S20+ back cover popped open

[Tintel]

The back cover of my S20+ just popped open. It wasn't dropped or used roughly. I literally just reached for it inside my bag when I felt it open. When I looked in, I saw the insides of my phone. I closed it right away, and it looks and works normal now. But I'm pretty sure it's now vulnerable to moisture and dust.

I don't recall anything happening to the phone that might have caused this. It did get very hot on a few occassions (uncomfortable to touch but not burning), which I suspect melted the adhesive. This is just a theory, though. I find it hard to believe Samsung would use inferior adhesive that couldn't withstand the temperature of its own product. I'm not even a power user -- just Waze, Facebook, casual games, and the occassional video. I own a second phone that's a workhorse.

My question is -- can I DIY resealing the phone? If so, how? If I bring it to the service center, how much will it cost me? It's been out of warranty for a while. 

[jamesrred]

It's the heat, wear and tear and some other factors that has caused the back panel to pop out. Couple that with the Exynos 990, and that will surely happen. It's better if you have it fixed in a service center so that you'll have your dust and water resistance back. The adhesive usually may cost you 700, and the labor is 500. Have your phone checked at the nearest Service Center near you, or call the hotline #GALAXY for a more accurate estimate.

https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/service-center/

[Caito1412]

Just had a similar experience of having my glass back cover popping open. Though not to the point of seing the insides of my phone. I was told at the service center that it was due to the phone falling, but as I see your post now, it must be due to the same situation. Prior to bringing it to the service center, I can clearly see the adhesive being loose.

Brought it to a service center but when I came back for the unit, a part of the glass film on my back cover was removed. I was then told that it would no longer be water resistant and when I checked the unit, the back cover is still slightly lifted on one side. The staff told me it was normal - both the film of the glass cover being removed (normal problem of s21+), and the slightly lifted cover, the latter being due to the phone having fallen a few times. I had no more time and energy to argue at the service center so I just accepted their explanation and the fact that I will have to endure the fact that my phone will no longer be water resistant, with that ugly glass back cover.

I do hope you get a much better experience at the service center though. I still recommend you go to Samsung service center, but if you're allowed to stay and watch while they fix your unit, do so. By the way, I paid 1450php up-front for the repair.

[butete · Accepted solution]

better not do a DIY ,let samsung handle it to ensure the water resistance will be intact,just bring your device to the nearest samsung authorized service center.

[Venzerous]

yep, it is heat that causes the adhesive to melt overtime, happened to two of my phones with glass back before.

[pham_hni]

Power of exynos......
Hope this won't happen to my A51 too. But goodluck repairing that, and suggest that you should bring it to Samsuns and let them do the adhesive application for you 🤓

[Tintel]

Thanks for the link @jamesrred. I made an appointment at a service center. Setting the appointment was pretty efficient. Here's hoping that extends to the actual appointment. 

I did a quick search and found many others had the same problem. I suppose there's no point hoping Samsung would recall the affected models and compensate us. Now I have to purge my phone of personal data in case they ask me to leave it; spend half a workday to go to the service center; and be charged a service fee on top of it all. This is a huge hassle. If I get gaslighted or blamed for the defect, like Caito1412 experienced, I might just lose it.

[buyoying]

Same thing happened to my A52 5G

[Christduno]

Thio is aslso happened to my S10+ for like 1 mont ago ( about 5 year of use )