Replace Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Interconnect Cables: Step-by-Step Guide
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 21 Steps
SM-G998B/DS
Let’s swap out those interconnect cables on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra! This guide is perfect for the SM-G998B/DS (international) model. Heads up, other models might have an extra antenna cable hanging out on the left side of the midframe. No worries, we’ll guide you through it! Want to ditch those pesky interconnect cables and get your phone back in tip-top shape? You’ve got this! And remember, if you need a helping hand, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 1
Always unplug and power off your phone before you start, just to be safe.
If you need to use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, remember to be careful not to overheat the phone. The display and internal battery can get really sensitive to heat damage.
– Grab that iOpener and work its magic on the back cover for a good three minutes to soften the adhesive. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 2
If the back cover is super cracked, try sticking a layer of clear packing tape over it to help the suction cup grab hold. Or, use a super strong tape instead of the suction cup. If you’re still struggling, you can try supergluing the suction cup to the cracked cover. Just be careful, and don’t get any on your fingers!
If you’re having trouble getting a gap, try applying a little more heat to soften the adhesive. Just be sure to follow the iOpener instructions to avoid getting things too hot. You don’t want to melt anything!
– Stick a suction handle right on the bottom edge of the back cover, get it as close to the edge as you can!
– Now, gently lift the back cover using the suction handle. You’ll see a tiny gap open up between the back cover and the frame.
– Take an opening pick and carefully slide it into that gap you just made.
– Slide the opening pick along the bottom left corner to cut through that sticky adhesive.
– Keep the opening pick in place so the adhesive doesn’t stick back together. You’re doing great!
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Step 3
– Pop in a second opening pick at the bottom edge of your phone.
– Gently glide that opening pick over to the bottom right corner to cut through the adhesive.
– Keep those opening picks in place to stop the adhesive from reattaching.
Step 4
If the adhesive gets a little stubborn, don’t worry! Just give it a quick warm-up with your iOpener for a couple of minutes. That’ll make it more pliable and easier to cut.
– Let’s get this party started by sliding a third opening pick into the bottom right corner of your phone.
– Now, take that pick and give the right edge of your phone a nice little slice, separating that adhesive like a pro.
– Hold that pick steady in the top right corner – we don’t want that adhesive sneaking back together!
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Step 5
When you’re working around the camera assembly, be a ninja and only slide the tip of your opening pick in there (about 4-5 mm) to keep that precious camera safe from any harm or smudges!
– Slide a fourth opening pick under the top right corner of your phone. You’ve got this!
– Gently glide that opening pick along the top edge to cut through the adhesive like a pro.
– Keep the opening pick snug in the top left corner to stop the adhesive from sealing back up. You’re doing great!
Step 6
When you’re getting close to the power button, just use the tippy-tip of the opening pick (about 3-4 mm) to avoid messing up the power and volume button flex cable. No worries, we’ve got you covered! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
– Let’s get this party started! Slide a fifth opening pick under the top left corner of the back cover. It’s like a little dance move for your phone.
– Now, let’s loosen things up. Slide that opening pick along the left edge of the back cover, like you’re giving it a little shimmy. This will break any remaining adhesive.
Step 7
– Let’s get started by removing the back cover. Easy does it!
– When you’re putting everything back together, take a quick break to power on your device and make sure all functions are working smoothly. Just remember to power it back down before moving forward.
– Now it’s time to get rid of any leftover adhesive chunks. Grab a pair of tweezers or use your fingers to gently remove them.
– Next, use some high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (we’re talking over 90% here) to wipe away any remaining adhesive residue.
– If you’re using custom-cut adhesives, be sure to check out our guide for some helpful tips.
– And if you’re using double-sided tape, we’ve got a guide for that too. Just follow the steps and you’ll be golden.
– If you need help or have any questions along the way, don’t worry – you can always schedule a repair with the experts at Salvation Repair.
Step 8
– Slide an opening pick gently under the left bottom corner of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly. Just a little nudge to get started!
– Carefully glide that pick along the bottom left edge to neatly detach the assembly from the battery. You’re doing great—keep it steady!
Step 9
– Let’s get started by slipping an opening pick under the bottom end of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly – it’s the first step to freeing it from the loudspeaker.
– Now, gently slide the opening pick along the bottom of the assembly to separate it from the loudspeaker. Take your time and be careful, you’re making great progress. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 10
– Grab your trusty spudger and gently pry the charging coil’s connector straight up from its socket. It’s like giving it a little lift – just be careful not to pull too hard!
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Step 12
– Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and get ready to take off the five 3.9mm-long screws holding the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly in place. You’re almost there!
Step 13
– Grab a trusty pair of tweezers or just your fingers, and gently wiggle out that NFC antenna and charging coil assembly. You’ve got this!
Step 15
– Alright, let’s get those speakers out! Grab your trusty Phillips screwdriver and unscrew those four little 3.9 mm screws holding the loudspeaker assembly in place. Easy peasy!
Step 17
– Time to give that speaker some space! Let’s remove the loudspeaker assembly.
– When you’re putting things back together, make sure you use some fresh adhesive where needed. Give those areas a good clean with some isopropyl alcohol (>90%) before applying. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
Step 18
If you’re not looking to pop out the motherboard or swap out the battery, feel free to breeze on past this step and hop right into the next one!
– Time to gently release that display flex cable! Use your trusty spudger to carefully pry the connector straight up from its socket. Don’t worry, it’s like a little dance, and we’re here to guide you through it. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
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Step 19
– Get your trusty spudger and carefully pry up the connectors of the main and interconnect flex cables from their sockets on the motherboard. Just lift those upper connectors straight up and you’ll be golden!
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Step 20
– Let’s get this interconnect flex cable outta there! Use a spudger to gently pry the bottom connector of the cable straight up from its socket.
– Now for the grand finale! Carefully lift the interconnect flex cable out using your fingers or a pair of tweezers. You’re almost there!
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Step 21
– Grab a spudger and gently pry the main flex cable’s bottom connector straight up from its socket to disconnect it from the daughterboard. Easy peasy!
– Now, with a bit of finesse, use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to carefully lift away the main flex cable. You’ve got this!
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