How to replace the top unit in The Fairphone (Gen. 6)

Replacing the top unit on your phone is quick and simple. Follow our video guide or the step-by-step instructions below to safely replace your top unit.

Before you begin, read the important information in How to replace spare parts on The Fairphone (Gen. 6).

What you need before you begin


Removing the back cover

  1. Power off the phone by long pressing the Power button. Depending on your settings, press the Power button and Volume Up button together to open the power menu.
  2. Place the phone on a flat surface with the screen facing down.
  3. Remove the two screws on the top left and top right of the lower back cover.
Outer screws are longer than inner screws. Keep your outer and inner screws separated so reassembly is easy.
  1. Slide the lower back cover off toward the bottom of the phone.

Four photographs showing how to remove screws and slide off the back cover

Removing the battery and upper back cover

  1. Keep the phone facing screen down on your flat surface.
  2. Use your Torx T5 screwdriver to remove the five screws around the battery.
  3. Keep all five screws safely inside your container.
  4. Slowly lift the connector cover on top, disconnect the board-to-board (BTB) connector, and lift out the battery.
  5. Unclip the plastic hooks locking the upper back cover in place. Use a plastic card or pick to unclip the plastic hooks to avoid damaging your back cover or fingers. Start from the bottom left and right, then work your way upward on both sides.
  6. Set the battery and upper back cover safely to the side.

Three photographs showing the removal of the hooks in the upper back cover

Removing the top unit

  1. Use your Torx T5 screwdriver to unscrew the six black screws holding the top unit in place.
  2. Keep all six screws safely inside your container.
  3. Lift out the top unit with a plastic card or pick, using the same technique you used for the upper back cover.

Four photographs showing how to remove the top unit

Installing your new top unit

  1. Slot your new top unit into place where the old top unit was located.
  2. Make sure the cables under the top unit rest correctly inside the railing.
  3. Use your Torx T5 screwdriver to re-attach the six black screws around the top unit.

Reassembling your Fairphone

  1. Snap the upper back cover into place. Always attach the upper back cover before inserting the battery. Inserting the battery first can bend the metal flaps on top.
  2. Place the battery back inside its compartment.
  3. Reconnect the battery BTB connector and close the connector cover over the connector.
  4. Re-screw the five short inner screws around the battery.
  5. Slide the lower back cover back onto the phone and re-screw the two long outer screws.
  6. Turn on your Fairphone and switch on the flashlight to test your new top unit.

Still need help?

First try our self-service portal and then reach out to our customer support team. You can also open a support request directly through the My Fairphone app pre-installed on your device.