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Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the top module in your Fairphone 3.

What you need

  1. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement, Back Cover: step 1, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement, Back Cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Power off your phone before beginning disassembly.

    • Insert a thumbnail, or a prying tool like a spudger, into the notch at the bottom right of the back cover.

    • Pry the back cover up to start separating its plastic clips.

    Edit

  2. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Slide around the bottom right corner of the back cover to loosen the lower plastic clips.

    • Lift the back cover to release the rest of the plastic clips and remove it.

    • To reinstall the back cover press it firmly into place until you hear a snap from the plastic clips to form a seamless connection with the rear side of the phone.

    Edit

  3. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement, Battery: step 3, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement, Battery: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use a fingernail or a prying tool at the marked notch to lever the battery out of its recess.

    • Lever the battery up until you can get a good grip.

    Edit

  4. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the battery out of its recess and remove it.

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  5. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement, Display Assembly: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Whenever a Phillips #00 screw is mentioned you can also unfasten it with a size #0 bit/screwdriver.

    • Remove the thirteen Phillips #00 screws (4 mm length).

    Edit

  7. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Make sure to insert the opening pick between the midframe and the display module and not into the small gap next to the screen. Otherwise you're going to pry up the screen instead of the whole display module.

    • Insert an opening pick between the midframe and the display module on the right edge of the phone.

    • Slide the opening pick down to the bottom right corner to pry open the plastic clamps of the display module.

    Edit

  8. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner and use it to disengage the plastic clamps at the bottom of the display module.

    Edit

  9. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the opening pick along the left side to pry the display module up.

    • The display module should pop out of the midframe during this process. In case it doesn’t, check for remaining clamps you might have missed.

    Edit

  10. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the display assembly.

    • To reinstall the display-module press it into place on all sides until you can hear a snap from the plastic clamps to make sure it sits flush with the frame.

    • If you install a new display: The new display module comes with a white plastic cover held by 2 screws over the processor and the connectors. This needs to be taken off.

    Edit

  11. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement, Top Module: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two 4.1mm-long Phillips #00 screws.

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  12. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the top module connecting cable.

    Edit

  13. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to pry up the top module of your Fairphone 3.

    Edit

  14. Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Fairphone 3 Top Module Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to remove the top module.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Information on what to do with the old module can be found on the FairPhone support page and in the FairPhone forum.

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.

8 other people completed this guide.

Author

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Adriana Zwink

Member since: 12/18/19

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