Protecting Nexus One from dust (and maybe other known issues) - Nexus One General

Looks like a lot of people have been getting dust under the screens of their units, and getting them replaced/fixed/whatever is such a hassle (most especially for those outside countries where N1 is sold).
Let's discuss here how to protect our Nexus Ones from dust and maybe other issues like preventing clicking noise. What hardware workarounds can we do to solve those issues? Can we use adhesives, certain skins, certain screen protectors, etc?
I haven't received my unit yet so I can't share my experience. Can you post pictures of where the dust probably enter and what portions click or whatever problem so we can visualize?
For those who don't have dust in their units yet, we can use the recommendations here so we can prevent the problem and not need to go through the replacement/repair/whatever.
Edit:
Just an early reminder. Let's keep this on topic. This thread is for prevention of the problem. If you want to talk about the cure of it or customer service of Google/HTC/whoever, there's a thread for that forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613115

well to use any adhesives you need to open up the phone. This obviously voids your warranty and considering the photos from ifixit, it seems it is pretty hard to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
Skins probably would not work because they would have to cover the small gap around the screen, which would mean the skin would have to cover part of the screen, and that would look stupid.
generally people are reccomending when you get your phone to press down on all four corners of the screen with moderate pressure and listen carefully for any clicking noise. If you hear it you should take a hair dryer and heat up the corners of the screen from ~5 inches away for about 30 seconds and then press down on them to help the adhesive bond and close the gaps around the screen.

melterx12 said:
well to use any adhesives you need to open up the phone. This obviously voids your warranty and considering the photos from ifixit, it seems it is pretty hard to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
Skins probably would not work because they would have to cover the small gap around the screen, which would mean the skin would have to cover part of the screen, and that would look stupid.
generally people are reccomending when you get your phone to press down on all four corners of the screen with moderate pressure and listen carefully for any clicking noise. If you hear it you should take a hair dryer and heat up the corners of the screen from ~5 inches away for about 30 seconds and then press down on them to help the adhesive bond and close the gaps around the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot. Rereading the thread now. I found forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5362535&postcount=52
dills84 said:
My second attempt to re-seal it seems to be working so far...
I took the battery out, put my desk lamp close to the screen corner. let it heat for a little bit. then used a plastic wood clamp wrapped in a towel (so the screen isnt damaged) to compress the screen down onto the heated adhesive.
So far I'm not seeing any new dust and the screen has stopped clicking.
Sounds risky, I don't recommend it. But I was just getting too annoyed. Hopefully it says!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

use the invisible shield, my phone stays in my pocket and its dust/lint free

Z51 said:
use the invisible shield, my phone stays in my pocket and its dust/lint free
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't cover the cracks though, right?

Yes it doesn't cover the crack, and Dust, lint and "Water" could get in.

I keep my phone completely uncased and haven't had a hint of dust. If your phone suffers from this issue, I suggest negotiating a resolution with HTC (be it replacement, repair, or what-have-you).

kozm0naut said:
I keep my phone completely uncased and haven't had a hint of dust. If your phone suffers from this issue, I suggest negotiating a resolution with HTC (be it replacement, repair, or what-have-you).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, it's similair to fixing a dodgy electric window in a new car....... er no, the manufacturer can do it, and more importantly where are their quality department??

melterx12 said:
well to use any adhesives you need to open up the phone. This obviously voids your warranty and considering the photos from ifixit, it seems it is pretty hard to disassemble and reassemble correctly.
Skins probably would not work because they would have to cover the small gap around the screen, which would mean the skin would have to cover part of the screen, and that would look stupid.
generally people are reccomending when you get your phone to press down on all four corners of the screen with moderate pressure and listen carefully for any clicking noise. If you hear it you should take a hair dryer and heat up the corners of the screen from ~5 inches away for about 30 seconds and then press down on them to help the adhesive bond and close the gaps around the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
followed the steps indicated with the hairdryer. unfortunately, during the blow another dust piece got inside...
anyway, i had them both bottom corners clicking. after the hairdryer procedure, both are "fixed" - no more clicking.
i hope that i won't get any more dust pieces under the screen - have 2 of them atm...anyway, it's not that bad.
returning to HTC would not work here, since I am far away from where it is possible, and of course it's all rooted and stuff...
thanx for the ideea!

how abt wrapping with aluminium foil on the areas to be heated with hairdryer?

Related

loose XDA Exec screen?

Hi, I’ve just changed my mobile to an XDA Exec, had it for about a week and just noticed today the screen seems a little lose where the twisting joint is. I’ll try and explain this: With the XDA sitting on the desk and the screen open (at 90deg to the keyboard), if you put your fingers on the top of the screen assembly, it will rock noticeable from side to side (left/right), which is then more noticeable when it’s closed up. It almost feels like there is enough play in it to cause some damage if not careful.
What I’m interested to find out is, is this normal? Is it normal ware (given it’s a week or so old) or is this something that isn’t right and needs some attention?
Also is it possible to tighten something up to stop this and are there any disassembly guides available for the screen assembly?
Cheers
Matt
same here!
same problem with my xda exec, it has a slight wiggle but then it really bothers me. is there a way to tighten the joint or a service center that can do the tightening? im from toronto. thanks!
Hi, At least I'm not the only one, driving me mad too every time I pick it up....
Do you remember if it did this when you got it or has it started over time? I'm wondering if I can get it repaired under the warrantee or if this is just a "Feature" of the hardware.......
Alternatively I'm interested in finding out how to take the screen section apart. Has anyone got any pictures of the innards? And if that is actually worth doing, e.g. is there a nut that's come loose and needs tighten?
Cheers
Matt
The common problem I have found is that the screw on the hinge by the screen pivot comes loose. Look at it with the screen 90 degrees out, It's obvious. It has happened on my last 3 Execs. The screens seem to be easy to damage.
Try removing the screw, adding a little super glue or whatever your local glue is and tightening it quickly. Works for me
i little wobble is normal considering you have a relatively huge screen on that end of a lttle metal base plate with one screw holding it on.
if your screw is tight, but you can wiggle the screen back and forth your base plate may be bent.
this happened on my UNI after a dropped it. the plate was noticabley bent convex. when this happens the base plate isn't supported by the plastic of the case. i removed the single metel screw (described above) and detached the screen from the rest of the case. while it was out i bent the base plate into a concave shape. once it was tighted back down the screen was back to it's slightly wobbly self again!
download the service manual and study the pictures.

Can I wash and reuse factory screen protector?

That's pretty much my question. I read the thread talking about doing this with aftermarket ones, and wish I had read it before I applied mine. I got dust under mine. basically want to know if I can wash the one that came with the Fuze and put it back on, before I spend 20 bucks to have a new one shipped to me.
The short answer is "Yes"
Lukewarm water is a good place to start, and don't bother to try to get the "down" side (the sticky side) completely dry: just flap about a bit until most of the water shakes off.
Might find it works better if you have some non-greasy soap around - note that most of the soaps available today will leave their OWN residue behind!
Another handy trick for removing spots of DUST is to simply pick them up with tape. This technique is particularly worthwhile if your only complaint is a small number of dust spots that you can remove (with the tape) by only having to lift one corner of the cover.
Find that a microfiber cloth does a good job with the Exterior service of the screen cover, with a bit of "Safe For Coated Lens" cleaner sprayed on the cloth if the cover is particularly grimy....
Why would you when they only cost a few pence!!!!
I just use regular seetrough tape, apply it all around, rub it on tight, then pull it of. after that apply it imidiatly to the phone, otherwise it'll collect dust again.
water didn't work on mine.
@jim: you would because this is FREE, no trouble and no waiting for your products (some people can only order them online from other countries and have to wait a week (or 2) ). + I think the factory one is the best (I have a differrent one but I liked the factory the best)
Thanx for the help. I heard the factory one was the best as well, that is why I wanted to stick with that one. That being said, I was using my phone in the car the other day,(not whilst driving) and forgot I left it on my lap, and well got out. long story short I guess I'll have to order a new one anyway. the phone made it alright, just 2 small chips. lucky i had the screen protector on though. Any one know of any as good as factory?
I just put a Martin Fields protector on my Fuze and love it. It's definitely on par if not better than the factory one.
Have an Exim screen protector on its way, but don't expect to receive it until early (hopefully) next week.
Have also been pleasantly surprised by the included screen cover - but wish they had included a protector for the keypad area as well. At the moment, intent is to mount the Exim's keypad cover once it arrives and save the screen cover until ready to replace the OEM one.
Pricing on screen covers varies widely: have had good luck with Boxwave covers for my Axim, but am ready to try some of the less expensive options with the Fuze.
Mattijn106 said:
I just use regular seetrough tape, apply it all around, rub it on tight, then pull it of. after that apply it imidiatly to the phone, otherwise it'll collect dust again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use the steam trick, go into a small bathroom and run the hot water until there is a lot of steam. This will drop the dust particles from the air, ensuring you don't get any dust on the screen or protector while applying.
bboyneko said:
you can use the steam trick, go into a small bathroom and run the hot water until there is a lot of steam. This will drop the dust particles from the air, ensuring you don't get any dust on the screen or protector while applying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you mean just the screen protector...
taking your phone in a steamy room is just stuipid
gbueh said:
I hope you mean just the screen protector...
taking your phone in a steamy room is just stuipid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im sure nothing will happen to your phone in a steamy room
unless condensation occurs inside the phone, you're fine
i have so many phones
i always bring them into the bathroom,
i just leave it on the counter
i have never had a broken phone due to steam
not a porn site ;-)
These are reasonable priced and offer excellent protection.
http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront
it's awesome way to remove dust by tape so i tested it and success with me

Dust under the touch screen - solution!!!

Hi to all who have dust between the touch screen digitizer and LCD.
I send my device 3 times to the authorised HTC service center because of this problem, they cleaned it (not perfectly) and the dust was back again after few days of use. This was really ennoying for me...
After several disassemblies, cleaning, research where dust comes in, then assembles I found the flaw.
The dust doesn’t come in via sealing foam between the touch screen digitizer and LCD.
There is a bump defect of phone housing around the volume keys. Inside of the plastic housing is a metal frame, where the touch screen digitizer is stacked on - that frame is a little bended and the touch screen doesn’t stick properly on it (around the volume keys only). When you look close on the phone you can see also a little wider gap between the touch screen top glass and silver plastic housing edge. (See picture)
WARNING
The following directions WILL VOID
your warranty - you are performing
this repair at your own risk.
So, now, what you have to do:
For those, who have already dust in, just simply disassembly your device (if you are brave enough, have all tools and precise hands - maybe some experience ) and remove PROPERLY all dirt with brush, compressed air and antistatic cloth, then assemble it back or send the device to the service center to clean it (wont void the warranty). Before sealing your TD2 (keep it in plastic bag away from dust) prepare a sharp wooden toothpick, neutral transparent or black silicone (you can purchase it from any building material shop) and cotton cloth.
Now you have to clean the gap between whole plastic silver housing frame and touch screen top glass with soft brush. Then use sharp wooden toothpick to impress the silicone into the gap (all gaps you can see, just in case) (silicone does not damage phone housing and TSCR surface and it’s easy to clean), then just gently and properly wipe off all the rest of silicone from phone surface. (be careful not to get silicone to the keys or phone receiver slot)
Leave the phone for several hours to get silicone dry.
Then you can use your TD2 in dusty environment and your display stays absolutely clean and dusty free. (TESTED on mine, for me perfect phone now and I am very happy with it...)
For those who have a little dust in and want to stop come more in and those who are planning to buy TD2 (dont wanna play the lottery faulty or not ), do the same procedure (silicone impress only) after unwrapping your device from plastic package.
GOOD LUCK!!! ENJOY YOUR ABSOLUTELY DUSTY FREE DEVICE!!!
Sorry for my English
I don't know about you guys, but I'm not crazy enough to void the warranty of my phone because of a minor thing like that. When mine gets dirty, I send it back and that's it.
If it gets dirty again, I send it back again...
But, it's a good tutorial for the "brave ones" anyway Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
HastaSSSS
I sent mine back over a week ago due to this dust problem (in fact I delivered it in person to HTC repair center in Milton Keynes) hoping for a quick turnaround.
I'm still waiting for it to come back and missing it terribly. I'm back to using my old Nokia E71 which is a great phone but I like my new one and want it back so I may go down the route of the OP just so I don't have to repeat the return each time I get a dust issue.....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=519463
i dont want to hijack this thread. if i am then i am sorry
but hopefully you can input your expertise into this thread or help form an opinion for a new thread
I just got a topaz and want to keep dust from getting in but I'm confused about the sillicon. Could you describe more clearly what it is and maybe post a picture so I have some idea what it should look like.
from the picture, for the second gap, apply the protective foil that comes with the phone. Should solve a bit the problem. Ber in mind that after apply, the touchscreen will not have the same sensitivity. You'll have to tap a little bit harder ...
i think you meant screen protector no?
anyway thx for the info,
if anyone knows how to disassemble this device pls help
yes, screen protector. Better not use the screwdriver ... remember warranty ...
I thought these dust under the screen issues had been fixed long ago, but now it seems the problem that affected my old c600 has come back to ruin my topaz after just 1 week.
Not impressed.
georgeono said:
from the picture, for the second gap, apply the protective foil that comes with the phone. Should solve a bit the problem. Ber in mind that after apply, the touchscreen will not have the same sensitivity. You'll have to tap a little bit harder ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already use a screen protector. I'm more concerned about the first gap. I really don't want dust to happen since I bought my phone second hand and it doesn't have a warrenty.
you can always use a can of pressurized air to get the dust out. (same you use with PCs)
Wouldn't you need two holes that are connected if your blowing air into the device? One for the air to go in and one for the dust to go out? I don't have any dust under my screen currently and would like it to remain that way. The silicon method doesn't seem to difficult or dangerous which is why I'm interested in what silicon to use.
from what I understood (from the pictures in the 1st post), it's not actually a hole, but a free space = gap.
I opened the D2 (only the two upper screws - for lifting the inner part a bit) and did have a look for "gaps" somewhere around the volume controls - i did not really see a gap
But for getting out the dust: dont blow air into the D2 but get the air out - i actually used a vacuum-cleaner. If you remove the two screws it is possible to lift the LCD below the volume sliders *A LITTLE BIT* (=about 0,5 mm only!!!!!) with a small screw driver to create a gap. It worked quite well. (be aware of high air flow and possible static electricity)
But i really would like to know, where exactly to apply some supplementary sealing to get rid of the dust-problem. Any detailed pic would be appreciated.
axantas said:
But i really would like to know, where exactly to apply some supplementary sealing to get rid of the dust-problem. Any detailed pic would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah Me too!
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
pedroo said:
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What exactly is neutral silicone? Do you have a picture of it so I know what to buy?
I'm about to buy the TD2,
is it so big problem this dust under the screen?
Does it happen often?
luca T said:
I'm about to buy the TD2,
is it so big problem this dust under the screen?
Does it happen often?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had it for about a week and the user I bought it from had it supposedly for about 3 weeks and so far no dust. I'm still terrified its going to happen though.
pedroo said:
OK, people, just put some neutral silicone between (in the gap) silver plastic frame and touch screen (there is just 0,2 -0,5 mm gap, almost invisible) and you wont get any dust under the touch screen. This is the best solution, you could do it from inside, but its much more complicated...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the pic, pedroo - so they simply should have glued the digitizer surface a bit more careful to the housing...
...thinking a bit about applying the radical solution - not sure yet

Samsung Galaxy S3 I9300 - Extra Screen Replacement Information

My Ex droped her Phone and it had Spider Webs all accross. Her Provider send it in to see what it would cost to fix. The Phone also would stop working correctly in the middle of calls.
It turns out buying a new one would have come cheaper atleast thats what came back as a answear.
So I decided to bite the apple and try replacing the Screen myself. My Ex was not happy because she thought with the second Problem it is not worth the effort to fix the Screen and maybe loose everything. My reasoning was that when the Spider Web Screen touches the Digitizer it will react strangely. So I went ahead and searched the web on how to do it. I ordered a Screen for $9 on ebay (free shipping) which came with a couple of Tools. More on those later.
One of the first Problems I found was that all instructions that I found showed the beginning and the end. But in the middle how the phone will look like when the glass is finaly taken off, I was unable to find much Information about it. Also doing it Redneck style without Special liquids and or a heat guns was no where to be found.
I decided to just try it. Disasembly is well documented and easy enough to do on this device. Atleast to the Point where most electronics are removed so that you can apply heat without too much problems. I decided on using a blow dryer to heat up the Display. I layed the Blow Dryer on the Counter turned it on and Held the phone up to it. Thinking if my fingers get too hot chances are it is too hot for the Display too.. Might be a little incaccurate to read the temperature like that but hey it worked. But soon after I started to remove the first pieces of broken glass I ran into Problems.
As per instructions I found, I put a Piece of tape accros the Screen so that the individuall pieces stayed ogether. That did not work at all for me. It just made the individual pieces push against the valuable digitizer below it. My next Problem was that the Tools that came with the replacement glass, especially the Little plastic Tools did not hold up to the Job und the tip was soon useless. I had to Switch to a Raizor blade. A couple of times I sliped and hit the Digitizer. Thinking oh well I guess I Need to get a new one. Luckely on the end it all worked out much better then I would have hoped. The left over glue I rubbed mostly off with my finger which worked out nicely. To clean it completely from ist glue took some time. The black rubber allong the side of the phone allso suffered. You might want to look out that that does not get riped out completely. I had enough left over so that the glass would sit on it good enough luckely.
Take a look at these Pictures and remember it works perfectly again for $9. While it is not for everyone to seperate a Glass from a Digitizer it is acctualy less fragile as you might think. The third Picture Shows you how it looked with all the scuff marks from taking off the glass. You can still see a few little marks on the end but hard to notice and much better then before. I am sure next time I will be more carefull and use the blade from the beginning on.
I got more Pictures and will improve this Thread for others that have to go through it. Feel free to PM me if you have any Questions. A list of other resources will also be included. This is only to explain and Show the bare state.
Reserved for links
Additional Screen Replacement Links:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
supreethms said:
Do you know if we can replace the metal frame on the side?
My device is bent. I mean. I fell on a rock with my device in my pocket and the rock directly hit the phone. Luckily I had a hsrd case and the device is still alive.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should be able to find a new Frame for a resonable Price. Now to remove the digitizer from the Frame that is another Story. Not sure if it was the Glue or what Held it in place but I could not figure out how to get that out. luckely the two Buttons at the bottom survived the Screen removal and so I did not hat to take the Digitizer out.
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
boomboomer said:
Useful information and explains why repair shops will usually only replace the complete assembly. Read many complaints that those cheap ebay screens are plastic and easily scratched, not genuine gorilla glass replacements?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is definetly cheaper then the original but if you have done it once. Chances are You will be able to do it again much easier. So if the $9 Glass only holds for example a Year. You can just replace it again. Or spend a little more for a original replacement glass.
Now I should Point out if the rubber seal around it gets damaged in the process and if the 3M Tape that should come with the Screen is placed wrong it will Impact the sensitivity of the sreen touches. I guess I did it right because my Ex is happy how it performs and that is saying allot.
madmackem said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150998824149?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
I've ordered one of these as mines a bit scuffed and what looks like a small crack in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you get down to removing the digitizer from the Frame take a couple of Pictures and post them here.

Does anyone repair PH-1 phones (screen seems to have failed).

My wife's Essential PH-1 screen filled with lines while she was using it (listening to music). Phone continued working until she tried to reboot it.
After reboot screen now looks like this. I tried powering off, then power+vol-up and power+vol-down but just see the same.
I think the cpu is still working as pushing buttons elicits the tactile vibration response but screen seems gone.
Obviously Essential is out of business. In addition I've read a few posts that even when they were in business they were not repairing dead/cracked screens rather just replacing the phone.
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
dorkshoei said:
So here is the question. Is it repairable? If so, by whom? At what cost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that). Good quality aftermarket replacement screens are available and not expensive (I bought mine on Amazon more than a year ago for US$70, and now I can see them for less than $50). The process itself is of average difficulty (not too bad compared to some other phones), but could be a bit too much for someone with no experience whatsoever. Fixez.com has a great and useful video (don't use the guide from ifixit.com, they screwed up this one).
I am sure any repair shop would be able to do this job, if you are not a DIY kind of person, but I have no idea what they would charge. Or think of any friend you may have who is good with electronics (hobby or pro)...
kt-Froggy said:
If the issue is really just a failed screen and not the mainboard, it's most definitely repairable, and the replacement can be done relatively easily at home (been there, done that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $70 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I said don't do it the way Ifixit did, LOL... Watch the video from fixez.com. You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly. Otherwise, it's not that hard. And you need to get either a narrow (1mm) adhesive tape or a liquid glue to mount the new screen. Also, a couple of things to watch out for around the earpiece opening and silicone gasket for the front camera. If you consider a DYI job, feel free to PM me, I'll be happy to help. My PH-1 has been working perfectly since the repair in Feb 2019, and I've done screen replacements quite a few times on similar phone designs like Sony Xperia Z series.
kt-Froggy said:
You need to be careful, and know how to use a heat gun properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have an SMD rework preheater that works great for softening the glue on screens, far more precise than a heat gun .... but as I said above I don't think I'll need it
Now, the issue is whether it's a mainboard issue or LCD.
Fixez seems to have a screen for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
dorkshoei said:
Okay, that's funny. I just put my fingernail under the bezel and saw it was loose. Lifted slightly and the entire screen popped off as it there was zero adhesive.
Okay, screen replacement looks fairly simple at this point, IF IT IS THE LCD. I have a tube of B-7000.
https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Digitizer-Replacement-Assembly-Complete/dp/B07CLNDBZS/
@kt-Froggy Is the above what you were referring to. I guess I can always order, see if it fixes, else return it.
Fixez has one for $24
https://www.fixez.com/essential-phone-ph-1-screen-replacement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's exactly the screen I got, and left a detailed review on Jan 29, 2019 (from a user KT). $24 from Fixez is even better, and sounds like a no-brainer. And if your screen is already removed, then you don't have to do the most difficult part. Just plug in the new screen and confirm if it works Like I said, be careful around the earpiece opening and the gasket. Good luck!
Ok, ordered from Fixez. We shall see if it corrects the issue.
dorkshoei said:
I thought I'd read that the PH-1 was very hard to access, that iFixit basically trashed one trying to get it open. It has a 1/10 repairability rating on the site.
I've done LCD screen replacements before on other phones but always the ones with a plastic case where it's just a simple task of opening the back using a spudger.
Yeah, no clue if this is the screen or a mainboard issue. $50 isn't bad if it's the screen but it's wasted cash if it turns out to be a deeper problem.
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Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
gk1984 said:
Search the Reddit AMA posts on the Essential sub-reddit from the fall of 2017. Essential was asked about iFixit's teardown and rating. Essential's response was that they gave iFixit instructions to opening the phone but they ignored them completely. They said you apply heat to the sides, even gave a specific temperature, to loosen the adhesive and use a suction cup to lift the screen off. Most people use some thin tools to get under the screen though. But it's much easier to do than iFixit makes you think. I'm not sure why they ****ed that up so badly. Ignore their guide and find a better one.
My concern is how fragile the screen is. I want to replace the battery but haven't opened this phone yet. I have seen lots of people replace the battery and damage the screen.
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Yeah, big surprise with the guide from iFixit... This one left me scratching my head. Probably the only one I know where they so royally screwed up.
A few comments from my experience replacing the screen on PH-1... The screen on my phone was shatterred badly enough to make a suction cup useless, so I had to pry it out (still, with a heat gun). There was no concern about saving it, anyway. But if I had to open up the phone again, e.g. for replacing the battery, I am pretty confident I could do that safely. From the repairability standpoint, there are two problems with the screen on this phone. One is a very narrow shoulder to mount the screen assembly to the frame (but this is also a good thing, as there's not that much adhesive to struggle with). And the other is a very fragile "sandwich" behind the glass that contains the LCD and the backlight components. It's too easy to damage that sandwich from the sides with a tool, even made of plastic. It will be pretty obvious once you have a replacement screen in your hands and take a close look at it.
A general issue with disassembling the phones of this design at home is that most people will not be able to heat the perimeter evenly to lift the screen off by a suction cup only (I know I can't). So, you would most probably have to use some tool around the edges. The trick is to NOT pry the screen out (or you will crack the edge), but only use a tool to carefully undercut the adhesive as you pull with a suction cup, so the screen can separate from the frame. This way, you can gradually work your way around the perimeter, while heating it up and lifting the screen with a suction cup. A thin plastic spudger would work. If you really feel adventurous, maybe a hobby knife, but I don't recommend it. I would suggest starting from the top, as the adhesive strip under the earpiece is extremely thin, and it would be easier lifting off that part of the screen as you heat it.
Another thing is to NOT reach deeper than about 1mm under the edge of the screen with any tool, otherwise you are risking damaging the LCD assembly.
Update. Screen from Fixez.com ($28 shipped) fixed the issue. Happy wife. Happy me.
Easy install, just used some B7000 glue I already had. Clamped screen down for 24 hours.
@kt-Froggy thanks for your help and encouragement.

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