How to Remove a Samsung Galaxy Back Cover

Samsung Galaxy repair typically involves removing the rear glass, or back cover. Here’s how to open a Samsung Galaxy back cover.

Samsung Galaxy models with snap-on covers

Most older Samsung Galaxy phones have snap-on back covers that are easy to remove. These include Galaxy S models S1 through S5, Galaxy J models J1 through J3 and Galaxy Note models Note 1 through Note 4. To remove the back cover, simply locate the notch on the side of your Galaxy phone. Then, use your fingernail or a guitar pick to pry it up and away from your phone until it’s completely removed.

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Samsung Galaxy models with glue-on covers

Newer Samsung Galaxy phones have rear covers that are fixed in place with adhesive. These include Galaxy S models S6 through S10, Galaxy Note models Note 5 through Note 10 and Galaxy A models A3, A5 and A9 as well as some Galaxy J models. Their back covers can still be removed, but the process is a bit more involved:

• Use a hair dryer to heat the back cover and soften the underlying adhesive. Be sure to heat the edges, not the middle of the device
• Place a suction cup on the rear glass, then lift while you pry the side seam with a guitar pick
• Slide a pick around the seam to separate the back cover from the frame until it can be completely removed

You can get step-by-step instructions for removing your Samsung Galaxy back cover on sites like iFixit and YouTube (if you can’t find specific rear cover removal instructions, search for Samsung Galaxy teardowns or battery replacement guides). If you’re not comfortable removing the back cover yourself – which would suggest you might not be comfortable completing repairs – you can take your phone to a local repair shop or have it repaired by an online mail-in repair service.

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NOTE: You might be able to get your phone fixed for free or at a reduced price if your Samsung Galaxy is still under warranty or you purchased insurance coverage. DIY phone repair can void your warranty. It can also cause additional damage that costs more to fix than the original repair. If you intend to remove your Samsung Galaxy battery, be sure to drain it below 25% to prevent Li-Ion battery fires and explosions.

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