Database Users

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

Update: Little cracks in HD2 housing, 100% sure they are cracks

My two weeks old HD2 that I keep in one of these soft rubber cases has little cracks in the topcorners of the housing. At first sight it looks like its stripes from the factory mould but under a magnifying glass they appear to be cracks. The cracks go from the edge all the way down to the bottom of the device.
I am pretty sure it never dropped and I am carrying it in my jacket.
Does anyone else have these little cracks?? I am going to return it for warranty but would like to know if I am the only one.
These cracks remind me a lot of se Experia
Thanks for reactions.
It is not possible to post pictures as the cracks are to tiny to show on a photograph.
UPDATE:
I am 100% sure that they are cracks now. I checked with a colleagues new HD2 and she doesn't have any cracks or lines whatsoever. I am going to return it to store later on. Before I take it back, I will try to shoot some daylight pictures with a Macro lens.

Pictures would help

If you can't even se them without a magnifying glass, why bother?
When I look at my device, I have these "cracks" in three cornes. Bottom right, bottom left and top left. However I really do not think theyre cracks, since theyre perfect straight and all in the same position of the corners.

Halle said:
If you can't even se them without a magnifying glass, why bother?
When I look at my device, I have these "cracks" in three cornes. Bottom right, bottom left and top left. However I really do not think theyre cracks, since theyre perfect straight and all in the same position of the corners.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats what I thought first, but the two at the bottom aren't completely through yet. One has just started and is about one millimeter and the other is halfway down.
I believe the integrity/strength off the case is completely gone with these cracks. Anyway: The device is two weeks old....

Dust2Dust said:
The device is two weeks old....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
get it swapped out for a new one if its so new.

I can see these "cracks" on mine, in all 4 corners, all at the same place, and all in exactly straight lines. I suspect it's just the way the casing is put together, and I'm certainly not concerned.

same here, only one goes to the front edge and looks like a crack, the other 3 look like mould marks.

yes i found it too on top near speaker and on right side, i noticed it the 1st day but its too minor unless if u see it very closely

it is not cracks

its just the way the case is sealed - the're not cracks

Every HD2 has these "cracks" which are not cracks at all. When manufacturing the housing the sides are bent up and meet at the corners and are then sealed. Due to tolerances in one HD2 You can see more in one some less. I have them clean and straight in all four corners visible w/o magnifying glass.
Just take a close look and think how the housing is produced. Somewhere on the net You can find pics of a completely disassembled HD 2. Unfortunately I dunno the link anymore .........

troed said:
Every HD2 has these "cracks" which are not cracks at all. When manufacturing the housing the sides are bent up and meet at the corners and are then sealed. Due to tolerances in one HD2 You can see more in one some less. I have them clean and straight in all four corners visible w/o magnifying glass.
Just take a close look and think how the housing is produced. Somewhere on the net You can find pics of a completely disassembled HD 2. Unfortunately I dunno the link anymore .........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am sorry but there is no bending of producing these cases. they are produced in a vacuum mould as far as I know.
The thing is that they are not all the same and in one corner not all the way through. I am gonna try to shoot some pics later on tonight.

Dust2Dust said:
I am sorry but there is no bending of producing these cases. they are produced in a vacuum mould as far as I know.
The thing is that they are not all the same and in one corner not all the way through. I am gonna try to shoot some pics later on tonight.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you are right they are not all the same

It is not cracks

I checked with a colleagues new HD2 and she doesn't have any cracks or lines whatsoever. I am going to return it to store later on. Before I will try to shoot some daylight pictures.

mine is the same, 2 "cracks" or lines at the bottom, they are so barely visible, i think it happened after i dropped it gently on my desk, but all is well i wouldnt worry about it

Dust2Dust said:
I checked with a colleagues new HD2 and she doesn't have any cracks or lines whatsoever. I am going to return it to store later on. Before I will try to shoot some daylight pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait her to heavy use it for some time and You will see cracks, which are not cracks
Why ?
Case = metal (no vacuum-mold possible): in production the case is bent from a flat raw metal plate to the configuration of the housing very precisely.
Then the surface is treated, sealed and covered with (powder?) varnish.
So far: no cracks (which are not cracks at all !)
Now You unpack it: still no cracks to be seen (Which still are not cracks at all).
When playing around and/or heavy use the HD 2 (which it is meant for) it gets hot = metal expands (naturally), the varnish NOT ! NOW You start to see the meeting points of the casings sides as "cracks" in the VARNISH.
BUT STILL THERE ARE NO CRACKS IN THE HOUSING.
You better buy a crappy phone of plastic, there You will have cracks only after light dropping on the table

troed said:
Wait her to heavy use it for some time and You will see cracks, which are not cracks
Why ?
Case = metal (no vacuum-mold possible): in production the case is bent from a flat raw metal plate to the configuration of the housing very precisely.
Then the surface is treated, sealed and covered with (powder?) varnish.
So far: no cracks (which are not cracks at all !)
Now You unpack it: still no cracks to be seen (Which still are not cracks at all).
When playing around and/or heavy use the HD 2 (which it is meant for) it gets hot = metal expands (naturally), the varnish NOT ! NOW You start to see the meeting points of the casings sides as "cracks" in the VARNISH.
BUT STILL THERE ARE NO CRACKS IN THE HOUSING.
You better buy a crappy phone of plastic, there You will have cracks only after light dropping on the table
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Never heard such nonsens.
Only part metal in the housing is the batterycover.

ive got them too on all 4 corners.as well as on the bottom from where the battery cover to the headphone jack. its a bit hard to explain. but i thought it was from manufacturing.
ive got pics of them but cant show them cos im not allowed to link to them. stupid unnecessary restrictive rules...

I have them too, surprise surprise. How many people have to point out that they are not cracks and are from the way the phones are produced. Everyone I know has them in the corners as well. Take it back if you want to but they probably tell you same thing. I've never seen such "perfect" cracks in all my life, it's just amazing.

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.

Gap between top edge of glass and metal frame.

Hi all!
Been noticing that there is a gap at the top of the phone between the glass and the metal frame. I noticed it when I make a call and my hair gets always stuck in the gap and gets pulled out
Just wondering if anybody else has this issue and will it not be waterproof at all? And should I take the phone back?
Thanks!

i'd take it back without question and don't leave the store (if you do it instore) until you have a phone with no gap

Mine is on the bottom.

BWA80 said:
Hi all!
Been noticing that there is a gap at the top of the phone between the glass and the metal frame. I noticed it when I make a call and my hair gets always stuck in the gap and gets pulled out
Just wondering if anybody else has this issue and will it not be waterproof at all? And should I take the phone back?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung thinks different about this. though this sounds different with hair getting stuck.

Juuls said:
Samsung thinks different about this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?? The article you linked is about light leaking. This is about the physical Gap between the frame and glass.
On that, mine doesn't have this issue. Thank God. My ocd would never alow it!=)

zathus said:
?? The article you linked is about light leaking. This is about the physical Gap between the frame and glass.
On that, mine doesn't have this issue. Thank God. My ocd would never alow it!=)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct, I got the 2 mixed up. I have no problem with either issues also but I do read a lot of light leak on all different forums.

I got no gap but feel that top frame is not straight. Feels bit curved from side left to side right. Almost non distinguishable but people with ocd can obviously spot it. I need s7 edge technical drawings to confirm it. If it's design or phone fault.

Can you post a picture? Mine has no visible gap, but I do know that the hair thing has happened to me on other phones. Also, the glass to metal frame will never be perfectly flush, but it shouldn't be noticeable.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Here some pics. The top and the right side is all gap! In the left top corner you can see my hairs sticking out... and you can see the paper pieces go pretty deep and its thick paper.
The bottom and left side is ok, no gaps.
What you guys think?

BWA80 said:
Here some pics. The top and the right side is all gap! In the left top corner you can see my hairs sticking out... and you can see the paper pieces go pretty deep and its thick paper.
The bottom and left side is ok, no gaps.
What you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have the same issue, but only on the sides. Had it with 3 phones now, and will get a final replacement when a new batch is out.

Kapitein187 said:
Have the same issue, but only on the sides. Had it with 3 phones now, and will get a final replacement when a new batch is out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So this is a true defect? and they will have to replace it? When do you think a new batch is out?
Soon I'm gonna have a bold spot close to my ear, cuz it's pulling my hair out

BWA80 said:
So this is a true defect? and they will have to replace it? When do you think a new batch is out?
Soon I'm gonna have a bold spot close to my ear, cuz it's pulling my hair out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the shop where I bought it has a really good service record (coolblue.nl. In the shop they agreed this was not OK, I opened a couple of phones in shop and they all had different sizes of gaps. So i'm not sure that the new batch doesn't have it, maybe it is OK according Samsungs margin of error.

Yeah I myself have had 5 handsets opened in CPW and all had same issues in various places. I have returned 2 myself even my one now has same issue but not as bad. I'm just living with it now because I fed up at returning handsets and dealing with crap customer service. This is how I noticed the light coming through sides in other thread.

Can't imagine the phone still being water resistant with those gaps. Came across this video
https://youtu.be/7Be2bssmAtE

I have same problem too. #Indonesia
I wish if you have a normal version didn't same with mine; help to make video upside LED notificaion when LED notification is on.
Thanks

I can't even get a single piece of paper in mine, so there's definitely an issue with yours, if you can.

the_scotsman said:
I can't even get a single piece of paper in mine, so there's definitely an issue with yours, if you can.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay Thanks for your information.
Please help me to make a video to show bezel gap problem, and upload it to youtube. Samsung Indonesia really make me mad when showing the problem they said that's normal. Yeah i know samsung will run away from problem. So my job is find other guys using GOLD (my version) or any other colour that doesn't have the gap issue. (I'm waiting until 10 post to posting youtube link )
Thanks
---------- Post added at 10:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:50 AM ----------
BWA80 said:
So this is a true defect? and they will have to replace it? When do you think a new batch is out?
Soon I'm gonna have a bold spot close to my ear, cuz it's pulling my hair out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid it's defect. Mine too; but sadly customer services saying this normal and samsung fans boy said that too. I'm seeking video a normal version of galaxy s7 edge showing normal (no gap between metal frame & glass). Mostly gold version is defected. I'm waiting for samsung next response after explain how come light pass between bezel & glass. (Stupid samsung they should put BLACK glue between frame & glass)
Thanks

yukova said:
(I'm waiting until 10 post to posting youtube link )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Post the youtube code, the part after the '=' in the URL and I'll edit the video into your post.

Guys I don't think that's actually a light bleed. It's more like a reflection of the light from the glass to the metal frame. My glass has zero gaps at one of the sides and very small ones at the other side - well it has equal amount of light reflection from both sides.

the_scotsman said:
Post the youtube code, the part after the '=' in the URL and I'll edit the video into your post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you The_Scotsman
Here is my youtube video (#TheNextGalaxyFALL)
https=++youtu.be+ai_3_2ZGsRE

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
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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.