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Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal

Prerequisite Only
This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

Introduction

Pre-req guide on removing the main flex cables from the Galaxy S20.

What you need

  1. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Heat the bottom edge: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Unplug and power off your phone before you begin.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the back cover's bottom edge for two minutes.

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

    Edit

  2. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 2, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 2, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup to the back of the phone, as close to the center of the bottom edge as possible.

    • If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

    • Pull on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back cover and the frame.

    • Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.

    • Due to tight tolerances, this may take multiple attempts of reheating with the iOpener and separating with the suction cup before you get it right.

    • If you are having trouble creating a gap, apply more heat to the edge and try again.

    • Do not apply excessive force with the pick, or you risk cracking the back cover glass.

    Edit

  3. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 3, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 3, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the pick back and forth along the bottom edge to slice through the adhesive.

    • Do not attempt to cut the adhesive near the corners of the phone where the glass is curved or you risk cracking the glass panel.

    • Leave your opening pick in the seam to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  4. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Heat the left edge: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the back cover for two minutes.

    Edit

  5. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 5, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 5, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup to the back of the phone, as close to the center of the left edge as possible.

    • Pull on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back cover and the frame.

    • Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.

    • As the glass on this edge is curved, you won't be able to insert this pick very far. As long as the very tip of the pick is underneath the glass's edge, you will be able to proceed.

    • Due to tight tolerances, this may take multiple attempts.

    • If you are having trouble creating a gap, apply more heat to the edge and try again.

    • You can try also applying a few drops of high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol into the seam to help loosen the adhesive.

    • Do not apply excessive force with the pick, or you risk cracking the back cover glass.

    Edit

  6. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 6, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 6, image 2 of 2

    • Once the pick is underneath the glass's edge, tilt it downward and insert it further to fully separate the back cover's adhesive.

    Edit

  7. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 7, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 7, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the pick all along the left edge of the phone to separate the back cover's adhesive.

    • Take care when sliding across the ridge in the frame surrounding the volume and power buttons—the cutout in the glass may make it more prone to cracking.

    • Leave your pick under the left edge of the glass near the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  8. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Heat the right edge: step 8, image 1 of 1

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

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

    Edit

  10. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 9, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 9, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup to the back of the phone, as close to the center of the right edge as possible.

    • Pull on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back cover and the frame.

    • Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.

    • Like with the previous edge, you will need to tilt the opening pick downward to fully insert it underneath the back cover.

    Edit

  11. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 10, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 10, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the pick all along the right edge of the phone to separate the back cover's adhesive.

    • Leave your pick under the right edge of the glass near the top of the device to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    • As you do this, the back cover may release one or both of the other picks and allow them to fall free. If this occurs, set the pick(s) aside as the bottom edge shouldn't reseal from this point onward.

    Edit

  12. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Heat the top edge: step 11, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  13. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • The glass near the corners of the back cover is curved and very susceptible to cracking. Be gentle during this step to prevent damaging your back cover.

    • Gradually slide the pick from the right edge of the device around the top right corner.

    • Continue slicing along the top edge all the way to the top left corner to fully separate the back cover adhesive.

    • If the slicing becomes difficult at any point, stop and reapply heat before continuing.

    Edit

  14. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the back cover: step 13, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the back cover: step 13, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Lift the back cover slowly. Use opening picks to slice any remaining adhesive.

    • Remove the back cover.

    • During reassembly:

    • This is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.

    • Remove any adhesive chunks with a pair of tweezers or your fingers. Apply heat if you're having trouble separating the adhesive.

    • If you're using custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.

    • If you're using double-sided tape, follow this guide.

    Edit

  15. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Unfasten the motherboard bracket: step 14, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy

    • Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the five 4 mm-long screws securing the motherboard bracket.

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

    Edit

  16. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Unclip the motherboard bracket: step 15, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Unclip the motherboard bracket: step 15, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers to gently pull up and unclip the motherboard bracket from the plastic midframe.

    • Do not completely remove the bracket yet, as its still attached to the wireless charging coil.

    Edit

  17. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the wireless charging coil: step 16, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the wireless charging coil: step 16, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the wireless charging coil: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Gently peel the wireless charging coil away from the device.

    • Remove the wireless charging coil.

    • The coil is connected to the rest of the device via spring contacts, so there is no need to disconnect any connectors.

    • During reassembly, refasten the motherboard bracket screws first to properly align the charging coil into place, then firmly press the rest of the coil down to adhere it.

    Edit

  18. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the battery: step 17, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the battery: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.

    • When you disconnect connectors like these, be careful not to dislodge the small surface-mounted components surrounding the socket.

    Edit

  19. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Unfasten the lower midframe: step 18, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the five 4 mm-long screws securing the loudspeaker and lower midframe.

    Edit

  20. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the loudspeaker: step 19, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the loudspeaker: step 19, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the loudspeaker: step 19, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Insert the point of a spudger or a pair of tweezers into the notch in the top left corner of the midframe and pry up to release the clips holding it in place.

    • Remove the loudspeaker and lower midframe.

    Edit

  21. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the daughterboard: step 20, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the daughterboard: step 20, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the daughterboard: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the main and auxiliary flex cables from the daughterboard near the bottom of the device.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

    Edit

  22. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the main flex cables: step 21, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the main flex cables: step 21, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Disconnect the main flex cables: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the main and auxiliary flex cables from the motherboard.

    Edit

  23. Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the main flex cables: step 22, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the main flex cables: step 22, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S20 Flex Cable Removal, Remove the main flex cables: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Gently peel up and remove the main and auxiliary flex cables.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Author

Tarun Thiruma

Member since: 11/20/19

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