[HOW-TO] Move receiver coil from OEM Wireless back to stock cover. (LOTS OF PICS)

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
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This is my first how-to thread, please rate and thank if you please.
I saw this mentioned in a previous XDA thread and decided to try it.

I found it pretty easy to do but be patient and have a light touch. This can ruin your accessories or phone, proceed at your own risk!

Let me know if this works for you and feel free to add your techniques and tricks! I will update the OP and add them to the guide.


Tools and supplies:
  1. Flat head screwdriver or two with a thin blade (~3/8" is best don't use a microdriver)
  2. Thin plastic card (insurance cards work well)
  3. OEM Wireless charging back
  4. Stock back cover (Optional if you have a snug case)
  5. OPTIONAL: Spudger Set. (I didn't use mine but it won't hurt.)
  6. OPTIONAL: Hair Dryer or heat gun.

__________________________________________________
  • v1.1 Added head spreader removal
  • v1.2 Added heat gun suggestion
  • v1.3 Added video guide link to OP
  • v1.4 Added link to non-OEM Receivers
  • v1.5 Added suggestion to simply not use the stock back at all if you have a snug case.
  • v1.6 Added advice how to remove the "heat spreader".
__________________________________________________

Thanks for the guide.
I made a video tutorial for those who want to watch the process done.
http://youtu.be/E9j6Yvs1ufc

Props to BuddhaFool for this!
__________________________________________________
Be aware there are are premade third party receiving coils which do not involve hacking apart perfectly good innocent hardware that did nothing to you and probably does not deserve to be treated this way. :) Several us of us have found that the OEM coil runs cooler and seem perform better but your milage may vary.

Here are some alternatives listed by cnlson:
__________________________________________________

1. Gently wedge the screwblade in between the covers. Near the top under the headphone jack there is a nice spot.
IMG_0508.jpg
2. Move the screw driver slowly around the edges twisting it to pry apart the plastic pieces, working from top to bottom. On the bottom edge be careful not to damage the circuit board, just loosen the plastic surrounding it.
IMG_0509.jpg
3. Repeat the process around the camera and speaker cut outs.
IMG_0510.jpg
4. At this point you can pull apart the halves.
IMG_0511.jpg
5. Unstick the edges of the bottom circuit board first. Just loosen the edges don't pop it out all the way. You can use the plastic card or a spudger. (I used the screwdriver here and was just very careful, use at your own risk.)
IMG_0516.jpg
Alternatively:
Great post thanks for sharing, I used a heat gun to loosen the glue and it came apart with no force or heavy pry tools. A hair dryer would work too and possibly a safer alternative to a screw driver or heat gun, but thats only my opinion.
6. Push the contacts in from the back to give you an edge to start from. From this point on focus on minimizing the bending of the coil sheet. Try to keep it as flat as possible.
IMG_0514.jpg
7. You can gently bend the entire plastic back around each edge this will make the glue start to unstick.
IMG_0512.jpg
8. Insert the card under the top contact posts and slowly worry it down unsticking the coil. Again try to not sharply bend the sticker, patience is your friend here.
IMG_0518.jpg
9. I found it useful to keep bending the plastic and sticking the card in deeper and deeper to keep my progress.
IMG_0520.jpg
10. When I finished the last bit of glue the sticker popped off suddenly taking the circuit board with it. Glad I loosened that first. :)
IMG_0519.jpg
10.5. Optional: Pry the metal tray for the circuit board out of the back cover as well. (Slip screwdriver into the crack and slide it popping out the plastic "rivets".) Place under the board in the next step. I did not do this at first, but after some reflection I think this might be a heat spreader to protect the circuitry from the battery. It has not impacted fit.
One think I did differently on the hack- I was careful not to bend the metal heat shield. I then removed it by taking a small x-acto knife and cutting off the plastic heads from the rivets. I then bent the back around all four sides of the metal plate and removed it from the old back. After peeling the adhesive from around the edges I put it under the circuit board and then put the Note 4 back into the case I have.

20150309_231301.jpg
11. Put the Receiver coil sticker on your phone carefully aligning the contact posts.
IMG_0521.jpg
12. The stock back closes snugly and securely. I read that some people had to file down the contact posts but that was not the case here.
IMG_0522.jpg
13. It is now works wonderfully with my Ballistic Urbanite Case*. It is charging in both landscape and portrait.
IMG_0526.jpgIMG_0525.jpg

OK I am using my phone without the back (it is snug in my case) and it seems to be much less finicky. The stock battery door seems to be interfering.


* - I loooove this case. It is so protective and slim. :good: I literally bought seven different cases. The best ones would never fit around that accursed OEM back and the third party recievers would overheat my phone. The ones that fit were either enormous slabs or under protective. Now that it fits I am such a happy a camper! :victory:
 
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homer285

Senior Member
Jun 4, 2006
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Great post thanks for sharing, I used a heat gun to loosen the glue and it came apart with no force or heavy pry tools. A hair dryer would work too and possibly a safer alternative to a screw driver or heat gun, but thats only my opinion.
 
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GTCC

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Jan 18, 2013
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When I had my Nokia 925 I removed the qi coil from the charging cover and imbedded it in the back cover so that it didn't need the case to charge. Worked great for over 6 months while I had the phone and is still working with my friends son who is using it now.

Thanks for the detailed write up.
 
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ksoze

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2007
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Great post thanks for sharing, I used a heat gun to loosen the glue and it came apart with no force or heavy pry tools. A hair dryer would work too and possibly a safer alternative to a screw driver or heat gun, but thats only my opinion.
Unfortunately, the hair dryer trick did not work in my case. They used a LOT of glue and it cured pretty well - I ended up ripping up parts of the second plastic layer in 3 of the heaviest concentration of glue were. The poor cover looks wrecked..

Fortunately - I was able to extract the charging coils without any issues.

Does anyone have any issues with NFC? I am using a UAG TPU case and with the case on, NFC does not work. I'm wondering if it is the distance or if I damaged the NFC portion of the charger.... :confused:

EDIT: NVM - I took out apart again and reseated everything - NFC is working again. I tried to cut one of the NFC pins - and accidentally snapped one of the pins off.. :( Everything still appears to work though, so not sure what it was for...

Thanks BhuddaFool for the pictures. (Already clicked on the Thanks button - hint, hint)
 
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buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
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Does anyone have any issues with NFC? I am using a UAG TPU case and with the case on, NFC does not work. I'm wondering if it is the distance or if I damaged the NFC portion of the charger.... :confused
I don't use NFC sorry. Is there a quick test I can do to replicate?
 

ksoze

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2007
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I don't use NFC sorry. Is there a quick test I can do to replicate?
A fun way to test NFC would be to find a Credit card that has contact-less payment - Mastercard PayPass for example. Your phone needs to be active and unlocked, once you scan it, you should hear a beep. A fun app to pair with this is, AnyTag NFC Launcher- it will take the ID of the NFC tag and use that as a trigger to perform actions.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anytag.android&hl=en

Otherwise you would need another phone, or actual NFC tags - I eventually ended up buying a few NFC tags and have them at my desk, in my car etc.

I've edited my post - NFC is indeed working - looks like the pins were not in contact correctly before.
 
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alfredtv

Senior Member
Jun 8, 2005
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California
I did this mod last weekend. NFC works fine without a case, I have some of the Samsung Techtiles and was able to test and program one.

Question though, I have 2 Q1 chargers; 1-Nokia (at home) and 1-Samsung mini (at work). The Nokia one gives me absolutely no issues at all with charging, but the Samsung one is now really (extremely) particular about placement. It wasn't like that prior to the mod, but now its more likely to flash the amber light than charge. I noticed the non-qi back plate has a very thin copper lining in one part that is covered by a very thin sticker film. Should that be removed? Any one else do this and experience similar issues with the Samsung mini charger?
 

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
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I am glad it is working for you. FYI: I dug up an NFC chip and tried that app. Nice find and it works great through my Ballistic Urbanite case . I can't wait to setup my Airdock 2 with it. (It just arrived)

Otherwise you would need another phone, or actual NFC tags - I eventually ended up buying a few NFC tags and have them at my desk, in my car etc.

I've edited my post - NFC is indeed working - looks like the pins were not in contact correctly before.
 

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
137
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I did this mod last weekend. NFC works fine without a case, I have some of the Samsung Techtiles and was able to test and program one.

Question though, I have 2 Q1 chargers; 1-Nokia (at home) and 1-Samsung mini (at work). The Nokia one gives me absolutely no issues at all with charging, but the Samsung one is now really (extremely) particular about placement. It wasn't like that prior to the mod, but now its more likely to flash the amber light than charge. I noticed the non-qi back plate has a very thin copper lining in one part that is covered by a very thin sticker film. Should that be removed? Any one else do this and experience similar issues with the Samsung mini charger?
Sorry I have a TYLT Vu (work), a Keedox Qi Wireless 3-Coil (home) and a Airdock (car). It works fine portrait and landscape with all of those. It is possible that is more finicky too.

Interesting, I see that sticker you are referring to, I'll take your word that it has copper under there. Browsing Amazon it looks like even the cheap knock off battery doors have that strip too. Maybe it is a NFC antenna?
 

homer285

Senior Member
Jun 4, 2006
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Thanks for the guide.
I made a video tutorial for those who want to watch the process done.
http://youtu.be/E9j6Yvs1ufc

Props to BuddhaFool for this!
Nice thanks for the vid, I still think you could have put much more heat in to it, would have made the job easier and safer than heavy prying.
I've done it with a hair dryer also but need to heat it for at least 5 minutes moving the dryer frequently not to isolate one area too long, but anyway great job and good clear vid dude.
 

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
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OK I am using my phone without the back (it is snug in my case) and it seems to be much less finicky. The stock battery door seems to be interfering.


I did this mod last weekend. NFC works fine without a case, I have some of the Samsung Techtiles and was able to test and program one.

Question though, I have 2 Q1 chargers; 1-Nokia (at home) and 1-Samsung mini (at work). The Nokia one gives me absolutely no issues at all with charging, but the Samsung one is now really (extremely) particular about placement. It wasn't like that prior to the mod, but now its more likely to flash the amber light than charge. I noticed the non-qi back plate has a very thin copper lining in one part that is covered by a very thin sticker film. Should that be removed? Any one else do this and experience similar issues with the Samsung mini charger?
 

willstay

Senior Member
May 7, 2011
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I got my original charging back today. This mod is something I want to try but all this thickness I guess is for a purpose to isolate heat from the battery.

Note 4
 

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
137
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not meaning any disrespect for the thread but why wouldn't you just pick up a wireless charging element by itself so you didn't have to worry about breaking it disassembling it?

http://mugen.co/mugenizer-samsung-galaxy-note-4-wireless-charging-receiver-qi-standard.html

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...te 4 qi receiver&sprefix=note+4+qi+re,aps,246
Thanks for the informative links I appreciate your feedback.

This is addressed in the OP. Some of us have had bad luck with the third party receivers, my phone got scary hot when I used one. This is thread is for those people. :)

The third party receivers would overheat my phone.
 

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
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I got my original charging back today. This mod is something I want to try but all this thickness I guess is for a purpose to isolate heat from the battery.

Note 4
That could be. Fortunately it is running really cool with this setup. I promise to check in later if I have any issues that develop.
 

ksoze

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2007
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not meaning any disrespect for the thread but why wouldn't you just pick up a wireless charging element by itself so you didn't have to worry about breaking it disassembling it?

http://mugen.co/mugenizer-samsung-galaxy-note-4-wireless-charging-receiver-qi-standard.html

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...te 4 qi receiver&sprefix=note+4+qi+re,aps,246
Also - the majority of the receivers will block NFC for the Note 4 - since Samsung has placed the antenna for NFC onto the battery itself. The official Samsung cover includes a separate NFC antenna.

Another reason for going for the official cover is that it is generally very forgiving in terms of placement - due to the size of the coil. Some of the smaller aftermarket ones require that you place the phone off center or has to be placed just right for charging.

I too have also noticed concerning levels of heat generated with the - admittedly, cheap budget receiver that I purchased online. The second one that you linked from Amazon looks promising though.
 

cnlson

Senior Member
Jun 15, 2010
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Also - the majority of the receivers will block NFC for the Note 4 - since Samsung has placed the antenna for NFC onto the battery itself.
I bought the cheapest one for the Galaxy s3 and my wife has used it for charging her S3 for the past year+ and she uses NFC at work all the time (the coke machine uses softcard and they were giving away 50 free $1 purchases a month from feb til december last year) and even though the Qi receiver sits right on top of the battery there was no problem whatsoever with either the charging or the NFC.

This is addressed in the OP. Some of us have had bad luck with the third party receivers, my phone got scary hot when I used one. This is thread is for those people. :)
My apologies, I missed that line. I know with the one I got for my wife's S3, it gets warmer when it is not placed on the charging pad correctly since it doesn't get enough of a charge to keep up with the outgo.

out of curiosity, does the phone charge very quickly on the Qi charger? could I ask you to charge for an hour on the Qi and an hour plugged in to show the speed? (gsam battery monitor or the graph from the system battery monitor)
I'm curious how fast it actually charges, I assume it doesn't do the quick charge like plugging into the stock charger.
 

buddhafool

Senior Member
Jul 26, 2009
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I'm curious how fast it actually charges, I assume it doesn't do the quick charge like plugging into the stock charger.
It seems to charge pretty quickly. I think charges about as fast as being plugged into a "normal" adapter but certainly not the blazing speed of the quick charger. I don't think I am going to be able to post any battery graphs.
 

cnlson

Senior Member
Jun 15, 2010
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It seems to charge pretty quickly. I think charges about as fast as being plugged into a "normal" adapter but certainly not the blazing speed of the quick charger. I don't think I am going to be able to post any battery graphs.
thanks for the reply! I'll be looking into the cover since I have the 50% off coupon.