OnePlus 5T fingerprint sensor repair guide

Fingerprint sensor replacement guide for the OnePlus 5T

In this guide, we'll show you how to replace the defective fingerprint sensor of your OnePlus 5T. If your OnePlus 5T no longer recognizes your fingerprint or you can' t register new fingerprints, this replacement is necessary.

The repair is relatively easy because the back cover and back shell are not glued together.

Required tools

Heat gun

Heat gun

You can use a heat gun to heat parts that are glued on so they’re easier to remove. In most cases, you can also use a hairdryer.
from €15.99 on Amazon
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
Tweezers

Tweezers

We recommend using tweezers to remove screws and various small parts from your device.
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
SIM Tool

SIM Tool

If you want to use a different SIM card or repair most parts of your Apple devices, you’ll have to remove the SIM card first. The SIM card tray only comes out if you insert a tool with a very fine point into the small hole next to the SIM card slot. This tool is designed especially for ejecting the SIM card from all iPhones and iPads, and fits perfectly into the appropriate opening.
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

Show all replacement parts for the OnePlus 5T

Steps

15 Steps

Switch off device

Step 1

Remove the back cover screws

Step 2

Remove SIM tray

Step 3

Remove the back cover

Step 4

Disconnect the fingerprint sensor

Step 5

Disconnect the battery

Step 6

Disconnect USB/audio flex

Step 7

Remove the fingerprint sensor

Step 8

Insert the fingerprint sensor

Step 9

Connect USB/audio flex

Step 10

Connect the battery

Step 11

Connect the fingerprint sensor

Step 12

Attach the back cover

Step 13

Insert the SIM tray

Step 14

Fasten the back cover screws

Step 15

Getting started with the repair of your OnePlus 5T

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

15 steps

Switch off device
Turn off your OnePlus 5T 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 5T touchscreen no longer works, you can also turn it off by pressing and holding the standby button for about 10-15 seconds.
Remove the back cover screws
2 × Torx T2

To open the OnePlus 5T, you need a Torx T2 screwdriver.
Remove both screws on the bottom edge of the case. They are located to the right and left of the USB port.
Place the screws on one field of the magnetic pad 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 5T 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 5T by placing it on a soft and clean surface.
Push down the frame of the back shell with the tip of a plectrum and push the plectrum into the resulting gap. It is best to take a hard plastic plectrum with a stopper. This cannot slip too far into the device and damage components inside.
A suction cup can help you lift the display. Attach it to the bottom of the display and pull lightly as you slide the pick between the display and frame.
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 two sensitive flex cables. Lift up the back cover and hold it to prevent damaging the cables.
Disconnect the fingerprint sensor
Fingerprint Connector

Turn the device over and lay it on the screen.
Now disconnect the connector of the fingerprint sensor with a plastic spudger.
Disconnect the battery
Battery Connector

Remove the cover over the battery connector with ESD tweezers.
Now disconnect the battery with a plastic spudger.
In general you should disconnect the battery as soon as possible to avoid short circuits.
Disconnect USB/audio flex
USB/audio flex Connector

Disconnect the connector of the USB/audio flex cable from the mainboard.
Now you can put the backcover aside.

Remove the fingerprint sensor
Now remove the slightly glued fingerprint sensor. You can also use hot air if the glue can't be easily removed.
Loosen the cable and the button bit by bit.
Insert the fingerprint sensor
Position the fingerprint sensor in its place and press it firmly.
Also reattach the cable to the back cover.
Connect USB/audio flex
Connector

Connect the USB/audio flex cable to the mainboard.
Connect the battery
Connector

Now reconnect the battery.
Reinsert the cover over the battery and USB/Audio Flex connectors.
Connect the fingerprint sensor
Connector

Position the plug with a pair of tweezers.
Press the plug tight with your fingers.
Attach the back cover
Now take the device in your hands and push the display unit back into the back cover.
Attach the upper edge first. The backcover has three clips there.
Clipping the device together takes some strength. It is best to grab the device with both hands and squeeze it together with your fingers.
Insert the SIM tray
Insert the SIM/SD cards and slide the tray back into the device.
Fasten the back cover screws
2 × Torx T2

Fasten the two screws to the left and right of the USB port.