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How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the interconnect cables on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

This guide was performed on the SM-G998B/DS (international) model. Other models have an additional antenna cable sitting in the left edge of the midframe.

Use this guide to remove the interconnect cables on a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

What you need

  1. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Heat the back cover: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Unplug and power off your phone before you begin.

    • Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the back cover for at least three minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, 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 badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken cover.

    • 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.

    Edit

  3. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Slice the adhesive: step 3, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, 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.

    Edit

  4. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 4, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 4, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 4, 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.

    Edit

  5. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 5, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 5, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 5, 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.

    Edit

  6. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 6, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 6, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a fifth opening pick underneath the top 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.

    Edit

  7. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the back cover: step 7, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the back cover: step 7, 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.

    • Use some high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol to wipe away any adhesive residue.

    • If you're using Samsung custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.

    • If you're using double-sided tape, follow this guide.

    Edit

  9. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Slice the adhesive: step 8, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Slice the adhesive: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening pick underneath the left bottom end of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.

    • Carefully slide the opening pick along the bottom left edge of the assembly to separate it from the battery.

    Edit

  10. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 9, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 9, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick underneath the bottom end of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.

    • Carefully slide the opening pick along the bottom of the assembly to separate it from the loudspeaker.

    Edit

  11. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the charging coil: step 10, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the charging coil: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the charging coil by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

    Edit

  12. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the NFC antenna: step 11, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the NFC antenna: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the NFC antenna by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

    Edit

  13. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Unfasten the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly screws: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five 3.9 mm-long screws securing the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.

    Edit

  14. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly: step 13, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly: step 13, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully remove the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.

    Edit

  15. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the battery cable: step 14, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the battery cable: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the battery cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

    Edit

  16. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Unfasten the loudspeaker assembly screws: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 3.9 mm-long screws securing the loudspeaker assembly.

    Edit

  17. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Pry up the loudspeaker assembly: step 16, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Pry up the loudspeaker assembly: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a spudger into the gap between the top edge of the loudspeaker assembly and the midframe.

    • Use your spudger to pry up the loudspeaker assembly by tilting it downwards.

    Edit

  18. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the loudspeaker assembly: step 17, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the loudspeaker assembly: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the loudspeaker assembly.

    • During reassembly apply new adhesive where it's necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

    Edit

  19. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the display flex cable: step 18, image 1 of 2 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the display flex cable: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • If you're not planning to remove the motherboard or to replace the battery, you can skip this step and continue with the next one.

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the display flex cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

    Edit

  20. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the main & interconnect flex cables: step 19, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the main & interconnect flex cables: step 19, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Disconnect the main & interconnect flex cables: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the main and interconnect flex cables from the motherboard by prying their upper connectors straight up from their sockets.

    Edit

  21. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the interconnect flex cable: step 20, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the interconnect flex cable: step 20, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the interconnect flex cable: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the interconnect flex cable from the daughterboard by prying its bottom connector straight up from its socket.

    • Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the interconnect flex cable.

    Edit

  22. How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the main flex cable: step 21, image 1 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the main flex cable: step 21, image 2 of 3 How to Remove the Interconnect Cables in the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Remove the main flex cable: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to disconnect the main flex cable from the daughterboard by prying its bottom connector straight up from its socket.

    • Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the main flex cable.

    Edit
Conclusion

If possible, turn on your device and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

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

After you've completed the repair, follow this guide to test your repair.

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.

Author

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Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/16

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2 Comments

Hi,

One month ago I dropped my phone in pool and I took it to the service center where they have dried out the phone. Everything was working fine but later only I was able to find out that the primary microphone is not working and also sim doesn't get detect. So couple of times I did resetting the phone pressing the volume down and power button and that fixed the SIM related issue. After couple of weeks again there was an error saying SIM can't be detected and I tried the same solution , after several attempts it detected again. Then again after two days the issue pops up once again. So I was able to find out that primary microphone and SIM card slot is in the same daughter board and thought of replacing it by myself. I got the new board and replaced it yesterday and still my microphone is not working. What would be the solution ? Is there anything I need to check/replace further like flex cables and all ? Please advise. Appreciate your help.

Thanks

Rahul Manayath - Reply

Hola quería saber el nombre de esos 3 cables que lleva detrás ?? Ya que al mío lo lleve a reparar y me los robaron.

Oriana Nieva - Reply

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