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PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement

What you need

  1. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement, Case Separation: step 1, image 1 of 2 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement, Case Separation: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Power off and remove the memory card.

    • Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, remove the four 6.4mm screws on the back casing.

  2. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Using your fingernail or a spudger, pry open the accessory port cover on the top of the device.

    • Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, remove the two 5.4mm screws hidden beneath the accessory port cover.

  3. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the two 5.4mm Phillips #00 screws on the bottom of the device near the charging port.

  4. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Beginning at the sides of the device, use a plastic opening tool to separate the front and rear cases.

    • Continue working your way around the device gently prying it open.

    • There are still wires holding the front and rear cases together. You may damage the connections if you yank the cases completely apart.

  5. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Gently separate the two cases, minding the battery and the touch screen controller connectors holding the two cases together.

    One of the shoulder buttons fell out when I was doing this step, along with the piece holding it in place. They go back in just fine when reassembling but make sure that they are oriented properly, of course.

    klung - Reply

  6. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Using a spudger, free the touch screen controller flex cable by gently prying up the connection.

  7. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Free the battery cable by gently prying up on the connection with a spudger.

    Any idea what type of pcb header is on the board for the battery? I have a motherboard with a broken header but I cant source a replacement

    Jimbo Jones - Reply

    This is where I screwed up so I recommend extra caution for other newbies. Only the black part is supposed to come off. Don't be an idiot like me and pry off too much...

    ylimakiminna - Reply

    Yea I messed up there too. Is there a way to fix it?

    Alethia Henry - Reply

    This component was far more stubborn than the screen connector when it came to removal. I opted for a smaller tool than the spudger (small flat-head) and managed to disconnect it after determining the best bit size for the job. Screwdriver is metal, obviously, so being gentle helps to avoid damaging anything.

    klung - Reply

    broke the white part

    Benaya Miller - Reply

  8. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • Separate the front and rear cases.

  9. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement, SIM Card Reader: step 9, image 1 of 2 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement, SIM Card Reader: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Gently pry open the tab of the flex cable socket on top of the SIM card reader.

    • Free the flex cable by sliding the spudger underneath it and pulling it out of the socket. Rest the flex cable out of the way.

  10. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to release the plastic tab along the inside of the case and gently pry up the SIM card reader.

  11. PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 PlayStation Vita SIM Card Reader Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the SIM card reader out of the casing.

    • Using a Phillips #00 screwdriver, remove the blue, 5.0mm screw from the SIM car reader.

    • Separate the SIM card reader from the SIM card reader retainer.

Conclusion

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

One other person completed this guide.

Brittany McCrigler

Member since: 03/05/12

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One Comment

I have an error relating to the reader on my Vita. If I took it out without replacing it, will it cause the same or different error so I have to replace it, or will it be (somewhat) fine??

christoffersen366 - Reply

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