Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Rear Camera Replacement Repair Guide

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

                          1 - 2 hours

Sections

Opening Procedure
20 steps
Antenna Support
2 steps
Heat Sink
8 steps
Upper EMI Shield
1 step
Rear Camera
3 steps

Flags

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Introduction

There is a significant chance that you may break the unreinforced and fragile display panel during this procedure. Be sure to apply adequate heat and be extremely careful while slicing through the adhesive. Wear safety glasses in case the glass shatters.

Applying new thermal paste during reassembly may improve the performance of your Surface. If you wish to do that, make sure you have new thermal paste and either high-concentration isopropyl alcohol or a specialized thermal paste cleaner.

What you need

Step 1

              Tape the screen

If your screen glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.
Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the Surface’s screen until the whole face is covered.
This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the screen.
Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful not to damage the LCD display.

If your screen glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.

Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the Surface’s screen until the whole face is covered.

This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the screen.

Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful not to damage the LCD display.

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Step 2

              Heat the right edge of the screen

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.
You may need to reheat and reapply the iOpener several times to get the tablet warm enough. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.
You may also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to heat the Surface.
Be careful not to overheat the Surface—the screen and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.
Don’t use a hot plate if the screen has been taped.

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.

You may need to reheat and reapply the iOpener several times to get the tablet warm enough. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.

You may also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to heat the Surface.

Be careful not to overheat the Surface—the screen and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.

Don’t use a hot plate if the screen has been taped.

Step 3

              Take note of the adhesive layout

Take note of the screen adhesive layout before continuing:
These areas only contain adhesive and are safe to cut.
The display board and flex cables sit here close to the edge. Cut carefully and don’t insert the pick more than 1/8 inch (3 mm).
Fragile antenna cables lie under this part of the screen. Carefully follow the procedure in step 13 to avoid damaging them. The adhesive is also the thickest here.

Take note of the screen adhesive layout before continuing:

These areas only contain adhesive and are safe to cut.

The display board and flex cables sit here close to the edge. Cut carefully and don’t insert the pick more than 1/8 inch (3 mm).

Fragile antenna cables lie under this part of the screen. Carefully follow the procedure in step 13 to avoid damaging them. The adhesive is also the thickest here.

Step 4

              Insert an opening pick into the speaker opening

Insert an opening pick into the top-right speaker cutout on the screen and slide the pick between the glass and speaker grille.
Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 0.45 in (12 mm). Inserting the pick too far may damage the LCD.

Insert an opening pick into the top-right speaker cutout on the screen and slide the pick between the glass and speaker grille.

Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 0.45 in (12 mm). Inserting the pick too far may damage the LCD.

Step 5

Rotate the pick toward the bottom of the Surface to slide it underneath the lower edge of the speaker cutout.

Rotate the pick toward the bottom of the Surface to slide it underneath the lower edge of the speaker cutout.

Step 6

              Cut through the screen adhesive

Slide the pick down the right edge of the Surface to slice through the adhesive under the screen.
Throughout the rest of the procedure, if you encounter significant resistance while sliding the pick, stop and reheat the section you’re working on. Applying too much pressure with the pick can crack the glass.
Leave this opening pick in the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Slide the pick down the right edge of the Surface to slice through the adhesive under the screen.

Throughout the rest of the procedure, if you encounter significant resistance while sliding the pick, stop and reheat the section you’re working on. Applying too much pressure with the pick can crack the glass.

Leave this opening pick in the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 7

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.
You may also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to heat the Surface.
Be careful not to overheat the Surface—the screen and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.
Don’t use a hot plate if the screen has been taped.

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.

Step 8

Insert a new opening pick into the bottom-right corner and slide it around the corner toward the bottom edge.
Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 0.25 in (6 mm) around the bottom-right corner. Inserting the pick too far may damage the LCD.
Slide the pick along the bottom edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.
Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 0.45 in (12 mm) along the bottom edge.
Leave this pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert a new opening pick into the bottom-right corner and slide it around the corner toward the bottom edge.

Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 0.25 in (6 mm) around the bottom-right corner. Inserting the pick too far may damage the LCD.

Slide the pick along the bottom edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 0.45 in (12 mm) along the bottom edge.

Leave this pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 9

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.
You may need to reheat and reapply the iOpener several times to get the tablet warm enough. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.
You may also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to heat the Surface.
Be careful not to overheat the Surface—the screen and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.
Don’t use a hot plate if the screen has been taped.

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.

Step 10

Insert a new opening pick into the bottom left corner and slide it around the corner toward the left edge.
Be careful cutting under the lower 2.5 inches (65 mm) of the left edge. Don’t insert the opening pick more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) here. The display cables sit near this part of the bezel and are easily damaged.
Once past the display cable area, you can insert the pick to 0.45 in (12 mm) again.
Slide the pick along the left edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.
Leave this pick in the left edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert a new opening pick into the bottom left corner and slide it around the corner toward the left edge.

Be careful cutting under the lower 2.5 inches (65 mm) of the left edge. Don’t insert the opening pick more than 1/8 inch (3 mm) here. The display cables sit near this part of the bezel and are easily damaged.

Once past the display cable area, you can insert the pick to 0.45 in (12 mm) again.

Slide the pick along the left edge of the Surface to cut through the screen adhesive.

Leave this pick in the left edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 11

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.
The adhesive is thickest along this edge, and you may need to reheat and reapply the iOpener several times to get the tablet warm enough. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.
You may also use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to heat the Surface.
Be careful not to overheat the Surface—the screen and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.
Don’t use a hot plate if the screen has been taped.

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the Surface’s screen for two minutes.

The adhesive is thickest along this edge, and you may need to reheat and reapply the iOpener several times to get the tablet warm enough. Follow the iOpener instructions to avoid overheating.

Step 12

Round the left corner with the opening pick and slide it along the top edge of the Surface. Stop when the pick is 2.75 inches (70 mm) away from the left edge.
The next 6 inches (15 cm) of the top edge of the case is covered by the left and right antennas, which sit between the case and the screen bezel. Follow the next steps carefully to avoid damaging the antennas.

Round the left corner with the opening pick and slide it along the top edge of the Surface. Stop when the pick is 2.75 inches (70 mm) away from the left edge.

The next 6 inches (15 cm) of the top edge of the case is covered by the left and right antennas, which sit between the case and the screen bezel. Follow the next steps carefully to avoid damaging the antennas.

Step 13

Fragile antenna cables lie under the top edge of the screen. Carefully follow the procedure to avoid damaging them.
Insert the point of a pick under the screen where you just stopped cutting. Don’t insert the pick deeper than the edge of the bezel.
Carefully roll the pick to the right, pressing the long edge of the pick into the screen adhesive underneath the bezel, cutting the adhesive as you go. Don’t slide the pick along the edge of the Surface.
Repeat this motion of inserting the point of the pick where you just cut, and rolling to the right all along the top edge of the Surface, until the pick is 2.5 inches (64 mm) from the right edge of the Surface.

Fragile antenna cables lie under the top edge of the screen. Carefully follow the procedure to avoid damaging them.

Insert the point of a pick under the screen where you just stopped cutting. Don’t insert the pick deeper than the edge of the bezel.

Carefully roll the pick to the right, pressing the long edge of the pick into the screen adhesive underneath the bezel, cutting the adhesive as you go. Don’t slide the pick along the edge of the Surface.

Repeat this motion of inserting the point of the pick where you just cut, and rolling to the right all along the top edge of the Surface, until the pick is 2.5 inches (64 mm) from the right edge of the Surface.

Step 14

Once you cut the adhesive over the antennas (8.5 inches, or 22 cm, from the left edge), slide the pick the rest of the way along the top edge of the surface and round the top right corner to slice through any remaining adhesive.

Once you cut the adhesive over the antennas (8.5 inches, or 22 cm, from the left edge), slide the pick the rest of the way along the top edge of the surface and round the top right corner to slice through any remaining adhesive.

Step 15

              Open the Surface

Very slowly lift the screen assembly away from the Surface case. If you encounter any resistance, stop and check that all the adhesive is separated.
Don’t remove the screen yet. It is still connected to the motherboard by two cables.
Use an opening pick to cut through any remaining adhesive.

Very slowly lift the screen assembly away from the Surface case. If you encounter any resistance, stop and check that all the adhesive is separated.

Don’t remove the screen yet. It is still connected to the motherboard by two cables.

Use an opening pick to cut through any remaining adhesive.

Step 16

Lift the top of the screen assembly away from the case while sliding the bottom of the screen closer to the motherboard display connectors.
Gently lay the screen down on the case with the connectors facing up. Take care to avoid creasing the display cables.

Lift the top of the screen assembly away from the case while sliding the bottom of the screen closer to the motherboard display connectors.

Gently lay the screen down on the case with the connectors facing up. Take care to avoid creasing the display cables.

Step 17

              Tip for removing EMI shields

Use this method to remove any EMI shields necessary during your repair:
Use one tip of a pair of angled tweezers to pry up the EMI shield from the gaps between the “teeth.”
Repeat this procedure at different points around the perimeter of the shield until it is free.
Try not to deform the shields too much—you will need to reinstall them during reassembly.
To reinstall, correct any deformations to the best of your ability, make sure the “teeth” align with the rim on the motherboard, and press down on the entire perimeter of the EMI shield.
Make sure all “teeth” are snug to the metal rim and not bent underneath the EMI shield.

Use this method to remove any EMI shields necessary during your repair:

Use one tip of a pair of angled tweezers to pry up the EMI shield from the gaps between the “teeth.”

Repeat this procedure at different points around the perimeter of the shield until it is free.

Try not to deform the shields too much—you will need to reinstall them during reassembly.

To reinstall, correct any deformations to the best of your ability, make sure the “teeth” align with the rim on the motherboard, and press down on the entire perimeter of the EMI shield.

Make sure all “teeth” are snug to the metal rim and not bent underneath the EMI shield.

Step 18

              Disconnect the screen

Use your tweezers to remove the two EMI shields covering the display cable connectors.

Use your tweezers to remove the two EMI shields covering the display cable connectors.

Step 19

Pry up with the flat end of a spudger to disconnect each display cable from the motherboard.

Pry up with the flat end of a spudger to disconnect each display cable from the motherboard.

Step 20

              Remove the screen

Remove the screen from the Surface.
During reassembly, pause here and follow this guide to replace the screen adhesive.

Remove the screen from the Surface.

During reassembly, pause here and follow this guide to replace the screen adhesive.

Step 21

              Remove the antenna support bracket

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 4.5 mm screws securing the antenna support bracket.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 4.5 mm screws securing the antenna support bracket.

Step 22

Carefully remove the antenna support bracket.
Be careful not to snag any cables. Do not force the bracket out if it is stuck.

Carefully remove the antenna support bracket.

Be careful not to snag any cables. Do not force the bracket out if it is stuck.

Step 23

              Remove the CPU shield

Insert one point of a pair of pointed tweezers into a gap in the corner of the EMI shield covering the heat sink.
Use the tweezers to pry the EMI shield away from the motherboard as much as you can without bending it. Do not remove it yet.
Take care not to puncture the battery with the tweezers while working on this shield.

Insert one point of a pair of pointed tweezers into a gap in the corner of the EMI shield covering the heat sink.

Use the tweezers to pry the EMI shield away from the motherboard as much as you can without bending it. Do not remove it yet.

Take care not to puncture the battery with the tweezers while working on this shield.

Step 24

Repeat the last step at various locations around the perimeter of the EMI shield covering the heat sink.
Remove the CPU shield.

Repeat the last step at various locations around the perimeter of the EMI shield covering the heat sink.

Remove the CPU shield.

Step 25

              Unscrew the heat sink

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove two screws from the heat sink:
One 2.4 mm screw along the top of the rectangular plate covering the battery
One 2.2 mm screw along the bottom of the rectangular plate covering the battery

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove two screws from the heat sink:

One 2.4 mm screw along the top of the rectangular plate covering the battery

One 2.2 mm screw along the bottom of the rectangular plate covering the battery

Step 26

The heat sink is firmly adhered to the fan.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove three 2.4 mm screws securing the fan.
Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the final 4.4 mm screw securing in the fan cover.

The heat sink is firmly adhered to the fan.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove three 2.4 mm screws securing the fan.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the final 4.4 mm screw securing in the fan cover.

Step 27

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the heat sink screws surrounding the CPU in the following pattern, one turn at a time, until they’re free.
Screw 1
Screw 2
Screw 3
Screw 4
During reassembly, use the same method to install these screws, tightening one turn at a time until each screw is snug.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the heat sink screws surrounding the CPU in the following pattern, one turn at a time, until they’re free.

Screw 1

Screw 2

Screw 3

Screw 4

During reassembly, use the same method to install these screws, tightening one turn at a time until each screw is snug.

Step 28

              Remove the heatsink

Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry the heat sink straight up and off of the CPU.
Take care not to dent or crease the heat sink pipes during removal.

Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry the heat sink straight up and off of the CPU.

Take care not to dent or crease the heat sink pipes during removal.

Step 29

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into a screw hole in the fan shield and lift up to separate it from the fan.
The fan shield is held in place with light adhesive.
Take care not to dent or crease the heat sink pipes during removal.

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into a screw hole in the fan shield and lift up to separate it from the fan.

The fan shield is held in place with light adhesive.

Step 30

Carefully remove the heatsink.
During reassembly, make sure to properly clean the heat sink and CPU, and apply new thermal paste.

Carefully remove the heatsink.

During reassembly, make sure to properly clean the heat sink and CPU, and apply new thermal paste.

Step 31

              Remove the upper EMI shield

Insert one point of a pair of pointed tweezers into a gap in the corner of the EMI shield covering the camera connectors.
Use the tweezers to pry the EMI shield away from the motherboard as much as you can without bending it.
Try not to deform the shield too much—you will need to reinstall it during reassembly.
Remove the EMI shield.

Insert one point of a pair of pointed tweezers into a gap in the corner of the EMI shield covering the camera connectors.

Use the tweezers to pry the EMI shield away from the motherboard as much as you can without bending it.

Try not to deform the shield too much—you will need to reinstall it during reassembly.

Remove the EMI shield.

Step 32

              Remove the rear camera

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the rear camera from the motherboard.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the rear camera from the motherboard.

Step 33

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.2 mm screws securing the rear camera.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2.2 mm screws securing the rear camera.

Step 34

Remove the rear camera.

Remove the rear camera.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

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                    Sam Omiotek

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