grip it with your fingers.

    • Grip the midframe assembly and pull up to remove it.

    Edit

  55. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the remaining buttons: step 54, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the remaining buttons: step 54, image 2 of 2

    • Remove any remaining buttons that are loose in the frame.

    Edit

  56. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 55, image 1 of 1

    • Flip the frame over so the screen is facing up.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer on the Low heat setting.

    • If you're using a hair dryer, only heat the screen a few seconds at a time or you may warp the plastic shell.

    Edit

  57. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 56, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 56, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 56, image 3 of 3

    • Lightly bend the left side of the frame away from the screen to create a gap in the bottom left corner.

    • If you're having difficulty creating a gap, reapply a heated iOpener for two minutes and try again.

    • Insert an opening pick in the gap.

    • Don't insert your pick more than 3 mm to avoid damaging the screen.

    Edit

  58. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the left adhesive: step 57, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the left adhesive: step 57, image 2 of 2

    • Throughout this repair, don't insert your pick more than 3 mm to avoid damaging the screen.

    • Slide the opening pick along the left edge.

    • Leave the pick inserted in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  59. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 58, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the top edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, but remember not to heat the screen more than a few seconds at a time.

    Edit

  60. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the top adhesive: step 59, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the top adhesive: step 59, image 2 of 2

    • Rotate the opening pick around the top left corner.

    Edit

  61. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 60, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 60, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick along the top edge.

    • Leave the opening pick inserted in the top right corner.

    Edit

  62. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 61, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, but remember not to heat the screen more than a few seconds at a time.

    Edit

  63. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the right adhesive: step 62, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the right adhesive: step 62, image 2 of 2

    • Rotate the opening pick around the top right corner.

    Edit

  64. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 63, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 63, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick along the right edge.

    • Leave the opening pick inserted in the bottom right corner.

    Edit

  65. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 64, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • You can also use a hair dryer, but remember not to heat the screen more than a few seconds at a time.

    Edit

  66. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the bottom adhesive: step 65, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Slice the bottom adhesive: step 65, image 2 of 2

    • Rotate the opening pick around the bottom right corner.

    Edit

  67. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 66, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement: step 66, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge.

    Edit

  68. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 67, image 1 of 2 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 67, image 2 of 2

    • Grip the frame and push up on the underside of the screen's left edge to separate the adhesive securing it.

    Edit

  69. Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 68, image 1 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 68, image 2 of 3 Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 68, image 3 of 3

    • The digitizer cables prevent the screen from being lifted straight up from the frame.

    • Lift the left side of the screen to a 45-degree angle and remove it.

    • If the screen is still stuck to the frame, slide an opening pick around the perimeter and try again.

    • During reassembly, follow this guide to replace the screen adhesive.

    Edit
Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Nintendo Switch Lite Answers community for help.

17 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

94,530 Reputation

662 Guides authored

Badges: 38

+35 more badges

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

118 Members

19,410 Guides authored

2 Comments

Thanks for your guide - it was very helpful, first time I took screen off without breaking it off :). I also bought the iFixit kit with the heat pad. I can now see that the trick was not so much a lot of heat, but heat evenly along the whole side

Angelo Felix - Reply

omg you are a lifesaver thank you so much

Adien Richards - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 72

Past 7 Days: 401

Past 30 Days: 1,741

All Time: 35,185