How to Repair Water Damaged Nexus 5x

Insert an opening pick into the SIM card tray slot and twist it sideways to loosen the first plastic clip.

• Work the pick along the top edge, releasing the remaining plastic clips that hold the rear panel in place.

Slide the opening pick along all edges of the phone to disengage the rear panel clips.

Insert an opening pick and tilt it to lift the rear panel slightly.

• Release two plastic clips near the fingerprint sensor by gently pulling the rear panel.
• Continue to pull and remove the rear panel.

Remove the ten 3.6 mm Phillips screws securing the midframe.

Insert a opening pick into the SIM card tray slot, then twist it sideways to release the plastic clips.

Slide the opening pick along the upper edge of the midframe, releasing the plastic clips.

• Continue applying gentle pressure and prying action as you move the pick along the edge.

Be careful when disconnecting the midframe clips — risk of damage.

• Pry open the plastic clips on the long edge using a plastic pick.
• Release all clips on the long edge to avoid damaging the midframe.

Remove midi frame carefully.

• Ensure all clips are released first.

When handling the rear-facing camera, be careful not to damage it.

• Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the rear-facing camera connector from the motherboard.
• Remove the rear-facing camera.

Remove the front-facing camera using a flat-end spudger.

Be careful not to damage the motherboard.

ESD can damage circuitry, so avoid touching connectors and resistors with bare hands.

• Do not attempt to power or charge device if it has been exposed to water.

Hardware damage is possible; this process aims for the best outcome.

• Use a knife to carefully remove metal covers from the front and back of the motherboard.
• Metal covers unclip easily and reattach in place.

Use a 90% or higher alcohol solution to clean the entire board.

• Clean the board with your chosen alcohol until all water has been removed and corrosion is gone.
• Continue cleaning any remaining water within the device, as well as all connectors.

Do not exceed temperature greater than 150°F to avoid damage to hardware.

• Remove the screen portion only from the device.
• Place it in an oven or toaster oven that maintains a constant temperature of 140-150°F for 2 hours.

Power on the device after reassembling all parts.