Samsung Galaxy S21 Screen Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Samsung Galaxy S21 Screen Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Replacing the display of a Samsung Galaxy S21 is essential if the screen is broken, damaged, or cracked. This guide will provide you with an in-depth tutorial on how to replace the screen of your Samsung Galaxy S21. The screen of your phone is a critical component, and it’s essential to ensure that it’s in perfect condition for optimal performance. However, accidents may happen, and your phone may fall, resulting in a damaged screen. Attempting to replace the display of a phone may sound daunting, but with the right tools, preparation, and following the correct procedure, it is a straightforward process. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to replace the Samsung Galaxy S21 display and make the process as easy as possible. Keep in mind that if you’re not confident with your technical skills, it’s better to let a professional handle the replacement. Not following instructions carefully may result in more damage to your phone, leading to more severe problems, which could be costly to fix.

Required Tools and Preparation

To successfully replace the Samsung Galaxy S21 display, you’ll need the following tools:

  • Heat gun or hairdryer
  • Precision screwdrivers
  • Pry tool or spudger
  • Gloves
  • Adhesive tape
  • Static-free workspace

Before starting the replacement process, it’s crucial to prepare by following these steps:

  1. Backup all your data to avoid losing essential files. You can back up your data to a cloud service provider or a computer.
  2. Turn off your Samsung Galaxy S21.
  3. Remove the SIM card and microSD card (if present).

Wearing gloves is vital because our hands contain oils and sweat that can damage the screen’s internal components. Additionally, a static-free workspace ensures that the phone’s sensitive electronics are not damaged by static electricity. If you don’t have a workspace that meets these requirements, it’s advisable to invest in an anti-static mat. You may also purchase an all-in-one replacement kit that contains all the tools you need to replace your Samsung Galaxy S21 display. These kits are readily available online, and websites like iFixit or Amazon have a broad range of kits to choose from.

Can I replace a Samsung screen myself?

Yes, you can replace a Samsung screen yourself. Samsung and iFixit are offering a Self-Repair service for fixing common device issues, and Samsung genuine parts are available for several models including Galaxy S20, S21, S22, Tab S7+, Galaxy Book Pro 15 inch and Galaxy Book Pro 360 15 inch. iFixit also provides free repair guides and sells repair parts through their e-commerce website.


Before starting the screen replacement process for the **Samsung Galaxy S21**, you must remove the back cover and battery. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Use a **heat gun** or **hairdryer** to warm the edges of the back cover.
  2. Insert a **pry tool** or **spudger** into the gap and gently pry the back cover off the phone.
  3. Remove the screws securing the battery cover, then remove the battery cover.
  4. Disconnect the battery’s connector from the motherboard carefully. You can use a **plastic card** or **pry tool** to do so.
  5. Remove the **grounding clip**, and set it aside.

It’s essential to keep track of the screws you remove from the phone during the process and ensure that you put them back in their correct locations to avoid issues while reassembling the phone. The table below outlines the details of the screws to be removed.

Screw Location
T2 Bottom right corner of the phone
T2 Bottom left corner of the phone
T3 Near the charging port

Fun fact: the Samsung Galaxy S21 uses a **Dynamic AMOLED 2X display** with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels and a **pixel density** of 421 PPI.

How do I remove the back cover of my phone?

The process of removing the back cover of a phone varies depending on the specific make and model of the phone. However, the general method usually involves locating the small notch or groove on the side or bottom of the phone, inserting a pry tool or your fingernail into the notch, and gently prying the back cover off. It’s important to keep in mind that excessive force can cause damage, so be careful when removing the cover. If you are having difficulty, consider consulting the phone’s manual or contacting the manufacturer for guidance. There are also websites and videos available online that offer step-by-step instructions for removing the back cover of different phone models.

Removing the Display and Installing the New One

Now that you have removed the back cover and battery, it’s time to remove the damaged screen and install the new one. Follow these steps:

  1. Warm the edges of the broken screen using a heat gun or hairdryer.
  2. Insert a prying tool between the screen and the frame to create a gap slowly.
  3. Use a plastic card or a prying tool to separate the screen from the adhesive tape carefully.
  4. Disconnect the ribbon cables and other connectors that attach the screen to the motherboard. Do this carefully to avoid damaging them.
  5. Remove the remaining adhesive strips that hold the screen in place.
  6. Once you remove the old screen, install the new one in reverse order.
  7. Attach the ribbon cables and other connectors to the new screen as they were attached to the old one.
  8. Put the adhesive strips onto the new screen as they were positioned on the old one.
  9. Finally, reattach the back cover and battery and turn on the phone to ensure the replacement was successful.

Make sure to place the screws back in their respective locations, and don’t tighten them all the way until you’re sure all the screws are in place.

It’s crucial to use a replacement display from a reliable source to ensure it’s compatible with your Samsung Galaxy S21. It’s advisable to acquire the replacement display and the repair kit from reputable suppliers, such as iFixit, Amazon, or Samsung.

Note that replacing the Samsung Galaxy S21 display requires some technical skills. Suppose you’re not confident about your ability to replace the display. In that case, it’s best to consult a professional or a certified technician to help replace the screen.

In conclusion, replacing a Samsung Galaxy S21 display requires patience, technical skills, and proper tools. However, with this guide, you should be able to replace the screen successfully.

How long does it take to fix a damaged screen?

If you have a minor screen crack, you can fix it by placing a screen protector over the cracks. However, if you have active service protection or funds for a replacement, it is better to take your device to the service center for repair. The fixing process usually takes one to two hours roughly.


After successfully replacing the screen, there are some essential things to do to ensure it’s working correctly. Here are some tips to follow:

  • Reattach the battery and the back cover before turning on the phone.
  • Connect the phone to a power source to ensure it has enough power.
  • Turn on the phone and check if the replacement screen is responsive. Test the touch functionality by scrolling through apps and menus.
  • Calibrate the screen if required. Follow the on-screen instructions to make sure your phone accurately responds to your actions.
  • Check if the sound and camera are working correctly.
  • If you encounter any technical issues, reset the phone to its factory settings, and reinstall the firmware.

If your phone is still not working after following these steps, it’s possible it has some hardware issues, and it’s advisable to take it to a certified technician or an authorized Samsung service center for assistance.

Remember that a Samsung Galaxy S21 display replacement is a complex and technical process. So, if you’re not confident about your ability to replace the display, it might be better to leave it to the experts. If you don’t have the right tools or do not want to purchase them, consider taking your phone to a Samsung service center or professional repair service.

When selecting the repair service, be sure to read customer reviews and carefully review the repair costs to avoid unpleasant surprises. Remember, you can save money by purchasing the parts and repairing the phone yourself.

You can find more information about Samsung Galaxy S21, its repair parts, and troubleshooting solutions on the official Samsung website or other tech websites such as CNET or Tech Radar. Finally, it’s essential to get high-quality replacement parts from reliable suppliers to ensure compatibility and the phone’s proper functioning.

What happens after screen replacement?

After a screen replacement, the display quality and screen quality remain the same as before. Replacement screens from manufacturers are of the same quality as the original screens, giving you the same feel and look. This means that your device should function just as well with the new screen.

Conclusion

Replacing the display of your Samsung Galaxy S21 is a technical task that requires patience, precision, and technical skills. With the right tools and guidance, replacing the screen can be done successfully at home. But, it’s essential to remember that if you’re not confident about your ability to replace the display, it might be better to leave it to the experts. You can avoid repair costs by purchasing the parts and repairing the phone yourself.

Always make sure to follow the instructions carefully, be patient, and have a static-free workspace for the parts’ safekeeping. By doing this, your phone should be back to new again, and you can enjoy using it without any issues.

We hope that this guide has provided you with ample information about how to replace your Samsung Galaxy S21 display. For more information and troubleshooting tips, feel free to visit the official Samsung website or tech websites such as CNET or Tech Radar. Remember to only purchase high-quality replacement parts from reliable suppliers for your phone.