Google Nexus 5 USB connector repair guide

If your Nexus 5 won’t charge.

In this guide, we show you how to replace your Google Nexus 5’s defective dock connector. You need this repair if your computer doesn’t recognize your Nexus 5, or you can’t charge your phone.

Required tools

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

Google Nexus 5 USB Connector

Google Nexus 5 USB Connector

from €10.99 on Amazon

Show all replacement parts for the Google Nexus 5

Steps

12 Steps

Removing the back cover

Step 1

Removing the speaker

Step 2

Removing the plastic cover

Step 3

Disconnecting the connectors

Step 4

Removing the logic board

Step 5

Removing the USB connector

Step 6

Installing the USB connector

Step 7

Installing the logic board

Step 8

Connecting the connectors

Step 9

Attaching the plastic cover

Step 10

Installing the speaker

Step 11

Attaching the back cover

Step 12

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.

12 steps

Removing the back cover
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.

Then you can take off the back cover.
Removing the speaker
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.

Remove the 4 Phillips screws that hold the speaker in place (see figure 1).
4 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws

Use the spudger to lift the speaker. Insert it next to the USB connector input (see figure 2) and remove the speaker.
Removing the plastic cover
Remove the 6 Phillips screws that hold the plastic cover in place (see figure 1).
6 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws

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.
Disconnecting the connectors
LCD

USB port

Battery

Front camera

Rear camera

4 × Antenna

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.

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).

Now also disconnect the little antenna connectors from the logic board (see figures 7 and 8).
Removing the logic board
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).
Removing the USB connector
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.

Now carefully remove it by hand.

Installing the USB connector
Now put the USB connector cable set back in the appropriate position.

Press the cable set firmly into the plastic frame.

Then press the antenna cable into the cable guides next to the battery.
Installing the logic board
Carefully put the logic board back in, making sure it’s in the right position.

Make sure the antenna connectors don’t get under the logic board.
Connecting the connectors
LCD

USB port

Battery

Front camera

Rear camera

4 × Antenna

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.
Now connect the antenna connectors, if required.
Attaching the plastic cover
Put the black plastic cover on the logic board and gently press it on.

Fasten the 6 Phillips screws that hold the cover in place again.
6 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws
Installing the speaker
Put the speaker back in the appropriate position and make sure it’s embedded properly (see figure 1).

Fasten the 4 Phillips screws that hold the speaker in place again (see figure 2).
4 x 4.0 mm Phillips screws
Attaching the back cover
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.