Samsung Galaxy S6 vibration motor repair guide

The vibration motor isn’t working.

In this repair guide, we show you how to replace your Samsung Galaxy S6’s defective vibration motor on your own. You need this repair if your phone doesn’t vibrate or only barely vibrates.

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
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
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

Show all replacement parts for the Galaxy S6

Steps

12 Steps

Removing the back cover

Step 1

Inserting the pick

Step 2

Removing the midframe

Step 3

Removing the front camera

Step 4

Removing the logic board

Step 5

Disconnecting the dock connector cable

Step 6

Removing the vibration motor

Step 7

Installing the vibration motor

Step 8

Installing the logic board

Step 9

Installing the front camera

Step 10

Connecting the frame components

Step 11

Attaching the back cover

Step 12

Getting started with the repair of your Galaxy S6

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

12 steps

Removing the back cover
The back of the Samsung Galaxy S6’s enclosure is glued firmly in place. To detach it, you have to constantly heat it with a heat gun so the glue will soften. Then you have to insert a plastic pick into the gap between the frame and the glass to detach the adhesive.

The gap between the aluminum frame and the glass is very small. We recommend that you use a very flat, sturdy object to get between them.

Carefully lift the back cover while using a suction cup.

As soon as a little gap opens up, use the plastic pick to avoid damaging the aluminum.
Inserting the pick
You should only insert the pick a few millimeters between the back cover and the frame to prevent damage inside the enclosure.

The back cover is glued to the entire outer edge of the Galaxy S6. Move the pick once around the entire phone.
The back cover is painted on the inside. Remove any adhesive residue carefully to avoid scratches or cracks.

Once you’ve detached all the glue, you can carefully lift the back cover.
Removing the midframe
Remove the 13 Phillips screws that hold the plastic cover in place.
13 x 3.3 mm Phillips screws

Take out the SIM card tray.

Now lift the charging pad for wireless charging. It’s lightly glued to the midframe.

In order to remove the midframe, you have to carefully push down the battery and the rest of the smartphone. Use your other hand to push up the frame. If it doesn’t move, carefully insert a pick between the display and the frame, and press it upward.
Removing the front camera
Place the pointed tip of the spudger very slightly below the contact and lift it up. Make sure you don’t break off the resistors that are soldered onto the logic board.

Now you can disconnect the front camera connector. Be very careful.
Removing the logic board
Disconnect the following contacts. Place the flat end of the spudger very slightly below the contacts and lift them up.
Battery
Display
Earpiece
Home button
Two antenna connectors

Now you can lift the logic board at the level of the back camera and fold it to one side.
The back of the logic board is still connected to the dock connector.

There's a small plastic pin in the opening of the SIM tray. Make sure it doesn't fall out.
Disconnecting the dock connector cable
Once the logic board is folded over, you can use the spudger to disconnect the connection.

Removing the vibration motor
Now remove the vibration motor. Insert a sharp object below the vibration motor, which is lightly glued in place, and lift it carefully. The copper contact point is also lightly glued on.

Make sure it doesn’t tear. If you still can’t detach the vibration motor, you can use a heat gun to warm it slightly and soften the glue.

Remove the vibration motor.
Installing the vibration motor
Now put the vibration motor back in the appropriate position. The old glue is usually enough to hold it. Press it on firmly.

If the vibration motor is too loose, use new glue. If the motor isn’t attached securely enough, your phone’s vibration will be weaker.
Installing the logic board
Now connect the dock connector to the logic board again.

Fold it over and put it in the frame.

Make sure the cables don’t get under the logic board. Use the picture to check whether your logic board is positioned correctly.

Now reconnect all the connectors:
Battery
Display
Earpiece
Home button
Antenna connectors
Installing the front camera
Now put the front camera in the original location.

Then connect the connector to the logic board.
Connecting the frame components
Attach the outer frame to the main component again. Start at the dock connector and firmly press the two frame components together.

Then screw them together.
13 x 3.3 mm Phillips screws
Attaching the back cover
As a last step, you have to attach the back cover again.

The old glue is usually still sticky enough.

Put the back cover back on, heat it slightly and then use a little force to press it onto the smartphone for a while.