OEM Guide

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

48

Time Required

                          1 - 2 hours

Sections

5

  • SIM/MicroSD Card Tray
  • 2 steps
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 Back Cover Removal
  • 13 steps
  • Wireless Charging Coil
  • 6 steps
  • USB-C Charging Port and Daughterboard
  • 6 steps
  • Screen and Battery Assembly
  • 21 steps

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OEM Guide

iFixit collaborated with the manufacturer to make this guide.

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Introduction

This guide is written for the genuine Samsung screen and battery assembly. The assembly consists of the screen, battery, and frame together in one part. Be sure you have the right part before you begin the repair.

This guide is written with the Verizon UW model, which contains two mmWave antennas. If you don’t have the UW model, skip the mmWave antenna steps.

Before you begin, refer to the Samsung Self-Repair document for safety information.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions. Before disassembling your device, completely discharge the battery. This reduces the risk of a dangerous thermal event if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair.

Note: Retaining water resistance after the repair will depend on how well you reapply the adhesive, but your device will lose its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

What you need

Step 1

              Eject the SIM tray
  • Insert a SIM card eject tool, bit, or a straightened paperclip into the hole on the SIM tray, located at the top edge of the phone next to the plastic antenna band.
  • If you inserted the tool into the other hole, don’t worry—the microphone and the ingress gasket are mounted out of harm’s way.
  • Press in firmly to eject the tray.

Insert a SIM card eject tool, bit, or a straightened paperclip into the hole on the SIM tray, located at the top edge of the phone next to the plastic antenna band.

If you inserted the tool into the other hole, don’t worry—the microphone and the ingress gasket are mounted out of harm’s way.

Press in firmly to eject the tray.

1024

Step 2

              Remove the SIM tray
  • Remove the SIM card tray.
  • The SIM card will fall out of the tray easily.
  • When you reinsert the SIM card, ensure that it is in the proper orientation relative to the tray.
  • A thin rubber gasket around the SIM tray provides water and dust protection. If this gasket is damaged or missing, replace the gasket or the entire SIM tray to protect your phone’s internal components.

Remove the SIM card tray.

The SIM card will fall out of the tray easily.

When you reinsert the SIM card, ensure that it is in the proper orientation relative to the tray.

A thin rubber gasket around the SIM tray provides water and dust protection. If this gasket is damaged or missing, replace the gasket or the entire SIM tray to protect your phone’s internal components.

Step 3

              Heat the bottom edge
  • 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.

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.

Step 4

              Separate the bottom edge adhesive
  • 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.

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.

Step 5

  • 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.

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.

Step 6

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

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

Step 7

              Separate the left edge adhesive
  • 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.

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

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.

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

Step 8

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

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

Step 9

  • 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.

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.

Step 10

              Heat the right edge
  • 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.

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

Step 11

              Separate the right edge adhesive
  • 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.

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

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

Step 12

  • 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.

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.

Step 13

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

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

Step 14

              Separate the top edge adhesive
  • 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.

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.

Step 15

              Remove the back cover
  • 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 Samsung custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.
  • If you’re using double-sided tape, follow this guide.

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 Samsung custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.

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

Step 16

              Disconnect the wireless charging coil
  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the wireless charging coil’s press connector on the motherboard.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the wireless charging coil’s press connector on the motherboard.

Step 17

              Unfasten the motherboard bracket
  • 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.
  • If you’re reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3373.

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.

If you’re reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3373.

Step 18

              Unclip the motherboard bracket
  • Use a pair of blunt-nose 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.

Use a pair of blunt-nose 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.

Step 19

              Unfasten the loudspeaker
  • Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the five 4 mm-long screws securing the loudspeaker and lower midframe.
  • If you’re reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3373.

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

Step 20

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

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

Step 21

              Remove the wireless charging coil
  • Insert the point of a spudger into the notch in the top left corner of the midframe and pry up to release the clips holding it in place.
  • Remove the wireless charging coil.

Remove the wireless charging coil.

Step 22

              Disconnect the battery
  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery’s press connector on the motherboard.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery’s press connector on the motherboard.

Step 23

              Disconnect the flex cables
  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the primary and secondary flex cables from the motherboard.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the primary and secondary flex cables from the motherboard.

Step 24

  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the primary and secondary 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.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the primary and secondary 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.

Step 25

              Remove the flex cables
  • Remove the primary and secondary flex cables.
  • Set the cables aside. You’ll reuse them during reassembly.

Remove the primary and secondary flex cables.

Set the cables aside. You’ll reuse them during reassembly.

Step 26

              Unfasten the daughterboard
  • Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the three 3.4 mm-long screws securing the USB-C port and daughterboard.
  • If you’re reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3396.

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the three 3.4 mm-long screws securing the USB-C port and daughterboard.

If you’re reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3396.

Step 27

              Remove the daughterboard
  • Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the left edge of the daughterboard and pry up to release it from its recess.
  • Use a pair of tweezers to pull the daughterboard up and away from the bottom of the device and remove it.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the left edge of the daughterboard and pry up to release it from its recess.

Use a pair of tweezers to pull the daughterboard up and away from the bottom of the device and remove it.

Step 28

              Heat the vibrator
  • Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom-right corner of the device for 90 seconds.

Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom-right corner of the device for 90 seconds.

Step 29

              Remove the vibrator
  • Insert the tip of a spudger between the frame and the notch in the vibrator’s edge, close to the bottom edge of the device.
  • Pry up with the spudger to separate the vibrator from the frame.
  • Remove the vibrator.
  • Set the vibrator aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Insert the tip of a spudger between the frame and the notch in the vibrator’s edge, close to the bottom edge of the device.

Pry up with the spudger to separate the vibrator from the frame.

Remove the vibrator.

Set the vibrator aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Step 30

              Vibrator reassembly instructions
  • During reassembly, follow these instructions to reinstall your vibrator:
  • Peel off the vibrator adhesive from its liner and apply the sticky end to the frame.
  • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull on the tab and expose the top layer of adhesive.
  • Insert the vibrator and apply pressure to adhere it to the frame.

During reassembly, follow these instructions to reinstall your vibrator:

Peel off the vibrator adhesive from its liner and apply the sticky end to the frame.

Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull on the tab and expose the top layer of adhesive.

Insert the vibrator and apply pressure to adhere it to the frame.

Step 31

              Unfasten the upper midframe
  • Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four 4 mm-long screws securing the upper midframe.
  • If you’re reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3373.

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four 4 mm-long screws securing the upper midframe.

Step 32

              Remove the upper midframe
  • Insert the point of a spudger into the notch on the right side of the upper midframe and pry up to release the clips holding it into place.
  • Remove the upper midframe.

Insert the point of a spudger into the notch on the right side of the upper midframe and pry up to release the clips holding it into place.

Remove the upper midframe.

Step 33

              Disconnect the left cables
  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the left 5G mmWave antenna’s press connector from the motherboard.
  • Repeat for the power button cable.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the left 5G mmWave antenna’s press connector from the motherboard.

Repeat for the power button cable.

Step 34

              Disconnect the front camera
  • Pry up and disconnect the front facing camera flex cable from the motherboard.
  • Bend the cable out of the way of the motherboard.

Pry up and disconnect the front facing camera flex cable from the motherboard.

Bend the cable out of the way of the motherboard.

Step 35

              Disconnect the front-facing sensor array
  • Pry up and disconnect the front-facing sensor array cable from the motherboard.
  • Bend the cable out of the way of the motherboard.

Pry up and disconnect the front-facing sensor array cable from the motherboard.

Step 36

              Disconnect the right 5G mmWave antenna
  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the right 5G mmWave antenna’s press connector.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the right 5G mmWave antenna’s press connector.

Step 37

              Disconnect the main display cable
  • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the main display flex cable from the motherboard.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the main display flex cable from the motherboard.

Step 38

              Reposition the display cable
  • Gently peel up and bend the display flex cable out of the way of the motherboard and battery.

Gently peel up and bend the display flex cable out of the way of the motherboard and battery.

Step 39

              Reposition the left 5G cable
  • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to gently peel the left 5G cable away from the device.

Use tweezers, or your fingers, to gently peel the left 5G cable away from the device.

Step 40

              Unfasten the motherboard assembly
  • Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the motherboard and camera assembly:
  • One 4 mm-long screw
  • One 3 mm-long screw
  • If you’re reassembling with the official Samsung kit, be sure to replace the screw with new ones:
  • Screw #3373
  • Screw #1530

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the motherboard and camera assembly:

One 4 mm-long screw

One 3 mm-long screw

If you’re reassembling with the official Samsung kit, be sure to replace the screw with new ones:

Screw #3373

Screw #1530

Step 41

              Remove the motherboard assembly
  • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the bottom left corner of the motherboard assembly and pry up to release it from the phone body.
  • Remove the motherboard assembly.

Insert the flat end of a spudger into the bottom left corner of the motherboard assembly and pry up to release it from the phone body.

Remove the motherboard assembly.

Step 42

              Heat the front camera
  • Apply a heated iOpener to the front camera for 90 seconds.

Apply a heated iOpener to the front camera for 90 seconds.

Step 43

              Remove the front camera
  • Insert a spudger into the gap between the frame and the front camera.
  • Pry up with the spudger to separate the front camera from the frame.
  • If you’re having trouble separating the front camera from the frame, apply more heat.
  • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the front camera.
  • Set the camera aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Insert a spudger into the gap between the frame and the front camera.

Pry up with the spudger to separate the front camera from the frame.

If you’re having trouble separating the front camera from the frame, apply more heat.

Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the front camera.

Set the camera aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Step 44

              Front camera reassembly instructions
  • During reassembly, follow these instructions to reinstall your front camera:
  • Peel off the front camera adhesive from its liner and apply the sticky end to the frame.
  • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull on the tab and expose the top layer of adhesive.
  • Insert the front camera and apply pressure to adhere it to the frame.

During reassembly, follow these instructions to reinstall your front camera:

Peel off the front camera adhesive from its liner and apply the sticky end to the frame.

Insert the front camera and apply pressure to adhere it to the frame.

Step 45

              Unfasten the 5G mmWave antennas
  • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 3.4 mm-long screws securing the 5G mmWave antennas.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 3.4 mm-long screws securing the 5G mmWave antennas.

Step 46

              Remove the right 5G mmWave antenna
  • Use the point of a spudger to pry up on the 5G mmWave antenna bracket’s bottom screw tab.
  • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the 5G mmWave antenna.
  • Set the antenna aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Use the point of a spudger to pry up on the 5G mmWave antenna bracket’s bottom screw tab.

Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the 5G mmWave antenna.

Set the antenna aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Step 47

              Remove the left 5G mmWave antenna
  • Use the point of a spudger to pry up on the 5G mmWave antenna bracket’s top edge.
  • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the 5G mmWave antenna.
  • Set the antenna aside. You’ll reuse it during reassembly.

Use the point of a spudger to pry up on the 5G mmWave antenna bracket’s top edge.

Step 48

              Only the screen and battery assembly remains
  • You’re now left with the screen and battery assembly.
  • 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.

You’re now left with the screen and battery assembly.

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 the instructions in reverse order and perform the opposite actions, e.g., “reattach” instead of “removing.” Skip steps that use heating and prying, and pay close attention to the 📌 bullets as you work through the steps.

After you’ve completed the repair, download the Samsung Members App from the Galaxy Store or the Play Store, and Samsung Self-Repair document (beginning page 10) to make sure your device is fully functional.

Download the Self Repair Assistant on your device and Samsung Self-Repair document (beginning page 11) to perform a battery cycle reset.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

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                    Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

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Corey Walters - Jan 7, 2023

Reply

There were a few minor differences with my disassembly I wanted to note in case other users run into the same thing:

Note: The biggest curve ball for me was that the guide does not discuss how to remove the proximity sensor from the old assembly and move it to the new one. I winged it, but hopefully iFIXIT will update this guide, and also provide new adhesive for the sensor, because this is absolutely a necessary step to make.

Step 16: It was not necessary to disconnect the wireless charging coil. There was no fastened connection, just contact.

Step 31: The location of the screws for the upper midframe is slightly different on my model. The second from the right screw is closer to the middle.

Step 33: There was only one cable coming from the left frame. There was no 5G cable

Step 36: not present

Step 42-44: The replacement assembly includes the front camera

Step 45-47: Not applicable