Use this guide to replace a broken or defective LCD Screen & Digitizer in your Huawei Mate 20.
Note: This guide instructs you to replace only the screen while leaving the original frame and motherboard in place. However, some replacement screens for this phone come pre-installed in a new frame (a.k.a. chassis), which requires a very different procedure. Make sure you have the correct part before starting this guide.
Opening the Huawei Mate 20 will damage the waterproof sealing on the device. If you do not replace the adhesive seals, your phone will function normally but will lose its water-protection.
Before disassembling your phone, discharge the battery below 25%. The battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured, but the chances of that happening are much lower if discharged.
You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.
Secure a suction handle to the bottom of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible.
If the phone's rear glass is cracked, the suction handle may not stick. Try lifting it with strong tape, or superglue the suction handle in place and allow it to cure so you can proceed.
Lift the back cover with the suction handle to create a small gap between the cover and the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.
If you have trouble, apply more heat to further soften the adhesive. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner.
Insert a fifth opening pick at the top right corner of the phone.
Slide the opening pick along the right side to cut the remaining adhesive.
Try not to remove the rear glass all the way yet, the fingerprint cable is still connected to the motherboard and rips easily if not handled with care.
Slide an opening pick under the bottom end of the black protective foil that covers the battery. Use the opening pick to loosen the adhesive that attaches the foil to the loudspeaker.
Use an opening pick to carefully pry the flash assembly off the motherboard cover and fold it into the direction of the battery. Avoid damaging the flash assembly flex cable.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the fingerprint flex cable.
Before installing fresh adhesive and reassembling, remove any remaining adhesive from the phone, and clean the glued areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth.
During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
Secure the new back cover with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. After installing the rear glass, apply pressure for several minutes to help the adhesive form a good bond, such as by placing it under a stack of heavy books.
Carefully remove the motherboard assembly. Avoid damaging surrounding components such as the battery or the headphone jack flex cable during this process.
Once the screen is warm to the touch, apply a suction cup to the bottom edge of the phone.
Pull the suction cup upwards and insert an opening pick in the gap between the display glass and the midframe. Start to cut the adhesive by sliding the opening pick to the bottom right corner.
Insert a fourth opening pick at the top left corner.
When nearing the front facing camera, only work with the tip of the opening pick to avoid damaging or smearing the camera.
Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the phone to cut the adhesive. Leave the pick in the top right corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Insert a fifth opening pick and slide it along the right edge of the phone to cut the remaining adhesive.
Try not to remove the display all the way yet, the display cable is still threaded through the frame and possible adhered on the inner side of the midframe.
Thread the display flex cable through the gap in the midframe and remove the display.
Before installing a new display, remove all traces of the old adhesive from the frame, and clean the glued areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth.
The best way to secure the new screen is with a sheet of custom-cut double-sided tape. Apply the tape to the back of the screen, then carefully feed the display cable through the frame. Align the screen and press it into place.