How to Disassemble a Cell Phone

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

When you have an old cell phone that you are no longer using you may want to disassemble the unit to see how it was put together. The process of taking a cell phone apart is basically the same but can vary slightly depending on the type and model of phone that you have. You can disassemble many kinds of cell phones, including units that are available from LG, Motorola and Samsung.

Advertisement

Step 1

Take the back cover off of the phone. On some phones the back cover may slide off to access the battery or you may need press a button to open a latch.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Pull out the battery and remove the memory card, if applicable, for the phone.

Advertisement

Step 3

Remove the small screws located on the back cover with a Phillips head screwdriver. Some screws may be covered by stickers that need to be removed before you can access the screw.

Step 4

Separate the battery compartment to expose the circuit board. Use a small screwdriver that has a flat head or a credit card to separate the sections of the back cover.

Advertisement

Step 5

Unplug the ribbon connectors that are attached to the circuit board.

Advertisement

Step 6

Remove the small screws securing the circuit board and then take it out of the case.

Step 7

Unplug any ribbon connectors that you find. There should be one for a camera, depending on the type of phone, and one for the display.

Advertisement

Step 8

Pull the camera off of the case and then remove the screen.

Step 9

Separate the display screen from the circuit board with the edge of a credit card. Slide the display screen forward to disconnect the ribbon connector from the socket.

Video of the Day

Advertisement

Advertisement

references & resources

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...