The Fairphone (Gen. 6) is designed to make repairs accessible.

Each spare part is replaceable, which is good for the planet and your pocket.

You will need a Torx T5 screwdriver to access all spare parts.

A Torx T5 screwdriver can be bought on our webshop or found at most stores. Let's get started!

 

Table of contents

• Prepare
• How to replace the Battery
• How to replace the Display
• How to replace the Top Unit
• How to replace the Cameras and Earpiece
• How to replace the Loudspeaker and the USB-C port

 

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How do I prepare for replacing a spare part on The Fairphone (Gen. 6)?

We made the replacement of each spare part as easy as possible. However, do prepare a bit before you start, as you will handle vulnerable electronics.

Here is your checklist before you begin:

 

• Update your device. To make sure you have the right firmware drivers, update your device to the latest software version first. Otherwise, the software cannot 'read' the new spare part.
• Charge the Battery. Do this if possible, so you can test the spare part right after your replacement.
• Flat surface. Use a flat and clean working surface and a good light source.
• A cloth for cleaning your phone's surfaces.
• Two small containers to divide and keep all the small screws in place.
• A plastic card. A credit card, guitar pick, or other similar piece of plastic to help with removing the spare parts.
• Get your Torx T5 screwdriver ready. Make sure the screwdriver is of a sturdy quality, as inferior tools can damage screws.
• Read the following instructions and watch accompanying video tutorials!

 

 

Extra advice from our Customer Support team:

• When in doubt, consult the troubleshooter guide to see if your issue can be solved another way. Do not open your device when you do not need to. 

• If you want to repair something that might be covered by the manufacturing or extended warranty, contact Customer Support before ordering 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. More than one spare part might be impacted, so replacing just one might not solve your issues. As user damage is not covered by the manufacturing warranty, you can use a repair service of your choice (including our repair center).

 

Now, we can get started!

 

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How do I replace the Battery in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)?

To replace the battery, follow our video tutorial or the text below:

Open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone by long pressing the Power button. Depending on your settings, you might have to press the power button and volume up button together to access the power menu.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the lower back cover by removing the two screws on the top left and top right of it.
   
   QUICK TIP: It is easy to confuse the outer screws with the inner screws when disassembling and reassembling the device. The main difference is the length of the screws. The longer screws go on the outside, the shorter ones stay on the inside.
   
   
4. Slide the lower back cover off towards the bottom.

 

Remove the battery

1. Keep the phone with the screen facing down.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the five screws around the battery.
3. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
4. Now that the screws are out, you can slowly lift the connector cover on the top, and disconnect the board-to-board or BTB connector underneath and remove the battery.

 

Replace with a new battery

1. Place the new battery where the old battery used to be.

2. Reconnect the battery board-to-board or BTB connector.

3. Close the connector cover on top of the BTB connector.

4. Re-screw all five of the screws you removed.

5. Slide the lower back cover back on to the device, and re-screw the two main back cover screws.

6. Now switch on your Fairphone. You should be good to go!

 

Make sure to dispose of the old battery responsibly at a local electronic battery waste point. It should not be thrown in the bin.
Enjoy your new battery!

 

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How do I replace the Display in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)?

To replace the Display, follow our video tutorial or the text below:

 

Open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone by long pressing the Power button. Depending on your settings, you might have to press the power button and volume up button together to access the power menu.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the lower back cover by removing the two screws on the top left and top right of it.
   
   QUICK TIP: It is easy to confuse the outer screws with the inner screws when disassembling and reassembling the device. The main difference is the length of the screws. The longer screws go on the outside, the shorter ones stay on the inside.
   
   
4. Slide the lower back cover off towards the bottom.

 

Remove the battery and upper back cover, to later remove the Display

1. Keep the phone with the screen facing down.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the five screws around the battery.
3. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
4. Now that the screws are out, you can slowly lift the connector cover on the top, and disconnect the board-to-board or BTB connector underneath and remove the battery.
5. Next, remove the upper back cover by undoing the plastic hooks locking it in, as shown below. You should ideally do this with a plastic card or pick to avoid unwanted damage to the back cover (and your fingers).
6. Start from the bottom left and right and work your way upwards on both sides. Place the battery and upper back cover to the side.

 

Remove the Display

Around the frame, you will find eight screws holding your display in place.

They are easy to confuse with the screws holding the loudspeaker and antenna in place. The easiest way to tell is if the screw is silver in color, and positioned on the frame or not. If it is a silver screw sitting on the frame, it is a display screw. If not, then it is not.

Alright, time to put your screwdriver to work!

1. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the eight screws around the display.
2. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
3. Once you have removed all the screws, you can flip the device over. The display should now be loose, but not completely detached. Be careful - the display is still connected with a cable.
   
   
   
   
4. Move the display carefully to the side, and you should see a board-to-board (B2B) connector connecting the display to the printed circuit board (PCB). There is a cover over the connector that is held in place by one more screw. This is the last screw, we promise. Remove this screw.
   
   
   
   
5. Once you get that screw out, lift the cover out and disconnect the connector to release the display.

 

Mount the new Display

1. Get your new display and connect it to the printed circuit board (PCB).
2. Make sure it is properly attached. You will feel it click into place.
3. Put the cover back over the connector and screw the one screw back in.
4. Flip your device over and put the eight display screws into the new display.

 

Make sure to not go too tight with the screws, as this might cause the display to bend a little bit and cause unnecessary issues later, like bubbles in your screen protector. Nobody like bubbles, right?

 

Close up your Fairphone

1. Once the screws are back in place, snap the upper back cover into place.
   
   Make sure the upper back cover is in place, before putting the battery back. Otherwise, you run the risk of bending the metal flaps on top, which is not something you want to do.
   
   
2. Put the battery back inside.
3. Reconnect the battery board-to-board or BTB connector.
4. Close the connector cover on top of the BTB connector.
5. Re-screw all five of the screws you removed.
6. Slide the lower back cover back on to the device, and re-screw the two main back cover screws.

 

Now all you have to do is switch on your device to see if everything works okay. We believe in you!

Congratulations, you just replaced your display!

 

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How do I replace the Top Unit in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)?

To replace the Top Unit, follow our video tutorial or the text below:

 

Open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone by long pressing the Power button. Depending on your settings, you might have to press the power button and volume up button together to access the power menu.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the lower back cover by removing the two screws on the top left and top right of it.
   
   QUICK TIP: It is easy to confuse the outer screws with the inner screws when disassembling and reassembling the device. The main difference is the length of the screws. The longer screws go on the outside, the shorter ones stay on the inside.
   
   
4. Slide the lower back cover off towards the bottom.

 

Remove the battery and upper back cover, to later remove the Top Unit

1. Keep the phone with the screen facing down.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the five screws around the battery.
3. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
4. Now that the screws are out, you can slowly lift the connector cover on the top, and disconnect the board-to-board or BTB connector underneath and remove the battery.
5. Next, remove the upper back cover by undoing the plastic hooks locking it in, as shown below. You should ideally do this with a plastic card or pick to avoid any unwanted damage to the back cover (and your fingers).
6. Start from the bottom left and right and work your way upwards on both sides. Place the battery and upper back cover to the side.

 

Remove the Top unit

1. Now you should see six black screws holding the top unit in place. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, unscrew all six black screws and keep them safely aside.
2. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
3. Remove the top unit just like you removed the upper back cover, with a plastic card or pick.

    

 

Replace the Top unit

1. Get your new top unit and slot it in where the old one used to be. Make sure the cables under the top unit are in the right place within the railing.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, re-attach all six black screws.

 

Close up your Fairphone

1. Once the screws are back in place, snap the upper back cover into place.
   
   Make sure the upper back cover is in place, before putting the battery back. Otherwise, you run the risk of bending the metal flaps on top, which is not something you want to do.
   
   
2. Put the battery back inside.
3. Reconnect the battery board-to-board or BTB connector.
4. Close the connector cover on top of the BTB connector.
5. Re-screw all five of the screws you removed.
6. Slide the lower back cover back on to the device, and re-screw the two main back cover screws.

 

Good job. Now to see if it works. Switch on your Fairphone and toggle the flashlight on. If it lights up, you did well!

 

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How do I replace the Cameras and Earpiece in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)?

To replace the Cameras and Earpiece, follow our video tutorial or the text below:

 

Open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone by long pressing the Power button. Depending on your settings, you might have to press the power button and volume up button together to access the power menu.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the lower back cover by removing the two screws on the top left and top right of it.
   
   QUICK TIP: It is easy to confuse the outer screws with the inner screws when disassembling and reassembling the device. The main difference is the length of the screws. The longer screws go on the outside, the shorter ones stay on the inside.
   
   
4. Slide the lower back cover off towards the bottom.

 

Remove the battery and upper back cover, to access the parts

1. Keep the phone with the screen facing down.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the five screws around the battery.
3. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
4. Now that the screws are out, you can slowly lift the connector cover on the top with a plastic pick, and disconnect the board-to-board or BTB connector underneath and remove the battery.
5. Next, remove the upper back cover by undoing the plastic hooks locking it in, as shown below. You should ideally do this with a plastic card or pick to avoid any unwanted damage to the back cover (and your fingers).
6. Start from the bottom left and right and work your way upwards on both sides. Place the battery and upper back cover to the side.

 

Remove the Top unit, to access the Cameras and Earpiece

1. Now you should see six black screws holding the top unit in place. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, unscrew all six black screws and keep them safely aside.
2. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
3. Remove the top unit just like you removed the upper back cover, with a plastic card or pick.

Once you remove the top unit, you should see all three cameras underneath.

 

Remove the Cameras

Each camera is connected to the motherboard with a board-to-board (BTB) connector:

• The Main Camera's connector is on the left (1).
• The Ultra-Wide Camera's connector is above it (2).
• The Front Camera's connector is in the middle (3).
  
  

Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector of the Camera.
Lift out the Camera. You may use the plastic pick for support.

-IMPORTANT-
Be gentle when handling a camera spare part.

• • Do not bend the cable excessively.
  • Avoid touching the lenses.

 

Remove the Earpiece

The top purple box is the Earpiece, and the lower purple box is the Earpiece BTB connector.

Use a plastic card or pick to disconnect the BTB connector of the Earpiece.
Lift out the Earpiece. You may use the plastic pick for support.

 

Install the new Camera

1. Insert the new Camera in the opening.
2. Press the BTB connector firmly until you feel a soft click. 

 

Install the new Earpiece

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 the connector should be flat.

 

Replace the Top unit

1. Get your new top unit and slot it in where the old one used to be. Make sure the cables under the top unit are in the right place within the railing.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, re-attach all six black screws.

 

Close up your Fairphone

1. Once the screws are back in place, snap the upper back cover into place.
   
   Make sure the upper back cover is in place, before putting the battery back. Otherwise, you run the risk of bending the metal flaps on top, which is not something you want to do.
   
   
2. Put the battery back inside.
3. Reconnect the battery board-to-board or BTB connector.
4. Close the connector cover on top of the BTB connector.
5. Re-screw all five of the screws you removed.
6. Slide the lower back cover back on to the device, and re-screw the two main back cover screws.

 

And we’re done. It’s amazing what a screwdriver can do, right?
Make sure everything’s working properly by switching on your device and opening up the camera app.

Or call a friend and tell them how easy it was to replace parts on your Fairphone.
With your new earpiece, the conversation will be crystal-clear!

 

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How do I replace the Loudspeaker and the USB-C port in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)?

To replace the Loudspeaker and the USB-C port, follow the instructions in the video tutorial or in the text below. The Loudspeaker spare part also contains the vibration motor.

 

Open up your Fairphone

1. Power off the phone by long pressing the Power button. Depending on your settings, you might have to press the power button and volume up button together to access the power menu.
2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
3. Take off the lower back cover by removing the two screws on the top left and top right of it.
   
   QUICK TIP: It is easy to confuse the outer screws with the inner screws when disassembling and reassembling the device. The main difference is the length of the screws. The longer screws go on the outside, the shorter ones stay on the inside.
   
   
4. Slide the lower back cover off towards the bottom.

 

What you should see underneath is the soft pack battery, and the loudspeaker unit.

The USB-C port is nestled safely under the loudspeaker unit.

 

Remove the battery

1. Keep the phone with the screen facing down.
2. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the five screws around the battery.
3. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
4. Now that the screws are out, you can slowly lift the connector cover on the top, and disconnect the board-to-board or BTB connector underneath and remove the battery.

    

 

Remove the Loudspeaker

1. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, remove the five black screws in the loudspeaker unit.
2. Make sure to keep all the screws safely in a separate container.
3. Now look for a tiny notch on the left side of the loudspeaker unit. You can use a piece of flat plastic like a credit card or guitar pick to dig into the notch and wedge the loudspeaker out.

 

Remove the USB-C port

If you need to replace the USB-C port, you will need to remove the loudspeaker unit first.

Follow the instructions above of Remove the Loudspeaker, and then:

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

 

Replace the USB-C port

1. Insert the new USB-C port.
2. Press the BTB connector firmly until you feel a soft click.
3. Both the USB-C port and connector should be flat.

 

Replace the Loudspeaker

1. Insert the new Loudspeaker unit.
2. Press the BTB connector firmly until you feel a soft click. 
3. With your Torx T5 screwdriver, replace the five black screws into the new Loudspeaker unit.

 

Close up your Fairphone

1. Put the battery back inside.
2. Reconnect the battery board-to-board or BTB connector.
3. Close the connector cover on top of the BTB connector.
4. Re-screw all five of the screws you removed.
5. Slide the lower back cover back on to the device, and re-screw the two main back cover screws.

 

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

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