The Fairphone 3(+) has a modular architecture. Due to the modular architecture, you can troubleshoot and repair the device yourself by replacing the modules. It is even possible to upgrade some modules, such as the Fairphone 3 Camera Module to the Fairphone 3+ Camera Module.

You must use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to access all modules of the Fairphone 3(+). The screws of the Fairphone 3(+) are also used for most (sun)glasses, so you might already have this size of crosshead screwdriver at home. If not, we deliver the device with a small screwdriver in the package so you can replace an Fairphone 3(+) module at any time.

In case your repair might be covered by the manufacturing warranty, contact our Customer Support before you order your modules yourself. The repairability of our devices is aimed at repairs that are not covered by the manufacturing warranty, for example due to user damage. To claim manufacturing warranty, you will have to contact us first.

Table of contents

• Prepare
• Open up the Fairphone 3(+)
• Replace the Display Module
• Replace the Top Module
• Replace the Camera Module
• Replace the Bottom Module
• Replace the Speaker Module
• Core Module: no self-repair

Prepare

We made the replacement of the modules as easy as possible. However, as you still handle vulnerable electronics, there are some preparations we recommend.

• Do not open your device when not needed. When in doubt, consult the troubleshooter to find out if your issue can be solved in another way.
• Update your device. When installing an upgraded module (like a Fairphone 3(+) Camera+ or a Fairphone 3 Top+ Module), update your device to the latest software version first. Otherwise, the software can not 'read' the new module.
• Use a flat and clean working surface.
• Get your Phillips #0 screwdriver ready.
• Do not use metal objects to disconnect the ribbon cable connectors (FPC). You can use a fingernail or a plastic object such as a spudger, credit card or a guitar pick.
• Before you actually start, read the following instructions and the iFixit guides.

Open up the Fairphone 3(+)

To access the modules, you must follow a specific order.

1. You have to open up the phone first.
2. Then you remove the Display Module so you have access to the other modules.
3. Important: you must remove the Bottom Module before you can remove the Speaker Module.

To open up the Fairphone 3(+):

1. Turn your phone off.
2. Take the Protective Bumper and Battery Cover off. Use your fingernail to lift the Battery Cover from the rim of the frame.
3. Take the battery out. Use your fingernail at the white triangle indicator to lift it up.
4. Remove the SIM card(s) and the SD card.
5. To access the modules, unscrew the 13 screws that hold the frame and the Display Module together - see steps in the next section.

Replace the Display Module

The Fairphone 3(+) Display module consists of a 5.65 inch Full-HD display with a 18:9 ratio. The Gorilla Glass 5 provides increased scratch resistance.

After you have opened the Fairphone 3(+), you must remove the Display Module to access the other modules. In the video tutorial below, we show you how to separate and remount the Display Module from the phone.

To separate the Display Module from the phone:

1. Remove the 13 screws that hold the Display Module in place.
2. Place your fingers on the right side of the frame, inside the battery compartment.
3. Push the display out of the frame.
4. You removed the Display Module.
5. The other modules are now accessible.

To remount the Display Module on the phone:

1. Start at the top of the frame.
2. Click it into place one by one.
3. Fasten the 13 screws that hold the Display Module in place.
4. Place the battery back in, top first.
5. Click the Battery Cover on the frame.
6. Put the Protective Bumper on.
7. Turn the phone on.
8. You now remounted the Display Module and have access to the other modules.

Replace the Top Module

The Fairphone 3(+) Top module contains the Selfie camera (front camera), the receiver, the earphone jack, the secondary microphone (to filter out ambient noises), proximity sensor (to detect of an ear or head is nearby) and the brightness sensor.

In our video tutorial below, we show you how to separate and remount the Top Module from the phone.

To remove the Top Module:

1. Lift the ribbon cable up from the top of the arrow to detach it. Preferably with a fingernail or a plastic spudger or plectrum.
2. Remove the 2 screws holding the Top Module in place.
3. Push the frame slightly on the back of the Top Module to remove it.
4. You now removed the Top Module.

To remount the Top Module, proceed in reverse order:

1. Put the Top Module back in its place.
2. Fasten the 2 screws holding the Top Module in place.
3. Gently reconnect the ribbon cable with your finger until you feel it click.
4. Take the blue transparent foil off the camera lens.
5. You have now remounted the Top Module.

Replace the Camera Module

The Fairphone 3(+) Camera module contains the main - rear - camera, the light sensor and the flash.

To remove the Camera Module:

1. Lift the ribbon cable up from the top of the arrow to detach it. Preferably with a fingernail or a plastic spudger or plectrum.
2. Remove the 2 screws holding the Camera Module in place.
3. Push the frame slightly on the back of the Camera Module to remove it.
4. You now removed the Camera Module.

To remount the Camera Module, proceed in reverse order:

1. Put the Camera Module back in its place.
2. Fasten the 2 screws holding the Camera Module in place.
3. Gently reconnect the ribbon cable with your finger until you feel it click.
4. Take the blue transparent foil off the camera lens.
5. You now remounted the Camera Module.

Replace the Bottom Module

The Fairphone 3(+) Bottom module contains the vibration motor, USB-C connector and primary microphone of your Fairphone 3(+).

To remove the Bottom Module:

1. Lift the ribbon cable up from the top of the arrow to detach it. Preferably with a fingernail or a plastic spudger or plectrum.
2. Remove the 4 screws holding the Bottom Module in place.
3. Take the Bottom Module out of the frame.
4. You now removed the Bottom Module.

To remount the Bottom Module, proceed in reverse order:

1. Put the Bottom Module back in its place.
2. Fasten the 4 screws holding the Bottom Module in place.
3. Gently reconnect the ribbon cable with your finger until you feel it click.
4. You now remounted the Bottom Module.

Replace the Speaker Module

The Fairphone 3(+) Speaker module holds the loudspeaker that is used for calls, videos etcetera.

To remove the Speaker Module:

1. Remove the Bottom Module first!
2. Remove the (1) single screw holding the Speaker Module in place.
3. Take the Speaker Module out of the frame.
4. You now removed the Speaker Module.

To remount the Speaker Module, proceed in reverse order:

1. Put the Speaker Module back in its place.
2. Fasten the 1 screw holding the Speaker Module in place.
3. You remounted the Bottom Module. You can now put the Speaker Module back in.

Core module: no self-repair

The so-called Core module is not available for purchase via our online shop. This is restricted due to legal, administrative and logistic constraints.

In case your motherboard, daughterboard, SIM card slot, SD card slot, NFC sensor or fingerprint sensor need a repair, you can have this done via a repair via us. In case a replacement of the Core module is needed and it is not covered by the manufacturing warranty, we will  send you a quotation of the repair after we have diagnosed the device. You can then either accept the quotation by paying, decline the quotation and have the phone sent back when you pay for the shipping and administrative costs, or abandon the phone - we will recycle the device at no cost.

See our repair price list for more information.

If you need a repair, contact our Customer Support via the web form so we can have all relevant data at hand to help you quick.

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