HTC Thunderbolt Screen Replacement Take Apart Guide

[GamerGuy51]

when you say warm what temp? hot enough to not burn your skin? or a little higher?

[RepairsUniverse]

@GamerGuy51 No need to burn yourself attempting to heat the adhesive. On a hair dryer, keep it on a high setting. On a heat gun, use a lower setting. We normally use a fairly low heat for a longer time. As long as the adhesive is warmed and becomes malleable - that is all that matters.

[GamerGuy51]

@RepairsUniverse thanks for the reply!

[RepairsUniverse]

@GamerGuy51 No problem at all!

[fpsfreak]

my nephew dropped his and the it looks like the front glass cover cracked.where do i order that part?

[RepairsUniverse]

@fpsfreak The part you need is the "Touch Screen Digitizer". These are available at RepairsUniverse (dot) com.

[pookamalou]

Ok, let me first say I have NO gadget skill. None. I didn't even realize the little screw drivers were magnified till the very end of the replacement and I just want everyone to know, I DID IT! So if I am capable, u are capable. Just take ur time and follow the instructions step by step. Kudos to the creators of this vid! Thanks for saving me cash!

[RepairsUniverse]

@pookamalou Great work! It is quite simple if you take it slow. Congrats on your repair!

[TheScienceLife]

My screen still works but i cant see anything from it, i can still unlock and answer calls from it,it fell in a toilet.

[RepairsUniverse]

@TheScienceLife Sounds like just an issue with the LCD screen. Water damage is a bit tricky though, as there are other possible unseen damages that are difficult to diagnose. In most cases a LCD replacement would resolve the issue, however there is a possibility that there is motherboard damage. Replacement LCD screens can be found at RepairsUniverse (dot) com.

[u4shop]

gave it my best shot, phone works fine, but I think I may have been a bit over zealous in removing the LCD screen, It cracked on my after using a heat gun for for a couple of minutes several times. When it did finally come loose the metal backing did not come with it, so more heat and prying on the plate. very tough to pry this screen out of its Encapsulation I would call it. It was worth trying to save the hundred bucks and a good learning experience. This repair is for the professional. ONLY!

[tylerw6]

i think when the home menu back and search buttons dont work, then the tape is applied incorrectly. anyone think the same?

[RepairsUniverse]

@tylerw6 Yes, this is quite common. If the touch screen comes in contact with the LCD screen due to pressure (not having enough lift from the adhesive) then issues like non functional buttons, pressing incorrect areas, etc.

[Yago174]

very useful thnx a lot

[RepairsUniverse]

@Yago174 No problem at all!

[65jesusislord]

Hello! Great Video. I followed these steps and changed my digitizer but i have one problem the touch sensor isn't working. Only in the right corners does it work. Its fully lit up fine but the touch sensors aren't working. Any idea what i did wrong?

[RepairsUniverse]

@65jesusislord Possible just a loose connection to the motherboard. I would suggest checking this out. If that does not resolve the issue, I would suggest speaking with the merchant who sold the screen directly.

[JohnAP2]

Thanks for the video. Good marketing - I'm ordering my digitizer and adhesive strips now ONLY because of this video :)

[RepairsUniverse]

@JohnAP2 Thanks for your kind comments. I'm glad we could help you repair your phone.

[JohnAP2]

@RepairsUniverse Well, so much for that. While attempting to take apart the digitizer I destroyed it. Sigh. At least I left the new screen unopened for a return... Asurion here I come.

[snowborder86]

@repairsuniverse are you sure that that flex cable is what controls the bottom keys? from what i can tell it only controls the led lights at the bottom of the screen, it seems the keys are part of the digitizer. could u double check and let me know.

[RepairsUniverse]

@snowborder86 You are correct, sorry for the mistake (many of the HTC's use different styles, tough to stay on top of all the new ones). The touch screen will control the keypad buttons. The flex cable underneath controls lighting.

[jeovanny]

Im getting ready to order a digitizer from you guys, but my main concern is how will I glue the digitizer to the lcd without making it look ugly their is not much room to play with in their I have dont the htc evo several times if this is the same way or have the same room I think I can handle it. I have done a htc for at&t that was so tough and had no room to glue and play with i was dissapointed with my work.

[RepairsUniverse]

@jeovanny You should not have any issue if you have experience with the Evo 4G, be sure to use some good adhesive strips. We suggest using the adhesive available at RepairsUniverse (dot) com. Also check out our "Touch Screen Assembly Guide" video in our channel, that may give you some more information.

[snowborder86]

Has anyone figured out what causes the bottom buttons not to work after replacing the digitizer? seems like alot of people are having that problem and i have checked and rechecked all the connections. also what is the keypad flex u mention and where is it located?

[RepairsUniverse]

@snowborder86 Seems like it is a fairly common issue with the Thunderbolt. Normally just a connection issue however. It is the first flex cable released, at about 2:50. Like many other keypad flex cables, these are very weak and quite frail. A small rip or misalignment can cause issues like these. Replacements are available at RepairsUniverse (dot) com.

[lxXFrosztyXxl]

do you have a reassembly video?

[RepairsUniverse]

@lxXFrosztyXxl We currently do not. However it is the exact same process, just reversed.

[SVPrelude]

@RepairsUniverse What about when you had to pry the glass from the LED screen? Where you had to use the heat gun? There way some type of adhesive there correct? When installing the glass, do you need to put anything on it?

[RepairsUniverse]

@SVPrelude Yes, you will need to use adhesive strips to secure the touch screen. We suggest the adhesive available at RepairsUniverse (dot) com.

[SVPrelude]

@RepairsUniverse Well I tried. I can't submit my order because the "shipping method" is stuck loading.

[RepairsUniverse]

@SVPrelude Odd, sorry for this. May want to talk to our live chat assistants or drop us an email and we will try to work this out for you.

[nekosej]

A word of caution: The digitizer is glued onto the front glass. In prying apart the lcd from the screen, i got under the plastic of the digitizer without realizing and pried it off the glass. Now I have some ugly glue lines on my screen. Works fine though.

[andodgin]

Alright, to keep it short my thunderbolt has water spots under the screen. I took it apart immediately and put it in a tupperware container of rice and silicon packets. Once I decide to take it out of the container and boot it up would you recommend taking it apart and cleaning the screen if the waterspots aren't gone?

[RepairsUniverse]

@andodgin Yes, sounds like you got to it quick enough, hopefully no damage to the motherboard was made. Disassemble and just check for any damage the water has caused. You should have no issue cleaning the water spots off the LCD/touch screen. Take it nice and slow.

[MelodicSex2MyEars]

can you tell me the name of the tools u use to open the phone with? thx

[RepairsUniverse]

@MelodicSex2MyEars The Thunderbolt requires only a small Phillips screwdriver and pry tools. These tools are available at RepairsUniverse (dot) com.

[MrZofo]

I just replaced the glass and 3/4 of my screen is covered with fines lines, makes it look foggy. Also it does't respond correctly or at all. I killed it! What happened?

[RepairsUniverse]

@MrZofo Haha, you didn't kill it. Likely the LCD connection is not fully in place. Disassemble and check the LCD flex for damage (rips) as well. If both of those seem fine, the LCD screen itself may have been damaged during the repair. Replacing the LCD screen should resolve the issue.

[ZacharyCheney]

I just replaced my digatizer. But I acidentally pulled the LCD from its frame rather then just the metal. Now it can hear it booting up, but nothing displays... Is the LCD Broken or did I make a bad connection somewhere. The Display is BLACK. nada. Thanks!

[RepairsUniverse]

@ZacharyCheney If its just booting up black, it is very likely the connections inside the LCD have been damaged when you pulled it from the LCD housing. Sadly your only real option would be to replace the LCD screen as well.

[nathanielleee]

@RepairsUniverse I am having the same issue and i ordered an lcd/digitizer together because both my lcd and digitizer needed to be replaced. Coudl there be another reason why the blank screen?



[PlaymateNadia]

My thndrblt screen broke yesterday and I really do not wish to repair this myself. Could I go to a best buy or somewhere if I order a new screen and have them do it? And where is the best places to order a new screen? Thanks!

[RepairsUniverse]

@PlaymateNadia Many repair shops don't like customers bringing in their own parts, but most don't refuse service because of it. We have many customers not confident in their skills do this. Check out RepairsUniverse (dot) com for replacement screens for your Thunderbolt.

[BlackDogDown69]

I just replaced mine, step for step how you did it. I cannot type or navigate the home csreens because the touch is so off.

[RepairsUniverse]

@BlackDogDown69 Could be a few things causing this. A bad connection, damaged flex cable, bad calibration, or severed sensors. If all of those appear fine, I suggest contacting the merchant directly.

[BlackDogDown69]

@RepairsUniverse All of those are fine. And you are the person I bought it from. I need to get an exchange.

[RepairsUniverse]

@BlackDogDown69 Send us an email via the "contact us" form on RepairsUniverse (dot) com. From there we will get this resolved ASAP.

[shanel3rannan]

I just replaced my LCD and my touch sensitizer and pieced my thunderbolt back together to discover that the Home and Back button do not work. What do you think I should do?

[RepairsUniverse]

@shanel3rannan Could be an issue with the touch screen digitizer or the keypad flex cable. Does everything seem to have touch functionality? I would check for loose connections or damages, such as rips, around the touch screen and keypad flex cable.

[Burnpropc57]

I did replaced the touchscreen but now i can see the bottom two lights like if they were out of place. They re are barely noticeable during the day but in the dark you can see two white spots. Any ideas?

[RepairsUniverse]

@Burnpropc57 Sounds like the keypad flex cable is out of place / not fully connected. I would check the cable and make sure it is fully secure in the correct position. Hopefully that will resolve the issue.

[gowings23]

@RepairsUniverse I have this same issue where the bottom 2 lights look like they are sun bursting from the bottom of the screen and the buttons are barely lit up. Also, the bottom third of the screen will not work. The top third works fine and I can touch and move things on the screen. The buttons do not work up to about an inch above those buttons. Loved the video, it helped me tremendously, and any further help would be greatly appreciated.

[RepairsUniverse]

@gowings23 I would suggest disassembling and checking the touch screen connection and flex cable. Check for damage to the ribbon (rips, etc) and also the connection is fully in place. As for the buttons, sounds like the keypad flex is out of place / not lined up properly. Take a look while you are attempting to resolve the touch screen issue.

[andrewmfuqua]

@Burnpropc57 Look at your original digitizer/touchscreen. On the bottom should be a clear sticker with 2 black flaps that cover the lights. You probably didn't move that from the old digitizer to the new.

[JiveNWail1]

Two Tips: The adhesive holding the LCD screen casing into the phone is a LOT tougher than that holding the touch-screen digitizer onto the LCD casing. Use lots of heat and move slowly. ALSO, the LCD screen itself has a casing and what you need to remove first (or only if just replacing the digitizer) is the LCD in its metal casing. Don't pry up the white plastic as that will remove the LCD screen from its casing and it's very easy to damage the screen that way.

Thanks for the video!

[str8out]

@JiveNWail1 I wish I had read your advice before bro... I broke my LCD too. Now I need to replace it too. =/

[paddyboyo1205]

so, if i don't have any adhesive strips, and i need to fix my phone today: where would i apply the glue on the reassembly? Any warnings that accompany that? also: are there any tricks involved with re-attaching ribbon cables? First time repair here.

[RepairsUniverse]

@paddyboyo1205 We do not recommend glue. This can damage the touch screen. We recommend the adhesive strips. You can find these at RepairsUniverse (dot) com

The ribbon cables simply reattach again, just make sure the jaw clips are open, then close again once inserted.

[hanumanjipankaj]

Perfact video thanks a lot man u rock remember whoever helps others like u god is always with them thanks And I don't understand stupid people why they ask how do I put it back together common dumasss reverse the video anyways thanks man

[RepairsUniverse]

@hanumanjipankaj Thanks! Glad it helped!!

[nateylb]

Fuck man, broke the LCD. I didnt fully heat untill i split the screens. Im a dumb ass. FUCK! ordering new LCD now.

[str8out]

@nateylb I feel your pain bro.. I do =(

[GuitarSurfRock]

i did this to replace my LCD screen on my thunderbolt, but after i reassembled it, the digitizer made the screen all rainbowy. what would cause this?

[RepairsUniverse]

@GuitarSurfRock Sounds like the touch screen is touching the LCD. Make sure you have applied adhesive strips to the digitizer correctly. Check our touch screen digitizer installation video. This will fix your issue.

If you need the strips we have them at RepairsUniverse (dot) com

[jmshnc1]

@RepairsUniverse this is a great info, but now how do i put it back together?

[RepairsUniverse]

@jmshnc1 Glad you found the guide useful. Assembling is a much easier and faster process. Be sure all your connections are secure and follow these instructions in reverse.

[cowsgonemadd3]

I broke one of the LED lights on the board by accident. Is it possible to have these fixed without replacing the board?

[RepairsUniverse]

@cowsgonemadd3 I depends on how it was broken, if you have the LED, if can find a replacement LCD, if you can re-solder, etc. May be easier to find a replacement flex cable.

[lawljk]

Hi, how long do you use the heat gun over the digitizer/lcd. It appears to be glued really well together. I dont want to use too much force and break the LCD.

[RepairsUniverse]

@lawljk Heat until you can split the two. Keep the heat gun moving quickly and focus on the the outside edges (where the adhesive sits). Usually takes less than a minute to heat fully. 

[llerenavic]

good stuff!! thanks repairUniverse!

[RepairsUniverse]

@llerenavic No problem

[jlyalls]

Anyone had a volume button issue after they have put everything back together? Wondering if i have put it in wrong

[jlyalls]

Anyone had a volume button issue after they have put everything back together? Wondering if i have put it in wrong

[gillwillkill14]

thanks you very much. this video was very helpfull thanks again

[RepairsUniverse]

@gillwillkill14 No problem, glad we could help!

[aortegasine]

Gfdd

[Steve04R1]

Wanted to thank you for posting this video. Just ordered a touch screen digitizer from repair universe.. I'll be giving this a whirl.

[RepairsUniverse]

@Steve04R1 No problem. Glad it helps!

[Steve04R1]

@RepairsUniverse

So I completed the fix, however I can't seem to adhere the touchscreen to the LCD screen, please advise.

[RepairsUniverse]

@Steve04R1 We recommend the adhesive strips. You can find these in the tools section at RepairsUniverse (dot) com

[arickx81]

glad I waited for the video to attempt this! just wondering if you need to buy something to replace the adhesives?

[RepairsUniverse]

@arickx81 Yes, we recommend adhesive strips to create a secure bond. You can find these in the tools section on the RepairsUniverse (dot) com website.

[iFastforwrd]

can you please explain in detail about the power switch, i took mine apart and the power switch fell out. is their a spring or something holding it in place? my power button now sits flush with the case and is incredibly hard to press in..

[RepairsUniverse]

@iFastforwrd Have you put the power switch flex back in the correct place? This sits below the button and springs the button back.

[PizzaPizza33]

It would be cool if they sold a back with the kickstand on the other side

[mannyb332211]

Damn this phone just came out, you guys are fast on uploading current helpfull material, thanks!

[RepairsUniverse]

@mannyb332211 We aim to please. Glad you found it helpful!