Nexus 5 Motherboard 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 completely.

Do not force a paper clip into the hole if it's too thick; instead use the head of a sewing needle.

Insert the SIM card eject tool or sewing needle head into the hole next to the SIM card slot, located just under the power button.
Pry the tool into the hole until the SIM card pops out.

Step 2

Remove the SIM card by gently pulling it out with your fingers or using a pair of tweezers if necessary.

Insert the SIM chip face down, towards the rear of the phone when reinserting.

Step 3 | Back Cover

Avoid prying around the SIM card slot and volume controls to prevent damage.

Use a plastic opening tool to free the clips on the top and sides of the back cover.
Remove adhesive foam at the bottom to access the final snap.

Apply gentle but firm pressure over the "S" in "Nexus" when reattaching the back cover, sliding your thumb up towards the top to secure the middle snap.

Step 4 | Midframe

Remove the six 4.0 mm Phillips #00 screws securing the midframe.

Be sure to retain all six screws, as they secure the midframe tightly to the motherboard.

The three small snaps on the back cover ensure NFC antenna and wireless charging coil connectors contact the motherboard securely.

For LCD screen and digitizer replacement:

4.0mm Phillips #00 screwdriver required for four additional daughterboard cover screws.
You may need to pierce adhesive material to remove these screws.

Step 5

Remove the midframe from the phone.
Inspect the midframe and back cover for three small snap attachment points, ensuring NFC and wireless charging antenna contacts connect with the motherboard's spring connectors.

Ensure snap attachment points are in good condition to prevent damage or electrical issues.

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 it away from the battery to avoid damaging the cable.

Step 8

Do not puncture or bend the battery — risk of electric shock or damage.

Use a plastic opening tool to pry the battery out of its housing.
If necessary, use a heat gun to apply a small amount of heat and soften the adhesive below the battery.

If replacing the battery, dispose of the old one responsibly by bagging it up for recycling at an appropriate location.

Step 9 | Motherboard

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

Step 10

Securely reconnect the right antenna cable using the flat end of a spudger during reassembly.

Firmly connect the right antenna cable to prevent signal loss and poor call quality.

Step 11

Disengage the rear-facing camera ribbon cable using the flat end of a spudger.

Step 12

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

Step 13

Grasp the motherboard carefully and gently lift it upwards, then slide it out of the device.