VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement

Jacob Schioppo and 2 other contributors

Last updated on July 14, 2019

25 minutes - 1 hour

Difficult

Incorrect Tools

Introduction

Go to step 1

This guide will show how to replace the motherboard in the VTech Innotab Max.

What you need

Tools

Step 1 Cover

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Cover: step 1, image 1 of 3

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Cover: step 1, image 2 of 3

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Cover: step 1, image 3 of 3

Remove all screw caps from the back panel using a metal spudger.

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Step 2

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

Next remove all of the now uncovered screws.
If there is a cartridge in the device make sure to remove it.

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Step 3

Now that all of the screws have been removed, pry the back cover off using a plastic opening tool.

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Step 4

Here you can see the back cover has been fully removed and you can now access the front cover.
To remove the front cover, remove the springs holding the pictured brackets in place, then pull it away.

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Step 5 Battery

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Battery: step 5, image 1 of 1

Once the back cover is removed the battery will be located in the bottom right as you can see in the image to the right.

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Step 6

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Tool used on this step:

Plastic Cards

$2.99

Add To Cart

Remove the tape holding down the wires, and carefully pry the battery off of the base of the device.
Pry carefully to avoid damaging the battery. The battery may start to bend slightly, this is normal and not a cause for concern.
It is best to use a plastic card or nylon spudger to remove the battery. Metal tools can puncture a battery, potentially causing a fire.

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Step 7

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

Now that the battery is free to be moved, unplug the wire connecting the battery to the motherboard.

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Step 8

The battery is now fully disconnected.

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Step 9 Camera

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Camera: step 9, image 1 of 1

The camera is not held down by anything, so simply remove it from it's spot to prepare for unplugging it.

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Step 10

Carefully remove the wire connecting the camera to the motherboard, using a tool to grip it if needed.
Be careful to only pull from the end of the connector (closest to the motherboard), as the strip is easy to tear.

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Step 11

The camera is now removed completely removed from the device.

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Step 12 Screen

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Screen: step 12, image 1 of 2

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Screen: step 12, image 2 of 2

In order to unlock the screen you need to remove the 4 pins that can be seen in the picture.
To remove simply just turn and pull them out. Use a metal or nylon spudger if they are too small to grip.

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Step 13

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

Once the pins are removed the screen should be loose from the frame and only connected by the brown film pictured.

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Step 14

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3

Tool used on this step:

Tweezers

$4.99

Add To Cart

In order to completely remove the screen you need to unclip the film from the motherboard by simply using a pair of tweezers and gently pulling.
Be careful not to tear the film when pulling.

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Step 15

Once unclipped from the motherboard the screen should be entirely free from the device

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Step 16 Motherboard

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 16, image 1 of 1

Remove the circled screws that are holding down the motherboard and components.
Every component that will need to be unscrewed will have wires running to it from the motherboard. These wires will not be disconnected.

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Step 17

VTech InnoTab Max Motherboard Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3

With all of the screws out, lift up the speaker, the two visible bronze plates, and the small green chip at the top.
Do not try to disconnect any of the wires running to these devices, as you will not be able to reconnect them.
All of these components can be located by following wires leaving the motherboard.

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Step 18

With all of these components out of their place, lift up the motherboard to reveal one more bronze plate.
Remove the screws holding down this plate, and remove it with the rest of the motherboard.

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