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Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement

What you need

  1. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, SIM Card Tray: step 1, image 1 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, SIM Card Tray: step 1, image 2 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, SIM Card Tray: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a SIM card ejection tool into the hole on the SIM card tray, located on the left edge of the phone.

    • Press in to eject the SIM card tray.

    • Remove the SIM card tray.

  2. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Rear Panel: step 2, image 1 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Rear Panel: step 2, image 2 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Rear Panel: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Place an opening pick in the opening of the SIM card tray slot and twist it sideways to release the first plastic clip that holds the rear panel in its place.

    • Slide the opening pick around the top edge of the phone to release the plastic clips that secure the rear panel.

  3. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Continue to slide the opening pick around all sides of the phone to release all clips that secure the rear panel.

  4. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • Tilt the opening pick to lift the rear panel a little bit.

    • There are two more plastic clips next to the fingerprint sensor. Release them by gently pulling the rear panel.

    • Remove the rear panel.

  5. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Midframe: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the ten 3.6 mm Phillips screws that secure the midframe.

  6. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Insert an opening pick into the SIM card tray slot and twist the opening pick sideways to release the plastic clips.

  7. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • Continue sliding the opening pick around the upper part of the midframe to release the plastic clips.

  8. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Use the plastic pick to pry open the plastic clips on the long edge of the midframe and on the bottom edge.

    • Make sure the clips on the long edge are released. The midframe is prone to break here if they are not disconnected properly.

  9. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Make sure all the clips are free.

    • Carefully remove the midframe.

  10. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Battery Disconnect: step 10, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Battery Disconnect: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Use the edge of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery flex cable located at the bottom right of the motherboard.

  11. Careful: steps 11-14 are sourced from a guide that's marked as in-progress.

    Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard Assembly: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Use an iOpener to loosen the adhesive beneath the rear facing camera. Place the iOpener across the top part of the phone for about 30 seconds.

  12. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Apply the flat end of a spudger to the left side of the rear facing camera and carefully lever it up. Make sure all of the adhesive underneath is loosened.

  13. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the display flex connector.

  14. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Grip the lower part of the motherboard with your fingers and carefully lift it upwards.

    • There's a small plastic clip next to the rear-facing camera that holds the motherboard in place.

    • Gently pull the motherboard towards the bottom edge to free it from the plastic clip next to the rear-facing camera.

    • Carefully lift the motherboard out of the frame.

    • Be careful—the two cameras are still connected to the board.

  15. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 15, image 1 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 15, image 2 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement, Motherboard: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Proceed with the following steps if you need to transfer the front-facing and rear-facing cameras to the new motherboard.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the rear-facing camera connector from the motherboard.

    • Carefully remove the rear facing camera.

  16. Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 3 Nexus 5X Motherboard Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the front-facing camera connector from the motherboard.

    • Carefully remove the front-facing camera.

Conclusion

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

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. During reassembly apply new adhesive where it’s necessary.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Nexus 5X Answers community for troubleshooting help.

61 other people completed this guide.

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/16

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40 Comments

Anyone with the bootloop problem has been successful on returning the 5X to life by replacing the motherboard?

Jago MF - Reply

that's a stupid question. new motherboard means new operating system. maybe you should just use fastboot and flash stock firmware on your phone easy

Alek Kels -

where can I get a new motherboard at?????

Alek Kels -

in most 'google image boot' issues, it is a hardware issue, not software. besides, the phone will not allow a bootloader option.

Chris Mayberry -

yes …….and its the only way after bootloop

damneetsingh2000 -

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