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[GUIDE][WIP][DIY] **UPDATE! VIDEO ADDED** Nexus 4 Digitizer and LCD Replacement Guide

So ive had my Nexus 4 for about 2 weeks now and i love this phone! i recently went to Dallas with my Mom and Sister over the weekend. Upon getting to the hotel, my Nexus decides to slip out of my hand onto the concrete. When i picked it up, it had a crack on the top right corner of its face. No big deal, right? Wrong! The top half of the screen is completely unresponsive. Good thing i brought my Galaxy Nexus to hold me off through the trip. Once i settled in at the hotel, I whipped out my laptop and bought a replacement screen. I ordered from this site... http://www.etradesupply.com/oem-lg-...-assembly-with-front-housing-and-battery.html
Also, Mods, please move to appropriate forum if necessary.
Video by me- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwbaay-K6s&feature=youtu.be

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus+4+Teardown/11781/1
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Judging from ifixit, it's going to be pretty hard to replace the screen. Would you mind keeping us updated on your progress here? I'm curious to see how hard it's going to be.

The glass is fused to both the display and the display frame. So don't crack the glass unless you're good with a heat gun, or you're fond of replacing the glass, display, and frame together ($$$).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
- iFixit.
Yeah, I think it might be a bit of a challenge. Please tell us how it goes though.

i think he ordered the whole glass/screen/digitizer fused together thing, which shouldnt be as hard to replace ( i hope). Anyways, please do keep us updated.

Yeah, i ordered the entire front housing, (battery, display, digitizer, and frame) for a total of $186.72... I already have my Nexus 4 disassembled. I'm just waiting for the screen which should get here Wednesday. And yes, I will update this post as i replace the screen.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

speedygonzo said:
Yeah, i ordered the entire front housing, (battery, display, digitizer, and frame) for a total of $186.72... I already have my Nexus 4 disassembled. I'm just waiting for the screen which should get here Wednesday. And yes, I will update this post as i replace the screen.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least you get a new battery too, but that' s expensive :crying:

Bump...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I don't think its worth buying the set for $180 and then risking doing it yourself, I sent mine to lg and they're repairing it for $140 total.. Although the price may vary based on the damage..

vikramkhalsa said:
I don't think its worth buying the set for $180 and then risking doing it yourself, I sent mine to lg and they're repairing it for $140 total.. Although the price may vary based on the damage..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can get just the lcd and digitizer for 160 too, might be worth it if you dont have to ship it to LG or if it's an easy diy. There's even a b-stock lcd and digitizer for 140, the lightbleed special?

When you sent the phone to LG was it overseas or in the US? Also whats the website? thanks

neotekz said:
you can get just the lcd and digitizer for 160 too, might be worth it if you dont have to ship it to LG or if it's an easy diy. There's even a b-stock lcd and digitizer for 140, the lightbleed special?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i recently cracked my front display, but it still works fine. i'm looking into replacement options and i don't believe the suggested link you posted is a good choice, because the front panel + digitizer + lcd are all fuzed together and i don't have a heat gun...
http://www.etradesupply.com/oem-lg-...nd-digitizer-assembly-with-front-housing.html
this option is probably best at 120... but then i just read this on ifixit:
"The battery is stuck to the frame with a lot of adhesive, so removing it without puncturing the battery can be difficult."
so... looks like the 160 pre shipping/taxes is the best choice
*****
just as an fyi - lg is saying their repair cost is from 40-150 dollars approx... i might just go this route since it doesn't void warranty and i won't screw anything up myself

speedygonzo said:
So ive had my Nexus 4 for about 2 weeks now and i love this phone! i recently went to Dallas with my Mom and Sister over the weekend. Upon getting to the hotel, my Nexus decides to slip out of my hand onto the concrete. When i picked it up, it had a crack on the top right corner of its face. No big deal, right? Wrong! The top half of the screen is completely unresponsive. Good thing i brought my Galaxy Nexus to hold me off through the trip. Once i settled in at the hotel, I whipped out my laptop and bought a replacement screen. I ordered from this site... http://www.etradesupply.com/oem-lg-...-assembly-with-front-housing-and-battery.html
Also, Mods, please move to appropriate forum if necessary.
Video by me- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwbaay-K6s&feature=youtu.be
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks buddy,
The same happened to me. But unfortunately i'm located in India.. Is it possible to purchase this Display assembly from India..
I'm really worried..

Hi,
I'm sorry to dig out the old thread, but i'm trying to fix my N4 of similar problem but i have a question:
Is there a way to separate the LCD from the digitizer? This way i can keep the LCD and get only the digitizer to save cost as my LCD is still working perfectly. In ebay, an OEM Digitizer+LCD assembly cost USD100+ (http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Touch-D...e_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item3cd597ce9d) but the standalone digitizer only cost about half of it (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TOUCH-S...er_Cell_Phone_Accessories&hash=item43bf9536ff).
All the instruction that i can find so far on the internet involve replacing the entire assembly.

Battery bending under removal
I'm also sorry to have to reply to an old thread, but I am in urgent need of an answer.
I recently cracked my phone's screen. I ordered a screen+frame repair kit, and got repairing. However, when removing the battery, When prying it from the phone, I realized that the battery was soft, and my tool I was using to pry it off was actually bending it. The battery seems to be curved overall, and slightly pushed on some edges. Also, a weird "sweet" smell came from the phone. Perhaps the smell is the adhesive that sticks the battery to the phone; I do not know.
Will it be safe to use the same battery again? Or should I go ahead and purchase a new one?

Wouldn't a hair dryer work as an alternative heat gun

gravityz3r0 said:
Hi,
I'm sorry to dig out the old thread, but i'm trying to fix my N4 of similar problem but i have a question:
Is there a way to separate the LCD from the digitizer? This way i can keep the LCD and get only the digitizer to save cost as my LCD is still working perfectly. In ebay, an OEM Digitizer+LCD assembly cost USD100+ (http://www.ebay.com/itm/LCD-Touch-D...e_Replacement_Parts_Tools&hash=item3cd597ce9d) but the standalone digitizer only cost about half of it (http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-TOUCH-S...er_Cell_Phone_Accessories&hash=item43bf9536ff).
All the instruction that i can find so far on the internet involve replacing the entire assembly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wouldn't recommend doing so as a LCD+digitizer assembly cists around $60USD I did not think its worth seperating them but you can use a hairdryer to soften the adhesive
Sent from my SM-T310 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:12 PM ----------
jchidori said:
i recently cracked my front display, but it still works fine. i'm looking into replacement options and i don't believe the suggested link you posted is a good choice, because the front panel + digitizer + lcd are all fuzed together and i don't have a heat gun...
http://www.etradesupply.com/oem-lg-...nd-digitizer-assembly-with-front-housing.html
this option is probably best at 120... but then i just read this on ifixit:
"The battery is stuck to the frame with a lot of adhesive, so removing it without puncturing the battery can be difficult."
so... looks like the 160 pre shipping/taxes is the best choice
*****
just as an fyi - lg is saying their repair cost is from 40-150 dollars approx... i might just go this route since it doesn't void warranty and i won't screw anything up myself
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use a hairdryer
Sent from my SM-T310 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

[Q] Nexus 7: replacing a broken screen

I am considering buying a new screen (from parts4repair) to replace my broken N7's one. However, none of the teardown tutorials show how to separate the screen from the bezel and how to re-attach it.
Has anyone tried to replace their screen with a new one? How did you do it?

I broke my first Nexus 7. Don't bother trying, the screen itself costs around $200. Plus a new digitizer, you might as well buy a new one.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

nicetaco said:
I broke my first Nexus 7. Don't bother trying, the screen itself costs around $200. Plus a new digitizer, you might as well buy a new one.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am aware of the costs involved. A new screen (lcd+digitizer) costs as low as 130$ on ebay. I am wondering if it is possible to DYI. So far I have learned that the screen is attached to the bezel with some adhesive, so I think I could replace the old adhesive and install the new screen. However I am not sure if that is all that it takes to replace it.

For the cost difference/effort input .. why not just buy a new one?
Sadly, these things are very throwaway..

[Q] Screen replacement

Hi, my screen is cracked on my nexus 7 and I went out ebay and ordered a screen kit but it feels like something is missing, I just do not know what.
Could someone be kind and tell you what is needed more than what I have at home.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-7-Touch...cement-for-Google-Nexus-7-Tools-/131036900237
Thanks in advance.

I hate to tell you that, but it's near to impossible to change the digitiser ONLY on most modern devices in general and on Nexus 7 in particular.
I had a damaged screen (lcd was damaged as well), so I ordered the whole assembly on aliexpress. I then tried to take apart the broken assembly just to see if I can. Well, as numerous sources say, digitizer is glued to the lcd with a really dense and sticky glue. You need a blow drier and a string to separate them. If you miraculously manage to separate the two without ruining your lcd, you will need to attach the lcd to the replacement digitizer, but i'm not sure the digitizer comes with a glue layer.
On the other hand, replacing the whole assembly is relatively easy, but yes, the price is around $60 shipped (from China).

twotimer said:
I hate to tell you that, but it's near to impossible to change the digitiser ONLY on most modern devices in general and on Nexus 7 in particular.
I had a damaged screen (lcd was damaged as well), so I ordered the whole assembly on aliexpress. I then tried to take apart the broken assembly just to see if I can. Well, as numerous sources say, digitizer is glued to the lcd with a really dense and sticky glue. You need a blow drier and a string to separate them. If you miraculously manage to separate the two without ruining your lcd, you will need to attach the lcd to the replacement digitizer, but i'm not sure the digitizer comes with a glue layer.
On the other hand, replacing the whole assembly is relatively easy, but yes, the price is around $60 shipped (from China).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So in other ways you need a bit luck and be a very patient person?
Isn't there already a screen and digitizer assembled that you just can order and switch with the old one without having to split the screen and hold on and tinkering?
Guess it will be a bit more expensive if there is but it surely can not cost as much as a new one?

(Digitizer + Screen) assembly is available from China sellers in ebay with free shipping. I bought one for 66$ two months back. Got tools for free as gift. Also download and keep a YouTube video alongside 'how to replace glass in nexus 7' by Android Authority
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Sure, here's the one I've actually ordered:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Best...-Screen-Touch-Screen-digitizer/652472351.html
It came with two protective films and a small set of tools necessary for disassembly.
But I can now see even a bit cheaper offers, like this one: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pcs...s-7-Assembly-free-tracking-NO/1442470685.html
I've seen some coupon codes for aliexpress flying around (like $5 off on orders over $50), so it might help knock the price a bit further down.

And here's the item ID, 161094480826.
Search and get it in ebay dot com
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
---------- Post added at 08:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:40 PM ----------
twotimer said:
Sure, here's the one I've actually ordered:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Best...-Screen-Touch-Screen-digitizer/652472351.html
It came with two protective films and a small set of tools necessary for disassembly.
But I can now see even a bit cheaper offers, like this one: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1pcs...s-7-Assembly-free-tracking-NO/1442470685.html
I've seen some coupon codes for aliexpress flying around (like $5 off on orders over $50), so it might help knock the price a bit further down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used that site. But ebay has good buyer protection. Those products are the same though!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Looking for Nexus 4 Display Assembly Replacement

Anyone have any suggestions on the best place to buy a replacement Display/Assembly -- display is cracked and touch no longer responds. I don't have a lot of $ to spend and I saw some on Ebay that where under $100 but now it appears most of those are gone and are 120+.
If anyone has any suggestions / advice I would really appreciate it -- at $120 it almost makes me want to just say screw it and get a MOTO G but I am in the US.
Is the rest of the phone worth anyone as parts?
Really appreciate any help -- thanks!

Is it just the screen cracked or the digitizer?

badboy47 said:
Is it just the screen cracked or the digitizer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Screen comes on but will not respond to touch -- I was under the impression the glass and digitizer are one piece (fused)?

pfriederichs said:
Screen comes on but will not respond to touch -- I was under the impression the glass and digitizer are one piece (fused)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paRc_n4uB8s
Edit: You can buy the screen separate which is cheaper than the digitizer.

Easiest way is to buy screen fitted already in a frame. It's around 100-120 dollar.
Only screen + digitizer without LCD is cheaper but much bigger risk u damage things ending up expensiver.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Thanks for this info!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[Q] After LCD with digitizer replacement there is dark spot on the screen

I have bought new lcd with digitizer assembled together on ebay. After I have changed it I found out that there is dark spot on the screen when using white or lighter colors. What could be wrong? Is it possible to somehow remove the dark spot?
You can check the pictures and video here.

How are the new digitizers with displays assembled?
How are the new digitizers with displays assembled together ? Which technology is used?

I have thé same problem when I changed the glass of the s3 of my gf...
The only way to remove this, is to remove what you changed, and buy a special screen glue (don't remember the name) and put it between the 2 layers to fill the empty space
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app

xTremePower said:
I have thé same problem when I changed the glass of the s3 of my gf...
The only way to remove this, is to remove what you changed, and buy a special screen glue (don't remember the name) and put it between the 2 layers to fill the empty space
Sent from my LG-D802 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But I have changed the lcd with digitizer sticked together from factory (I hope because bought on ebay). I have not changed it separately. Could it be that it comes from factory so defective? Is there no checking of functionality when it goes out from factory?

I'd return it, if it were possible or at least contact the seller and maybe open a case on Ebay?
How much did it cost you btw?

axlastro said:
I'd return it, if it were possible or at least contact the seller and maybe open a case on Ebay?
How much did it cost you btw?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cost about 110$

That's quite cheap. Return it or get it to a repair shop for their opinion. It sounds like the backlight might be uneven. I'd return it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

axlastro said:
That's quite cheap. Return it or get it to a repair shop for their opinion. It sounds like the backlight might be uneven. I'd return it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes I would do so, but the costs of postage from my country is half price of the lcd, and even waiting again for another lcd without working phone is pain for me