[Galaxy S II General] keithross39:
I am writing this guide as this issue seems to be getting more and more common (and [MENTION=4330322]MistahBungle[/MENTION] and I have answered threads about this a number of times).

The following is supplied as information only....

If, having read this post, you feel confident to undertake the described processes, you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. I will not be held accountable if you cause further damage to your phone by following the said processes........

This guide was originally written to cover replacement of the USB board, but the information and provided links also apply to replacing other parts. The advice given, broadly applies to whichever part you need to replace......

If a repair under warranty is available, I would always advise this as a first option......

If it is not.......read on... :)

The USB board is an important part of the phone. Without it we can't charge the phone.....or easily transfer data to or from the phone.....or flash new firmwares.....or recover the phone if things go bad. This board also has the microphone and aerial connector built on.

It stands to reason that a USB cable regularly being plugged in to/unplugged from the connector is going to wear it out.....fairly quickly.

For those who are technically competent (even just slightly) it is an easy and inexpensive part to replace.

In the link below, you can find a very useful and clearly explained video tutorial which shows a COMPLETE step by step disassembly of a Galaxy S2......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65pvAINg2ME&feature=youtube_gdata_player

it will be invaluable to those who want to do this, but who are unsure about how to begin.

To do this, you will need.....

1) A set of fine 'jewellers' screwdrivers.

2) An old credit/store/loyalty card or guitar pick to help separate the case. (It doesn't matter which, as long as it's plastic).

3) A fine pair of tweezers to help pick up the screws.

For those who feel it would be an advantage to have it, below is a link where you can download a copy of the S2s service manual....

https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=24052804347838302

It could turn out to be useful for other repairs on this phone....

If, having read this post and watched the video, you don't feel confident to 'do it yourself', you will need to return your phone to unrooted stock in order to get a warranty repair with Samsung. Provided you currently have root access, you can use an app created by [MENTION=631273]Chainfire[/MENTION] called Mobile Odin to flash the firmware and unroot. This is done 'in phone' and doesn't rely on the use of the USB port. See the thread below for details...

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1347899

So....now you've watched the video, and you're confident enough to begin.......Don't pick up that screwdriver just yet.......

As a FIRST resort, I'd recommend that you try to clean your existing USB port.........

Some people have mentioned simply blowing into the port can dislodge any dust and return the port to full functionality.

Others have said that gently using a toothbrush on it has had the same effect. You can try this dry or with medical alcohol (not 25 yr old whisky lol). If using alcohol, remove the battery first and allow to COMPLETELY dry before re inserting the battery and powering on.

Other people have commented that bending the connectors within the port has had the desired effect.....this last option is something that I DO NOT advise as unless you are REALLY careful, you could end up causing more damage.

If, having tried the first two options above, there is no difference, read on.......

As you know, there are several different variants of the S2 (over 20).....so it can be assumed that there will be different variants of the board too. I know for certain that there are FOUR different versions for the S2 international alone. ....

So how do you know which board to get for your phone?.......

Look at the pictures below.......

View attachment 2064337

View attachment 2064338

This board was taken from an international S2.....

Note the small white print in the second picture......

The critical print to look for on your board is the 'REV' number. On the international version it'll say REV1.5, 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4. On the other variants it'll say something else. Be advised, none of these boards are interchangeable, so you need to match this REV number with the one on the board you remove.

Now you can pick that screwdriver up.... :)

It's time to replace the board.....

Just remember not to force anything.....be gentle....after all, you're pulling apart some very delicate micro electronics....

Provided you follow the advice in this thread and the linked video tutorial, you'll have a fully operational phone, and paid a fraction of the cost that you would have paid at a service centre......

Good luck and happy DIYing.

Some people have reported that after changing the board (even if they purchased the correct rev version) they suffered a loss/reduction of signal strength. This thread......

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1950114

offers a potential workaround. The evidence suggests that it seems to work, but there *may* be unforseen long term issues if this is done.....

In this final section I will list verified sellers of this part. Make sure to contact the seller in advance to ensure they can provide the correct 'REV' version. If anybody has good experience with any other seller, leave a comment/link in the thread and I will include it here..........

xtechonline on eBay (i9100 international boards)

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=370797750646

The above seller lists all four versions of the international board.

This seller......

http://www.truesupplier.com/oem-sam...-port-charger-connector-replace-pr-29094.html

sells what he states are 'OEM' (Samsung original) parts, and it appears that he ships worldwide. Contact the seller before purchase to find out availability of the correct rev version........

This seller MobileExtra (on Amazon).....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0098VPOK8/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_8Hjotb1JF0Q2Z

doesn't state what rev versions he stocks, but he sells the board either on it's own, or with a screwdriver to help do the job.....but to be honest, if you've got as far as exposing the board itself, you won't need to buy the item AND screwdriver anyway.

As before, contact the seller to ensure you get the right part......

This seller.......

http://www.parts4repair.com/categories/Samsung-Repair-Parts/

seems to stock most parts that could be needed for the S2 and it's variants. From what I have read, the parts may be recycled (taken from other, used S2s), but having said that, repairing a phone with used parts is preferable to being stuck with a phone that doesn't work at all.....

Here are the results from a 'general' eBay search......

http://m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw...flex+cable&sqp=galaxy+s2+i9100+usb+flex+cable

There are plenty of suppliers still (September 2015) As with anything you buy on ebay, do your research.....check supplier location, reviews etc before you buy!!!!

Also, it will help to include a 'note to the seller' informing them which rev number you need/are expecting to be delivered.

If you have any questions, or want to add anything, feel free to post a comment below........

Sent from my rooted, de bloated, stock JB powered S2 via PhilZ kernel and XDA developers app