Removing Camera Protector From Your S21 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is a fantastic phone, but even the best handsets can experience problems. One issue that some users have reported is a decrease in camera quality after installing a tempered glass camera protector. While a flat glass surface is easier to clean, some users have noticed a decrease in picture sharpness, especially in low-light situations. In addition, the protruding camera lens makes it challenging to remove the protector without shattering it, which can expose the lens to broken glass. Therefore, it is essential to know how to safely remove the camera protector to avoid damaging your phone's camera.

Use a hairdryer to heat up the protector

To remove the camera protector from your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, you can use a hairdryer to heat up the protector. This method is particularly useful if your camera lens has moisture trapped inside. Before you begin, make sure to turn off your phone to avoid any potential damage during the process.

Set your hairdryer to the lowest heat setting. You don't want the hairdryer to be too hot, as this could damage the lens or other camera components. Hold the hairdryer a few inches away from the camera lens and direct the warm air onto the lens for a few minutes. The goal is to gently heat up the lens and any trapped moisture.

Once the lens feels warm to the touch, turn off the hairdryer. Be careful not to overheat the lens, as you may risk damaging the camera or burning yourself.

At this point, you can proceed with the next steps to remove the camera protector. You may need to use additional tools to carefully pry around the edges of the protector to loosen it. Be cautious and gentle during this process to avoid damaging the camera lens or other sensitive components.

It's important to note that using a hairdryer to heat up the camera protector should be done with caution and only as a last resort. If you're unsure or concerned about potential risks, it's recommended to consult a professional technician or contact Samsung's customer support for further assistance.

Use a flat, stable tool to pry out the protector

To remove the camera protector from your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, you will need a flat and stable tool, such as a flat pick, to pry out the protector. This is because the protector is glued in place, so you will need something flat and stable to avoid bending or damaging the protector or your device.

A flat plastic prying tool is ideal for this purpose and can be purchased online. You can also use a hairdryer or heat gun to heat up the glue and make it easier to remove the protector. When using a heating device, be careful not to burn yourself and avoid overheating the device. Heat the back cover only to the point where you can still touch it comfortably.

Once the glue is heated, use the flat, stable tool to gently pry out the camera protector. Be careful not to insert the tool too far into the device to avoid damaging the camera module. Work your way around the edge of the back cover to loosen the glue piece by piece. You can also slide the flat tool under the back cover at regular intervals to prevent the glue from bonding again.

After successfully prying out the camera protector, make sure to clean any remaining glue residue from your device before installing a new protector or using the device without one.

Avoid damaging the camera module by not inserting tools too far

When removing the camera protector from your Samsung S21 Ultra, it is important to exercise caution to avoid damaging the camera module. One crucial precaution is to avoid inserting your tools too far into the device. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you safely remove the camera protector while keeping your camera module intact:

Firstly, it is recommended to use a hard plastic pick or a similar tool with a specific shape that prevents it from being inserted too deeply. This will help you avoid accidentally damaging the camera module. When choosing a tool, opt for one that is flat, stable, and made of hard plastic or a similar material. Avoid using metal tools as they can scratch the aluminium housing.

Before you begin, ensure that your workspace is clean and level to minimise the risk of scratches on the case and screen glass. Then, start by warming up the adhesive on the lens protector. Use a hairdryer or a heat gun set to low or medium heat, being careful not to overheat it. Warming up the adhesive will help loosen it and make it easier to remove the protector.

Now, carefully insert your chosen tool between the camera housing and the protector. Gently lift and pry off the protector, working your way around the edge of the camera housing. Be cautious not to insert the tool too far, and avoid applying excessive force or pressure, as this could damage the camera lens or leave residue behind.

If the glue is particularly strong and stubborn, you can use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to help dissolve and weaken the adhesive. Use a syringe or a dropper to apply a very small amount between the protector and the camera housing.

Once you have successfully removed the protector, use a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaning solution to gently wipe away any remaining adhesive residue from the camera lens, ensuring that your camera is clean and ready for use.

By following these instructions and taking care not to insert your tools too far, you can effectively avoid damaging the camera module during the removal process.

Use tweezers to remove screws and small parts

When removing the camera protector from your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, it is important to have the right tools to avoid damaging your device. Using tweezers is an essential part of the process, as they allow you to safely remove screws and small parts without causing any harm to your phone. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use tweezers effectively during the removal of your camera protector:

Prepare Your Workspace:

Before you begin, ensure your workspace is clean and level. This will help prevent scratches on your case and screen glass during the removal process. Gather all the necessary tools, including your tweezers, and have them easily accessible.

Power Off Your Device:

It is important to power off your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra completely before beginning any repair work. This will ensure that you do not accidentally short circuit any components and cause further damage. Press and hold the side and volume down button simultaneously for a few seconds, then tap "Power Off" in the displayed menu and confirm with your unlock code.

Removing Screws and Small Parts:

• Using your tweezers, carefully remove any screws that are securing the various components in place. Place the screws on a magnetic pad or in a small container to keep them organised and easily accessible.
• With the screws removed, you can now use the tweezers to gently lift and remove small parts such as the NFC antenna and charging coil assembly, loudspeaker assembly, and earpiece speaker and laser AF module assembly. Place each part on a clean surface or container as you remove them.
• When removing these small parts, be cautious not to apply too much force, especially when prying connectors straight up from their sockets. Use a spudger or a plastic lever tool to gently lift and separate the components.
• If you encounter any glued parts, use a hot air device such as a heat gun or a hairdryer to gently heat and loosen the adhesive before attempting to remove them. Be careful not to overheat your device and always handle it with care when it is heated.
• As you work, be mindful of the sensitive flex cables surrounding the motherboard. Avoid abrupt movements and ensure that none of the flex cables become entangled or trapped during the removal process.
• Once you have removed all the necessary screws and small parts, carefully set them aside, keeping them organised and easily accessible for when you need to reassemble your device.

Remember to be gentle and take your time during the removal process. Using tweezers correctly will help ensure that you do not damage any screws or small parts, and will make it easier to reassemble your device when you are finished.

Clean your workspace to avoid scratches on the case and screen

To avoid scratches on the case and screen of your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, it is important to ensure your workspace is clean and level. This is crucial as opening your smartphone can be a delicate operation, and scratches can occur if your workspace is not tidy and flat.

• Start by clearing any clutter from your desk or work area. Remove any unnecessary items, such as papers, pens, or other objects that may interfere with your repair process.
• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface of your desk. This will help remove any dust, dirt, or debris that could potentially scratch your phone during the removal process.
• If your desk has a smooth surface, consider using a mild detergent or cleaning solution to give it a thorough clean. Make sure the detergent is suitable for the surface of your desk to avoid any damage.
• Ensure there is adequate lighting in your workspace. Proper lighting will help you see any small parts, screws, or tools more clearly, reducing the risk of accidental scratches or damage.
• Organize the tools you will need for the removal process. Gather items such as a hairdryer, flat pick, tweezers, plastic prying tool, and screwdrivers, and keep them within easy reach to avoid misplacing them.
• If possible, work in a static-free environment. Static electricity can attract dust and dirt, which could potentially cause scratches on your phone's case or screen.
• Avoid eating or drinking at your workspace to prevent crumbs or spills that could contaminate your phone.
• If you have pets, keep them away from your workspace. Pet hair and dander can be a source of dirt and allergens, which you do not want near your phone.

By following these steps, you will have a clean and organized workspace that minimizes the risk of scratches to your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra during the camera protector removal process.

Frequently asked questions