OnePlus 5 back cover repair guide

Guide to replace the back cover for the OnePlus 5

With this guide we show you how to replace the back cover of your OnePlus 5. Each step has detailed photos to guide you through this repair. We advice you to check your spare part before installation. If you find any visible errors, please contact your vendor before starting.

The OnePlus 5 is fairly easy to fix, because the screen isn't glued to the frame and there aren't many different screw types. Unclipping the display is a little tricky, though.

Run a data backup before the repair, use a clean work surface and take enough time. If you have questions, use the live chat on our website or write a comment.

Required tools

iPlastix Opening Tool

iPlastix Opening Tool

Do you want to open your smartphone or lever out large parts like the battery? Then the iPlastix with its large blade will help you. The practical assistant is made of flexible, especially sturdy plastic and lies comfortably in the hand. Thanks to its design, you can even get into smaller gaps, for example to lift the screen or to prevent it from sticking together again.
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
Plastic prying tool

Plastic prying tool

You need a flat plastic prying tool to disconnect the various plugs and connectors.
from €14.99 on Amazon
Steel Laboratory Spatula

Steel Laboratory Spatula

You need a flat and sturdy prying tool to disconnect glued parts.
on Amazon
Phillips PH00 screwdriver

Phillips PH00 screwdriver

You need the right screwdriver for removing PH00 screws.
from €10.84 on Amazon
Wiha PicoFinish Torx Screwdriver T1

Wiha PicoFinish Torx Screwdriver T1

from €10.23 on Amazon

Required replacement part

OnePlus 5 back cover

OnePlus 5 back cover

on Amazon

Show all replacement parts for the OnePlus 5

Steps

11 Steps

Switch off device

Step 1

Removing the enclosure screws

Step 2

Remove SIM tray

Step 3

Remove the back cover

Step 4

Remove the USB / audio flex cable

Step 5

Prepare the new back cover

Step 6

Install the USB / audio flex cable

Step 7

Attach the back cover

Step 8

Insert the SIM tray

Step 9

Fasten the back cover screws

Step 10

Test the device

Step 11

Getting started with the repair of your OnePlus 5

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

11 steps

Switch off device
Turn off your OnePlus 5 completely to protect it from damage.
Press and hold the standby button until the "Switch off" option appears.
Tap again to confirm.
If your OnePlus 5 touchscreen no longer works, you can also turn it off by pressing and holding the standby button for about 10-15 seconds.
Removing the enclosure screws
2 × 2.5 mm Torx T1

To open the OnePlus 5, you need a Torx T1 screwdriver. You can also work with a pentalobe screwdriver, although it doesn't fit right.
Remove both screws on the bottom edge of the case. They are located to the right and left of the USB port and the audio jack.
Place the screws on a common field of the magnetic mat or sorting box.
Remove SIM tray
Remove the SIM card holder with a SIM tool or paper clip. Push the tool into the small hole on the SIM tray and pull it out.
Remove the back cover
The OnePlus 5 consists of a back cover and a display unit. All the electronics and the screen are installed in the display unit. The back cover is designed as a case.
Avoid scratches on the OnePlus 5 by placing it on a soft and clean surface.
To lift off the back cover you need a suction cup, a flat opening tool (like the iPlastix) and a pick. If the screen is badly cracked, cover it with a strip of packing tape so that the suction cup can stick.
Attach the suction cup over the home button. Pull on the suction cup and then slide in the iPlastix or a plastic pick between the display and the rear panel.
A small gap should appear. Here you can insert the pick. It is best to use a hard plastic pick with stopper, so that won't slip too far into the device.
Now slide the pick around the whole frame. You can twist the pick a little to lever off the display. The device is not glued, but clipped. Use the plectrum to release the clips one by one. When all clips are released, you can lift off the back cover. The clips at the upper edge come off last.
The back shell is still connected with a sensitive flex cable. Lift up the back cover and hold it to prevent damaging the cable.
Remove the USB / audio flex cable
4 × 2.3 mm Phillips

Remove the highlighted screws.
Then you can gently pry out the flex cable with a flat tool, e.g. the steel spatula.
If the cable is bonded firmly, you can heat the adhesive with hot air.

Prepare the new back cover
Compare your new back cover with the old one. If necessary, further small parts have to be transferred.
Install the USB / audio flex cable
4 × 2.3 mm Phillips

Place the new flex cable in the correct position and gently press it into place. Make sure that the jacks snap into the proper recesses.
Then reinsert the marked screws.
Attach the back cover
Put the back cover on the display unit. Attach the upper edge first. The backcover has three clips here.
Clipping the device together takes some strength. It is best to grab the device with both hands and squeeze the edges together with your fingers.
Press the device together with your fingers, not on the table, to avoid damaging the display.
Insert the SIM tray
Insert any SIM/SD cards and slide the tray back into the device.
Fasten the back cover screws
2 × 2.5 mm Torx T1

Fasten the two screws to the left and right of the USB port.
Test the device
Check the minimum and maximum brightness of the display and check for pixel errors.

Drag any app across the screen in a zig-zag pattern. If it doesn't jump, the touch function is OK.
Also test other functions, such as the cameras, the speaker and the earpiece, using a recording app for example.