Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Vibration Motor Repair
Complete guide to Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 vibration motor repair. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Vibration Motor Repair is one of the most common repairs for Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. This repair involves replacing the damaged haptic component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30 min - 1 hour and requires easy skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
What You'll Need
- Replacement haptic part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Remove the watch band
Take your watch off the charger and power it down.
Remove the watch band.
Step 2: Unfasten the back cover
Use a Tri-point Y00 screwdriver to remove the four 4.1 mm-long screws securing the back cover.
Step 3: Pry the back cover
Insert an opening tool into the seam between the back cover and the metal housing.
Twist the opening tool to loosen the gasket and create a gap.
Don't try to remove the back cover all the way yet. The sensor flex cable is still connected to the motherboard.
Step 4: Disconnect the sensor flex cable
Lay the watch screen-side down.
Carefully swing open the back cover at the gap you just created.
Use a spudger to disconnect the sensor flex cable from the motherboard by prying the [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s70308|new_window=true|press connector] straight up from its socket.
During reassembly, this is a good point to turn on your device and test your repair before resealing it.
Step 5: Remove the back cover
Remove the back cover.
During reassembly:
Make sure the rubber gasket (marked in red) is undamaged. If damaged, replace it with a new one to maintain water resistance.
Step 6: Disconnect the display flex cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the display flex cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 7: Disconnect the button flex cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the button flex cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 8: Unfasten the motherboard
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the single 4.4 mm–long screw securing the motherboard.
Step 9: Remove the motherboard
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] or your fingers to lift the motherboard out from the watch, clearing the two flex cables.
Step 10: Pry up the battery
Place a spudger into the small gap between the plastic frame and the battery, opposite the display cable.
Carefully pry the battery up and out of its recess.
The battery is adhered to the core with mild adhesive. If it feels stuck, lightly heat it with an [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iOpener+Heating/25705|iOpener|new_window=true] or hair dryer to soften the adhesive underneath.
Don't try to fully remove the battery just yet, as its connector is still adhered to the core assembly.
Step 11: Release the battery connector
Lift the battery up enough to access its glued-down connector cable.
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to peel the battery connector from the frame.
You'll most likely be able to reuse the existing adhesive to secure the new battery. If it's not sticky enough, use [guide|113604|double sided or pre-cut adhesive tape|new_window=true].
Step 12: Remove the battery
Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to remove the battery.
Don't accidentally poke or slice the battery with any sharp tools. A punctured battery may leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.
Never reuse a deformed or damaged battery—it's a fire hazard. Replace it with a new battery.
To install a new battery:
Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the old adhesive from the frame.
Use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining adhesive residue.
If your replacement battery isn‘t already equipped with adhesive, apply thin, double-sided tape such as [link|https://www.ifixit.com/products/tesa-61395-tape|new_window=true|Tesa Tape] directly to the battery recess where the old adhesive was.
Lay the replacement battery in its recess and press down firmly to secure it.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $24-$66)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($40-$110)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 34 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 generates 36 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 2 kg of CO₂. That's a 94% reduction in carbon emissions!
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