Nexus S Front Panel Assembly Replacement

Insert a plastic opening tool between the rear panel and inner rear frame near the rear-facing camera.

• Pry up the rear case along its perimeter using the plastic opening tool.

Remove the rear panel of the Nexus S.

Use the edge of a plastic opening tool to carefully lift the battery out from its compartment at the end nearest the headphone jack.

• Once lifted, remove the battery from the device entirely.

Slide the SIM card downwards with your thumb from the SIM card slot.

Be careful not to push too hard and break the SIM card connector.

• Continue sliding until the SIM card is free.
• Remove the SIM card.

Remove six Phillips screws holding the rear inner frame to the inner case.

Insert the plastic opening tool into the gap between the rear inner frame and the top left corner of the Nexus S.

• Pry the tool upwards to release the clip holding the top right corner in place.

Locate the area to the right of the power button.

• Insert a plastic opening tool into this area.
• Slide the tool downwards along the perimeter to release the clips on the right side.

Release the bottom clips near the phone's bottom.

Use a plastic opening tool to pry loose the final clip holding the rear inner frame in place.

• Insert the tool into the gap and apply gentle pressure.
• Pry carefully until the clip releases, allowing the frame to separate from the inner assembly.

Remove the rear inner frame by lifting it off the Nexus S.

Remove the headphone jack cable from its socket.

• Disconnect the digitizer cable connector from the motherboard.
• Remove the camera/SIM board connector from its socket.

Insert the flat edge of a plastic opening tool underneath the headphone jack connector.

• Pry upwards carefully, targeting the connector only to avoid damage.
• Be cautious not to pry the socket itself, as this may cause severe damage.
• Repeat the procedure for the digitizer and rear camera/SIM board connectors.

Remove the three Phillips screws holding the motherboard in place.

• Plastic opening tool in place, pry the motherboard upwards at the bottom right corner.
• Lift out the motherboard.

The front panel assembly is left intact.