Nexus 4 Motherboard Replacement - Nexus 4

Step 1 | Back Cover

Long press the power button, then touch "Power off" on the screen.

Use the SIM Card Eject Tool to remove the SIM tray.
This is a necessary step to access the back case.

Step 2

Remove the T5 Torx Screwdriver's two screws from the bottom of the phone.

Step 3

Use a plastic opening tool to pry along the edge of the back case, starting at a corner and circling around the phone.

The opening process may take several minutes and will produce a light snapping noise as the back cover separates from the rest of the phone.

Step 4 | Battery

Unscrew the two 1.8 mm Phillips screws securing the battery connector.
Use a plastic opening tool to release the battery cable from its socket on the motherboard.

Step 5 | Battery removal

Remove blue tape securing white antenna cable to battery.

Disconnect white antenna cable using a spudger.

Pry out battery with Plastic Opening Tool, starting from top left and working down towards bottom right.

If necessary, use plastic card to separate battery from metal midframe due to strong adhesive.

When reinstalling, press battery firmly against adhesive strip to secure it in place.

Step 6 | Plastic Midframe

Remove the nine 4.6 mm Phillips #000 screws.

Gently lift out the plastic cover.
Release the midframe clips on either side using a plastic spudger.
Lift each side up and away to remove the midframe.

Step 7 | Speaker

Remove the screws (2 x 4.8 mm) holding the speaker enclosure together with a Phillips 00 screwdriver.

Step 8

Use a plastic opening tool to gently pry the speaker up from the back of the phone.

Lift the speaker straight out of the phone.

Step 9 | Audio Jack

Remove the gray connector on the top right of the motherboard using a spudger.

Step 10

LIFT the audio jack UPWARDS AND TO THE LEFT.

Take care not to damage the motherboard pins.

Step 11

Remove the ambient light sensor rubber cap from the old part.

Transfer the cap to the new audio port.
Install the new audio port, ensuring the cap stays securely in place.

Step 12 | Camera

Use a spudger to carefully pry the metal tab upwards.

Lift up the detached black cover.

Step 13

Use a spudger to gently lift the black tab holding the camera in place.

Lift the camera out of its socket carefully.

Step 14 | Motherboard

Remove the SIM card.
Take out the SIM card metal tray.

Step 15

Disconnect the white antenna interconnect cable from the motherboard in the bottom right-hand corner of the phone.

Gently pull the cable outwards when disconnecting to avoid damage.

Step 16

Remove the tab at the bottom right of the motherboard with a spudger.

Step 17

Release the tab at the upper right corner of the motherboard using a spudger.

The tab's removal should cause the flap to spring free from the motherboard.

Step 18

Use a spudger to carefully lift up the motherboard from the front display assembly.

Be careful not to damage any components when handling the motherboard.

Once lifted, use your hands to completely remove the motherboard.