Huawei Watch 3 Motherboard Replacement

Written By: Tobias Isakeit
  • Comments: 1
Huawei Watch 3 Motherboard Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

17

Time Required

35 - 55 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a damaged motherboard on your Huawei Watch 3.
The removal of the battery is optional and can be skipped (steps 13 and 14). Do not reinstall a damaged or deformed battery, as doing so is a potential safety hazard.

You may need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

  1. User your fingernail to pull the small metal pin on each wrist band towards the inside. This unlocks the wrist bands from the body of the watch.

    • User your fingernail to pull the small metal pin on each wrist band towards the inside. This unlocks the wrist bands from the body of the watch.

    • Remove the wrist bands.

  2. JuadCj6m4QMSSVhJ

    • Use a Torx T3 screwdriver to remove the four 4 mm-long screws on the back of the Huawei Watch 3.

  3. SeCVZQJHDAyCVBwq
    SeCVZQJHDAyCVBwq
    2NuASQKa4nEXRQUf
    ZOrpcl2swjLKWPlH

    • Locate the small notch at the top of the back cover.

    • Use a Jimmy to pry open the back cover by twisting it.

    • Using a sharp metal tool might cause cosmetic damage to the watch case. Covering the tool with a nitril glove can minimize the damage.

    • Don’t remove the back cover just yet. It is still connected to the motherboard with a flex cable.

  4. x6QkFR3fNObtKrAX
    x6QkFR3fNObtKrAX
    5WEeMTNfB1JqEwWn

    • Insert the tip of an opening pick between the back cover and the case.

    • Slide the opening pick around the back cover to loosen the gasket from the back cover.

  5. qpT1WpCIW5Oue1Zo
    qpT1WpCIW5Oue1Zo
    RHVGE1lerKTdiHj4
    GGOxTRjC52aSUxFB

    • There is a ribbon cable running from the back cover to the motherboard.

    • Use an opening pick or your fingers to carefully lift the back cover open.

    • Flip the back cover open away from the crown.

    • You can prop up the back cover to minimize the stress on the ribbon cable.

  6. iUrU4NYSMedPCXL6

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm-long screw from the battery bracket.

  7. glb2tpx1SqwgQPK3
    glb2tpx1SqwgQPK3
    OQkJJybUmP1EamWk
    E3o4YUQv1fQGuPJf

    • User a pair of tweezers to lift the top of the battery bracket free from its screw socket.

    • Unhook the opposite side of the bracket and remove it.

  8. nGeMHBJ6cda1bMil
    nGeMHBJ6cda1bMil
    w2vWr2FESTVROQOn

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.

    • The battery connector is the smallest of the three connectors.

  9. 6YF5ZfZUNoj2EV1O

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm-long screw from the sensor bracket.

  10. q11AIhnifhUSVSLV
    q11AIhnifhUSVSLV
    yv2XfcFwOlINPEnA
    3BJiajEKPBGdvxSA

    • User a pair of tweezers to move the top of the sensor bracket free from a small latch near the case by rotating in inwards.

    • Unhook the opposite side of the bracket and remove it.

  11. mOOvlNMBr6Dw6dM5
    mOOvlNMBr6Dw6dM5
    hLxBPu3dWkMXYYPH
    DOZSWtKBFHILOF5J

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the sensor connector.

    • Remove the back cover.

  12. iTWREUeJvkU5faIy
    iTWREUeJvkU5faIy
    BapPL2XMveKPP6ee

    • Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the home button cable.

  13. nwiSxr1Vy1yXJC5v
    nwiSxr1Vy1yXJC5v
    CdKRYZPsbKEkQ1AW
    bNEtDVNKY1b6GtGH

    • Insert the tip of an opening pick between the battery and the plastic frame opposite to the cables.

    • Use the opening pick to lift the battery up.

    • The battery is held down by mild adhesive.

  14. KCYqMNQcAXn5cIFB
    KCYqMNQcAXn5cIFB
    VKl34YLnfdMSWmMp

    • Grab the battery with your fingers and remove it.

    • For reassembly you may need to apply some adhesive to the new battery if it does not come equipped with it.

  15. s2SqRG5ugs4DOCIW
    s2SqRG5ugs4DOCIW
    vdS5P14MaaiQfCca
    K4OcXY6YmTQOyD1K

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect both display cables.

  16. gs1yvBdTqeeoAVRy

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 2.9 mm-long screws securing the motherboard.

  17. WSyit5F3ox4AvTSb
    WSyit5F3ox4AvTSb
    Yc5GeQnbGthKugEZ

    • Grab the motherboard with your fingers and lift it out of the case.

    • If you opted not to remove the battery, use the flat end of a spudger to lift the motherboard out of the case.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Apply new adhesive where necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.


Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Tobias Isakeit

Member since: 31/03/14

122448 Reputation

One comment

Hi Tobias

Great guide thank you, quick question and perhaps you know the answer. After replacing the motherboard, can the watch be used as usual or does it need to be connected/registered or configured with some Huawei tool?
Thank you in advance,

Regards,

Nacho

Nacho DB -