Service Manual

Warning:

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

TCL will not be responsible for any damage to the product, injury or other safety issues caused by the result of repair by an unauthorized service provider, user repair or unprofessional product repair.

Any damage to the product resulted from an attempt to repair the product by any person or 3rd party other than TCL authorized service provider will not be covered by warranty.

Information and instructions given in this document are provided to highly qualified professionals repair centers. In line with its open support policy, TCL might share this document with consumers to facilitate self-repair, nevertheless TCL is not responsible for any damages or accidents which might occur during any repair operation or intervention on this device, caused by any misunderstanding or wrong manipulation or utilization of any tools or installations not supplied by or setup by TCL.

Content

The document is structured into the following sections:

• 1 Precautions
• 2 General Product Information
• 3 Maintenance preparation
• 4 Factory Reset
• 5 Software Update
• 6 Function Test with Support Centre
• 7 Troubleshooting
• 8 Contact of TCL hotline and service centers
• 9 Disassembly and reassembly
• 10 Explode View
• 11 Split View

1 Precautions

1. Use only demagnetized tools specifically designed for small electronic repairs, most electronic parts are sensitive to electromagnetic forces.
2. Use only high quality screwdrivers when repairing products. Poor quality screwdrivers can easily damage the heads of the screws.
3. Always use genuine spare parts. Parts from third party may not function properly or even cause damage.
4. The parts below require calibration to ensure proper function after repair, please contact TCL authorized Repair Center. Sensors (proximity, fingerprint), dual camera, touch screen panel, speaker, motherboard and more.
5. The IPXX degree of protection cannot be guaranteed in the event of repair by the user or by an unqualified person.
6. If the device suffered from water/liquid damage, you will have the option to have a repair, but this may exceed the value of the device, depending on level of damage.
7. Do not remove, damage, heat, short circuit, or disassemble the battery. If you need replace the battery, camera, screen or motherboard, we recommend contacting TCL authorized Repair Center to get in warranty repair or out of warranty service offer.
8. Before any repair, backup personal information and important data, and then proceed with the repair.
9. Many semiconductors parts inside the device are sensitive to electrostatic discharges that can cause unrecoverable damages on the parts. Setup and stay in an Electrostatic Protected Area (EPA) to avoid electrostatic discharge before opening the device for repair.
10. Before repairing the device, you must be absolutely certain that the device is turned off.
11. Repair the device in a safe/explosion-proof environment. If the device is damaged, emits smoke or if you smell a burning odor, stop repairing/using the device immediately, use a fire extinguisher or fire-proof box, and contact TCL.
12. When removing the back cover, be careful not to damage the product, especially the battery. Recommended safety equipment: Glasses/Gloves/Mask, etc.
13. Before assembly, make sure that there are no screws or foreign objects around the battery.
14. Before assembly, make sure that there are no abnormalities before reattaching the back cover.

2 General Product Information

3 Maintenance preparation

3.1 Handset with at least 50% battery charges

3.2 Supported Micro SD card and SIM card, 5V3A Charger, Type-C cable

3.3 PC with below configurations to do software update by using PC tool.

• CPU: Equal to Pentium 1.6 GHZ or above
• RAM: 4GB or above
• Hard Disk: 10GB or above
• Operation System: Win7/Win8/Win10
• USB port
• Internet connection with minimum internet speed of 8Mb/s

3.4 Backup the user data before repairing. There are two ways below for your reference.

You need to add your Google account details first. Go to "Settings" -> "System" -> "Backup" -> Touch "Turn on" in the window which has now opened -> Touch "Back up now."

* App data, SMS text messages, Device settings, Call history, and Contacts will be backed up.

4 Factory Reset

Factory reset will reset your phone to restore it to its factory settings. This will delete all data including files and downloaded apps. Please backup the user data before doing factory reset.

4.1 Remove Google account before doing factory reset

If Google account is not removed before doing the factory reset, it is not possible to setup the device with another Google account at initial setup after the factory reset and it will require you to login your previous signed-in Google account. It is recommended that you log out of the Google account. Follow the below steps to remove your Google account from the device.

You can go to “Settings” -> “Accounts” -> touch your google account -> “REMOVE ACCOUNT” -> touch "REMOVE ACCOUNT".

4.2 Factory Reset

You can follow the below steps to perform factory reset when the phone is powered on.

Go to main menu -> “Settings” -> “System” -> “Reset” -> “Erase all data (factory reset)” -> Touch “Erase all data" in the open window -> “Erase all data".

4.3 Recovery mode

How to use: Long press “Power” Key + “Volume up” key in power off mode to enter recovery mode.

When to use: When you cannot start your handset or when there is something wrong during switch on or when cannot charge.

Consumer personal data format: It will format consumer data, and the memory and settings of your product will return as released from factory.

Click-through steps:

1. Power off the device, long press “Power” Key + “Volume up” key until the LCD lights on;
2. Press “Volume” key to select “Wipe data/factory reset” and press “Power” key to confirm;
3. Select "Factory data reset” and press “Power” key to confirm;
4. Select "Reboot system now” and press “Power” key to confirm.

(Screenshots of recovery mode menus are present in the original document, showing options like "Reboot system now", "Wipe data/factory reset", "Factory data reset", and confirmation prompts.)

5 Software Update

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

5.1 Software update by FOTA

Firmware-Over-The-Air (“FOTA”) is a way in which the firmware of a mobile device is updated wirelessly by the device's manufacturer. Firmware runs in the background without any input from the user, to make sure that the device's hardware runs properly. Head to your device's “Settings” -> “System” -> “Updates” or "System Update"

5.2 Software update by using Mobile Upgrade tool

1. Download the corresponding SW upgrade tool Mobile_Upgrade_S_Gotu2_v1.4.0 from website: https://www.tcl.com/global/en/support-mobile/model/tcl-40-nxtpaper-5g
2. Open the download Mobile_Upgrade_S_Gotu2_v1.4.0 Setup.exe file and choose the language, install the tool according to the prompt.
3. After finish install the tool, click “Finish" and restart your computer.
4. Open the tool, choose the language, select the model “T771K3”, click “Start” -> “Next” -> click “Yes” -> Power off your phone and connect it to computer via USB cable and waiting for loading software package.

(The process involves screens showing "Information has been successfully read from device.", "Loading software package from server.", "Download Complete!", "Successful download of software package to local computer.", and prompts to disconnect/connect the device.)

(Further steps involve clicking "Upgrade device" and monitoring the progress of "Loading SYSTEM_A file..." until "Your device has been successfully upgraded and it is now ready for using.")

6 Function Test with Support Centre

1. Check that the Nano SD card are inserted correctly.
2. Power on the product to launch the auto test.
3. If the product displays “input NCK code”, this means the software is Network locked or SIM locked, and can only be used with dedicated SIM card hence 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 instructions to test.

(The process involves screens for granting permissions like Camera, Microphone, Location, Phone, and then displays test results for Vibration, Touch panel, Speaker, Earpiece, Flashlight, Camera (front/rear), Communication, Network, Battery temperature, Bluetooth, Light sensor, Proximity sensor. The final result indicates "Checking is over. No problem." if all tests pass.)

7 Troubleshooting

7.1 What should I do if my device reboots by itself?

1. If the issue appears occasionally, it may be caused by anomalies in a file. It is recommended that you continue to use the device normally.
2. Check if the issue occurs during charging. If yes, we recommend trying the official charger and data cable.
3. If the issue occurs while using a third-party app, make sure the app is compatible with your device and Android version. Try uninstalling the third-party app.
4. If the issue occurs while using the built-in app, try to reset or update your device.

7.2 What should I do if my device system lags or freezes?

1. Try to restart your device.
2. Charge your device until the battery level is at least 20%.
3. Too many apps running in the background or the system cache not being cleared may cause a system lag. Touch the Menu key at the bottom corner of screen to view recently used applications. Touch "Clear all" to close the tasks.
4. Uninstall unused apps from time to time to ensure that your device has sufficient storage space.
5. If the issue occurs in third-party apps, please uninstall the third-party apps responsible.
6. If you are playing a game, watching online video or listening to online music, your device may lag or freeze because of a poor network connection. Enable Airplane mode for a few minutes, then disable it and check your network connection again. Alternatively, move to a location with a better network connection.
7. Try to reset or update your device.

7.3 What should I do if my device cannot charge or charges slowly?

1. Check if there is any visible damage to the charger USB, the charger itself or the charging port of your device. If yes, back up your data and take your device and proof of purchase to our repair center to get more professional technical assistance.
2. Charge the device with a TCL official charger for at least 30 minutes, then try again.
3. Verify whether there are any third-party power management software apps downloaded. If so, please uninstall these.
4. Please don't use the device for a long time while it is charging.
5. Try to reset or update your device.

7.4 What should I do if my fingerprint unlock function works slowly or fails?

1. Pattern, PIN or Password security unlocking is required after the device restarts. Fingerprint unlock does not function at this point but it will work again after unlocking using another method.
2. Make sure there are no stains such as water or sweat on the fingerprint sensor. If there are, wipe the surface and try again.
3. Try to re-enter your fingerprint to your device by accessing “Settings” -> “Security & biometrics” -> “Fingerprint”.
4. Try to reset or update your device.

7.5 What should I do if my device's battery drains under normal use?

1. Check if the device is in a high or low temperature environment. If yes, we advise you to use it only under normal operating conditions.
2. Deactivate Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or GPS when not in use.
3. The battery drains quickly when playing games and watching videos. This is normal when running large games for a long time or watching videos.
4. Too many apps running in the background or the system cache not being cleared may cause battery draining. Touch the Menu key in the bottom corner of the screen to view recently used applications. Touch "Clear all" to close the apps.
5. Try to reset or update your device.

7.6 What should I do if my device auto powers off?

1. Power off your device and charge the device with a TCL official charger for at least 30 minutes, then try to power on again.
2. If the issue occurs while using a third-party app, make sure the app is compatible with your device and Android version. Try uninstalling the third-party app.
3. Try to reset or update your device.

7.7 What can I do if my device heats up?

A warning or sensation of heat in the device is the normal consequence of the CPU handling excessive data, which makes the battery warm. It is not harmful to the battery or device even if the device feels hot.

Use the following actions to make your device return to its normal temperature:

1. It is suggested not to expose your phone in sunshine for a long period of time;
2. Close large power consumption applications, such as music, chatting applications, GPS application, 3D gaming, video streaming etc.
3. Reduce the brightness of the screen to lower the temperature.
4. Avoid using your device while charging.
5. Avoid using a protective case that does not dissipate heat. Remove your protective case if your device heats up.

7.8 What should I do if my device cannot power on?

1. Charge the device with a TCL official charger for at least 30 minutes, and then try to power on again.
2. Press and hold the power key for 10 to 15 seconds until the device vibrates, to perform a forced re-boot.
3. Try to reset or update your device.

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

8 Contact of TCL hotline and service centers

If you are looking for official professional repair, please visit HOTLINE & SERVICE CENTERS (tcl.com) and search for the contact in your country/region.

9 Disassembly and reassembly

9.1 Disassembly tools

You may use the following tools during the disassembly and reassembly procedure:

9.2 Disassembly process

Note:

1. The complete disassembly guide is described as below for your reference, you can selectively (except disassembly and assembly method which needs to be followed carefully) do some of those steps according to the spare part which you need to replace.
2. Actual Spare Part List depends on the CU reference. Please check with RSH website or SCS system for the spare part list of specific CU.

Follow is the complete disassembly process.

Step 1. Power off the device and remove Furnished Battery Cover, SIM Card tray and screws.

Step 1.1 Power off the device and cover electrostatic protective film on the screen.

(Image shows the device powered off with options like 'Power off', 'Restart', and 'Device controls'. Another image shows the device screen with protective film.)

Step 1.2 Remove Sim card tray using SIM card pin.

(Image shows a SIM card tray being removed with a SIM card pin.)

Step 1.3 Remove Furnished Battery Cover using Plastic Plectrum.

(Image shows the back cover of the phone being pried off with a plastic plectrum.)

Step 1.4 Separate the Fingerprint Module using Anti ESD Tweezers.

(Image shows tweezers carefully disconnecting a flex cable, with a note indicating not to pull away completely as the module is still attached.)

Step 1.5 Remove FP FPC Tape and 2M Camera Rubber using Anti ESD Tweezers.

(Image shows tweezers removing tape and rubber components near the camera module.)

Step 1.6 Remove 18 screws on Furnished UPPER Frame and Furnished Bottom Frame. Screw Torque: 0.9±0.1kgf.

(Image shows the internal components with multiple screws highlighted, and a separate image showing screws and a torque specification.)

Step 2. Furnished UPPER Frame and Furnished Bottom Frame and Disconnect connectors.

Step 2.1 Remove the Furnished UPPER Frame and Furnished Bottom Frame.

(Images show the removal of the main frame components.)

Step 2.2 Disconnect connectors.

Note: The order to separate the connectors is mandatory:

(Image shows various connectors being carefully disconnected, with emphasis on the battery connector and other cables.)

Step 3. Remove cameras and RF Cable.

Step 3.1 Separate RF Cables.

Note: Do not separate the RF cables by hand, as it is easy to unplug RF connectors. Use tweezers to pry from the metal section.

(Image shows RF cables being disconnected using tweezers.)

Step 3.2 Remove cameras, 2M Macro Rubber and P-sensor Mylar.

(Images show the removal of camera modules, rubber components, and sensor mylar.)

Step 4. Remove battery, screws and Main & Sub PCBA.

Step 4.1 Remove battery.

Warning: Improper operation on battery will cause high risk for fire or burning. Thus please follow up the battery disassembly guidance strictly. Strictly avoid using sharp tool to pry up battery. Fire extinguisher is needed for emergency.

(Image shows the battery being removed, with warning labels on the battery itself.)

Step 4.2 Remove screw on Main PCBA. Screw Torque: 0.8±0.1kgf.cm

(Image shows screws being removed from the main printed circuit board assembly.)

Step 4.3 Remove the Main&Sub PCBA.

(Image shows the main and sub PCBs being lifted out.)

Step 5. Remove some components.

Step 5.1 Remove the Receiver and 50M Camera.

(Images show the removal of the receiver and the 50MP camera module.)

Step 5.2 Remove Side key furnished FPC and RF Cable2

(Images show the removal of the side key flex cable and RF cable 2.)

Step 5.3 Remove RF Cable3 and Coin Vibrator

(Images show the removal of RF cable 3 and the coin vibrator.)

Step 5.4 Remove Speaker and Front 8M Rubber Cover

(Images show the removal of the speaker and the front 8MP camera rubber cover.)

Step 5.5 Remove 8M Camera and P-sensor Rubber Cover

(Images show the removal of the 8MP camera and the P-sensor rubber cover.)

Step 5.6 Remove RF Cable1, USB rubber and Audio jack rubber

(Images show the removal of RF cable 1, USB rubber, and audio jack rubber.)

9.3 Reassembly process and tools

Please refer to the disassembly process to re-assemble in reverse order of the disassembly steps.

Some precaution as follow:

1. Double-side sponge tape, Battery packing pet, all types of adhesive on battery cover must be replaced with new ones once it is disassembled.
2. Conductive cloth, high temperature adhesive, double-side adhesive tape, or other adhesive are selectively replaced, depend on breakage, stickiness conditions.

The below spare parts must be swap with new ones for the assembly.

Note: The adhesive must be clean before assembly.

2) There is “Thermal Gel” between main PCBA and Furnished Underfilling. If a new main PCBA or Furnished Underfilling or both of them were repalced, new thermal gel should be filled.

(Image shows the application of Thermal Gel on the PCBA and underfilling.)

Note: No need to clean the the original thermal gel when fill new thermanl gel. Prepare the "Thermal Gel” locally because of shipment restricted.

It is suggested to add the new thermal gel on Furnished Underfilling directly opposite the main PCBA, around 250±10mg.

3) Pay attention to the direction of the Receiver and Speaker.

① Receiver

② Speaker

(Images show the correct orientation for installing the receiver and speaker components.)

4) Assemble the cameras and matching rubbers to the Main PCBA according to the following tag tips. Pay attention to the direction of the Front 8M Rubber Cover.

50M Camera mark "W"

Depth Camera mark "D"

Macro Camera mark "M"

8M Camera mark "F"

(Images show camera modules and their corresponding labels.)

5) Before assembling the Main PCBA, assemble the P-sensor Rubber Cover, 8M Camera and its rubber. Pay attention to the direction of the Front 8M Rubber Cover. Assemble the Side key furnished FPC and Receiver on the Furnished Underfilling. The marked bulges should be taken care of during the installation of the Main PCBA.

(Images illustrate the assembly of various components onto the main board and underfilling, highlighting specific areas.)

6) Before assembling the Sub PCBA, assemble the Coin Vibrator, Audio jack rubber and USB rubber.

Note: Part of the RF Cable3 (Blue) is under the Sub PCBA.

(Images show the sub-board assembly with vibrator, audio jack rubber, and USB rubber.)

7) After assemble the Main PCBA, install the Screw (PM1.4×0.454×L2.5mm, screw torque: 0.8±0.1 kgf.cm).

(Image shows screws being installed on the Main PCBA.)

8) Installation sequence: Main PCBA-> RF Cable3 (Blue) -> Sub-PCBA -> RF Cable2 (Black) -> RF Cable1 (White). Pay attention to the trace of the RF Cables and the position of the RF Connector.

(Image shows the routing and connection of multiple RF cables.)

9) Paste the Main sub Furnished FPC, as shown in the photo.

(Image shows the main sub furnished FPC being attached.)

10) Connect the Fingerprint Module to the Main PCBA. Use FP FPC Tape to hold the Fingerprint Module in place.

(Images show the fingerprint module being connected and secured with tape.)

11) Before install the screws, assemble the rubbers and P-sensor Mylar on Furnished UPPER Frame and assemble ANT Conductive Material on Furnished Bottom Frame. (Note: Do not lose or forget to install ANT Conductive Material, otherwise the mobile phone signal will deteriorate.)

(Images show the assembly of rubbers, mylar, and conductive material onto the frames.)

12) Install the screws (PB1.6×0.5P×L3.5 mm, screw torque: 0.9±0.1 kgf.cm).

(Image shows screws being installed to secure the frame.)

10 Explode View

The exploded view diagram shows the assembly of the TCL 40 NXTPAPER 5G. Key components and their connections are indicated:

• Front Casing: Furnished Front Casing
• Display: LCD+TP
• Side Buttons: Side key furnished FPC
• Main Board: Furnished main PCBA
• Receiver: receiver
• Front Camera: 8M front CAM, Front 8M Rubber Cover
• P-sensor: P-sensor rubber
• Rear Cameras: 50M main CAM, 2M depth CAM, 2M macro CAM
• RF Cables: RF cable 3
• Other components: Flash Light Furnished PCBA, 2M CAM ADH, main CAM conductive tape, 2M Camera Rubber, 2M macro Rubber, D 2M BTB Foam, Furnished UPPER Frame, 18-PB screws (1.6*3.5), 1.4*2.5 screws, P-sensor mylar, Furnished Bottom Frame, Main sub Furnished FPC, ANT Conductive material, RF cable 1, Coin Vibrator, RF cable 2.
• Battery: Battery 5000mAh, battery package film
• Audio/USB: speaker, USB rubber, Audio jack rubber
• SIM/Memory: Sub -PCBA
• Fingerprint: FP module

11 Split View

The split view diagram displays various components with numerical identifiers. Refer to the material description table for details.

(Diagram shows numerous numbered parts of the device.)

Material Description Table: