The screen is broken or remains black

In this repair guide, we show you how to replace your Google Nexus 5’s defective display unit. You need this repair if the glass is cracked, the touchscreen no longer responds to touch, or the LCD remains black or flickers.

Required tools

  • For storing screws

    For storing screws

    We recommend storing your screws so you don’t mix up the various screws and small parts.

    from €10.99 on Amazon
  • Menda ESD Spudger

    Menda ESD Spudger

    You need a flat plastic prying tool to disconnect the various plugs and connectors.

    from €26.38 on Amazon
  • Pick Set

    Pick Set

    You need a flat but stable tool such as a pick to pry out parts that are glued in place.

    from €14.99 on Amazon
  • Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    Phillips PH00 screwdriver

    You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.

    from €10.84 on Amazon

Required replacement part

Show all replacement parts for the Google Nexus 5 

Getting started with the repair of your Google Nexus 5

If you get stuck or have questions, you can post a comment. We’d be happy to help.

24 steps
  1. Removing the back cover

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the back cover 01
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the back cover 02
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the back cover 03
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the back cover 04
    1. Insert the hard plastic pick into the gap next to the volume button. You have to disconnect the 18 retaining clips on the outside under the back cover. Move the pick once around the entire smartphone. Work your way from the volume button past the headphone output to the SIM card tray. The back cover is easier to detach at that point. You have to use a little more force at some spots.
    2. Then you can take off the back cover.
  2. Removing the speaker

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the speaker 01
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the speaker 02
    1. If your Google Nexus 5 is still on, turn it off now by holding down the standby button for about two seconds and following the prompt on the display.
    2. Remove the 4 Phillips screws that hold the speaker in place (see figure 1).
      4 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws
    3. Use the spudger to lift the speaker. Insert it next to the USB connector input (see figure 2) and remove the speaker.
  3. Removing the plastic cover

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the plastic cover 01
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the plastic cover 02
    1. Remove the 6 Phillips screws that hold the plastic cover in place (see figure 1).
      6 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws
    2. Now lift the cover off the logic board by inserting the spudger into the gap next to the headphone output (see figure 2). If necessary, use other leverage points.
  4. Removing the SIM card tray

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the SIM card tray 01
    1. You can use the SIM Tool or a paperclip to remove the SIM card tray. Press the SIM Tool into the small hole in the SIM card tray to remove it.
  5. Removing the headphone output

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the headphone output 01
    1. The headphone output is just slightly clamped in the plastic frame. Insert the pointed tip of the spudger into the output and carefully lift it out.
  6. Removing the earpiece

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the earpiece 01
    1. The earpiece is also only slightly stuck in the plastic frame. Use the pointed tip of the spudger and carefully lift the earpiece on the side.
  7. Disconnecting the connectors

    • LCD
    • USB port
    • Battery
    • Front camera
    • Rear camera
    • 4 × Antenna
    1. Now you can disconnect the highlighted connectors. Be very careful (see figure 1).
      Make sure you don’t break off the resistors that are soldered onto the logic board.
    2. Place the flat end of the spudger very slightly below the connectors and pry them offf. The pictures show where you should put the spudger to avoid breaking off the little resistors even if it slips (see figures 2 to 6).
    3. Now also disconnect the little antenna connectors from the logic board (see figures 7 and 8).
  8. Removing the logic board

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the logic board 01
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the logic board 02
    1. Now you can carefully lift the logic board using the spudger (see figure 1). Insert the flat end of the spudger below the GPS antenna’s contacts, carefully lift it and then remove it by hand (see figure 2).
  9. Removing the main camera

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the main camera 01
    1. Remove the rear camera. Insert the flat end of the spudger below the camera, which is glued in place.
    2. Now lift it out.
  10. Removing the front camera

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the front camera 01
    1. Use the tweezers or your fingers to lift the camera at the connector. It’s still connected to the plastic frame from above by an adhesive strip. The end of the adhesive strip is hidden below a piece of rubber coating, but this rubber coating is easy to lift.
    2. Now remove the front camera.
  11. Removing the USB connector

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the USB connector 01
    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the USB connector 02
    1. Insert the spudger below the USB connector cable and carefully detach it from the base (see figures 1 and 2). It’s lightly glued in place.
    2. Now carefully remove it by hand.
  12. Removing the battery

    Google Nexus 5 - Removing the battery 01
    1. Remove the battery. Place the flat end of the spudger below the battery and detach it from the plastic frame. The battery is lightly glued in place. Carefully work your way to the end.
    2. Now remove the battery.
  13. The right tools for your repair

    With the right tools, you will succeed in any repair. In our store you will find a large selection of professional quality tools.
    VIEW NOW
  14. Preparing the new display

    Google Nexus 5 - Preparing the new display 01
    1. Transfer the rubber coating on the front camera and any other parts necessary.
    2. Peel the protective film off the adhesive strips on the new display.
  15. Installing the battery

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the battery 01
    1. Put in the battery and press it gently onto the adhesive strips.
  16. Installing the USB connector

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the USB connector 01
    1. Now put the USB connector cable set back in the appropriate position.
    2. Press the cable set firmly into the plastic frame.
    3. Then press the antenna cable into the cable guides next to the battery.
  17. Installing the front camera

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the front camera 01
    1. Now put the front camera in the original location.
    2. Secure the adhesive strip on it below the rubber coating again.
  18. Installing the main camera

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the main camera 01
    1. Now put the main camera in the appropriate position.
  19. Installing the logic board

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the logic board 01
    1. Carefully put the logic board back in, making sure it’s in the right position.
    2. Make sure the antenna connectors don’t get under the logic board.
  20. Connecting the connectors

    Google Nexus 5 - Connecting the connectors 01
    • LCD
    • USB port
    • Battery
    • Front camera
    • Rear camera
    • 4 × Antenna
    1. Now plug the the disconnected contacts to their sockets. Use your finger to carefully press them into place. Only use as much pressure as you need for the contacts to gently click into place.
    2. Now connect the antenna connectors, if required.
  21. Installing the earpiece

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the earpiece 01
    1. Now put the earpiece back in the appropriate position. The adhesive strip should still be sticky enough.
  22. Installing the headphone output

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the headphone output 01
    1. Now put the new headphone output in the appropriate position. Carefully press on the part between the earpiece and the logic board. This step is a bit tricky.
  23. Attaching the plastic cover

    Google Nexus 5 - Attaching the plastic cover 01
    1. Put the black plastic cover on the logic board and gently press it on.
    2. Fasten the 6 Phillips screws that hold the cover in place again.
      6 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws
  24. Installing the speaker

    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the speaker 01
    Google Nexus 5 - Installing the speaker 02
    1. Put the speaker back in the appropriate position and make sure it’s embedded properly (see figure 1).
    2. Fasten the 4 Phillips screws that hold the speaker in place again (see figure 2).
      4 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws
  25. Attaching the back cover

    Google Nexus 5 - Attaching the back cover 01
    1. It’s very easy to put the back cover back on. Put it on in the correct position and press it on all the way around until it’s completely clicked into place.
Ø 5 (101 Ratings)

Bewerte unsere Anleitung

Hat dir unsere Anleitung weitergeholfen? Wir sind auf deine Beurteilung gespannt.

Submit rating

Submit rating

How did you like this repair guide?

Exceptional

Similar guides

You might also be interested in these guides.

You might be interested in

Get in touch with iDoc

Please contact our customer service for any questions about iDoc's products and services.

  • Send a message

    If you have a question about a guide or want to give us general feedback, just use our contact form

    Write a message
  • Free shipping

    From a minimum order value of 79.00 € your order will be shipped free of charge within Germany.

  • Call iDoc

    If you have any questions about our guides or services, call us from Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

    +49 30 200 514 455
  • 5 star service

    We offer top quality and service. Our customers confirm this as well.

    Show reviews

Profi-Insights & Tipps für deine erfolgreiche Handy-Reparatur

iDoc schenkt dir den ultimativen Reparatur-Guide GUIDE GRATIS ANFORDERN

Profi-Insights & Tipps für deine erfolgreiche Handy-Reparatur

iDoc schenkt dir den ultimativen Reparatur-Guide GUIDE GRATIS ANFORDERN