The Fairphone 5 is designed to make repair accessible. So, the separate spare parts of the device connect within the modular architecture without glue or complex screws.

Every spare part is easily accessible and replaceable, which is good for the planet as well as your pocket.

The only tool you will need is a Phillips #00 screwdriver to access all spare parts of the Fairphone 5. The screws of the Fairphone 5 are also used for most (sun)glasses, so you might already have this size of crosshead screwdriver at home. If not, we offer an iFixit PH00 screwdriver in our online shop.

Table of contents

• Prepare
• Open up the Fairphone 5
• Replace the Display
• Replace the Cameras
• Replace the Top unit and Earpiece
• Replace the Loudspeaker and USB-C port
• Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for replacing a spare part on the Fairphone 5?

We made the replacement of each spare part as easy as possible. However, we recommend to prepare a bit before you start, as you still handle vulnerable electronics.

• Do not open your device when not needed. When in doubt, consult the troubleshooter guide to find out if your issue can be solved in another way.
• In case you want to repair something that might be covered by the manufacturing or extended warranty, contact Customer Support first before you order a spare part.
• In case you need to replace a spare part due to water damage or a fall, we recommend to have a professional assess the full scope of the damage first. It might be that more than one spare part is impacted, so replacement of one spare part might not solve your issues. As user damage is not covered by the manufacturing warranty, you can use a local repair service of your choice (including our repair center).
• Before you actually start, read the following instructions and watch the accompanying video tutorials.
• Update your device. To make sure you have the right firmware drivers, update your device to the latest software version first. Otherwise, the software can not 'read' the new spare part.
• Charge the Battery if possible, so you can test the spare part right after your replacement.
• Use a flat and clean working surface and a good light source.
• Get your Phillips #00 screwdriver ready. Make sure the screwdriver is of a sturdy quality as inferior tools can damage screws.
• Do not use metal tools to disconnect the BTB (board-to-board) connectors. You can use a fingernail or a plastic object such as a spudger, a credit card or a guitar pick.

How do I open up the Fairphone 5?

To access the spare parts, you must follow a specific order. Follow the instructions below in text or as shown in the relevant videos.

You have to open up the phone first:

1. Power off the phone.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the Back cover, starting from the notch on the bottom-right.
4. Remove the Battery. You can start by lifting up from the notch on its lower edge.

How do I replace the Display on the Fairphone 5?

To replace the display of your Fairphone 5, follow the instructions in our video tutorial or in the text below the video.

Open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the Back cover, starting from the notch on the bottom-right.
4. Remove the Battery. You can start by lifting up from the notch on its lower edge.

Continue to remove the spare part

1. With your Phillips 00 screwdriver, unscrew the 8 black screws keeping the display in place.
2. As you lift the phone, the display should come off easily. Be careful - the display is still connected with a cable.
3. Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the cable from the core module at the BTB connector.

Mount the new display

1. Connect the new display to the core module. The cable connector should click in and stay flat.
2. Place the new display in the frame - make sure the cable stays flat.
3. Fasten the display to the phone with the 8 black screws.

Close up your Fairphone

1. Place back the Battery and the Back cover.
2. Power on your Fairphone to check your new display.

Congratulations, you just replaced your display!

How do I replace the Cameras on the Fairphone 5?

To replace the rear cameras of your Fairphone 5, follow the instructions in the video tutorial or in the text below the video.

First, open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the Back cover, starting from the notch on the bottom-right.
4. Remove the Battery. You can start by lifting up from the notch on its lower edge.

Remove the Top unit

1. With your Phillips 00 screwdriver, unscrew the 7 silver screws on the top half of the phone.
2. Locate the connector cover in the bottom-left corner of the Top unit. Gently lift up the cover by hand.
3. Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector revealed in the previous step.
4. Starting from the bottom edge, lift up the Top unit.

Remove a Camera

1. Each camera is connected to the motherboard with a BTB connector:
   • The Main Camera's connector is on right (1).
   • The Ultra-Wide Camera's connector is below it (2).
   • The Front Camera's connector is below it (3).
     
2. Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector of the camera you are removing.
3. Lift out the camera. You may use the plastic pick for support.

Install a Camera

1. Simply place the new camera spare part in its correct location. You may use the picture from the step "Remove a Camera" for guidance.
2. Press the BTB connector firmly until you feel a soft click. Both the camera spare part and connector should be flat.

Close up your Fairphone

1. Reinsert the Top unit.
2. Reconnect the BTB connector in the bottom-left corner of the Top unit.
3. Screw the 7 silver screws back in.
4. Place back the Battery and the Battery cover.
5. Power on your Fairphone and open the Camera app to check if everything works well.

Congratulations, you just replaced your Camera!

How do I replace the Top unit and Earpiece on the Fairphone 5?

To replace the Earpiece of your Fairphone 5, follow the instructions in the video tutorial or in the text below the video.

First, open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the Back cover, starting from the notch on the bottom-right.
4. Remove the Battery. You can start by lifting up from the notch on its lower edge.

Remove the Top unit

1. With your Phillips 00 screwdriver, unscrew the 7 silver screws on the top half of the phone.
2. Locate the connector cover in the bottom-left corner of the Top unit. Gently lift up the cover by hand.
3. Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector revealed in the previous step.
4. Starting from the bottom edge, lift up the Top unit.

Remove the Earpiece

1. Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector of the Earpiece at the white triangle.
   
2. Take the Earpiece out.

Install the new Earpiece and Top unit

1. Insert the new Earpiece in the opening next to the Front camera.
2. Press the BTB connector firmly until you feel a soft click. Both the Earpiece and connector should be flat.
3. Reinsert the Top unit.
4. Reconnect the BTB connector in the bottom-left corner of the Top unit.
5. Screw the 7 silver screws back in.

Close up your Fairphone

1. Place back the Battery and the Battery cover.
2. Power on your Fairphone and play some music everything works well.

Congratulations, you just replaced your Top unit and Earpiece!

How do I replace the Loudspeaker and USB-C port on the Fairphone 5?

To replace the Loudspeaker of your Fairphone 5, follow the instructions in the video tutorial or in the text below the video. The Loudspeaker spare part also contains the vibration motor.

First, open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the Back cover, starting from the notch on the bottom-right.
4. Remove the Battery. You can start by lifting up from the notch on its lower edge.

Remove the Loudspeaker

1. With your Phillips 00 screwdriver, unscrew the 5 silver screws of the Loudspeaker.
2. Use a plastic card or pick to lift out the Loudspeaker.

Remove the USB-C port

1. Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector above the USB port.
2. Gently lift out the port.

Install the new USB-C port and Loudspeaker

1. Insert the new USB-C port.
2. Press the BTB connector firmly until you feel a soft click. Both the UCB-C port and connector should be flat.
3. Insert the new Loudspeaker.
4. Screw the 5 silver screws back in.

Close up your Fairphone

1. Place back the Battery and the Battery cover.
2. Power on your Fairphone and play some music everything works well.

Congratulations, you just replaced your Loudspeaker and USB-C port!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I buy a replacement Core Module?

No, the Core Module is not available for individual purchase.

The Core Module is the "brain" of your Fairphone, containing the motherboard, CPU, and SIM slots. We do not sell this as a standalone spare part for three key reasons:

• Legal & Security: The Core Module houses your device’s unique identity (IMEI numbers). Selling these separately creates legal complexities regarding device registration and security.

• Technical Fragility: This module contains the most delicate components. Replacing it requires a controlled, anti-static environment to prevent permanent damage.

• Quality Assurance: Core Module issues are complex. We handle these repairs at our authorized service centers to guarantee the long-term reliability of your device.

Is your phone not powering on or malfunctioning? If you suspect a fault with your Core Module, please do not attempt a manual repair. Instead, use our official diagnostic tool to find the best path forward:

1. Diagnose: Visit our Repair & Troubleshooting Portal.

2. Test: Follow the step-by-step guide to rule out issues with your battery, display, or software.

3. Resolve: If the problem is confirmed as a Core Module fault, the portal will provide instructions on how to send your device to our specialized repair center for a professional replacement.

Q: Can I use spare parts from a different Fairphone model in my Fairphone 5?

For our smartphone range, spare parts are not interchangeable between different models (e.g., you cannot use The Fairphone (Gen. 6) parts in a Fairphone 5).

While we advocate for modularity, each phone generation requires specific dimensions, voltage ranges, and connector types (BTB architecture) to function safely. Attempting to install a module from a different phone model can result in:

• Physical Damage: Connectors may look similar but have different pin configurations.

• System Instability: The software (firmware) is tuned specifically for the hardware in that model.

• Safety Risks: Battery and power modules have different thermal and voltage specifications.

If after reading the article you need more help, contact our Customer Support.