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The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact the last smaller form factor tablet made by Sony, at the height of the mid-2010s tablet boom. While it’s getting on a bit, the screen still stands up remarkably well, and you’d be hard pushed to find a tablet of a similar size that can match it.
Unfortunately, time takes its toll, and my Z3 Tablet Compact had an issue with the power button. The tablet acted as if the power button was constantly being pressed. Not as big an issue as it sounds, as luckily, the constant button press is ignored by Android. once it’s booted.
It does cause two issues, though. The first is that the tablet cannot be woken up with the power button. Tap-to-wake is a workaround, though a little inconvenient.
The bigger issue is the loss of use of the volume up button. As part of the same module, pressing the volume up button interrupts the constant power button press. When the volume up button is released, Android begins to take notice of the constant power button press, and tablet will hard-reboot after a short delay.
Now, I wasn’t expecting to find a button module replacement for a decade-old tablet which didn’t sell that well, but it turns out you can get replacements from AliExpress. The link below is the exact part/seller that was used to complete the repair in this article.
Power & Volume Button Flex Cable Replacement for Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact
Click here to find the part used on AliExpress
This post goes through the process of opening the tablet, and replacing the button module. If you’d prefer, you can watch the replacement process by checking out the video on our YouTube channel.
Z3 Tablet Compact Repair
Video showing how to fix your Z3 Tablet Compact
Opening The Tablet
One of the more striking features of this tablet are the super thin bezels either side of the display. This has the added benefit of reducing the amount of adhesive that can be applied to the sides of the display, though comes with the increased risk of damaging the screen.
To pry the screen away from the housing, you’ll need a thin pry tool specifically designed for the job. We used the tool pictured below, which turned out to be perfect for the job.
You can buy these tools online cheaply, with ours again coming from AliExpress. The link below is not the exact seller we used, but you’ll find many sellers have these available, so be sure to shop around for the lowest price.
Screen Pry Tool
Click here to find the part used on AliExpress
The corners are probably the easiest place to start. We suggest going up one of the longer edges first, as the adhesive here is closer to the edge of the housing. Take extra care in this area, as the tool should only be pushed far enough to cut the adhesive.
This photo of our opened tablet may be useful as a guide, to show exactly where the adhesive runs below the display assembly.
Removing the Display
Once you’ve cut through the adhesive, the display assembly can be folded over, to gain access to the display cable below. Take care when lifting the display to avoid damaging the cable.
You don’t necessarily need to unplug the display and remove it completely, but it would make it much easier to work inside the tablet with the display out of the way.
Removing the Old PCB
The flex PCB connecting the button board to the tablet motherboard crosses over the top of the battery, so it is very easy to identify. Carefully unclip the connector and remove the flex PCB.
Once removed, you’ll need to turn your attention to the main part of the PCB, which sits behind the buttons on the side of the housing. The PCB is wrapped around a plastic clip, which holds it in position. You’ll need to pry this plastic piece upwards to remove it from the housing.
It’s difficult to photograph this part, so we’d recommend checking out our video if this part is unclear.
Z3 Tablet Compact Repair
Video showing how to fix your Z3 Tablet Compact
Installing the New PCB
This is by far the most fiddly part of this repair.
The new PCBs are totally flat when you receive them. You’ll need to seat the button-end of the PCB onto the plastic clip which the old PCB was originally wrapped around. It then needs to be carefully folded around the PCB, so that the other end of the PCB comes back up the other side.
Take care when folding the PCB – don’t try and make the fold too tight. As long as it folds around the clip, it is folded enough at this point.
Once complete, the PCB should fold around the bottom of the plastic clip, and back up the other side. We’d again recommend checking our video out if you’re struggling with this.
Reassembling the Tablet
Once the PCB is installed, route the end over the battery, and plug it in to the connector.
If you fully unplugged the screen, make sure it is plugged back in (taking care with the orientation). It can then be reinstalled into the housing, to close the tablet back up.
To hold the display onto the housing, we used some thin tape marketed for this purpose. We had difficulty getting the display to stay in the housing – it turns out the tape we were using was too thin. After doubling up the tape, the display now remains in place.
