Most of us change gadgets due to minor problems related to the hardware. Records for the number of malfunctions are held by muffled microphones or quiet speakers, broken screens and damaged batteries.
Such malfunctions are quite easy to fix. But if you contact a service center, the cost of repairs will most likely exceed reasonable limits. Who wants to pay more than half the cost of a new smartphone for a minor fault? If you fix the problem yourself, you can save not only the cost of spare parts.
Service repairs consist of 4 components: the cost of diagnostics, the cost of components and trade margins, as well as the cost of troubleshooting work. For self-repairs, we only pay for the cost of spare parts. And this is no more than a third of the cost of a new device.
So, a screen for an iPhone 5, 5s or 6 costs only 30-50 dollars. Replacing the screen in a Russian service will cost at least 50-150 dollars, depending on the generation of the smartphone model. The cost of replacing the screen on popular Xiaomi smartphones starts from $80, while the display module along with the touchscreen costs no more than $45.
Of course, we can say that repairmen charge money for knowledge. But YouTube is full of various instructions on how to fix any spare parts. The main thing remains - to master the tool and basic repair skills. This is what we will talk about today. And then we’ll save money!
Basic tools
To disassemble any electronic device, you will need a set of several tools. You definitely can’t do without a set of watch precision screwdrivers. "Sentries" is a size. “Precision” - precision execution so that it fits exactly. And, of course, you need to pay attention to hardness - you need good screwdrivers that will not bend during work.
Jakemy screwdrivers perform best, tested by hundreds of repairmen. When choosing, you should pay attention that not all sets contain: a) a flexible shaft that allows you to get into the most inaccessible places, and b) screwdrivers for Nokia and Apple. To disassemble the latter, special nozzles of complex shape are required. Therefore, such sets are more expensive - but more versatile.
In addition, it is worth purchasing a special device for opening cases, similar to a pizza cutter without teeth. You can open it the old fashioned way - with a sharpened piece of plastic or a guitar pick. But it's not worth it. A couple of additional “openers” will make it easier to work with large gadgets.
You also need a “suction cup” or a full-fledged tripod with suction cups. This design allows you to separate several glued parts. In particular, the screen and body, or carefully separate the touch panel.
In addition, a hairdryer is required. It would be better if it was a good hairdryer with temperature control. But due to lack of funds, no one bothers to use the usual one for drying hair.
You'll probably also need a multimeter. The simplest one will cost $5 and will allow you to measure current and voltage. In most cases, this is enough for minor repairs.
But in order to change the monitor backlight or make complex settings, additional functions and more expensive devices will be required.
How to disassemble a smartphone or laptop: general rules
Disassembling any device should begin by studying specialized forums dedicated to the device. And the experience of the owners. Especially in cases where there is no personal experience.
Many gadgets use special technological fasteners in their design, which inevitably break when disassembly - this is necessary in order to confirm unqualified repair.
In almost all cases, fastener failure can be avoided if you understand the instructions and disassembly tips.
The next rule is “prepare containers for the parts.” They tend to fly apart and get lost. Therefore, it is worth using a special device to magnetize several metal brackets in advance in order to assemble the screws. And put small parts in boxes.
And don’t break anything or throw anything away until the gadget is turned on and the breakdown is fixed.
Is it possible to disassemble the undisassembled?
Of course you can. Everything that has once been assembled can be disassembled. So are most gadgets. The exception is the latest model Microsoft Surface - this device is completely beyond repair.
But let's leave the details for later. Most non-separable smartphones allow you to separate the screen, and then completely disassemble yourself. To do this, you need to heat the screen with a hairdryer at a temperature of about 200-250 degrees. Evenly!
The glue will soften and allow you to separate the screen using a suction cup glued to it. We glue it and drag it towards us, holding the body tightly in the other hand. It is better to use a special clamp - but if you are changing the screen, there is no need for it.
If the screen does not give in easily, you need to warm it up again and pry it off using special tools in the form of plastic pointed spatulas. That's it - then it's up to the screwdrivers.
Display and touch screen repair
But first you need to separate the cables. There are 2 of them from the screen to the main boards: for the screen itself and for the touch layer. Sometimes a third one is added for illumination.
Some manufacturers make very thin, brittle cables. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully separate the parts of the smartphone, and when the screen is detached, carefully look to see if it is long enough?
Plastic antistatic tweezers (or metal ones with an antistatic coating) with thin noses will help separate the cables. You can use metal ones only when working with case parts, so as not to kill electronics with static electricity.
Speaking of static, it would be a good idea to ground yourself before work. For this, there are special bracelets connected by a wire to the battery. Or gloves. But you can simply touch the same battery to remove excess charge from your hands. And, of course, do not use woolen clothing when working with electronics!
Repair of case and keys
The case and keys fail even more often than displays. Plastic parts can be restored using a two-part putty if they are not subject to stress, or a two-part epoxy adhesive for loaded parts.
These materials allow you to do whatever you want with you. The main thing is to work with gloves, in a ventilated area, and using special molding tools.
Replacing the camera
Repairing the camera module is similar to repairing the display. You just need to figure out where the camera cable is located and its connector on the board. We disconnect it, insert a new one (they can be found here) - and you can check! By the way, in some cases (and with certain skills) you can install a non-native camera module. A kind of geeky modding.
Important - the camera module must be supported by the firmware, or the smartphone must have an analogue with this module. So that when flashing (you can’t do without it), you can install the correct drivers for the correct operation of the module.
Replacing the microphone and speaker
Most often, these parts are soldered to the main board with a pair of fairly thin mounting wires. Such, for example. It’s better to have your own skein in stock - some manufacturers have been found to have poor-quality installation of these same wires, in which case parts make contact and deprive the gadget of its functionality.
Defective microphones and speakers should be checked before replacement. Perhaps the parts themselves are fine, but soldering, unsuccessful (or incorrect) placement of the spare part inside the case, or bad wires are to blame. A multimeter with a wire testing function can handle this.
The speaker can be connected to a mini-jack connected to another smartphone and play music. If it works, we change the wires and resolder the connections. No - we change the speaker. (The microphone is checked in the same way.)
Replacing boards
In this case there is little choice. You can try heating the faulty board with a hairdryer. If there are broken tracks or poor-quality soldering, then there is always a chance that the board will work after warming up - the solder will be distributed more evenly and the contacts will return to normal.
Otherwise, only replacement. But if you want to try to fix it, take a third hand with a good magnifying glass (preferably one with backlight) and carefully examine the board.
If a defect is found (usually not soldered), we carefully repair it using a soldering station. The soldering temperature of microelectronic components should not exceed 150-200 degrees.
If there are burnt elements, it is better to simply replace the board.
Gentleman's tool kit
If you have soldering skills, then you should pay attention to the universal soldering station with a built-in hair dryer from Bakon. Despite the low price, this is one of the best devices on the market.
For simpler work, there is an analogue of this soldering station in a miniature case and without a hair dryer. Very cheap (like a regular soldering iron) and works great.
For a simple set of screwdrivers, it is worth considering the popular Jakemy sets: the cheapest, with special screwdrivers for iPhone, with a flexible shaft. If minor work is carried out quite often, then it is better to opt for a Xiaomi electric screwdriver. Mechanization is worth it.
Of course, having a couple of sets of suction cups and screen separators (including a special wheel) on hand is a must. The latter tend to break or wear out, losing their functionality. I have to throw it away.
The suction cups get dirty and lose their effectiveness, so you need extra ones just in case so you don’t have to run around washing them and then drying them. Extra waste of time.
In addition, it is very convenient to use special magnetizers, with the help of which any nozzle or simple nail begins to attract small parts - screws, washers. It is convenient to place them on the table either in jars or on adhesive tape.
Of course, we must not forget a simple mechanical tool. Thin-nosed tweezers will save a lot of nerves when disassembling small gadgets. Especially antistatic ones - without them it’s better not to go inside at all.
