Sony Xperia Z3 Compact rear camera repair guide

The rear-facing camera isn’t working.

In this guide, we show you how to replace your Xperia Z3 Compact’s defective rear camera on your own. You need this repair if the main camera isn’t working, your pictures are blurry, or the camera doesn’t focus.

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
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 Xperia Z3 Compact

Steps

12 Steps

Removing the back cover

Step 1

Detaching the NFC antenna

Step 2

Removing the chassis screws

Step 3

Removing the chassis

Step 4

Disconnecting the battery connection

Step 5

Removing the rear camera

Step 6

Installing the rear camera

Step 7

Connecting the battery

Step 8

Installing the chassis

Step 9

Fastening the chassis screws

Step 10

Connecting the NFC antenna

Step 11

Attaching the back cover

Step 12

Getting started with the repair of your Xperia Z3 Compact

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 Sony Xperia Z3 Compact’s back cover is glued firmly in place. To remove the back cover from the chassis, you have to heat it with a heat gun to soften the glue.

After heating the back cover, put on the suction cup and use it to lift the cover.A gap will appear between the frame and the cover. Use a pick to hold the gap open and expand it.
The back cover is painted on the inside. Remove any adhesive residue carefully to avoid scratches or cracks.

Use several picks to lift all the corners of the back cover.

Remove the back cover.
Detaching the NFC antenna
Use the pointed tip of the spudger to detach the NFC antenna from the chassis.
Removing the chassis screws
Unscrew the 5 Phillips screws from the chassis.
3 x 3.3 mm Phillips screws
2 x 3.7 mm Phillips screws
Removing the chassis
The chassis is hooked onto the enclosure. Insert the steel laboratory spatula between the chassis and the enclosure to disconnect them.

Using the steel spatula, repeat this process all around the enclosure.

Once the chassis is detached, remove it.
Disconnecting the battery connection
Disconnect your battery’s connection. Make sure you don’t rip any parts off the logic board.
Removing the rear camera
Carefully detach the metal bracket holding the camera in place.

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the bracket.

Disconnect the rear camera from the logic board.

Remove the rear-facing camera.

Installing the rear camera
Position the rear camera in the enclosure.

Connect the camera to the logic board.

Secure the camera with the metal bracket.
Connecting the battery
Connect the battery.
Installing the chassis
Position the chassis on the enclosure.

Press on the chassis all around the enclosure so the chassis clicks into place on the enclosure.
Fastening the chassis screws
Attach the chassis to the enclosure with the 5 Phillips screws.
3 x 3.3 mm Phillips screws
2 x 3.7 mm Phillips screws
Connecting the NFC antenna
Connect the NFC antenna to the chassis by its contact.
Attaching the back cover
Attach the back cover again. Firmly press it onto the edges so the adhesive surfaces will stick.

Heat the back cover to soften the glue to it will stick to the back cover better. You can also clamp the back cover in place and leave it a while so the glue can set.