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Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement

What you need

  1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the SIM card tray: step 1, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the SIM card tray: step 1, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the SIM card tray: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the SIM card tray hole on the top edge of the phone.

    • Press the SIM eject tool into the SIM card tray hole to eject the SIM card tray.

    • Remove the SIM card tray.

    • If you accidentally inserted the SIM eject tool into a microphone hole, don't worry! You most likely didn't damage the microphone.

  2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Be sure to power off your device before you begin your repair.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the back cover for two minutes.

    • 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.

  3. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 3, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 3, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 3, 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 cracked, the suction handle may not stick. Try lifting it with strong tape, or superglue the suction handle in place and allow it to cure so you can proceed.

    • 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.

  4. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 4, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

  5. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 5, 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.

  6. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the back cover for two minutes.

  7. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • If the adhesive becomes hard to cut, it has most likely cooled down. Apply a heated iOpener to the edge 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.

  8. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the back cover for two minutes.

  9. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 9, 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.

  10. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the back cover for two minutes.

  11. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a fifth opening pick underneath the bottom 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.

  12. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 12, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 12, 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 custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.

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

  13. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 13, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Slice the adhesive: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with your tool—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a thermal event.

    • 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.

  14. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the charging coil: step 14, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the charging coil: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the charging coil by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

  15. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the NFC antenna: step 15, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the NFC antenna: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the NFC antenna by prying the connector straight up from its socket.

  16. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly screws: step 16, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly screws: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the five 3.9 mm-long screws securing the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.

    • If you're reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3427.

  17. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the loudspeaker: step 17, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the loudspeaker: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the six 3.9 mm-long screws securing the loudspeaker assembly.

    • If you're reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3427.

  18. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker: step 18, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker: step 18, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the tip of a spudger between the frame and the upper-left notch in the loudspeaker.

    • Pry up with the spudger to release the loudspeaker from its plastic clips.

  19. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly: step 19, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the NFC antenna & charging coil assembly: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to carefully remove the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly.

  20. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 20, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery's press connector.

  21. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cables: step 21, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cables: step 21, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the interconnect cables: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the primary and secondary interconnect cables' press connectors on the motherboard.

  22. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the primary and secondary interconnect cables' press connectors on the daughterboard.

  23. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the interconnect cables: step 23, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the interconnect cables: step 23, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the interconnect cables: step 23, image 3 of 3
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the interconnect cables.

    • Set the cables aside. You'll reuse them during reassembly.

  24. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the daughterboard: step 24, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the daughterboard: step 24, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 3.4 mm-long screws securing the charging board.

    • If you're reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3428.

  25. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the daughterboard: step 25, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the daughterboard: step 25, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the daughterboard: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the upper left edge of the daughterboard and pry up to release it from its recess.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the daughterboard up and away from the bottom of the device and remove it.

  26. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 26, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable's press connector.

  27. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the earpiece speaker: step 27, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the earpiece speaker: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the earpiece speaker's press connector.

  28. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the earpiece speaker: step 28, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the earpiece speaker: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the seven 3.9 mm-long screws securing the earpiece speaker assembly.

    • If you're reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3427.

  29. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the earpiece speaker: step 29, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the earpiece speaker: step 29, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the earpiece speaker: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a spudger between the earpiece speaker and the frame.

    • Pry up with the spudger to release the earpiece speaker from its plastic clips

    • Remove the earpiece speaker.

    • Set the speaker aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

  30. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the left cables: step 30, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the left cables: step 30, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the left cables: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna's press connector.

    • Repeat for the power button cable's press connector next to it.

  31. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the front camera: step 31, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the front camera: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the front camera's press connector.

  32. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the right cables: step 32, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the right cables: step 32, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the right cables: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the orange press connector.

    • Repeat for the right 5G mmWave antenna's press connector next to it.

  33. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the motherboard: step 33, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the motherboard: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 3.9 mm-long screw securing the motherboard.

    • If you're reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3427.

  34. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Reposition the left cables: step 34, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Reposition the left cables: step 34, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Reposition the left cables: step 34, image 3 of 3
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to gently bend the left 5G mmWave antenna cable away from the frame.

    • Repeat for the power button cable.

  35. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Reposition the right cables: step 35, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Reposition the right cables: step 35, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Reposition the right cables: step 35, image 3 of 3
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers to gently bend the two connectors away from the right edge of the motherboard.

  36. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 36, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 36, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 36, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the tip of a spudger between the motherboard and the frame.

    • Pry up with the spudger to release the motherboard from its recess in the frame.

    • Remove the motherboard.

    • Set the motherboard aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

  37. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Heat the front camera: step 37, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the front camera for 90 seconds.

  38. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 38, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 38, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 38, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a spudger into the gap between the frame and the front camera.

    • Pry up with the spudger to separate the front camera from the frame.

    • If you're having trouble separating the front camera from the frame, apply more heat.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the front camera.

    • Set the camera aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

  39. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Front camera reassembly instructions: step 39, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Front camera reassembly instructions: step 39, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Front camera reassembly instructions: step 39, image 3 of 3
    • During reassembly, follow these instructions to reinstall your front camera:

    • Peel off the front camera adhesive from its liner and apply the sticky end to the frame.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull on the tab and expose the top layer of adhesive.

    • Insert the front camera and apply pressure to adhere it to the frame.

  40. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the 5G mmWave antennas: step 40, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the 5G mmWave antennas: step 40, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 3.4 mm-long screws securing the 5G mmWave antennas.

    • If you're reassembling with the Samsung Self-Repair kit, be sure to replace the screws with new ones labeled #3428.

  41. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the right 5G mm wave antenna: step 41, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the right 5G mm wave antenna: step 41, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the right 5G mm wave antenna: step 41, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up on the right 5G mmWave antenna bracket's bottom screw tab.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the right 5G mmWave antenna.

    • Set the antenna aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

  42. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the left 5G mmWave antenna: step 42, image 1 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the left 5G mmWave antenna: step 42, image 2 of 3 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the left 5G mmWave antenna: step 42, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up on the left 5G mmWave antenna bracket's bottom screw tab.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the left 5G mmWave antenna.

    • Set the antenna aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

  43. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 43, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 43, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable's press connector near the bottom of the device.

  44. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the display cable: step 44, image 1 of 2 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Remove the display cable: step 44, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers to remove the display cable.

    • Set the cable aside. You'll reuse it during reassembly.

  45. Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus Screen and Battery Assembly Replacement, Only the screen and battery assembly remains: step 45, image 1 of 1
    • You're now left with the screen and battery assembly.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the instructions in reverse order and perform the opposite actions, e.g., "reattach" instead of "removing." Skip steps that use heating and prying, and pay close attention to the 📌 bullets as you work through the steps.

After you've completed the repair, download the Samsung Members App from the Galaxy Store or the Play Store, and follow the Samsung Self-Repair document (beginning page 9) to make sure your device is fully functional.

Download the Self Repair Assistant on your device and follow the Samsung Self-Repair document (beginning page 24) to perform a battery cycle reset.

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.

7 other people completed this guide.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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2 Comments

The iFixit IOpener is way to thin for this job unless you work maybe a single side at a time. I ended up using a hair dryer. On my phone the power button side was the easiest side to start on. The suction cup didn't help me much. Do not push it, especially around the camera lens, I cracked my back cover because of impatience. Pretty simple operation once the back cover was off. The Samsung "kit" has extra stuff that's not really needed. Overall, excellent directions, Thanks Alex!!

Laurence Schuler - Reply

The first time I did this was about a year ago and the whole set of instructions it was less than 1/2 the time and way easier. I also used a hair dryer but the first time was a bummer. this second time now it was pretty easy and split apart nicely. I think after you already did it once helped a lot. the instructions were precise. It helped me a lot by reading all the instructions a few times thru and the project went as nice as anyone could ask for. Thanks Alex !very nice job I'm 67 yrs old and it was a Breeze.

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