Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement
This guide is for removing the motherboard in the Nexus 5X. Note that some images may show the battery already removed, but it's not necessary to do so here. You'll need micro-USB adhesive strips to reattach components when putting the device back together.
Step 1 | SIM Card Tray
Locate the SIM card tray on the left edge of the phone.
- Insert a SIM card ejection tool into the hole on the SIM card tray.
- Press in to eject the SIM card tray.
- Remove the ejected SIM card tray.
Step 2 | Rear Panel
Insert an opening pick into the SIM card tray slot and twist it laterally.
- Release the first plastic clip holding the rear panel in place.
- Slide the opening pick along the top edge to release additional clips securing the rear panel.
Step 3
Slide the opening pick around all sides of the phone, releasing all clips that secure the rear panel.
Step 4
Adjust the opening pick for gentle support of the rear panel.
- Release the adjacent plastic clips by carefully tugging on the rear panel.
- Remove the rear panel.
Step 5 | Midframe
Remove the 10 3.6mm Phillips screws securing the midframe.
Step 6
Insert an opening pick into the SIM card tray slot.
- Twist the opening pick sideways to release the plastic clips.
Step 7
Slide the opening pick along the upper midframe edge, releasing the plastic clips.
Step 8
Use a plastic pick to carefully pry open the plastic clips on both the long edge and bottom edge of the midframe.
- Focus on releasing all clips along the long edge, as this is a common breakage point for the midframe if not done correctly.
- Pry gently until the clips are completely released to avoid damaging the midframe.
Step 9
Ensure that all clips are released.
- Remove the midframe with caution.
Step 10 | Battery Disconnect
Use the edge of a spudger to gently pry up the battery flex cable at the bottom right corner of the motherboard.
Step 11 | Motherboard Assembly
Apply heat from an iOpener to the rear-facing camera area, focusing on the top section for approximately 30 seconds.
Step 12
Locate the left side of the rear-facing camera and position the flat end of a spudger alongside it.
- Gently lever the camera upwards using the spudger, ensuring all surrounding adhesive is fully loosened.
Step 13
Use a flat-end spudger to carefully pry up the display flex connector.
Step 14
Careful handling is required to avoid damaging components.
- Grip the lower part of the motherboard with your fingers and lift it upwards.
- Free the motherboard from the plastic clip next to the rear-facing camera by gently pulling towards the bottom edge.
- Lift the motherboard out of the frame, taking care that the cameras remain connected to the board.
Step 15 | Motherboard
Remove the rear-facing camera using a flat-end spudger.
Be careful not to damage any surrounding components.
- Pry up the rear-facing camera connector from the motherboard using the flat end of the spudger.
- Once the connector is loose, gently lift out the rear-facing camera.
Step 16
Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry up the front-facing camera connector from the motherboard.
Remove the front-facing camera from the device.