Nexus 5 LCD Screen & Digitizer Assembly Replacement - Nexus 5

Step 1 | SIM Card

Power off the device by holding the power button until the "Power Off" popup appears.

Tap the popup and wait for the device to turn off.

Never force a thick paper clip, use the head of a sewing needle instead.

Insert a SIM card eject tool or a sewing needle into the hole next to the SIM card slot.
Push the tool in until you see the SIM card pop out.

Step 2

Remove the SIM card using your fingers or a pair of tweezers for stuck SIM holders.

Eject the SIM card from its holder, taking note of chip orientation.
Reinsert the SIM card with the chip facing the phone's rear side.

Step 3 | Back Cover

Avoid prying around the SIM card slot and volume controls, as the plastic is thin and prone to breaking.

Use a plastic opening tool to release the clips on the top and sides of the back cover.
Remove the adhesive foam at the bottom using an opening pick.
Release all clips except for those near the SIM card slot and volume controls.
Swing the back cover off from the top, allowing the remaining fasteners to release without breaking.

When replacing the cover, ensure the snap near the flash window is securely attached.

Apply gentle but firm pressure over the "S" in "Nexus" and slide your thumb up towards the top.
The snap will engage, securing the back cover to the midframe.

Step 4 | Midframe

Remove six Phillips #00 screws (4.0 mm) securing midframe to phone.

Retain all six screws; they secure the midframe and motherboard connection.

The three small snaps on the back cover attach to the midframe, ensuring reliable NFC antenna and wireless charging coil connections.
To access LCD screen and digitizer, remove four additional daughterboard cover screws (4.0 mm) using a Phillips #00 screwdriver.
You may need to pierce clear adhesive material to remove these screws.

Step 5

Remove the midframe from the phone.

Examine the midframe and back cover for three small snap attachment points.
The snaps ensure the NFC and wireless charging antenna contacts connect to spring connectors on the motherboard.

Ensure the snap attachments are in good condition.

Step 6 | Battery

Disconnect the battery connector using the flat end of a nylon spudger.

Step 7

Disconnect the daughterboard ribbon cable using the flat end of a spudger.

Pull the disconnected cable away from the battery.

Step 8

Use a plastic opening tool to carefully pry out the battery.

If necessary, apply a small amount of heat from a heat gun to soften the adhesive below the battery.

Be careful not to puncture or bend the battery.

Properly dispose of the old battery by bagging it up and recycling at an authorized facility.

Step 9 | Motherboard

Disconnect the left antenna cable using the flat end of a spudger.

Step 10

Antenna connections must be securely fastened to ensure optimal reception and call quality.

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully disconnect the right antenna cable.
Secure the antenna connections firmly during reassembly.

Step 11

Disconnect the ribbon cable connecting the rear-facing camera to the motherboard using the flat end of a spudger.

Step 12

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully disconnect the front camera ribbon cable.

Step 13

Gently lift the motherboard up and out of the device.

Step 14 | LCD Screen & Digitizer Assembly

Locate an opening between the daughterboard and plastic housing.

Insert a spudger into this opening.
Lift the daughterboard cover up and off the frame.

Be aware of unauthorized access or surveillance, as mentioned in some user reports.

Step 15

Failure to securely fasten the antenna connections can compromise reception and call quality.

Use a flat-ended nylon spudger to carefully lift the white and black antenna connectors off the daughterboard.
Ensure these connectors are securely reattached during reassembly.

Step 16

Use the flat end of a nylon spudger to gently lift the digitizer ZIF connector.

The connector should come loose from the daughterboard.

Step 17

Handle the micro-USB port area carefully as the surrounding frame is prone to damage.

Insert a nylon spudger into an opening beneath the daughterboard and pry it up.

Do not completely remove the daughterboard, instead gently fold it to one side of the phone.

Step 18

Apply iOpener or heat gun to digitizer panel, softening adhesive with gentle heat.

Hold heat gun 8-10 inches from device and move in slow back-and-forth motion.

Step 19

Insert the flat end of a nylon spudger under the digitizer panel.

Pry the panel up gently to break free from the adhesive.
If the phone is too hot, allow it to cool briefly before proceeding.

Step 20

Apply heat to the screen edges with a heat gun or iOpener.

Step 21

Apply gentle pressure using a suction cup to pry the screen away from its frame.

The Nexus 5 has a thin layer of adhesive, and excessive force may damage the display.

Use additional heat as needed to soften the adhesive, facilitating a smooth removal process.

Step 22

Insert a opening pick into the gap between the screen and the frame.

Work the opening pick along the edges of the screen to break the remaining adhesive.
This will free the screen assembly.

Step 23

Remove the LCD screen and digitizer assembly gently.

Feed the digitizer ribbon cable carefully through the frame.