How to Replace the Back Cover Adhesive (Frame First)

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl
  • Comments: 2
How to Replace the Back Cover Adhesive (Frame First)

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

6

Time Required

10 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the back cover adhesive by applying it to the frame first.

To determine where you first apply the adhesive, match the contours of the adhesive on the clear side with the back cover and the frame. If your adhesive strip matches the bottom cover, follow this guide instead.

The frame-first adhesive tends to have screw holes in the colored lining.

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    • If you're re-using your frame, remove the remaining adhesive.

    • Apply heat if you're having trouble separating the adhesive.

    • Repeat the same procedure for any remaining adhesive on the back cover.

    This has got to be one of the most crucial steps... if you don't get all of the adhesive off it won't sit right. It took me a tedious 30 minutes to make sure to get it all off. Best tool - fingernail and fingertips and finish off with some rubbing alcohol. But watch out not to get debris in the lens covers.

    Millie L -

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    • Before removing any liners, position the adhesive strip with the clear liner facing down over the frame to find the proper orientation.

    • You can use the rear camera cutout as a reference point.

    • If the adhesive matches the back cover instead of the frame, follow this cover-first adhesive guide.

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    • Peel the clear liner off of the adhesive strip to expose the adhesive.

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    • Be very careful with this step, as misaligning the adhesive can cause it to peek out of the phone during reassembly, leading to an improper seal.

    • The adhesive is very sticky! Be careful with alignment, as you won't be able to reposition the adhesive once it sticks.

    • Carefully align the sticky side of the adhesive over the edges of the frame.

    • You can use the screw holes to help line up the adhesive.

    • Press down on the perimeter of the adhesive strip to bond it to the frame.

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    • Peel off the colored liner from the adhesive strip to expose the opposite side of the adhesive.

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    • This is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.

    • Align the back cover with its original position on the frame.

    • Press down on the perimeter of the adhesive to bond the adhesive to the back cover.

    • To ensure a good seal, apply constant pressure to the back cover with a flat, heavy object. A hefty book works well.

    • If a substantial gap remains, try squeezing the gap with your fingers but don't force it. Pry the back cover off and check for any surface irregularities, such as unseated connectors or loose and jutting screws.

Author

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 16/01/22

151892 Reputation

One comment

Many thanks for the instructions.

Note:

Unfortunately, removing the old adhesive is a laborious process that requires a lot of effort. (Samsung Note 20 Ultra 5G with adhesive film that has already completely dissolved on its own!)

Absolutely necessary - in addition to patience: ISOPROPANOL (e.g. https://amzn.eu/d/7ZIPJCJ) - this dissolves all adhesives (be careful)!

Carefully scrape off the adhesive layers with a plastic spatula - plus cotton swabs plus cosmetic tissues (do not leave lint) then laboriously remove the adhesive residue.

ISOPROPANOL 99.9% does not damage electronics, i.e. can therefore be used for cleaning without hesitation.

Woody Woodpecker -