Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Loudspeaker Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 17 Steps
Ready to swap out the loudspeaker on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? This guide has you covered for the SM-G998B/DS (international) model. Heads up: some other versions might sport an extra antenna cable along the midframe edge—so watch for that bonus feature. If you skip replacing the adhesive seals when putting things back together, your phone will work just fine, but don’t expect it to keep out water like it used to. Grab fresh adhesive to stick everything back in place during reassembly. When things get tricky, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 1
First things first—pull the plug and shut down your phone. No one likes a surprise zap.
Feel free to use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to loosen things up, but don’t go wild with the heat! Too much and your display or battery might throw a fit.
Step 2
If your back cover looks like it went a few rounds with a hammer, slap on some clear packing tape to give your suction cup a fighting chance. Super sticky tape works too, and if all else fails, a little superglue action might get that suction cup to stick to the shattered surface.
Struggling to make a gap? Hit it with a bit more heat—softens up that stubborn adhesive nicely. Just make sure to follow your iOpener instructions so you don't accidentally turn your device into a hot potato.
- Grab a suction handle and stick it to the bottom edge of the back cover, right up against the edge for the best grip.
- Gently pull on the suction handle to lift the back cover just enough to create a tiny gap between it and the frame.
- Slide an opening pick into that little gap you just made.
- Carefully glide the opening pick down to the bottom left corner to cut through the adhesive.
- Keep that opening pick in place to stop the adhesive from sealing back up.
Tools Used
Step 3
- Grab a second opening pick and slide it into the bottom edge of your phone.
- Wiggle that opening pick over to the bottom right corner for a smooth adhesive slice!
- Keep those opening picks in place so the adhesive doesn't get all clingy again!
Step 4
If the adhesive gets too tough to cut, it probably cooled off. Just pop your iOpener on it for a couple of minutes to warm it back up and loosen things up.
- Pop in a third opening pick at the bottom right corner of your phone.
- Gently slide that pick along the right edge to cut through the adhesive like a pro.
- Keep the opening pick in the top right corner to make sure the adhesive doesn't seal back up on you.
Tools Used
Step 5
When slicing near the camera assembly, be careful to insert only the tip of the opening pick (~4-5mm) to avoid damaging or smearing the camera. You're doing great, just take your time and you'll get through this step with ease!
- Pop a fourth opening pick under the top right corner of your phone—like you're playing a game of pick-up sticks with tech.
- Slide that pick gently along the top edge to cut through the sticky adhesive jungle.
- Let the pick chill in the top left corner. That's your safeguard against the glue trying to make a comeback.
Step 6
When you're getting close to the power button, just slip in the tip of that opening pick (about 3-4 mm) and go easy! You don't want to accidentally pick at the power or volume button flex cable—yikes!
- Slide the fifth pick under the top-left corner—think of it as scooting into the last seat at the lunch table.
- Glide that pick down the left edge like you’re slicing birthday cake, cutting through any clingy adhesive that’s still hanging on.
Step 7
- Start by removing the back cover. When you're ready to put everything back together, take a moment to power on your device and check all functions—it's easier to catch any issues now than after sealing it up. Make sure to shut it down completely before moving forward. Use tweezers or your fingers to gently clear away any leftover adhesive chunks. Then, grab some high-concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol and wipe away any remaining adhesive residue—this will help ensure a clean surface for reassembly. If you're using custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide. Prefer double-sided tape? No problem—just follow this guide for the best results.
Step 8
- Slide an opening pick gently under the lower left corner of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.
- Carefully glide the pick along the bottom left edge to detach it from the battery.
Step 9
- Slide a pick gently under the bottom edge of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly. Then, carefully guide it along the bottom to loosen and separate the assembly from the loudspeaker. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 10
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently pop the charging coil connector straight up out of its socket. Easy does it, like opening a stubborn pickle jar but with way less mess!
Tools Used
Step 11
- Grab your spudger and gently pop the NFC antenna connector straight up from its socket—like you're unplugging a tiny headphone jack.
Tools Used
Step 12
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and let's get to work! Remove 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
- Time to get a little delicate! Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully pluck out the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly. Take your time and be gentle, we don't want any accidents!
Step 14
- Grab your trusty spudger and gently wiggle it in to disconnect the battery cable. Just pry that connector straight up from its cozy little socket, and you'll be on your way!
Tools Used
Step 15
- Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and get ready to unleash your skills! Carefully remove the four screws, each measuring 3.9 mm, that are holding the loudspeaker assembly in place. You've got this!
Step 16
- Slide a spudger into the little gap between the top edge of the loudspeaker assembly and the midframe. It's like giving it a gentle nudge!
- With your trusty spudger, carefully lift the loudspeaker assembly by tilting it downwards. You're doing great!
Tools Used
Step 17
- Power up your device for a quick test drive before sealing things up—better safe than sticky!
- Compare your new part with the old one. You might need to peel off some adhesive backings or move a few bits and pieces over.
- Ready to reassemble? Just reverse these steps and you're golden.
- Want to make sure everything's working? Check out our repair testing guide for a victory lap.
- Done with old parts? Drop your e-waste off at a certified recycler—Mother Earth will thank you.
- If things went sideways, try some basic troubleshooting or get advice from our Answers community.
- Still stuck? You can always schedule a repair for backup.
