Samsung Galaxy S9 Motherboard Replacement

Replacing the motherboard will result in loss of waterproofing, requiring a new seal if exposure occurs.

Check the troubleshooting page for diagnostic assistance before proceeding.
Determine if motherboard replacement is necessary due to major issues with your phone.

Step 1 | Rear Glass Removal

Switch off your phone.

Be cautious of heat damage, as the A-M-O-L-E-D display and internal battery are both susceptible
Apply a heated iOpener to a long edge for at least two minutes.

Reheat and reapply as needed; it may take several attempts to loosen the adhesive beneath the rear glass.
If using an iOpener, follow instructions carefully to avoid overheating.
Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate if necessary; however, remain vigilant not to overheat the phone.

Step 2

Do not pry or slice near the fingerprint sensor flex cable.

Identify thick and thin adhesive areas as seen in the image.
Slice through adhesive in these marked sections.

Step 3

Replace cracked rear glass by applying strong tape or superglue to suction cup.

Suction Cup onto back cover.
Lift bottom edge with suction cup, creating a small gap between cover and frame.

If stuck, apply more heat to soften adhesive and try again.

Adhesive cools fast; repeated heating may be needed.

Insert first opening pick in created gap and slide to bottom right corner.
Insert second opening pick in same gap and slide to bottom left corner.
Place third opening pick to prevent resealing during removal.

Step 4

Insert the opening pick into the device at the bottom left corner.

Guide the pick along the side of the device, towards the top.
Slide around the top corner and leave the pick in place to prevent resealing of the adhesive.

Step 5

Slide the opening pick from the bottom right corner along the side to the top.

Apply more heat if the adhesive becomes hard to cut — risk of damaging the back cover.

Continue sliding the pick around the corner and cut the remaining adhesive at the top of the phone.

Do not open the phone all the way yet, as the fragile fingerprint sensor cable still connects the back cover to the motherboard.

Step 6

Locate the area above the volume button.

Lift the side of the rear glass using a gentle prying motion with your fingers.
Disengage the fingerprint sensor flex cable by prying it up with the edge of a spudger.

Step 7

Remove the rear glass.

Follow the reassembly instructions to replace the adhesive and reinstall the rear glass.
To transfer the rear camera bezel, including the fingerprint reader, refer to the provided guide.

Step 8 | Midframe assembly

Use a #000 Phillips screwdriver to remove fifteen 4mm screws.

Step 9

Disconnect and remove the NFC coil assembly.

Step 10

Remove the motherboard bracket.

Step 11

Remove the speaker cover/antenna assembly.

Step 12 | Motherboard

Use a spudger to gently pry open the battery connection.

Step 13

Use a #000 Phillips screwdriver to remove one 3mm screw.

Step 14

Use a spudger to pry apart six cable connections.

Step 15

Use a SIM card remover or an unbent paper clip to press the release lever.

Pressing will release the SIM card.

Step 16

Use a spudger to carefully pry the motherboard loose.
Gently rock the motherboard back and forth until it is free from its housing.