Step-by-Step Nintendo Switch Lite Shield Replacement Guide
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 10 Steps
Ready to tackle the shield plate inside your Nintendo Switch Lite? Let’s make it happen! The Switch Lite rocks JIS screws, but don’t sweat it—if you’ve got a Phillips screwdriver, you’re good to go. Just be sure to handle those screws with care to avoid stripping them. Oh, and heads up: popping off that shield plate means you’ll need to clean off the old thermal paste and slap some fresh stuff onto the heatsink. Let’s get to it!
Step 1
Before diving into this repair, double-check that your device is completely powered down. Trust me, it’s worth it!
As you go through this repair, keep tabs on every screw and make sure each one returns to its original spot—no screw left behind!
– Grab your trusty Y00 screwdriver and unscrew those four 6.3 mm-long screws holding the back panel in place. Let’s get this show on the road!
Step 2
To avoid stripping those tight screws, apply steady downward pressure, take it slow, and if the screws are stubborn, try a different screwdriver.
– Grab your JIS 000 driver or the official PH 000 driver and let’s get those screws out of the back panel:
– Two 3.6 mm-long screws up top
– Two 3.6 mm-long screws down below
Step 3
Be careful not to push the opening tool in too far, or you might accidentally damage the speaker module. Let’s keep that speaker sounding sweet!
– Slide your opening tool into the left speaker grille on the bottom of your device like a pro.
– Give it a twist to pop those clips loose and set the back panel free!
Step 4
– Gently glide the opening tool around the bottom-left corner to pop those clips loose on the left side of your device. You’ve got this!
Step 5
Keep things chill and slide that opening tool in just enough—no need to go deep and risk messing with the speaker module.
– First, carefully insert an opening tool into the right speaker grille at the bottom of your device – it’s time to get started on this repair!
– Now, gently twist the opening tool to release the clips – you’re making great progress already!
Step 6
– Gently glide your opening tool around the bottom-right corner and finesse those clips on the right side loose—easy does it, you’re almost there!
Step 7
– Keep cruising along the top edge of the device with your opening tool, gently sliding and popping those clips loose like a pro.
Step 8
– Gently lift up the bottom edge of the back panel like you’re opening a secret treasure chest.
– Slide off the back panel and set it aside like a pro.
Step 9
– Grab your trusty JIS 000 driver or the official iFixit PH 000 driver, and let’s tackle those four screws:
– First up, we’ve got three 3.1 mm screws just waiting to be removed.
– And don’t forget the one lone 4.5 mm screw that’s hanging out, ready for its turn!
Step 10
You might notice a little pushback here—that’s totally cool! The shield plate is just clinging to the heat sink with a dab of thermal paste. Take your time and it’ll come loose.
– Pop everything back together by following these steps in reverse.
– Recycle your e-waste at an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
– Troubles not sorted? Do some basic troubleshooting or ask our Nintendo Switch Lite Answers community for help.
– If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Tools Used
Success!
