Introduction
Say you dropped your phone and the glass is now cracked but the display is still working. You don't need to change the full display ($199), only the front glass ($6-$10).
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If your phone already has a protective screen applied to it, you are ready to begin.
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If it doesn't, cut a piece of packaging tape the size of the screen and apply it to the screen. This will help you remove the broken glass later.
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If your provider/version of phone takes a SIM card, remove it by pushing it in a bit until you hear a small click, and then slide it out.
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At this point you can already go to the next step, which is using a heat gun. However I felt safer by taking out the motherboard too.
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If you decide to take out the motherboard follow the Samsung Galaxy S III Motherboard Replacement, it has all the details.
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Using an infrared thermometer heat the surface to 170-180° F (roughly 70-80° C). This will loosen the glue but not damage the electronics.
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Hold the gun at about 3 inches from your phone (in this picture it looks like its right on top). With the heat gun set to low, heat up the borders for about 3 to 5 minutes depending on the strength of your heat gun.
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You must be careful when using the heat gun on this device. If the device is heated up too much then it may melt the digitizer and cause discoloration. If you start to see any discoloration then shut off the gun immediately.
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If you are working with a hair dryer, it might take up to 1 hour.
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Using a guitar pick or a plastic opening tool, very carefully start to work separating the edges of the glass.
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Make sure to go from top to bottom.
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You will need to use the heat gun a number of times as you go down separating the glass. For glasses with lots of damage you will need to go extra carefully as to not damage the LCD with the shattered glass pieces.
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Be extra careful when you get to the bottom because the menu buttons are glued to the glass.
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Do not pull the glass just yet, you might damage the cables. Pull the screen from the top to the bottom to the point where you can see the menu and return button cables.
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Extra attention is necessary with this step, don't damage the buttons or cable! With a spudger, detach the buttons from the inner side of the glass. This might require a little extra heat. Also, the best strategy is to start in the middle, under the black ribbon that connects the two buttons, and then move sideways to separate each one.
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*Edit* Thanks to the awesome guy or gal who uploaded the missing pics ^__^
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Take out the broken glass. I was able to take it all in one piece.
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If your glass is very shattered you will need to pick up the small pieces with tweezers, one by one or stick tape to the glass before you take it out. You can also use screen protectors.
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Clean up the glue that remains on the borders. A small microfiber with a bit of WD40 or windex can help you take all the glue off.
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Cut up two small 1mm pieces of the sticker tape and glue the buttons to the phone to keep them in place.
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Put pieces of the sticker tape along the inner frame of the phone.
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Clean up the digitizer with lint free wipes or a clean microfiber towel. I used some lens cleaner to leave it spotless and smudge free.
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Take out the plastic from the new glass, make sure you dont touch the inner side of the screen.
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There are thin protective plastic layers on both sides of the glass. Peel them out before placing the glass on your phone.
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Peel off the paper from the sticker tape and put on the new glass. Press on the edges to secure adhesion.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
103 comments
I replace too many Galaxy screens and I'm sure that anyone else that has done this procedure wants to know, is there any way to bond the glass with the LCD to make it look original again?!?
LOCA is the most popular method I see and would love to learn how to use it correctly before ruining any more LCDs, or any way to use the Optical Adhesive film and remove the bubbles correctly without an expensive autoclave from China.
Any help or suggestions are appreciated!!
James -
Yes its in how you apply the glue. A certain pattern to place it is really helpful ill send you a youtube link: http://youtu.be/ca2x94OQa2c There is a better one that makes two Ys opposite each other.
Julio -
Hi there,
I have ventured into replacing Glass and bonding with LOCA. One thing I did learn is that. Don't be cheap with buying LOCA. Find a good supplier that will supply you with LOCA. Also, minor smudges is not your enemies, LOCA actually covers them and becomes clear. The problem is the dust and dirth. If you have a control environment that can do suction of air. You will pretty much have a good job everytime. Also for cleaning LCD use 100% alcohol and 100% Acetone. They go side by side. Acetone removes residues of glue better than alcohol while 100% does a better job in removing streaks or smudges.
Aquiles -
Great guide, your photos are very clear. Well done!
Thank you! =)
Hello, could one use the ifixit gadget instead of a heatgun to loosen the adhesive? Would that make things easier?
John -
Are you talking about the iOpener heat pack? If yes, I would recommend using that instead of the heat gun, but nothing would really make it easier. Watch out with the heat gun if you use it, heating the adhesive too long will result in damage to the screen.