Repair Manual for End User

Notice:

A. Read the entire manual before any repairs. If you are not comfortable to perform the repairs as instructed in this manual, please do not proceed.

B. All features, functions, specifications, and other product information in this document, including but not limited to the price, components, performance, availability and capacity of the product are subject to change without notice.

C. This repair manual is provided only for out-of-warranty repair. If the product is under warranty, contact customer service before repairing it yourself or ordering a replacement part. Modification, customization or alteration of software or hardware by anyone not authorized by the manufacturer will void the warranty.

D. Information and instructions given in this document are intended for individuals with the knowledge and experience to repair electronic devices. TCL is not liable for any damage to the product, any injury, or any other product safety issue caused by repair attempt which does not follow the instructions or caused by any misunderstanding or wrong manipulation/utilization of any tools or installations. TCL is not liable for any damage to the product, any injury, or any other product safety issue caused by repair attempt using any tools or installations not supplied or setup by TCL.

1 Precautions

• Use only demagnetized tools specifically designed for small electronic repairs, as most electronic parts are sensitive to electromagnetic forces.
• Use only high-quality screwdrivers when repairing products. Poor quality screwdrivers can easily damage the heads of the screws.
• Always use genuine spare parts. Parts from third-parties may not function properly or even cause damages or accidents.
• Certain parts may require calibration after disassembly or repair for proper function. For professional repair of sensors (proximity, fingerprint), rear camera, touch screen module, speaker, or motherboard, contact a TCL authorized Repair Center.
• The performance of the device's water resistance and dust resistance cannot be guaranteed if repaired by the user or an unqualified individual.
• If the device has suffered from water/liquid damage, the repair cost may exceed the device's value, depending on the extent of the damage.
• Be careful not to damage the battery, such as by heating, denting, short-circuiting, or disassembling it. If the battery is damaged or requires professional repair, contact a TCL authorized Repair Center.
• Before any repair, back up all personal information and important data.
• It is suggested to set up and work in an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) to avoid electrostatic discharge that can cause unrecoverable damage to the device and parts during repair.
• Before repairing the device, ensure it is fully discharged and turned off.
• Prepare and wear appropriate safety equipment before carrying out repairs. Ensure the workspace is free from flammable materials, foreign objects, and sharp materials. Equip the area with necessary safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and protective gear.
• When removing the back cover, be careful not to damage the product parts and the battery.
• Before assembly, ensure there are no screws or foreign objects inside the device and around the battery.
• Before assembly, ensure there are no abnormalities before reattaching the back cover.
• The packing box includes a user manual, quick guide, and other information. For more information about the product, visit www.tcl.com.

2 Instructional Icons and Notes

Failure to follow instructional notes could result in fire, injury, data loss, or damage to the device, parts, or other property.

⚠️ Warning - Highlights instructions to reduce the risk of safety issues or personal injury. Failure to follow warning instructions may cause fire or other safety issues and lead to personal injury or death. Always prioritize safety over cost savings. If uncertain, contact TCL at https://www.tcl.com/mobile-support or seek help from a professional repairer.

❗ Caution - Highlights instructions to reduce the risk of data loss or damage to the device or other equipment.

Notice - Other instructional information, tips, notes for successfully completing procedures.

3 ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Safety

What is ESD?

ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) is the rapid, spontaneous transfer of current (electrostatic charge) induced by a high electrostatic field. It can damage electronic components. ESD damage may be a latent defect that escapes immediate detection but can cause the device to fail prematurely.

How do you prevent electrostatic discharge?

All conductors in the environment, including personnel, shall be bonded or electrically connected and attached to a known ground or contrived ground. Using ESD safety (Anti-static) equipment such as an anti-static wrist strap and gloves, anti-static tools, and an ESD safe mat when repairing the device can mitigate the risk of ESD events.

4 Broken Glass Safety

The display and furnished middle casing of the device utilize glass materials, which may fracture if subjected to:

• Drops onto hard surfaces
• Crushing, bending, or deformation
• Other types of hard impact

⚠️ Warning - Avoid handling broken glass or sharp glass shards without proper protective equipment (e.g., cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles), as sharp edges pose safety risks.

5 Battery Safety

⚠️ Warning This device contains a built-in lithium-ion battery with soft battery cells. Battery safety is a primary concern when repairing a device with a built-in lithium-ion battery.

Only technicians with appropriate knowledge, experience, and specialized tools should attempt to replace or repair built-in lithium-ion batteries.

Only install new, genuine batteries. Used batteries can become damaged during the removal process, increasing the risk of hazardous events. DO NOT attempt to reuse batteries.

Improper handling of batteries can lead to overheating, swelling, venting, leaking, or a battery thermal event, which may result in fire, injury, death, data loss, or damage to the device, parts, and surrounding property.

5.1 Best Practices to handle batteries

⚠️ Warning To prevent harmful incidents when handling batteries, adhere to safety guidelines and maintain a safety-focused workspace.

• Workspace Safety: Ensure the workspace is free from flammable materials, foreign objects, and sharp materials. Equip the area with necessary safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and protective gear.
• Avoid Physical Damage: Be careful when using sharp tools near the battery. Do not throw, drop, puncture, crush, or damage the battery cells to prevent triggering a battery thermal event or the release of noxious fumes.
• Prevent Short Circuits: Do not use tools that conduct electricity and ensure battery terminals do not come into contact with metal objects or conductive surfaces during handling.
• Temperature Control: Keep the ambient temperature within the battery's operating range. Provide adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Assembly Precautions: Do not leave any abnormal objects (e.g., debris, loose screws, extra screws, etc.) inside the device before reassembling.
• Proper Disposal: Dispose of or recycle waste batteries in accordance with local environmental laws and guidelines.

5.2 How to handle a battery thermal event?

⚠️ Warning A battery thermal event is a sudden chemical reaction inside a lithium-ion battery that releases stored energy rapidly, potentially causing outgassing and fire. This can result from physical damage, improper handling or replacement, or exposure to temperatures outside the battery's safe operating range.

Act immediately when you notice any signs of a battery thermal event to ensure personal and environmental safety.

Signs of a Battery Thermal Event:

1. Smoking, sparking, or soot emission from the battery or device.
2. The battery pouch rapidly swelling or puffing out.
3. Hissing or popping sounds emanating from the battery or device.

Immediate Actions to Take:

1. Smother the Fire: Quickly cover the battery or device with plenty of clean, dry sand to contain the reaction.
2. Contact Authorities: Call local fire services for additional assistance.
3. Evacuate and Ventilate: Leave the area for 30 minutes to allow smoke to dissipate and ensure the environment is safe.
4. Handle with Protection: After 30 minutes, wear heat-resistant gloves and safety glasses with side shields before removing the device from the sand.
5. Clean the Area: First wipe the affected area with water, then use an ESD-safe cleaning solution to ensure safety.
6. Proper Disposal: Dispose of the damaged battery or device and any debris in accordance with local environmental laws and guidelines.

6 Factory Reset

❗ Caution: Factory reset will format the device to restore it to its factory default settings. This will erase all user data, including but not limited to files and downloaded apps. Before performing a factory reset, remember to back up all important data stored on the device. TCL is not responsible for the loss of data stored on the device.

6.1 Remove Google account before doing factory reset

If you need to set up the device with another Google account after a factory reset, the current Google account must be removed first. Otherwise, the device will require you to log in with the previously signed-in Google account. Follow these steps:

Launch Settings app > Accounts > tap on the Google account > Remove account > tap on REMOVE ACCOUNT.

6.2 Factory Reset

You can perform a factory reset if the phone can be powered on by following these steps:

Go to Main Menu > “Settings” > “System” > “Reset options” > “Erase all data (factory reset)” > Touch “Erase all data” in the open window > “Erase all data”.

7 Software Update

It is suggested to upgrade the handset software to the latest version for better performance. Before upgrading, please remember to back up your data and keep the phone fully charged.

7.1 Software update by FOTA

Firmware-Over-The-Air (“FOTA”) is a method by which a mobile device's firmware is updated wirelessly by the manufacturer. Firmware runs in the background without user input to ensure the device's hardware runs properly.

Launch the device's “Settings” app and tap on “System” > “System Update” > “CHECK FOR UPDATES”.

7.2 Software update by Mobile Upgrade tool

1. On your computer, download the corresponding Mobile Upgrade tool from the TCL website: https://www.tcl.com/mobile-support. Choose your product on the page and click on Download under the corresponding Software tag.
2. Read and agree to the terms and conditions, and follow the on-screen instructions to install the tool on your computer.
3. Restart your computer after the tool installation.
4. Launch the tool and select the device model from the dropdown list.
5. Read the on-screen instructions and precautions, then click through “Start” > “Next” > “Yes”.
6. Power off the device and connect it to the computer via USB cable.
7. The software update will start.
8. Click “OK” and disconnect the device from the USB cable when the tool prompts “Please disconnect your device from the USB cable to proceed”.
9. Click “Upgrade device” and connect your powered-off device to the computer, waiting for the upgrade.
10. ❗ Caution: Do not disconnect the device from the computer during the upgrade process unless there is a pop-up message from the tool.
11. When the upgrade is completed, a message window will pop up saying “Elapsed time: XX:XX:XX. Thanks for using Mobile Upgrade tool. Your device has been successfully upgraded.”

8 Function Test with Support Centre

1. Check if a Nano SD card has been inserted correctly.
2. Power on the product to launch the auto test.
3. If the product displays “input NCK code”, it means the software is Network locked or SIM locked. It can only be used with a dedicated SIM card; therefore, use the relevant SIM card or enter the phone NCK code if available.
4. Open the “Support Centre” app > Click “AGREE” > “Hardware diagnosis” > “START TESTING” > Authorize the permissions required for diagnostics > Follow the on-screen instructions to test.

9 Basic Troubleshooting

You can use the troubleshooting resources on the TCL official website as a reference for frequently encountered issues.

• Visit https://www.tcl.com/mobile-support
• Scroll down to the “Troubleshooting” section and click on “View more”.
• Select the type of product and follow the step-by-step checking questions and options.

Notice: If the previously described options do not help, you can contact our hotline or repair center for more professional technical assistance. Find the hotline or repair center information from the TCL website or the “Support Center” APP.

10 Contact of TCL hotline and service centers

If you are looking for official professional repair from TCL, please visit the HOTLINE & SERVICE CENTERS link to search for contacts in your country/region.

11 Disassembly and reassembly

11.1 Basic tools

⚠️ Warning: Wear proper protective equipment for your safety when repairing devices. Additional tools may be required for disassembly and assembly steps. Refer to specific steps for details.

11.2 Disassembly for replacement

Before disassembling:

Always perform the following steps before starting a repair:

1. Back up the device's data.
2. Discharge the battery fully.
3. Turn off the device.
4. Disconnect all cables.
5. Remove all cases and covers.
6. Clear and clean your workspace.
7. Put on an ESD wrist strap and attach it to a properly grounded ESD mat.
8. The product's composition may vary depending on the country, region, or carrier.

For all cases of broken glass:

Please refer to "4 Broken Glass Safety" first.

To prevent broken glass scattering, attach an acrylic protective cover to the screen. Screen glass cannot be separated alone from the screen module. If the glass is broken, the whole screen module must be replaced. If you are having difficulty with the repair, take the device to professional repair or a TCL authorized repair center for help.

SIM Tray and Memory Card Tray

To remove the SIM tray, insert a SIM-eject pin into the hole beside the tray. Push in towards the device, but do not force it. If you are having difficulty ejecting the SIM tray, take the device to professional repair or a TCL authorized repair center for help.

Image showing the SIM tray being ejected with a SIM eject pin.

Display Assembly

Remove SIM Tray and Memory Card Tray before you begin.

Heating: Use a hot air gun in the position shown. Heating temperature: 75 °C. Heating time: 5-8 minutes.

Image showing a hot air gun being used on the edge of the display assembly.

Pull up on the suction cup at the USB side to separate the LCD + Touch Panel from the enclosure. Insert a Plastic Plectrum in the gap between the LCD + Touch Panel and the Furnished Middle Casing.

Image showing a suction cup attached to the screen and a plastic plectrum being inserted into a gap.

Slide the plastic plectrum along the edge of the screen according to the figure's arrow direction.

❗ Caution: Be careful not to insert the plastic plectrum too deeply to avoid damaging the LCD + Touch Panel at the marked location. If you are having difficulty doing the repair, take the device to professional repair or a TCL authorized repair center for help.

Image showing arrows indicating the path to slide the plectrum around the screen edge.

Lift the LCD + Touch Panel off the Furnished Middle Casing from the USB port side.

❗ Caution: Do not pull the LCD + Touch Panel apart completely to avoid damage to the LCM FPC.

Image showing the LCD + Touch Panel being lifted off the device body, with a warning label on the screen.

Remove cross-head screws from the LCD BTB Fix STEEL.

Image showing the location of screws on the LCD BTB Fix STEEL.

Remove the LCD BTB Fix STEEL.

Image showing the LCD BTB Fix STEEL being removed. Part number BMA1421252C3, Quantity: 3, Torque: 0.8kgf.cm are noted.

Disconnect below connectors:

1. Battery connector (must be disconnected first)
2. Display connector

Image showing the battery and display connectors being disconnected, with numbered indicators.

LCD + Touch Panel removal.

Image showing the LCD + Touch Panel removed from the device body.

Remove the LCD connector Mylar.

Image showing the LCD connector Mylar being removed.

Disconnect LCM FPC connector and remove the LCM FPC.

Image showing the LCM FPC connector being disconnected and the FPC removed.

Display Assembly removal.

Image showing the complete display assembly removed from the device.

11.3 Reassembly process

To reassemble the device, follow the above disassembly instructions in reverse order. There are some important notes listed below for some steps:

1. Double-side sponge tape, all types of adhesive on the battery or battery cover must be replaced with new ones once disassembled. Conductive tapes and copper tapes are selectively replaced, depending on breakage and stickiness conditions.
2. Do not leave any abnormal objects (i.e., debris, loose screws, extra screws, etc.) inside the device before re-assembling.