Introduction
Use this guide to replace the front facing camera on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus.
This guide was performed on the SM-G996B/DS (international) model. Other models have an additional antenna cable sitting in the edge of the midframe.
If you do not replace the adhesive seals when reassembling, your device will function normally, but will most likely lose its water protection.
You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.
What you need
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Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the back cover for at least three minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
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Secure a suction handle to the bottom edge of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible.
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Lift the back cover with the suction handle to create a small gap between the back cover and the frame.
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Insert an opening pick into the gap you created.
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Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner to slice the adhesive.
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Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Insert a second opening pick at the bottom edge of your phone.
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Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner to slice the adhesive.
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Leave the opening picks in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Insert a third opening pick at the bottom right corner of your phone.
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Slide the opening pick along the right edge of your phone to slice the adhesive.
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Leave the opening pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
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Remove the back cover.
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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.
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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.
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If you're using Samsung custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.
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If you're using double-sided tape, follow this guide.
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Insert an opening pick underneath the left bottom end of the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.
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Carefully slide the opening pick along the bottom left edge of the assembly to separate it from the battery.
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Use a spudger to disconnect the charging coil by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
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Use a spudger to disconnect the NFC antenna by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five 3.9 mm-long screws securing the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.
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Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully remove the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.
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Use a spudger to disconnect the battery cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
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Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the seven 3.9 mm-long screws securing the earpiece speaker assembly.
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Use a spudger to disconnect the earpiece speaker cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
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Insert a spudger underneath the bottom left edge of the earpiece speaker assembly.
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Use your spudger to pry up the earpiece speaker assembly.
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Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully remove the earpiece speaker assembly.
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Use a spudger to disconnect the front facing camera cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
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Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the screen where the front facing camera is located for at least two minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
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Use a pair of tweezers to lift the front camera out of its recess and remove it.
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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.
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.
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One Comment
A word of warning for anyone trying this--BE CAREFUL!!
The adhesive on the front camera module feels stronger cuz its a small piece altogether. Be patient and try to heat the place like the tutorial suggests, and CAREFULLY use tweezers (or another fine tool) to pry it out. Be specifically careful for the sides of it (I broke mine by being too rough).
Have a good day!
