OnePlus 3 Motherboard Replacement

Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paperclip into the hole between the SIM card slot and power button.

• Press firmly to eject the SIM card tray.
• During reinstallation, ensure proper orientation: the SIM card tray fits in only one direction.

Remove the two 2.6 mm T2 screws located at the bottom edge of the phone.

Risk of damaging display panel if procedure not followed correctly.

Read through these steps before attempting to open phone.

• Prying should only be done at the frame seam, recessed into back cover.
• Avoid prying at the display panel seam; this will damage the display assembly.
• There are fourteen clips holding the frame to the rear case; locate them before proceeding.

Avoid powering on the phone during disassembly — turn it off if accidental power-on occurs.

• Position a suction cup near the bottom edge of the display.
• Pull the suction cup with steady force, wedging an opening tool into the frame seam near the suction cup.

This may require significant force due to tight tolerances; using a new opening tool will aid this process.

• Ensure the opening tool's edge is intact for successful insertion.
• Avoid using metal tools, as they can crack the screen.

Insert the opening tool and gently slide it along the phone's bottom edge.

Guide the tool carefully around the left corner, ensuring the edge stays within the seam to avoid damage.

Some clips may be recessed, requiring extra care.

• Slide the tool along the edge until all clips are released.
• To release the top-left clip, use a spudger or opening pick on its flat end.

Wiggle the frame gently, working from bottom-left edge.

• The top and right edge clips should release.
• Lift screen up and remove it.

Pause here to test phone functionality before securing back cover.

• Reattach back cover by aligning top edge of frame with back cover.
• Ensure top clips slip into place.
• Squeeze long edges of phone to snap remaining clips into place.

Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector

• from its socket located above the top right corner of the battery pack.
• Bend the connector away from the socket to prevent accidental contact.

If re-attaching, align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other; do not press middle. Misaligned connectors can bend pins, causing permanent damage.

Remove the 3 mm Phillips screw holding the cable bracket in place.

• Take out the screw.
• After that, remove the cable bracket.

Use a spudger to carefully pry up the interconnect flex cable from the motherboard, which sits above the battery.

• Pry up the daughterboard flex cable using a spudger and disconnect it from the motherboard.

• Locate the antenna interconnect cable at the bottom left corner of the motherboard.

• Be careful not to damage the cable or nearby components.

  Slide a spudger underneath the antenna interconnect cable and pry up.
• The cable will disconnect when pried loose.

Use a spudger's pointed end to carefully lift and detach the display connector from its socket on the motherboard.

Remove the Phillips head screws that secure the motherboard to the frame:

• Four 3 mm black screws
• Three 2.9 mm silver screws

Some screws may be covered by stickers — remove them for access.

Ensure the SIM tray has been ejected.

• The motherboard is still secured near the top by clips.
• Slide a flat-ended spudger under the top left corner of the motherboard.
• Twist and pry up gently with the spudger to release the motherboard from its recess.

Be cautious when reinstalling the motherboard, as trapping flex cables or antenna cables can cause damage.

• Remove the motherboard.
• When reinstalling, ensure all cables are properly secured and not trapped underneath the motherboard.