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How to replace spare parts on The Fairphone (Gen. 6)

The Fairphone (Gen. 6) is designed to make repairs accessible and straightforward. Replacing individual spare parts extends the lifespan of your phone, saves money, and reduces electronic waste.

What you need before you begin

Replacing a spare part in your Fairphone requires a clean workspace and a few basic tools. Gather these items before opening your phone:

  • A Torx T5 screwdriver (available in our online shop or at most hardware stores)
  • A flat, clean surface with good lighting
  • A soft cloth to clean phone surfaces
  • Two small containers to keep screws organized
  • A plastic card, guitar pick, or plectrum to safely separate components
Warning: Avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD) by wearing cotton or rubber gloves, or by grounding yourself before touching internal components. Always use a plastic object or a fingernail to disconnect board-to-board (BTB) connectors—never use metal tools.
Warning: Never insert the two long outer screws unless the back cover is in place. These screws are designed specifically for the thickness of the back cover. Screwing them directly into the frame without the cover will reach too deep and permanently damage the phone.

How to prepare your Fairphone for repair

Preparing the phone ensures a smooth repair process and protects sensitive internal electronics:

  • Update your software: Install the latest software version so the phone has the necessary firmware drivers to recognize new spare parts.
  • Charge the battery: Charge the battery before starting so you can test the replacement part immediately after reassembly.
  • Review the instructions: Read the step-by-step guides and watch any accompanying video tutorials before opening the phone.

Recommendations before starting your repair

  • Troubleshoot first: Check our troubleshooter guide to see if your issue can be resolved through software before opening the phone.
  • Check warranty coverage: Contact Customer Support before ordering a spare part if your repair might be covered under warranty.
  • Assess extensive damage: If the phone suffered water damage or a severe fall, have our repair center or a professional technician assess the phone first. Multiple spare parts may be affected, so replacing a single component might not resolve the issue.

Select a spare part replacement guide

Select a guide below to view step-by-step replacement instructions:

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy a replacement Core Module?+

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

The Core Module acts as the central hub of the phone and contains the motherboard, CPU, and SIM slots. It is not sold as a standalone spare part for three key reasons:

  • Legal and security: The Core Module houses unique IMEI numbers required for device identification and security registration.
  • Technical fragility: The module contains delicate components that require a strictly controlled, anti-static environment during installation.
  • Quality assurance: Core Module issues require specialized testing tools available at our official repair center to ensure long-term device reliability.

If your phone does not power on or you suspect a Core Module issue, do not attempt a manual repair. Visit our Repair & Troubleshooting Portal. Follow the step-by-step diagnostic guide to test your battery, display, and software. If a Core Module fault is confirmed, the portal will guide you through sending your device to our specialized repair center for a professional replacement.

Can I use spare parts from a different Fairphone model in my Fairphone (Gen. 6)?+

No, spare parts are not interchangeable between different phone models (for example, you cannot use Fairphone 5 parts in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)).

While we advocate for modularity, each phone generation requires specific physical dimensions, voltage ranges, and connector types (BTB architecture). Attempting to install a spare part from another model can cause:

  • Physical damage: Connectors may feature different pin configurations even if they look similar.
  • System instability: Device firmware is tuned specifically for the hardware in that model.
  • Safety risks: Power and battery components carry specific thermal and electrical specifications.
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