Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the back cover on your Samsung Galaxy S21+.

Before you begin, refer to the Samsung Self-Repair document for safety information.

Note: Retaining water resistance after the repair will depend on how well you reapply the adhesive, but your device will lose its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

What you need

Step 1 Heat the bottom edge

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 1, image 1 of 1

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the back cover for two minutes.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

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Step 2 Insert an opening pick

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 1 of 3

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 2 of 3

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 3 of 3

Secure a suction handle to the bottom edge of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible.
If the back cover is cracked, the suction handle may not stick. Try lifting it with strong tape, or superglue the suction handle in place and allow it to cure so you can proceed.
Lift the back cover with the suction handle to create a small gap between the back cover and the frame.
If you have trouble creating a gap, apply more heat to further soften the adhesive. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.
Insert an opening pick into the gap you created.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 3 Slice the adhesive

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 3, image 1 of 2

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 3, image 2 of 2

Insert a second opening pick at the bottom edge of your phone.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening picks in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 4 Heat the right edge

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 4, image 1 of 1

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the back cover for two minutes.

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Step 5 Slice the adhesive

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 5, image 1 of 3

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 5, image 2 of 3

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 5, image 3 of 3

If the adhesive becomes hard to cut, it has most likely cooled down. Use your iOpener for two to three minutes to reheat it.
Insert a third opening pick at the bottom right corner of your phone.
Slide the opening pick along the right edge of your phone to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 6 Heat the top edge

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 6, image 1 of 1

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the back cover for two minutes.

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Step 7

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

When you slice near the camera assembly, insert only the tip of the opening pick (~4-5 mm) to avoid damaging or smearing the camera.
Insert a fourth opening pick underneath the top right corner of your phone.
Slide the opening pick along the top edge to slice the adhesive.
Leave the opening pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

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Step 8 Heat the left edge

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 8, image 1 of 1

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the back cover for two minutes.

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Step 9

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

Insert a fifth opening pick underneath the bottom left corner.
Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the back cover to slice the remaining adhesive.
When you slice near the power button, insert only the tip of the opening pick (~3-4 mm) to avoid damaging the power and volume button flex cable.

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Step 10 Remove the back cover

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 10, image 1 of 2

Samsung Galaxy S21+ Back Cover Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 10, image 2 of 2

Remove the back cover.
During reassembly:
This is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
Remove any adhesive chunks with a pair of tweezers or your fingers. Apply heat if you're having trouble separating the adhesive.
If you're using Samsung custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.
If you're using double-sided tape, follow this guide.

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Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—be sure to transfer remaining components and remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the instructions in reverse order and perform the opposite actions, e.g., "reattach" instead of "removing." Skip steps that use heating and prying, and pay close attention to the 📌 bullets as you work through the steps.

After you've completed the repair, download the Samsung Members App from the Galaxy Store or the Play Store, and follow the Samsung Self-Repair document (beginning page 9) to make sure your device is fully functional.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

2 other people completed this guide.