yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] chungjimmybb:
I just failed on changing the front glass. For the Newbie like me, I strongly recommend not to pry the front glass. You don't stand a chance to make it work. But for changing the digitizer with glass, it shouldn't be too hard if you follow step by step from youtube.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] dalesd:
I have two GN's with broken screens. One is badly broken, doesn't work at all. The other is just cracked cosmetically and still works perfectly.

I took apart the badly broken phone. I tried to separate the glass only. I figured this would be a good practice phone, before I attempt to fix the working phone.

It did not go well. I can see that the glass and digitizer are only bonded at the edges, but that bond is super strong. The digitizer was already broken, but it didn't seem possible for me to get that off without breaking it. Even with a heat gun, it was incredibly stubborn.

I ordered the $190 screen replacement (with frame), and I'll try replacing the glass only again on the good phone when that comes in.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] chungjimmybb:
Since I failed on this and turned to black screen, I don't know whether I buy a new screen or buy new phone. The new screen is too pricey.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] da_foles:
Failed

Attempted to fix my smashed screen tonight. Bought new glass and adhesive from eBay. Then screen was completely shattered, amazingly it still worked fine.

So went at it with a heat gun and some tools tonight. Ended up cooking the LCD digitizer in the top left corner(it went yellow). Also cracked the LCD when trying to pry off all the shattered glass. Screen doesn't turn on now.

I would probably not attempt it. I was going very slowly but yeah still managed to do damage to the LCD due to overheating( I wasn't using the heat gun, someone else was doing that while I prayed the glass off, not a good idea in the end).

I figured i would give it a crack(no pun intended) but failed. Cost me 30 bucks off e bay. So will now admit defeat and pay the 150 to have it fixed at e&e.

I personally don't think it's worth it. Very hard to pry the glass off the digizter without breaking/ cracking the amolded. I feel because mine was so badly cracked with about 40 shards this made it more difficult to get pieces off the amoled. Just cough up the 150 bucks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] nnay:
For those who changed their glass, do you think it would be possible to add a glass directly on the original glass ? The idea is to use this additionnal glass to protect the original but i'm afraid of a to increase to much the overall thickness...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] lost_gollum:
Just to leave some info here..

tried separating the glass from the screen+digitizer. Failed miserably. (Props to OP for managing to do that. too bad the dust issue got to him).

Finally bought the screen + front frame from here for $160

(PS: you can get just the screen to save a few bucks. But from what i saw, the original screen was glued using a very strong adhesive to the frame, which i couldnt get off easily. its worth the extra 20 bucks to get the screen with the frame. )

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160933325633?var=460140511532&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Shipping took about 23 days. The box was well sealed (screen with tear off screen protector + two layers of bubble wrap in a cardboard box sealed with tape). Interesting tidbit: the customs form reported the package as a gift valued $20 :D

the phone itself is really easy to take apart and put together. Just look on youtube for some videos.

Everything works great now.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scottx .:
I dropped my damn phone this morning and cracked the screen. I'm so pissed off at myself. I've had a dozen of these devices and I've never broken one. I'm going to order the replacement glass and attempt to replace it myself. I have a heat gun and I've replaced a few screens before (galaxy note)

Maybe I could sell it and buy a new phone. Only the GSM screen will work on the GSM model, right? I can't get a bricked sprint/Verizon variant and use the parts?

Crap picture. You get the idea.

/me kicks myself
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] illr:
I was thinking.... I really like the Nexus 4 notification LED and how tiny it is, on the replacement glass for the gnex would it work to put like a small black sticker with a tiny hole to block off some of the gnex's "giant" led light? The LED will still be visible but appear smaller like the Nexus 4 (the sticker or what ever you use will be on the inside of the glass) I am going to try it and see what i come up with and i will post pics if it comes out good lol.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scottx .:
Well I got the screen in that I ordered. While I'm really confident I am scared to ruin my only working phone. Maybe I should just buy the whole assembly. Then I could try and if I fail I'd have the new screen to use. If I don't fail I could have a spare screen.

Thanks for your post. It had me wanting to do it until I read the entire thread.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] dhollis72:
I tried and failed. Everything was good until I got to the ribbon then it ripped and I was really careful. So I'm trying to decide ether to buy a digitizer or a nexus 4? I don't know though. I like the nexus 4 but I don't feel like it's worth the upgrade over the galaxy nexus. I found a good digitizer for 150.00. What to do?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scottx .:
I tried and failed also destroying that cable.

I replaced the entire screen on mine and its so brand new nice now. So happy with the results.

<maguro>
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] satyrosGR:
Hi there!

I just managed to replace the broken glass of my nexus, without a scratch, an now despite the fact that the screen is like out of the box. the digitizer does not work at all. Please help me. I was so scared not to brake the screen and was very happy achieve it. But when I turned on the phone and realised it didn't react to my touch......:(

any suggestions appreciated
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] scottx .:
You must have broke the ribbon cable.

You'll need to replace the whole assembly. Amazon has some good ones, I replaced mine.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] satyrosGR:
It doesn't seem to be broken. I assume I can't do anything else about it?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bluemax413:
So I still have broken glass that is finally starting to fall out whilst the cracks have gotten larger, no thanks to my two year old who loves to throw toys.

Has anyone seen the glass replacement, not the digitizer, last long term?

I'm trying to hold out until October but concerned that I'm going to lose the screen entirely soon.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] r0zj0k3r:
Would leave it alone

If I were you and trying to save a buck, just buy the whole unit. Your going to pay at least $100 but to be brutally honest, the chances of you just replacing the glass is near 0% unless you have a lot of experience with this sort of repair, are perfectly prepared (tools...etc), and have excellent knowledge of exactly how the hardware is put together. Replacing the digitizer + glass + amoled screen is very easy. There are no doubt some success stories, but of course, there are plenty more failures. Some talented people and some like me who thought they knew, but didn't.

If you do try here are some tips from my failure!

1. Be careful with the heat, I used a blow drier, which worked but proved cumbersome at some points. You need to find that right temp that releases the glue but does no damage. In a video I saw from a manufacturer showing the process, they used a hot plate set to a specific temp (i forget right now..).

2. Have two people, one to help with the heat gun/blow drier

3. Use heat to remove the black double sided tape first! There is black doubled sided tape that attaches from the glass to the frame. It's basically the bezel around the AMOLED screen. You can heat it up and kind of carefully pull it out around the screen. Break a piece and work clockwise pulling out in a circle (hope that makes sense!). I didn't realize this and what happened was, that tape got bunched up under the glass as I worked a piece of floss between the glass and the digitizer, eventually providing enough pressure to crack the screen. If I had removed the tape first I have no doubt I would have fixed this successfully.

4. Use that super thin floss to work in between the glass and digitizer. This was, again, shown in the manufacturer video, however I doubt they used floss.

5. Start from the bottom, don't use a knife! I know the OP used a knife to pry, but this is very dangerous and you have to be 10X more careful. Plus I would say for his specific problem (completely shattered glass) He had no other choice.

6. Make progress and then apply more heat as necessary; repeat.

7. Be mindful of the ribbon cable near the top left corner of the AMOLED screen. You can see it in the OP's pictures.

Everything else is covered pretty well by OP. Good luck if you try! But I seriously would consider just buying the whole AMOLED assembly. You'll spend probably 50-100 more but it's super easy to replace..
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Cha1n5aW:
I know this story, I went through the EXACT same (every detail, except with an S2 skyrocket) thing. Had my phone apart 5 more times since to fix adhesive, remove a tiny hair, buff a spot on glass inside... etc... I've got the phone working okay now, but its still not the phone it used to be. The touchscreen sort of 'sticks' from time to time, as though I didn't take my finger off. I think its because I left the old foamy adhesive around the edges and put the 3m tape all the way around over it. I believe the thick black factory tape around edges is to compensate for the thickness of the AMOLED adhesive. I'm thinking of scraping it all out & put the screen right on the digitizer it'll work better, but I haven't because I don't know where to order the thick tape to put back into it, jic it doesn't work. In a perfect world I'd be able to find a site to order the AMOLED adhesive and voila it'd be right factory new again.

A quick note for others on this path is to use dental floss to separate the glass from the AMOLED adhesive.

Thanks for a great post ^^
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] manishfrank619:
Glue removal

Hi OP,

Despite of failed attempt of many other people, i am deciding to try the glass replacement as i have nothing to lose.

Can you recommend from which side of the phone i should start scrapping the glue from? I think i will first have to remove the bezel tape from all sides. And then get on with glue between glass and digitiser. But from which side should i start the process?

Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] clubs07:
I am also contemplating between changing the digitizer assembly or changing the lens. However the vast number of failed attempts is leaning me towards digitizer+glass assembly replacement.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] clubs07:
From what I see in the etradesupply videos on youtube they suggest using Molybdenum*Wire for separating the glass from the digitizer.

I didn't see anybody mentioning this wire in this thread.

Also some people suggest using liquid optical clear adhesive to bond the new screen to the digitizer (if you are successful at separating the broken glass without damaging the digitizer in the first place :)

I am also considering giving it a try and total cost of these parts (screen + liquid optical adhesive + molybdenum wire) w/o a heat gun costs around $40.

If I add the heat gun, the cost of repair goes up to $60. (I could give it a try with a blow hair dryer though)

I see new digitizer assembly from China around $115.00 and from a US seller for $129.00

I don't know how feasible it is since the repaired screen will probably never have the quality of a brand new assembly. There is a chance of optical imperfections due to light reflections, possible bubbles, dust collection etc..

The price for attempting the repair is tempting however.

Decisions, decisions..
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thereaper1234:
Mind linking to the videos? I'm contemplating this myself and haven't found an actual video where this is done with the Nexus, thanks!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] iKyaku:
Hey there, my problem is i ordered the glass with digitizer on it, anyone here know if i should just get the glass alone? or if its hard to separate the digitizer from the lcd? since aparently its the amoled display thats fused with the digitizer... omg -_-
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ali_ge:
So there no fix for broken ribbon cable, I have done the same mistake, I started removing from upper side , little piece of ribbon cable came out :rolleyes:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] clubs07:
I just checked on YouTube and for some weird reason the video is made private.

It had a title like "Glass screen only replacement for the galaxy s2, s3, Note I, Note II". They didn't really show the process but they showed the Molybdenum wire and mentioned that is what they were using to separate the glass from the digitizer.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] clubs07:
Just found the link again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfuTVjI_Wao&feature=youtube_gdata_player

They don't treally show how they seperate the glass using the cable though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] r0zj0k3r:
Awesome share. This is definitely everything you need to know, even if you don't have all of the same tools.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] CURTMAC:
First off thanks for the tips and the write up.. I ended up attempting this today and was pretty well successful with the glass removal. There's a few things I'd like to share with what I felt worked good.

1. I went pretty slow but still made mistakes. I ended up using a very thin plastic card to slide the glue out. I ended up in one corner getting under the digitizer instead of under the glass. I was only 1 mm in when I noticed this so no big deal. But all in all it worked well with the plastic card as I was worried of using a knife.

2. Again I ended up using a thin plastic card. The card is actually a plastic CTA transit card which held up nicely. I ended up heating up the glass then ran the card along the edge being carful to get between the glass and the digitizer. Theres a video of a guy on you tube ding this but he didn't use heat which I think is a mistake. A hairdryer for 30 -40 seconds worked wonders. I also used the sweeping motion to try and remove as much glue under the glass as I could as I felt if I wasn't doing this the glass or maybe LCD started to bend and I was worried it would break. I also started where I thought I could remove the smaller chucks first as they were easy to get out. Again heating for 30 seconds or so then working with the card for 10 seconds. The large the piece the harder it was to get out so people with really smashed glasses should have no problem at all. The largest piece which was 1/4 of the screen I left for last and worked around it until there was only maybe 1 cm of glue in the center or less then I was able to just heat it up enough to twist and pull it off.

4. No but the digitizer is glued to the glass. Its very hard to remove from the glass if your screen doesn't have a lot of cracks. I had 1 piece which was 1/4 of the screen with no cracks which took a full hour out of the 2 hour process. If your not willing to work at it for 2-4 hours just slowly working at it mm by mm then it just wont happen

5/6. I didn't find the glue that easy to remove. the initial scraping it off was ok but the nail polish remover didn't get off the residue. I ended up trying a very little bit of cooking oil, wiped that off and then cleaned it up the rest with some rubbing alcohol which seems to have done the trick. I should warn people how ever I did end up getting a few small scratches on the digitizer from I think scraping the glue with a credit card.. not real noticeable and maybe when I get the glass on I wont notice it at all

Anyway all in all this is absolutely doable but likely takes on average 3 hours or so.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] clubs07:
I ended up ordering the glass+digitizer assembly and a new casing off Ebay. I received the casing within a week and now waiting for the assembly.

I disassembled my phone following the youtube videos and removed the plastic frame from the digitizer+glass getting it ready for the replacement assembly.

I accidentally removed the grey sticky coating/tape at the top section of the frame where the ribbon cable and some circuits of the digitizer is placed against. It looked like an insulation tape or maybe a double sided sticky tape? Do you guys think I should use some type of electrical tape for insulation on that section before gluing the new digitizer assembly or leave it as it is?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ayrton1974:
hello, sorry but how did you remove the chassis from the rest?'ve disconnected and the first frame and then the glass or the glass first and then the frame? seems to me impossible
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] manishfrank619:
messed up too

I messed up quite badly too. Was going well to begin with as I used a thread and dental floss. I think that was an excellent idea. Didn't even used a hair dryer or anything. But became a bit impatient half way as when you find something easy, you tend to do it faster. I took out a credit card and tried inserting it. As the card was quite think, the strain between the glass and digitiser increased and it cracked the digitiser. Now I ordered a brand new LCD from ebay and when it arrived it wasn't of the right size. The screen that was originally on my phone was a rev 1 and the one I received was a rev 2 or 3. So the cable from the screen to the motherboard wasn't aligned properly. Forcing the cable into place I also ended up cracking some part of the new screen and now the screen is only showing green colour. The seller won't take it back of course. Now I have got a phone with working everything, a brand new glass, adhesive tape for glass, a new screen which shows green colour. Let me know if these can be sold anywhere so that I can reimburse myself a bit for the stupidness.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Ruggerxpunk:
Don't feel bad.

I just royally screwed up and broke my ribbon, along with burning the screen. So there are tons of Yellow spots, and the screen turns on, but touch doesn't work.

Now I'll be without a phone until the Nexus 5.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] paralight:
links ?

Hi all !

anyone have links for the replacement glass and new adhesive on ebay or else ? i want to replace my screen and i dont want buy wrong/bad quality product...

thanks
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] arshum:
Nice tutorial and album. DIY is fun !
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] RedDeadDorito:
OP single handedly destroyed dozens of Galaxy Nexus'.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Kustaa:
Actually, you had to look harder :p, from Colombia, here you got ;):good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD-V90UX_kA
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Douchuz_Maximuz:
Glad to find this post

I have recently cracked my screen in the most unlucky way that doesn't involve dropping it on the ground and I have had the hard case on.

My touch function(digitizer) is still working and I'm swapping and typing over the cracked part like I regualary do and its working just fine,

So I wanna try this method myself. But I wanna ask a newbie question since I never done this before, do I need a new adhesive to attempt this

, and if i really do, then wouod i apply it before applying the new glass replacement or after?

:rolleyes: I'm really wanting to do it myself instead of pay $180+ for a repair store doing it for me, and this is my first time registering for this website, I hope the person who started this forum replies as well as anyone else
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Kustaa:
Did you see the video I posted above? It may help...

Enviado desde mi Galaxy Nexus mediante Tapatalk
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Douchuz_Maximuz:
Yes i have, I'm asking if I need the transparent glue if I'm going to apply the new screen, I have ordered my new screen with tools and a adhesive on eBay just yesturday
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] despotars:
Can you tell me the link of the adhesive that you have bought on eBay??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] marsupiale:
hello everyone,

i double break my glass : firstly, one fall broke my glass , but i can also see all display. The second time, it cracked all the lower part....

As you can read, my english is not very good, and i tried to read all topics, but i do not understand everything.

So, someone have succesfully replaced only the glass? where is the above mentionned tutorial? or only refer to the first page tutorial?

On ebay i also found a glue liquid removal, someone has tried ?

And someone used the glue instead of the adhesive ?

i read that the adhesive let the dust to filtrate.

I would also consider to replace all assebly, with a new chinese one, but some italian people told that it is not good like the original, also the seller ensure that it is. And buy a new one in europe , more expensive, not ensure me that is better than the chinese, but i think is the same chinese production.

Thank you all
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kdusek:
Check out quick video of how we removed the glass. Its easy. :good:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7BmmDCKBgQ
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] drewtorrespr:
Now I saw this vid...but the problem is you give no information as to how long your method took. You fast forwarded your video, it seemed you used no heat gun at all, and that tool that is holding the phone down is not equipment many ppl have. Can you enlighten us on your process? did you go very slowly pulling the floss back and forth to make seperation? or do we risk damaging the display going very quickly? did you need a heat gun to jumpstart and make the flossing process easier?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] d4m4in:
Hi - here I want to apologize for my english, it's not my first language :) I get a chance to buy really cheaply Galaxy Nexus with broken glass. I've watched like all videos about replacing glass, but I still have some questions:

1. Do I really need to take off case of phone? Imo with case it should be easier to position new glass correctly than without borders of case.

2. Ribbon to digitizer is on top-left side, right? If yes, then imo the best place to start separate glass it somewhere on the bottom, right?

3. Those new glasses for like 12$ is rounded on the edges, and slightly curved like original ones? I'm talking here about glasses from China :)

4. Have you guys ever used LOCA to bond new screen? Is it worth the effort? I'll be rather buying stuff from China, so is there possibility that I will buy fake adhesive? Or there is no difference betwen original and fake? Or maybe there is no such thing like fake LOCA? :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] nihs82:
Galaxy nexus screen repair THINGS TO NOTE!!!

Hi, thanks for the tut.

Ive been through all the videos and info with regards to changing the screen. Not many videos on the i9250, but the process is the similar if not the same as the S3.

so I got a lcd glass replacement from ebay for about $20. all looks great also came with glue ( aka double sided tape)

Tools : hair dryer, blade, business card, dental floss

I seen some videos of people doing a cold removal of the galss and that seemed to work great in the beginning , but eventually lead to breaking the digitizer.

I also used dental floss which was pretty smart recommendation.

The start of the de glue phase was awesome, slow and easy....as you will see in the images....

As I moved down slowly the glass was lifting and it seemed like a job well done,

ONCE I Came to the actual cracks

, this is where the DIGITISER GOT SMASHED

too much force, no heat lead to a smashed digitizer as seen in the pics ....

RECOMMEND>... TAKE IT SLOW, USE A HEAT GUN , HEAT IS UR FRIEND , DO NOT LIFT THE GLASS TOO HIGH & NB TAKE IT SUPER SLOW AND EASY ON THE CRACKED AREAS

Ive now ordered a lcd digitizer from ebay for $110, hope its A ok after.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Larzzzz82:
Having replaced cracked screens and such, put some clear shipping tape over the digitizer and it will keep things together as you take it apart.