Remove the motherboard after water damage.

In this repair guide, we show you how to remove your Galaxy S8’s motherboard on your own. You need to remove the PCB if you want to clean it after water damage.

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.

    €5.00 at the iDoc store
  • 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 €14.47 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.

    €10.00 at the iDoc store
  • Tweezers

    Tweezers

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

    €11.00 at the iDoc store
  • Plastic prying tool

    Plastic prying tool

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

    €2.00 at the iDoc store
  • Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.

    €12.00 at the iDoc store
Show all replacement parts for the Galaxy S8 

Passendes Werkzeug

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Getting started with the repair of your Galaxy S8

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

18 steps
  1. Switching off your device

    Galaxy S8 - Switching off your device 01
    Galaxy S8 - Switching off your device 02
    Galaxy S8 - Switching off your device 03
    Galaxy S8 - Switching off your device 04
    1. Shut down your Galaxy S8 by pressing the power button until you see the option "Switch off".
    2. Now you can confirm the shut down of the mobile phone. Start the next step as soon as the screen stays black.
  2. Removing the SIM and microSD card tray

    Galaxy S8 - Removing the SIM and microSD card tray 01
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the SIM and microSD card tray 02
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the SIM and microSD card tray 03
    1. Now remove the SIM tray including your card by using a SIM tool.
  3. Removing the back cover

    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 01
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 02
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 03
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 04
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 05
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 06
    Galaxy S8 - Removing the back cover 07

    Now you have to release the back cover of the Galaxy S8. As this is glued, you will need a heat gun or a regular hairdryer. The heat will loosen the glue, so that you can remove the back cover more easily. In addition, you'll need a flat, flexible tool like the iPlastix or iFlex as well as several picks to remove the back cover all around.

    1. Heat the back cover all around with a hair dryer to loosen the glue. Do not put the hair dryer too far away, you will need it again and again in between. Place a suction cup on the bottom of the back cover.
    2. Pull the suction cup on the key ring upwards and try to press a flat tool like the iPlastix or iFlex between the back glass and the frame at the same time. You can always use the hair dryer to help you do this, so that the heat will loosen the glue at this point.

    The iPlastix is made of plastic, which protects the frame from scratches. However, the tool is very soft and therefore difficult to insert.

    The backcover is made of glass and will break easily. For this reason, be very careful when removing the back cover. If necessary, use the hair dryer and the flat tool again and again. This step may take you more time than you think - even experts need up to half an hour to remove the back cover. So take some time to complete this step to make sure you don't break anything.

    1. Once you have managed to insert the flat tool between the back glass and the frame, you now insert a plectrum into the gap. This way the gap remains open and you can take out your tool again.
    2. Repeat this along the entire edge. Pull the tool through the gap to loosen the glue bit by bit.
    3. In between you can always reach for a hair dryer. Re-heat the area you are working on. In this way, you will gradually insert the other picks.

    On the lower side the backcover is more strongly glued than on the other places.

    1. The fingerprint sensor is connected with a cable under the camera. Therefore, lift the back cover very slightly once you have loosened it everywhere.
  4. Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor

    Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor 01
    Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor 02
    Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor 03
    Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the fingerprint sensor 04
      1. After loosening the back cover and carefully lifting it up, disconnect the fingerprint sensor from the spudger.
      2. Now the back cover is completely detached - you can lift it off and put it aside.


      1. Removing the screws

        Galaxy S8 - Removing the screws 01
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the screws 02
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the screws 03
        • 14 × 3,6 mm Phillips Schraube
        1. Take out the 14 screws that connect the midframe to the display.

        If you have problems because the screws get stuck, a tweezer will help.

      2. Removing the plastic covers

        Galaxy S8 - Removing the plastic covers 01
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the plastic covers 02
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the plastic covers 03
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the plastic covers 04
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the plastic covers 05
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the plastic covers 06
        1. The cover of the NFC antenna is slightly glued. Take again the hot air device or the hair dryer to warm up the place.
        2. Now carefully put a flat tool under the antenna to remove it. Note that the cover is hooked onto the housing.
        3. Take out the middle cover.
      3. Disconnecting the battery contact

        Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the battery contact 01
        Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the battery contact 02
        Galaxy S8 - Disconnecting the battery contact 03
        • Battery Connector
        1. Carefully disconnect the connector of the battery by using a spudger. Be sure to use a plastic spudger to avoid a short circuit.
      4. Removing the speaker

        Galaxy S8 - Removing the speaker 01
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the speaker 02
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the speaker 03
        1. Using tweezers or another flat tool, you can loosen and remove the speaker.
      5. Removing all contacts from the motherboard

        Galaxy S8 - Removing all contacts from the motherboard 01
        Galaxy S8 - Removing all contacts from the motherboard 02
        Galaxy S8 - Removing all contacts from the motherboard 03
        Galaxy S8 - Removing all contacts from the motherboard 04
        Galaxy S8 - Removing all contacts from the motherboard 05
        1. Using the spudger, carefully disconnect the highlighted contacts from the motherboard.

        Make sure not the damage the motherboard when removing the antenna cable.


      6. 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
      7. Removing the motherboard

        Galaxy S8 - Removing the motherboard 01
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the motherboard 02
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the motherboard 03
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the motherboard 04
        Galaxy S8 - Removing the motherboard 05
        1. Now you can carefully remove the motherboard. Make sure it’s not caught on the connectors you already disconnected.
        2. The USB port is still connected to the back of the board. Once you’ve lifted the board, you can use the spudger to disconnect this connector.
        3. Then set the board aside in a safe place.
        There's a small plastic pin in the opening of the SIM tray. Make sure it doesn't fall out.
      8. Installing the motherboard

        Galaxy S8 - Installing the motherboard 01
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the motherboard 02
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the motherboard 03
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the motherboard 04
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the motherboard 05
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the motherboard 06

        Now you can put the motherboard back in.

        1. First connect the connector on the back side of the motherboard.
        2. Now you can put the motherboard back in the chassis. Make sure no cables or connectors get stuck under the board.
      9. Connecting the contacts on the motherboard

        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 01
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 02
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 03
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 04
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 05
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 06
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 07
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the contacts on the motherboard 08
        1. Now connect the marked contacts to the board again.
      10. Installing the speaker

        Galaxy S8 - Installing the speaker 01
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the speaker 02
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the speaker 03
        1. The speaker is placed at the bottom of the body.
        2. It should snap into it. To do this, press it gently with your fingers.
      11. Connecting the battery

        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the battery 01
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the battery 02
        Galaxy S8 - Connecting the battery 03
        1. Now it is time to reconnect the battery to the circuit board. To do this, you have to press the connector until you hear a click. Then you know that the connection is locked.
      12. Installing the plastic covers

        Galaxy S8 - Installing the plastic covers 01
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the plastic covers 02
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the plastic covers 03
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the plastic covers 04
        Galaxy S8 - Installing the plastic covers 05
        1. To place the middle cover correctly in the housing of your Galaxy S8, place it on the board.
        2. Now place the top cover with the antenna back into the body. For this you have to hook it on the upper side.
        3. The cover has to snap in gently all around - help with your fingers and press it slightly.
      13. Fastening the screws

        Galaxy S8 - Fastening the screws 01
        Galaxy S8 - Fastening the screws 02
        Galaxy S8 - Fastening the screws 03
        • 14 × 3,6 mm Phillips Schraube
        1. Fix all 14 screws.
      14. Attaching the back cover

        Galaxy S8 - Attaching the back cover 01
        Galaxy S8 - Attaching the back cover 02
        Galaxy S8 - Attaching the back cover 03
        Galaxy S8 - Attaching the back cover 04
        1. Place the back in the original place.
        2. Connect the fingerprint sensor again.
        3. Now press the back cover on the whole surface so that the adhesive surface can re-attach.

        So that the original glue lasts better, you can warm up your phone again with a hair dryer. If you then clamp the Galaxy S8 or weigh it down with some books, you can further optimise the result.

      15. Inserting the SIM and microSD card tray

        Galaxy S8 - Inserting the SIM and microSD card tray 01
        Galaxy S8 - Inserting the SIM and microSD card tray 02
        1. Now you have to put the SIM card holder back into your Galaxy S8. The slide must be aligned correctly.
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