The screen of your Galaxy S21 5G is broken? The touch screen does not work properly anymore?

Then a display replacement is the method of choice. In this detailed photo tutorial, we will show you step by step how to do it best.

Once you open your device, the specified IP certification (protection against dust and water ingress) will expire. If the glass of your display is cracked, you should secure it with parcel tape. This avoids potential injuries during the repair and prevents small glass particles from breaking off and falling into the device.

To avoid scratches on case and screen glass, make sure your workspace is clean and level.

We wish you good luck with your repair!

Required tools

  • Flat Picks

    Flat Picks

    You need a very flat tool such as a flat pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

    from €11.95 on Amazon
  • Heat gun

    Heat gun

    You can use a heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove. In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.

    from €15.99 on Amazon
  • iFlex Opening Tool

    iFlex Opening Tool

    Opening your smartphone can be a very delicate operation, especially if the glue is very persistent. The blade of the flexible but sturdy iFlex measures just 0.15 mm, so it fits in even the smallest gaps, such as between the screen and the frame. The practical iFlex is made of stainless steel and sits comfortably in the hand. This makes it the perfect assistant for every smartphone repair.

    from €10.95 on Amazon
  • For storing screws

    For storing screws

    We recommend storing your screws so you don’t mix up the various screws and small parts.

    from €10.99 on Amazon
  • Tweezers

    Tweezers

    We recommend using tweezers to remove screws and various small parts from your device.

    on Amazon
  • Pick Set

    Pick Set

    You need a flat but stable tool such as a pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Plastic prying tool

    Plastic prying tool

    You need a flat plastic prying tool to disconnect the various plugs and connectors.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.

    from €10.84 on Amazon

Required replacement part

  • Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Screen Purple

    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Screen Purple

    on Amazon
Show all replacement parts for the Galaxy S21 5G 

Steps

45 Steps

Getting started with the repair of your Galaxy S21 5G

If you get stuck or have questions, you can post a comment. We’d be happy to help.

45 steps
  1. Switching off your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

    Galaxy S21 5G - Switching off your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Switching off your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Switching off your Samsung Galaxy S21 5G 03

    Use our checklist to test the basic functions of your Galaxy S21 5G before repairing. This way you can check afterwards if your repair was successful.

    1. Press and hold the side and volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds.
    2. Tap Power off in the displayed menu and confirm with your unlock code.
  2. Heating up the back cover

    Galaxy S21 5G - Heating up the back cover 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Heating up the back cover 02
    Used tools
    Heat gun

    The edge of the back cover is heavily glued. It is therefore essential to first heat it up sufficiently. Use a hot air device for this purpose, such as a heat gun or an ordinary hair dryer.

    Be careful not to burn your fingers after heating. It is best to heat the back cover only to the point where you can still touch it.
    1. Heat the edge of the back cover by running the hot air device evenly over it.
    Used tools
  3. Lifting up the back cover

    Galaxy S21 5G - Lifting up the back cover 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Lifting up the back cover 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Lifting up the back cover 03
    Used tools
    iFlex Opening Tool
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup

    To create a narrow gap between back cover and display unit you need a flat, stable tool. We recommend the iFlex for this, since it has particularly sharp edges that can be easily inserted.

    1. Attach a suction cup to the lower edge of the back cover and pull it upwards. Insert the iFlex between the display unit and the back cover at the same time.
    Used tools
    iFlex Opening Tool
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup
  4. Detaching the back cover

    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the back cover 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the back cover 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the back cover 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the back cover 04
    Used tools
    Heat gun
    Pick Set
    Flat Picks
    iPlastix Opening Tool
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup

    To avoid damaging the edge of the case with the sharp edges of the iFlex, you should switch to a plastic tool like the iPlastix as soon as possible.

    To avoid damaging the camera module, you should not insert your tool too far into the device. We recommend the hard plastic pick at this point. Due to its shape it cannot be inserted too deeply.

    1. Drive the tool completely around the edge of the back cover to loosen it piece by piece.
    2. Slide flat picks under the back cover at regular intervals, so that the glue cannot bond again.


    Used tools
    iPlastix Opening Tool
    VAKUPLASTIC Suction Cup
  5. Removing the back cover

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the back cover 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the back cover 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the back cover 03
    1. Once the back cover is completely detached, you first have to remove all plastic picks.
    2. Then unfold it and put it aside.
  6. Unscrewing the charging coil cover

    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the charging coil cover 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the charging coil cover 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
    • 5 × 4.9 mm Phillips

    Use a screw storage to keep an overview during the repair and avoid losing anything. Use an old sewing box, for example. With our high-quality magnetic pad, you have the additional advantage that nothing slips.

    1. Loosen the five Phillips screws from the charging coil cover.
    2. Then put them on your magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
  7. Detaching the battery connector

    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the battery connector 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the battery connector 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the battery connector 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector

    Always detach the battery connector as soon as possible to avoid a potential short circuit.

    When separating connectors, always start from the side where there are no small components on the motherboard. This way you avoid potential damage.

    1. Lift up the metal cover of the NFC antenna.
    2. Carefully pry the orange battery connector underneath from the motherboard with a plastic lever tool. We use a plastic spudger for this.
    Used tools
  8. Disconnecting the charging coil

    Galaxy S21 5G - Disconnecting the charging coil 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Disconnecting the charging coil 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Disconnecting the charging coil 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector
    1. Then separate the black connector of the charging coil by carefully levering it off the circuit board with a spudger as well.
    Used tools
  9. Removing the charging coil

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the charging coil 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the charging coil 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the charging coil 03

    The lower end of the charging coil is slightly glued.

    1. Once the connectors are separated, you can carefully pull off the charging coil.
  10. Unscrewing the earpiece

    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the earpiece 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the earpiece 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
    • 7 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Loosen the seven Phillips screws from the earpiece.
    2. Then put them on your magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
  11. Detaching the earpiece connector

    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the earpiece connector 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the earpiece connector 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the earpiece connector 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector
    1. Now separate the connector of the earpiece by carefully levering it off the motherboard with a spudger.
    Used tools
  12. Removing the earpiece

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the earpiece 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the earpiece 02
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
    1. Take the detached earpiece out of your device and put it aside.
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
  13. Detaching connectors from the motherboard

    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching connectors from the motherboard 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching connectors from the motherboard 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching connectors from the motherboard 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector

    The remaining connectors on the motherboard belong to two 5G antennas, the display cable, two connecting cables and the front camera.

    1. Separate all remaining connectors from the motherboard. Carefully pry them off with the spudger.
    Used tools
  14. Unscrewing the motherboard

    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the motherboard 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the motherboard 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the motherboard 03
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
    • 1 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Loosen the single Phillips screw from the camera module.
    2. Place it on the magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    Magnetic Pad
  15. Removing the motherboard

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the motherboard 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the motherboard 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the motherboard 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    1. Carefully lever the motherboard upwards with a spudger and take it out of the device.
    Used tools
  16. Unscrewing the speaker

    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the speaker 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the speaker 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Pentalobe Screwdriver PL1
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    • 6 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Remove the six Phillips screws from the speaker module.
    2. Then place them on the magnetic pad.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Pentalobe Screwdriver PL1
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  17. Removing the speaker

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the speaker 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the speaker 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the speaker 03
    Used tools
    Pry Tool

    A small arrow in the upper left corner shows you where to place your tool.

    1. Carefully lever the speaker module out of its guide and put it aside.
    Used tools
  18. Detaching the connecting cables

    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the connecting cables 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the connecting cables 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the connecting cables 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the connecting cables 04
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    1. Separate the lower connecting cables from the USB board by carefully levering them off.
    Used tools
  19. Removing the connecting cables

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the connecting cables 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the connecting cables 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the connecting cables 03
    1. Take the detached connecting cables out of the device and put them aside.
  20. Detaching the screen cable connector

    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the screen cable connector 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the screen cable connector 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the screen cable connector 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Detaching the screen cable connector 04
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    • Connector

    The screen cable is attached to a separate slot for the first time in the Galaxy S21, so it can be removed completely.

    1. Carefully separate the lower connector of the screen cable from its slot with a spudger.
    Used tools
  21. Removing the screen cable

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the screen cable 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the screen cable 02
    1. Remove the screen cable from the device as soon as it is completely disconnected from the display unit.
  22. Removing the SIM tray

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the SIM tray 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the SIM tray 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the SIM tray 03
    Used tools
    SIM Tool
    1. Press a thin, pointed object into the small round opening in the SIM tray to push it out of the device frame. We use a SIM tool for this purpose.
    2. Then pull the tray completely out of the frame.
    Used tools
  23. The right tools for your repair

    With the right tools, you will succeed in any repair. In our store you will find a large selection of professional quality tools.
    VIEW NOW
  24. Unscrewing the USB board

    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the USB board 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Unscrewing the USB board 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    • 3 × 3.4 mm Phillips
    1. Loosen the three Phillips screws from the USB board.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  25. Removing the USB board

    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the USB board 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the USB board 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the USB board 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Removing the USB board 04
    Used tools
    Pry Tool

    For this photo guide, we have used a replacement screen that already had the battery integrated. This is no longer the case in newer replacement screens. Therefore, you will also have to remove the battery and take it over. Check out our battery guide for more information.

    1. Carefully lever the motherboard upwards with a spudger and take it out of the device.
    Used tools
  26. Preparing the new display

    Galaxy S21 5G - Preparing the new display 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Preparing the new display 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Preparing the new display 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Preparing the new display 04
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Screen Purple

    The battery, the front camera, the vibration motor, two 5G antennas and the buttons are already pre-installed in the replacement screen of the S21 5G, so you do not have to take them from your old screen. This makes a screen replacement much easier.

    1. Remove the protective film from the battery before you start reinstalling the removed components.
    2. The protective film on the display glass can be left on until the end of the repair for protection.


    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Screen Purple
  27. Inserting the USB board

    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the USB board 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the USB board 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the USB board 03

    To ensure that the USB board sits evenly, the USB socket must be pushed correctly into its guide in the case frame. To do so, it is best to position the board at a slight angle.

    1. Put the board back in its original position in the screen unit.
  28. Screwing the USB-board tight

    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the USB-board tight 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the USB-board tight 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00

    When screwing components into place, make sure that you do not mix up the screws. A too long screw in the wrong place could damage the display in the worst case.

    1. Screw the USB board back onto the screen unit with the three Phillips screws.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  29. Inserting the SIM tray

    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the SIM tray 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the SIM tray 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the SIM tray 03

    Make sure to insert the SIM tray the right way around to avoid potential damage.

    1. Insert the SIM tray by sliding it back into the case frame.
  30. Attaching the screen cable

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the screen cable 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the screen cable 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the screen cable 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the screen cable 04
    • Connector

    The label on the screen cable will help you to align it.

    Never attach connectors by force. Damage can lead to the failure of an entire component.
    1. Position the screen cable and reattach the bottom connector to its slot by gently pressing it down. You should hear and feel it click into place.
  31. Attaching the connecting cables

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the connecting cables 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the connecting cables 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the connecting cables 03
    • Connector
    1. Align the two connecting cables one after the other and attach the lower connector each on the USB board.
  32. Inserting the speaker

    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the speaker 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the speaker 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the speaker 03
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD

    The speaker module has three small lugs. To ensure that the module sits evenly in the device, these must be hooked into the frame of the screen unit when inserting it.

    1. Put the speaker back in its original position.
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
  33. Screwing the speaker tight

    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the speaker tight 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the speaker tight 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    • 6 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Screw the speaker module in place with the six Phillips screws.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  34. Inserting the motherboard

    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the motherboard 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the motherboard 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the motherboard 03
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD

    To avoid squeezing the sensitive flex cables when inserting the motherboard, you should hold them aside with tweezers.

    1. Put the board back to its original position.
    Used tools
    Piergiacomi Tweezers 2a SA ESD
  35. Screwing the motherboard tight

    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the motherboard tight 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the motherboard tight 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the motherboard tight 03
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    • 1 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Fix the motherboard back into the screen unit by screwing it tight.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  36. Attaching connectors on the motherboard

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching connectors on the motherboard 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching connectors on the motherboard 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching connectors on the motherboard 03
    • Connector

    Make sure to not accidentally attach the battery connector at this point. This could lead to a potential short circuit.

    1. Reattach all connectors (except the battery and NFC connector) to the motherboard by gently pressing them down.
  37. Inserting the earpiece

    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the earpiece 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Inserting the earpiece 02
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Earpiece
    1. Now insert the earpiece.
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Earpiece
  38. Screwing the earpiece tight

    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the earpiece tight 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the earpiece tight 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    • 7 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Screw the earpiece back into place with the seven Phillips screws.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  39. Attaching the earpiece connector

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the earpiece connector 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the earpiece connector 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the earpiece connector 03
    • Connector
    1. Then reattach the connector of the earpiece to the motherboard.
  40. Installing the charging coil

    Galaxy S21 5G - Installing the charging coil 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Installing the charging coil 02
    1. Reposition the NFC antenna in the screen unit and press its back end slightly to allow the glue to bond again.
  41. Connecting the charging coil

    Galaxy S21 5G - Connecting the charging coil 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Connecting the charging coil 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Connecting the charging coil 03
    • Connector
    1. Lift up the metal cover of the charging coil to attach its black connector that is located underneath.
  42. Attaching the battery connector

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the battery connector 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the battery connector 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the battery connector 03

    Always connect the battery connector last to avoid a potential short circuit.

    1. You can now also reattach the orange battery connector to the motherboard.
  43. Screwing the cover plate in place

    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the cover plate in place 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Screwing the cover plate in place 02
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
    • 5 × 4.9 mm Phillips
    1. Once the battery and charging coil are reconnected, you can screw the metal cover back on.
    Used tools
    Wiha PicoFinish Phillips Screwdriver PH00
  44. Testing your Galaxy S21 5G

    Galaxy S21 5G - Testing your Galaxy S21 5G 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Testing your Galaxy S21 5G 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Testing your Galaxy S21 5G 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Testing your Galaxy S21 5G 04
    Galaxy S21 5G - Testing your Galaxy S21 5G 05
    If something doesn't work properly during testing, double-check that everything is installed and attached correctly.
    1. Switch on your Galaxy S21.
    2. Call up the Samsung test menu via *#0*# in the phone app.
    3. Test the color display and the touch function of your replacement screen.
    4. Test other components with the help of the test menu. Alternatively, you can also use our checklist.
  45. Attaching a new adhesive frame (optional)

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching a new adhesive frame (optional) 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching a new adhesive frame (optional) 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching a new adhesive frame (optional) 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching a new adhesive frame (optional) 04
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching a new adhesive frame (optional) 05
    Used tools
    Pry Tool
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Adhesive Frame for Backcover

    Attaching a new adhesive frame is optional. If it is still in good condition, you do not need to install a new one. However, if it has defects or no longer sticks properly, we recommend that you install a new adhesive frame.

    1. We show you how to apply a new adhesive frame in detail in our YouTube video.
    Used tools
    Verwendete Ersatzteile
    Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Adhesive Frame for Backcover
  46. Attaching the back cover

    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the back cover 01
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the back cover 02
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the back cover 03
    Galaxy S21 5G - Attaching the back cover 04

    We recommend that you run hot air over the edge of the back cover again, so that the glue bonds properly. You can also weigh down your device with books for a few minutes or clamp it like in our example.

    1. Close your Galaxy S21 5G after the repair by pressing the back cover back onto the display unit.
Ø 0 (0 Ratings)

Bewerte unsere Anleitung

Hat dir unsere Anleitung weitergeholfen? Wir sind auf deine Beurteilung gespannt.

Submit rating

Submit rating

How did you like this repair guide?

Exceptional

Similar guides

You might also be interested in these guides.

You might be interested in

Get in touch with iDoc

Please contact our customer service for any questions about iDoc's products and services.

  • Send a message

    If you have a question about a guide or want to give us general feedback, just use our contact form

    Write a message
  • Free shipping

    From a minimum order value of 79.00 € your order will be shipped free of charge within Germany.

  • Call iDoc

    If you have any questions about our guides or services, call us from Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    +49 30 200 514 455
  • 5 star service

    We offer top quality and service. Our customers confirm this as well.

    Show reviews

Profi-Insights & Tipps für deine erfolgreiche Handy-Reparatur

iDoc schenkt dir den ultimativen Reparatur-Guide GUIDE GRATIS ANFORDERN

Profi-Insights & Tipps für deine erfolgreiche Handy-Reparatur

iDoc schenkt dir den ultimativen Reparatur-Guide GUIDE GRATIS ANFORDERN