Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement

Introduction

Replacing the buttons of the Garmin Vívoactive 4 (M/N: 03618) is a difficult process and requires multiple steps and tools.

If the buttons on your Garmin Vívoactive 4 seem unresponsive and don't operate correctly, it is recommended that you replace the entire housing unit as the buttons will come attached to replacement housing units.

Nonetheless, this guide will take you through the steps required to replace the buttons on your Garmin Vívoactive 4 watch.

This guide requires the use of a heat gun and iOpener. See these articles, How to Use a Heat Gun to Soften Adhesive and iOpener Instructions for instructions and safety information.

What you need

Step 1 Watch Band

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Watch Band: step 1, image 1 of 1

Flip the watch on its back to reveal the watch band connection pins.

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Step 2 Remove Bands

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Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Remove Bands: step 2, image 3 of 3

Wedge your fingernail or the tip of a spudger underneath the watch band's small metal pin.
Push on the pin to release the strap from it's hinge.
Pull the strap away from the watch to disconnect it.
The strap will not pull away if the pin isn't fully pushed in.

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Step 3

With both straps removed, a new replacement watch band may be inserted.

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Step 4 Screen

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Screen: step 4, image 1 of 1

Use a heatgun to loosen the adhesive beneath the screen, it should take a 5-10 minutes for adhesive to loosen.
Handle the watch with care to avoid burning yourself after it has been heated. Review the How to Use a Heat Gun to Soften Adhesive guide.

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Step 5

Wedge a thin opening tool or your iFixit Jimmy in between the seam where the screen and the watch’s housing connect.
Pry the screen off the device.
There is a cable underneath the screen that needs to be disconnected - be careful not to rip it.
Work quickly so the adhesive doesn’t cool too much.

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Step 6

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Carefully disconnect both cables from the motherboard by placing the tip of your spudger under the edge of the connector, and prying the connector straight up from its socket.

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Step 7

Remove the screen.

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Step 8 Motherboard

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Motherboard: step 8, image 1 of 1

Carefully peel off the ribbon tape that is holding down the motherboard.

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Step 9

Place the tip of your spudger under the edge of the connector, and pry the connector straight up from its socket to disconnect the battery from the motherboard.
Do this carefully to avoid ripping the cable.

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Step 10

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 3.2 mm screw on the motherboard.
Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 4.8 mm screw on the motherboard.

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Step 11

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

Pull the battery cable up to dislodge the motherboard.
Gently remove the motherboard from the socket.
The motherboard may get caught under the housing due to the clips on the edge.

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Step 12 Battery

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Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Battery: step 12, image 2 of 2

Use the pointed tip of a spudger to carefully push on each side of the battery connector to disconnect the battery from the motherboard.

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Step 13

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

Use a spudger to pry the battery from the case.
Be careful not to damage any surrounding components.
There is an adhesive holding the battery down. Use an iOpener if it is too difficult to remove the battery with the spudger alone.

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Step 14 Button

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Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Button: step 14, image 2 of 3

Garmin Vívoactive 4 Button Replacement, Button: step 14, image 3 of 3

Wedge a spudger or your iFixit Jimmy in between the button's snap ring and the watch housing.
Carefully pry the snap ring off the button.
Remove the button and components from the watch housing.