Samsung Galaxy S8 Active Battery Replacement
By Erik Mauk • Difficulty: Moderate
Introduction

Use this guide to replace or remove the battery in your Samsung Galaxy S8 Active.

This guide involves removing the back cover of the device, so you will need replacement adhesive to reattach the back cover to the phone.

Before disassembling your device, be sure the battery is charged below 25%. If accidentally punctured or damaged, the battery can catch fire and/or explode; if discharged below 25%, the chances of fire/explosion is decreased.

Follow the iOpener Heating guide for instructions on using the iOpener.

Step 1
  • Insert and gently push the SIM card ejector tool (or an unfolded paperclip) into the small hole on the left side of the top edge of the phone.
  • Press gently to eject the SIM tray.
  • Remove the SIM card tray from the device.
  • To reinsert the SIM card tray, orient the SIM card with the gold contacts facing up and the notch to the bottom right. Reinsert the SIM card by pressing the card gently into the SIM tray slot.
Step 2
  • Removing the back cover of the S8 Active will compromise its waterproof seals. Have replacement adhesive on hand before you proceed, or be sure to avoid exposure to liquid if you do not replace the adhesive when you reassemble the device.
  • Remove four black 3mm screws from the outside edges of the device that hold the rubber bumpers in place using the TR6 Torx Security Screwdriver.
  • Take off the rubber bumpers from the top and bottom edges of the device.
Step 3
  • Use a heat gun to lightly heat the edges of the back to soften the adhesive that connects the back cover to the rest of the frame.
  • An iFixit iOpener, hair dryer, or hot plate can also be used to heat the edges.
  • Using a heat gun, hair dryer, or hot plate will make the metal frame rather hot to the touch, so handle it with care.
  • Be careful not to overheat the device –the OLED display, battery and other internal parts can be damaged by excessive heat. Approximately one minute should be enough to soften the adhesive.
Step 4
  • Insert the Jimmy tool under the edge of the back cover.
  • Because of the texture of the back cover, a suction handle does not provide any grip to help lift the back cover.
  • Once the Jimmy tool is under the edge of the cover, insert an opening pick into the seam to prevent the seam from closing if the Jimmy tool slips or is accidentally removed.
  • Cut slowly around the top section of the device and be careful to avoid damaging the cables for the fingerprint sensor and camera. Avoid prying too far into the top of the device to protect the fingerprint sensor.
  • Slide the Jimmy tool down the sides of the device, separating the adhesive.
Step 5
  • Use the opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.
  • If you have replacement adhesive strips, remove any remaining adhesive from the device frame using the Jimmy tool.
  • Open the back cover slightly to the point that you can see the fingerprint sensor flex cable connector.
  • The fingerprint sensor cable connects towards the top of the phone near the front-facing camera. To avoid tearing the cable, pull the back cover off gently.
Step 6
  • Slowly flip the cover over and set it down on top of the rest of the device.
  • Disconnect the fingerprint flex cable using the flat end of a spudger.
  • Remove the back cover.
  • To reconnect the fingerprint sensor cable during reassembly, angle the back cover until the flex cable lines up over its socket. Use the flat end of a spudger to snap the cable in place by gently pressing straight down.
Step 7
  • Remove eleven 3.5 mm screws using a Phillips #00 Screwdriver.
  • Remove two 2mm screws using a Phillips #00 Screwdriver.
Step 8
  • Remove the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly using the flat end of a spudger.
Step 9
  • Remove the loudspeaker assembly using the flat end of a spudger.
Step 10
  • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the battery flex cable.
Step 11
  • Place the heated iOpener across the top of the battery for approximately three minutes to soften the adhesive holding the battery to the device.
  • If you have multiple iOpeners, it is recommended to also put one on the screen side of the battery.
  • Alternatively, apply 1-2 drops of high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol under each corner of the battery and allow it to penetrate for several minutes to help weaken the adhesive.
  • Using too much alcohol can damage the display.
  • A hair dryer or heat gun can also be used to soften the adhesive but be careful to not overheat the battery. Also, the hair dryer/heat gun will make the metal frame rather hot to the touch, so handle it with care.
Step 12
  • Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry up on the bottom of the battery with firm, steady pressure until the adhesive separates.
  • The adhesive that holds down the battery is industrial grade and is VERY difficult to separate.
  • If you used isopropyl alcohol, wait ten minutes before installing the new battery to allow the alcohol to completely evaporate.
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.