Samsung Galaxy W SGH-T679M Front Glass/Digitizer Replacement
The Galaxy W (also known as the Exhibit II) digitizer replacement was a relatively straightforward process, despite initial difficulties finding a suitable replacement screen due to inconsistent naming conventions.
- Identify your phone model carefully to ensure accurate search results for a replacement digitizer.
Step 1 | Front Glass/Digitizer
Phone repair complete, shown below.
Step 2
Remove the battery cover, then take out the battery.
- Remove the SIM card from its slot.
- Take out the MicroSD card.
Step 3
- Pry off the top panel, referencing images below for clip locations.
- Start with the short side of the USB ports and lightly pry up, using a plastic tool.
- To remove the rest of the panel, use a small flat head screwdriver on the pointy corner near the headphone jack.
Be cautious not to damage the adhesive or clips.
Step 4
Remove eight screws: six from the rear and two from the top.
Step 5
Start by inserting a flat head screwdriver into the small gap at the bottom edge of the phone.
- Pry up the back cover carefully with the screwdriver.
- The back cover should open easily, except for the top section.
- To access this area, insert a smaller flat head screwdriver into the gap and turn it slowly to widen the opening.
- Once the gap is widened, the rear case will slip off easily.
Step 6
Disconnect the battery by inserting a small flat head screwdriver into the gap around the battery's plastic rim.
- Pull the battery up and out, leaving it connected to the main board.
- Remove the four connectors using your fingernail:
- (Note: The camera connector is marked with a yellow and blue rectangle)
- Pull each connector up from underneath, taking care not to damage them.
Step 7
Careful when handling the connectors.
- With the back panel removed, gently lift the main board.
- Use a flat tool to disconnect the single remaining connector underneath.
- Once disconnected, carefully remove the main board from the chassis.
Step 8
Be prepared for a bit of force to separate the chassis from the phone's front.
- Use a small flat head screwdriver to release the clips holding the chassis and phone front together.
- Gently pry apart the two pieces, taking care not to damage any components.
If your LCD is stuck to the front of the phone (or chassis), you may need to carefully pry it loose.
Step 9
The microphone board is located within the yellow rectangle; remove it to access the digitizer for replacement.
- Pry the small clips away from the microphone board using a plastic spudger.
- The board will pop out easily once the clips are removed.
Take care not to damage the surrounding components.
The LCD is indicated by the blue rectangle.
Step 10
Remove the blue tape covering the digitizer connector.
- Locate the yellow rectangle indicating the digitizer connector.
- Flip up the black piece, using a fingernail or tool if necessary.
- The cable will easily slide out and reinsert after the connector is accessed.
Step 11
Work carefully along the edges of the LCD to avoid damaging it.
- Once the LCD is slightly loose, use a guitar pick to slide along both long edges and release the adhesive.
Step 12
The digitizer remains attached to the front of the phone.
- The digitizer should come out in one piece, despite being damaged.
- No heat gun was used for removal; it may have assisted slightly.
- The digitizer was relatively easy to remove without heat assistance.
Step 13
Make sure to secure the small rubber component before reassembling.
- Reassemble the device by reversing the installation process.
- The Digitizer comes with adhesive, ensure proper alignment for a snug fit.
Incorrect assembly may cause issues or damage to the device.