Introduction
Replace the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact LCD screen, step by step.
This video will show you all the steps and it is recommended you watch it before starting.
Note that this guide describes how to replace the LCD + touchscreen (digitizer) assembly.
A less common alternative repair is to replace LCD + touchscreen (digitizer) + midframe, which can sometimes be bought as a pre-assembled set.
Finally, it is also possible (but much, much harder) to replace the touchscreen part (digitizer) only while keeping a functioning LCD screen. The process requires specialised tools and is not covered here.
What you need
Video Overview
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Place a suction cup on the back cover and pull to open a gap.
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Insert a guitar pick into the gap and slide it around the corner of the back cover to cut the adhesive sticker.
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Finally, remove the back cover.
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Be careful, the back cover is fragile and can break.
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It can be a good idea to wear protective glasses. If the glass shatters, it could enter your eye.
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Prepare the removal of the back frame:
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Unclip the NFC antenna.
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Put the information label aside.
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Unscrew all the screws and put them aside.
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For reassembly: Silver screws (2) belong to the side of the frame. Golden screws (3) for top and bottom.
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Remove the back frame: carefully pop it out, using a spudger as a lever to lift it out, for example.
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The steps are same as removing the back cover but a bit more difficult. Heat up for 3 minutes, lift the screen with the suction cup and if necessary, cut through the adhesive.
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When removing the screen, be careful: the earpiece is stuck to it. Don't lose it.
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If your screen is cracked or broken, be careful when removing as bits of glass may come off and cut your fingers.
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Why does the disassembled screen come with the earpiece? The reason is that the earpiece is stuck in place on the touch panel/screen combination directly, rather than kept in a frame on the main flex (like the cameras, for instance).
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Before going any further, test your new screen by plugging it to the device's main flex and powering it on. If all is well, power off. If not, contact your screen reseller.
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Carefully remove the earpiece from screen, by pulling on it gently and separating the adhesive. Notice the position of the earpiece on the back of the screen, as you will need to put it back in the same position on the new screen.
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Ideally, remove the earpiece with its adhesive, as you will need to put the earpiece back on the new screen when you reassemble the device. Earpiece adhesive keeps the earpiece properly in place on the screen.
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Make sure the earpiece is in the right position and connects properly with the main flex before you reassemble for good. Otherwise you will not get sound from the earpiece, and won't be able to make calls normally.
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Ensure the midframe is clean: any glue residue will limit the new adhesive's capacity to stick to the midframe
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Carefully apply the front screen adhesive, starting at one end of the phone (top or bottom) and slowly applying it along the midframe edges, on the sides.
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Finally, put the new screen in place, pressing it firmly into place.
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Be careful: don't press too hard on the earpiece area at the top, as the screen is particularly fragile around the earpiece.
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Don't forget to put the information label back in the phone!
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