Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (SM-G780F) Display Assembly Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 10 Steps
Heads up: If your screen doesn’t have the frame already attached, you’ll want to hit pause—this method won’t do the trick.
Ready to give your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE a fresh start? This guide walks you through swapping out a cracked or busted screen with a new one—screen and frame combo only, please! If yours doesn't have the frame attached, use the separate guide for just the panel. Heads up: you'll be moving the battery over to the new screen assembly, so if your battery's looking swollen, take it easy and handle with care. Before getting started, drain your battery down to 25% or less to avoid any fiery surprises. Photos are included, and there's a video below if you want some extra backup. Let’s get started and bring your phone back to life!
Step 1
- Before diving into the internal parts, pop out the SIM tray — it’s like opening the first chapter before the story begins. This keeps things nice and tidy for when you get into the guts of the device. If you hit any snags, remember you can always schedule a repair with Salvation Repair for a helping hand.
Step 2
Watch out when you're using that opening pick on the right side! The WLAN antenna cable is hanging out close to the edge of the frame, and it’s a bit of a delicate flower—easy to damage if you're not careful.
- Warm up the back cover with a heat gun to soften the adhesive. Then, gently slide a thin plastic pry tool around the edges between the back cover and mid frame. Work your way all around to carefully loosen and release the back cover without using excessive force. If you need a hand, you can always schedule a repair.
Tools Used
Step 3
- Unscrew those 9 screws securing the antenna module—just don't try to yank the module out yet, it's not ready to party.
- Next, tackle the 7 screws holding the lower part of the plastic shield at the bottom of your phone. Piece of cake!
Step 4
- Gently slide a slim pry tool into the gap of the lower plastic cover to pop it off.
- Carefully insert a thin tool at the side of the antenna module to free it up, but hold off on yanking it off for now.
- Swing the antenna module over toward the battery like you're giving it a warm hug.
- Beneath that, you'll find the battery connector and the antenna module connector. Grab your trusty spudger and gently pry both of these off to finally set the antenna module free.
Step 5
- Pop out that rear camera using a spudger—give it a gentle nudge and it’ll come right out.
- Grab your Philips screwdriver and unscrew the mainboard’s trusty retaining screw.
- With your spudger, carefully detach the cable linking the mainboard to the sub-board. It’s easier than untangling headphones.
- You can also pry those red and white cables loose—no need to wrestle with the connectors on the mainboard.
Step 6
- Grab your trusty spudger and pop off the connectors for the display, fingerprint sensor, and main-sub board. For the fingerprint sensor, give it a gentle nudge from the side until it’s free—easy does it!
- Take out the screw that’s holding the sub-board in place.
- Spudger time again! Pry the sub-board loose, then lift the cables out of the channel running up the side of the frame. No need to rush—just smooth moves.
- Once everything’s loosened up, you can pull out the mainboard, sub-board, and cables all together. If the cables are feeling a little clingy, disconnect them from the boards first before you make your grand exit.
Step 7
- Grab your trusty heat gun and warm up the front side of the display to loosen up that adhesive holding the vibrator motor snug as a bug.
- Once it's all toasty, slide in a small flat tool at the five o'clock position and gently pry the motor free. You've got this!
Tools Used
Step 8
On the S20 FE, this part is basically just hanging out—it's a frame filler with no real job. But on the S20 Ultra, it's living its best life as a working antenna.
- Loosen and remove the two screws securing this component. Then, carefully transfer it over to the new frame to keep things moving smoothly.
Step 9
Handle batteries with care—puncturing one can turn it into a fire hazard. If you find a damaged battery, it's best to dispose of it properly at your local battery recycling center. For safety and peace of mind, if you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
- Grab your heat gun and warm up the front of the display—think of it like giving the adhesive a little spa treatment to get it moving.
- Slide a thin, flat tool between the battery and the frame, wiggling it gently along the side. The adhesive will start to give up its grip as you go.
- Once one side is free, repeat the moves on the other. The battery should pop right out, ready for its next adventure.
Tools Used
Step 10
- Give your phone a quick test run before putting it all back together. If everything looks good, enjoy your newly revived device!
- Need a hand? You can always schedule a repair.
