Samsung Galaxy S8 Sensor Array Replacement - Samsung Galaxy S8

Step 1 | iOpener Heating

Clean the microwave thoroughly before proceeding to prevent gunk from adhering to the iOpener.

Place the iOpener in the center of the microwave.

For carousel microwaves, ensure the plate spins freely to avoid overheating or burning the iOpener.

Step 2

Do not exceed 100°C (212°F) when heating the iOpener.

Heat the iOpener in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Reheat as needed, adding 30 seconds at a time, during repair procedures.
The iOpener is ready when barely too hot to touch.

Never touch a swollen or overheated iOpener.

Use the heated iOpener while it's still warm, up to 10 minutes.
Be cautious not to overheat, as this may cause the iOpener to burst.

Step 3

Handle the extremely hot iOpener with care, using an oven mitt if needed.

Hold the iOpener by one of its two flat ends to avoid the hot center.
Remove it from the microwave when done.

Step 4 | Alternate iOpener heating method

Use caution when handling heated iOpener.

Fill a pot or pan with enough boiling water to fully submerge an iOpener.
Submerge an iOpener in the hot water for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's fully covered.
Use tongs to carefully remove the heated iOpener from the water.
Dry the iOpener thoroughly with a towel.

Handle the hot iOpener only by its end tabs.

Step 5 | Back Glass Assembly

Opening your phone may compromise its waterproof seals; have replacement adhesive ready before proceeding or take care to avoid liquid exposure.

Heat an iOpener and apply it to a long edge of the S8 for about 2 minutes, reapplying as needed.

Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but be careful not to overheat, as this can damage the OLED display and internal battery.

Aim to soften the adhesive while reading the next step to plan your prying efforts.

Step 6

Avoid cutting through the thin areas of adhesive near the fingerprint sensor.

Cut carefully around the edge of the rear glass panel, starting with the thick portions of adhesive.
Follow the prying pattern as seen from the outside of the phone to avoid damaging any internal components.

Step 7

Warm the back panel by applying heat.

Suction cup close to heated edge, avoiding curved edge.
If cracked or poor suction: use strong tape or superglue suction cup in place.

Curved glass may not seal well with suction cup.

Lift on suction cup, inserting opening pick under rear glass, pushing up due to curved shape.

Step 8

Reinsert iOpener, then reheat and reapply for softened adhesive.

Step 9

Insert an opening pick along the phone's side edge.

Slowly slide it down, keeping it within the adhesive seam.
Reheat the iOpener and reapply as needed if the tool becomes stuck.

Step 10

Continue heating and cutting the phone, following the same steps as before.

Repeat the process for the remaining three sides.
Leave an opening pick on each side to prevent adhesive resealing.

Step 11

Locate the fingerprint sensor cable near the main camera and disconnect it when removing the rear glass.

Verify that the orange cable with a blue connector has disconnected as you lift the glass.
Use opening picks to separate any remaining adhesive and open the phone slightly.
If the fingerprint sensor cable remains snagged, use a spudger to disconnect it before proceeding.

Do not open the phone further if the fingerprint sensor cable is still attached or stays taut.

During reassembly, align the back cover so that the cable connector lines up with its socket.
Use a spudger to gently snap the connector into place by pressing it straight down.

Remove the rear glass from the phone.

Step 12

Remove old adhesive with tweezers and clean area with high concentration isopropyl alcohol (90%+) on a lint-free cloth.

Peel off new rear glass adhesive backing and align one edge against the phone's chassis.
Firmly press the glass onto the phone, ensuring proper fit.

Turn on your phone after installation to test repair and ensure all components are secure.

For a back cover without adhesive: remove old adhesives that might prevent flush sitting. Apply heat and pressure for temporary seal.
Transfer camera bezel if necessary (see camera bezel replacement guide)

Step 13 | NFC Antenna and Charging Coil Assembly

Remove eleven 3.7 mm screws with a Phillips #000 screwdriver.

Step 14

Disconnect the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly from the motherboard.

Step 15 | Loudspeaker Assembly

Remove three 3.7 mm Phillips #000 screws.

Step 16

Remove the loudspeaker assembly.

Step 17 | SIM Card

Insert a SIM card opening tool into the small hole on the left side of the top edge of the phone.

Press to eject the tray.
Remove the SIM card tray from the phone.
When reinserting, ensure proper orientation relative to the tray.

Step 18 | Battery Connector

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

The battery does not need to be removed for this guide.

Step 19 | Motherboard

Disconnect the sensor array connector with the flat end of a spudger.

Step 20

Disconnect the front-facing camera connector using the flat end of a spudger.

Step 21

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully disconnect the display and digitizer connector.

Step 22

Disconnect the antenna cables from the motherboard using the point of a spudger.

Step 23

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

Step 24

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully lift the motherboard, then gently disconnect it from the daughterboard.

Step 25

Be cautious when lifting the motherboard, as failure to do so may result in accidental damage to the battery connector.

Lift the motherboard out of the phone with care.
Avoid touching or snagging the battery connector, if you chose not to remove it.

Step 26 | Sensor Array

Insert the pointed tip of a spudger into the corner of the sensor array, between the case and the array.
Pry up the sensor array.
Remove the sensor array.