Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip flex cable replacement
A flex cable runs through the hinge of a Fold or Flip and connects the electronics in both halves. If your device behaves differently as soon as you open or close it, that connection may play a role. But the symptom does not prove it: a connector or the screen itself can also be the cause.
At FIXNOW in Antwerp and Wolvertem we first find out where the fault is. If the panel of the inner screen turns out to be fine, we replace the flex cable or the connector on its own, so your working screen stays in place. We do this for every Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip in our catalogue; the price per model you hear after the assessment or find on the model page.
Fixed price per model
Book straight away at the fixed price, or book an assessment first if you are not sure which part is faulty.
How a foldable Samsung is built
- 1Protective filmReplaceable top layer on the inner screen
- 2Inner screenFoldable OLED panel with ultra-thin glass
- 3Outer screenSeparate screen on the outside of the device
- 4Flex cableConnects the electronics of both halves through the hinge
- 5HingeFolding mechanism between the two halves
- 6Frame and bezelChassis of each half and the edge around the inner screen
Does the whole device shut off, or only the image?
This distinction is the most important thing you can tell us. It decides in which direction we search.
| What you notice | Where we look first |
|---|---|
| The device restarts or shuts off completely when folding | Power and connections between both halves, including the flex cable |
| Only the inner screen goes black, the outer screen works | Connection and driving of the inner screen, then the panel itself |
| Sound, microphone, Wi-Fi or mobile signal drops out in a certain position | Flex cable and connectors to the half where that part sits |
| Image flickers or shows lines in one position | Screen and screen connector; the flex cable is not ruled out |
| Fault also without moving the device | Other causes, such as software, battery or the screen |
What the flex cable through the hinge does
In a foldable Samsung the electronics are split across two halves. The flex cable that runs through the hinge area bends with every opening and closing. If such a cable or a connector gets damaged, a connection drops out in certain positions.
That cable is something other than the connection of the screen itself. The folding panel has its own driving electronics that belong to the screen. A defect there calls for a different repair than a cable or connector between the halves. The construction also differs per generation: the number of cables and their position are not the same in every Fold or Flip.
What we check before replacing anything
- How the device behaves in the open, half-open and closed position
- Connectors on both halves and the flex cable itself
- Image and touch of the inner screen and the outer screen
- Signs of a drop, moisture or a previous repair
- Software behaviour, to rule out a fault unrelated to the position
Only once it is clear which part interrupts the connection do we make a proposal with a price.
Can the screen stay in place?
That is the question we want to answer for you. If the inner screen still shows a normal image in a certain position, the panel may be intact and the cause lies in a connection. In that case we replace only the flex cable or the connector.
We do not promise in advance that the screen will be spared: a damaged cable may have affected the panel, or the panel may itself be causing the fault. What you can expect from us: we only say so after we have assessed the device, and you decide afterwards.
What you can note down yourself
- During which movement it happens: opening, closing or both
- Whether the whole device shuts off or only one function drops out
- Whether the outer screen keeps working
- Since when, and whether a drop or previous repair preceded it
Do not force the hinge to provoke the fault. A short video of the behaviour helps the conversation, but does not replace the assessment.
Choose your model and book an assessment
Book the assessment in Antwerp or Wolvertem, or send the device in. The model carries over to the booking; you choose the repair only after our proposal.
Choose your model first to book an assessment or send the device in.
More about Fold and Flip
Not nearby? Send in your device
You receive a shipping label by e-mail, insured shipping is available and you only pay after the repair. Available from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Luxembourg.
Frequently asked questions
Is shutting off when closing always the flex cable?
No. It is a clue, not a diagnosis. A connector, the screen connector or the panel itself can produce the same behaviour. That is why we assess the device before naming a part.
Can only the flex cable be replaced, without the screen?
Yes, for every Fold and Flip in our catalogue. If the panel of the inner screen is intact and the cause lies in the cable or a connector, we replace only that part. Whether that is the case with your device, you will hear after the assessment.
What does the assessment cost?
Diagnosis is free when we repair your device. If a repair is not possible or you choose not to proceed, the completed diagnosis costs €39.
What if the inner screen turns out to be faulty after all?
Then we discuss a screen replacement as a module. The fixed price for that is on your model's page; you decide yourself whether we go ahead.
Can I send my device in for this?
Yes. Choose your model and the mail-in option. When sending it in, describe when the fault occurs so we can test in a targeted way.
Our stores
FIXNOW Antwerpen
Wiegstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen
Today: 10:00–18:00
+32 469 44 22 19
FIXNOW Wolvertem
Wilgenlaan 19 bus 2, 1861 Wolvertem
Today: Closed
+32 472 29 15 53