How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 21 Steps
Ready to swap out those interconnect cables on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? This guide walks you through the process step by step. The instructions are based on the SM-G998B/DS (international) version, but if you’re rocking a different model, just keep an eye out for an extra antenna cable along the left edge of the midframe. Follow along and give your phone a fresh connection!
Step 1
First, make sure to unplug your phone and power it off before you start - safety first!
If you need to apply some heat, a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate can do the trick. Just be gentle, as your phone's display and battery aren't fans of extreme temperatures.
Step 2
If your back cover looks like a mosaic of cracks, slap on some clear packing tape to help the suction cup stick. If the suction cup isn't up to the challenge, go for some tough tape instead. In a pinch, a little superglue can bond that suction cup to the cover—just be ready for commitment.
Having trouble making a gap? Hit it with a bit more heat to loosen up the stubborn adhesive. Stick to the iOpener instructions so you don’t end up with a toasted device.
- Stick a suction cup near the bottom edge of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible. Gently pull on the suction cup to lift the back cover slightly away from the frame, creating a small gap. Carefully insert an opening pick into that gap. Glide the pick down to the bottom left corner to slice through the adhesive. Leave the pick in place to keep the adhesive from sticking back together. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Tools Used
Step 3
- Pop a second opening pick down at the bottom edge of your phone.
- Glide that pick over to the bottom right corner and slice through the sticky stuff holding things together.
- Keep those picks in place so the adhesive doesn’t sneak back and ruin your progress.
Step 4
If the adhesive starts acting stubborn and tough to slice through, chances are it’s cooled off. Just give your iOpener another round—heat it up for a couple of minutes, and you’ll be back in the groove.
- Start by inserting a third opening pick at the bottom right corner of your phone to get things started.
- Gently slide the opening pick along the right edge of your device to carefully cut through the adhesive holding it together.
- Keep the opening pick in place at the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from sticking back together as you work.
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Step 5
When working near the camera assembly, gently slip only the tip of your opening pick (~4-5mm) into the gap. This keeps the camera safe from scratches or smudges—no need to go deep, just a light touch will do.
- Pop in a fourth opening pick right underneath that top right corner of your phone.
- Gently glide the pick along the top edge to neatly slice through the adhesive like butter.
- Keep that opening pick snug in the top left corner to make sure the adhesive doesn't want to rejoin the party.
Step 6
When you're working near the power button, only slide in the tip of your opening pick (~3-4 mm) to keep those flex cables safe from a surprise party.
- Grab a fifth opening pick and slide it right under the top left corner like you’re sneaking a snack!
- Now, gently glide that pick along the left edge of the back cover to slice through the last bits of adhesive. You've got this!
Step 7
- Let's get started by removing the back cover. Easy does it!
- When you're putting everything back together, remember to power on your device and test all its functions before sealing it up. Don't forget to power it back down before moving on.
- Now's a great time to get rid of any adhesive chunks that might be stuck on there. Just use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to gently remove them.
- Next, grab some high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (we're talking over 90% here) and use it to wipe away any remaining adhesive residue.
- If you're using custom-cut adhesives, be sure to follow the guide for applying them correctly.
- And if you're using double-sided tape, don't worry - we've got a guide for that too.
Step 8
- Slip an opening pick under the lower left corner of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly—just like sliding a spatula under a stubborn pancake.
- Gently glide the pick along the bottom left edge to loosen the assembly from the battery. Slow and steady wins the race—no need to rush!
Step 9
- Slide an opening pick under the bottom edge of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly. You're doing great!
- Gently glide the opening pick along the bottom of the assembly to detach it from the loudspeaker. Keep it smooth and steady!
Step 10
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently pop the charging coil out by lifting the connector straight up from its cozy socket. You've got this!
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Step 11
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently work your magic to disconnect the NFC antenna. Just pry that connector straight up from its cozy socket, and you'll be all set!
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Step 12
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and get ready to rock! It's time to unscrew those five 3.9 mm-long screws that are holding the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly in place. You've got this!
Step 13
- Grab a trusty pair of tweezers or just use your fingers to gently lift out the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly. You've got this!
Step 14
- Grab a spudger and gently pry the battery connector straight up from its socket to disconnect it. Take your time—patience is key here. If you need a hand, you can always schedule a repair.
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Step 15
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and get ready to tackle those four 3.9 mm-long screws that are holding the loudspeaker assembly in place. Let's do this!
Step 16
- Slip a spudger into the space between the top of the loudspeaker assembly and the midframe.
- Now, gently work your spudger under the loudspeaker assembly and nudge it upwards by tilting it downward.
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Step 17
- Take out the loudspeaker assembly.
- When you're putting things back together, slap on some fresh adhesive after cleaning the spots with isopropyl alcohol (over 90%).
Step 18
Thinking about skipping the motherboard removal or battery swap? No worries—just cruise on to the next step!
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently wiggle it in to disconnect that display flex cable! Just pry the connector straight up from its socket and voilà, you're one step closer to victory!
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Step 19
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently pop the main and interconnect flex cables off the motherboard by lifting their connectors straight up from the sockets.
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Step 20
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently nudge the interconnect flex cable off the daughterboard by prying its bottom connector straight up from its cozy socket.
- Now, using your fingers or a pair of tweezers, delicately lift away the interconnect flex cable. You've got this!
Tools Used
Step 21
- If you can, power up your device and give your repair a quick test before sealing everything up with new adhesive.
- Make sure to compare your replacement part with the original—don’t forget to transfer any leftover components or peel off those pesky adhesive backings before you dive into the installation.
- Reassembling your device? Just retrace your steps from the instructions in reverse order.
- Once your repair is complete, follow this guide to ensure everything is functioning smoothly.
- Got some e-waste? Don’t just toss it—take it to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
- Things not going as smoothly as you hoped? No worries! Give some basic troubleshooting a shot, or feel free to reach out to our Answers community for a helping hand.
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