Replace Fairphone 3 screen (not the display module)

Follow steps 1-9 from Fairphone 3 Display Module Replacement

You now have the 'display module' which in fact consists of the screen module proper and a kind of plastic 'cover', also containing a loudspeaker. Separating the screen from the plastic 'cover' thingy is the job to be done and as they are firmly glued together it can not be done without breaking the old screen.

At the back of the display module you'll see a small metal rectangle. This is a protective cap which can, without much force, be removed by pulling (or pushing) it straight upwards with any small tool. Note that the cap is held in place with tiny claws on 3 sides.

Under the metal cap you'll recognise the connector as attached to the screen module you bought. (You may want to take a picture here.) To disconnect, pull it straight up (and of course be careful to avoid touching contacts).

Turn the module over; around the glass you'll see a thin plastic frame. Insert a plectrum or prying tool. As the top and the bottom are very firmly glued, you'd best start in the middle of the side opposite the connector you loosened in the previous step. You have to use some force here and you'll probably see your screen splintering further.

As soon as you have an opening, insert a credit card to keep it open. Work your way around; avoid inserting tools to try wrench it open. Break the screen where necessary but be careful to not damage or deform the plastic cover since that is the part you are going to re-use. Pull the connector through the slit.

Cleaning up. Gently use a precision screwdrive to remove all glass parts, then scrape of all rubbery black glue. WARNING: do not touch the circle of metal contacts around the loudspeaker top-middle; they are lying a bit lower than the surrounding plastic. The sides contain rubbery glue as well.

Apply a thin layer of glue on top and bottom and on the sides where the glass will go. Evidently 'thin' is the operative word here - you don't want glue sprouting out when you're fitting in the screen. I used a prying tool for the sides; top and bottom are less critical but you should of course stay well clear of the loudspeaker.

Fit in the new screen, taking care the connector goes through the slit. Gently push where glue was applied.

Turn the module over and connect the ribbon connector. A photograph of the right position may help here. If the connector is held in the right place, only small pressure down is required.

Refit the protective metal around the connector. You now have a 'display module' in the sense described in the other manual, so just work your way back through the steps to get your phone fully reassembled.