Question:

I have two LG G6 phones with different models and cell bands. One is a Sprint phone (model LS993) and the other is a T-Mobile phone (model H872). The Sprint phone has a cracked screen and is carrier-locked, so I want to swap its motherboard with the T-Mobile phone’s motherboard. Is this a feasible and safe procedure? What are the steps and precautions involved?.

Answer:

If you have two LG G6 phones with different models and cell bands, you might be wondering if you can swap their motherboards to use the one that suits your needs better. For example, you might have a Sprint phone (model LS993) that has a cracked screen and is carrier-locked, and a T-Mobile phone (model H872) that has a better display and is unlocked. In this article, we will explain if this is a feasible and safe procedure, and what are the steps and precautions involved.

Is it feasible?

The short answer is yes, it is feasible to swap the motherboards between two LG G6 phones, as long as they have the same size and shape. The LG G6 has a modular design that allows you to remove and replace the motherboard easily, without affecting the other components. However, there are some caveats that you need to be aware of before attempting this procedure.

First, you need to make sure that the two phones have the same hardware version. The LG G6 has two hardware versions: H870 and H871. The hardware version determines the compatibility of the motherboard with the display, the camera, the fingerprint sensor, and the battery. You can check the hardware version by looking at the sticker on the back of the phone, or by going to Settings > About phone > Hardware info. If the two phones have different hardware versions, you will not be able to swap their motherboards.

Second, you need to consider the cell bands of the two phones. The cell bands are the frequencies that the phone uses to connect to the cellular network. Different carriers use different cell bands, and different models of the LG G6 support different cell bands. For example, the Sprint phone (model LS993) supports CDMA, GSM, WCDMA, and LTE bands, while the T-Mobile phone (model H872) only supports GSM and LTE bands. If you swap the motherboards, you will also swap the cell bands, which means that you might lose some network coverage or functionality. For example, if you put the T-Mobile motherboard in the Sprint phone, you will not be able to use CDMA or WCDMA networks, which are common in rural areas. You can check the cell bands of your phone by going to Settings > About phone > Network > SIM status.

Third, you need to be aware of the carrier lock status of the two phones. The carrier lock is a software feature that prevents the phone from working with other carriers, unless you enter a specific code or pay a fee. For example, the Sprint phone (model LS993) is carrier-locked, which means that you can only use it with Sprint, unless you unlock it. The T-Mobile phone (model H872) is unlocked, which means that you can use it with any carrier that supports its cell bands. If you swap the motherboards, you will also swap the carrier lock status, which means that you might lose or gain some flexibility. For example, if you put the Sprint motherboard in the T-Mobile phone, you will not be able to use it with other carriers, unless you unlock it.

Is it safe?

The short answer is yes, it is safe to swap the motherboards between two LG G6 phones, as long as you follow the proper steps and precautions. The LG G6 is designed to be easy to disassemble and reassemble, and the motherboard is not soldered or glued to any other component. However, there are some risks that you need to be aware of before attempting this procedure.

First, you need to make sure that the two phones are powered off and discharged. The LG G6 has a non-removable battery that can store a lot of energy, and if you accidentally short-circuit it or damage it, you might cause a fire or an explosion. To avoid this, you need to turn off the two phones and let them discharge completely, or at least below 20%. You can check the battery level by pressing the power button briefly, or by going to Settings > Battery.

Second, you need to use the right tools and techniques. The LG G6 has a metal and glass body that requires special tools and techniques to open and close. You will need a heat gun, a suction cup, a spudger, a Phillips screwdriver, and a pair of tweezers. You will also need a clean and static-free work surface, and a container to store the screws and parts. You can find detailed guides and videos on how to open and close the LG G6 online, such as [this one](https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/LG+G6+Motherboard+Replacement/100534). You should follow the instructions carefully and avoid applying too much force or heat, as you might damage the phone or injure yourself.

Third, you need to be careful with the warranty and legal implications. The LG G6 has a one-year warranty that covers defects and malfunctions, but not user damage or modifications. If you swap the motherboards between two LG G6 phones, you will void the warranty of both phones, and you will not be able to claim any repairs or replacements from LG or your carrier. You will also need to check the legal status of the two phones, as some carriers or countries might have rules or regulations that prohibit or restrict the swapping of motherboards or other components. You should consult your carrier or local authorities before attempting this procedure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is feasible and safe to swap the motherboards between two LG G6 phones, as long as they have the same hardware version, and you are aware of the cell bands, carrier lock, battery, tools, techniques, warranty, and legal implications. However, this is not a simple or risk-free procedure, and you should only do it if you have the necessary skills, tools, and knowledge. Otherwise, you might end up with two damaged or unusable phones, or worse. If you are not confident or experienced, you should seek professional help or advice, or consider other alternatives, such as repairing or replacing your phone.