LG G5 Power Button Broken? Fixes & Options

If your LG G5’s power button is broken or unresponsive, the most direct fix is to use the phone’s built-in Double-Tap to Wake and Double-Tap to Lock features, which let you turn the screen on and off without touching the physical button. For a permanent hardware repair, you can replace the button module yourself (it’s a separate part from the main board) or take the phone to a repair shop. This article explains why the button fails, how to work around it, and what your repair options are.

Why the LG G5 Power Button Fails

The LG G5’s power button is located on the back of the phone, below the camera module, and it doubles as the fingerprint sensor. Because it’s a moving mechanical part, it’s subject to wear and tear. Common failure modes include:

• Dirt and debris getting under the button, preventing it from pressing fully.
• Worn-out internal membrane that no longer makes contact with the switch on the motherboard.
• Water or moisture damage corroding the contacts (the G5 is not fully waterproof).
• Fingerprint sensor ribbon cable becoming loose or damaged, which can also affect the button’s electrical signal.

The button is a single physical unit that includes the fingerprint sensor and the power switch. If the button feels loose or wobbly, the plastic mount may have cracked. If it feels firm but does nothing, the problem is likely the internal switch or the ribbon cable.

How the Button and Fingerprint Sensor Work Together

The power button and fingerprint sensor are one assembly. When you press the button, a small dome switch on the flex cable sends a signal to the phone’s processor. The fingerprint sensor uses a separate electrical path on the same ribbon cable. This means a broken power switch does not necessarily break the fingerprint sensor, and vice versa. However, a damaged ribbon cable can cause both to fail.

On the G5, the button assembly is attached to the back cover, not to the main motherboard. This design makes replacement easier than on many other phones. You can buy a replacement button module online for a few dollars, and swapping it takes about 10–15 minutes with the right tools. The replacement part includes the power button, fingerprint sensor, and the flex cable that connects to the motherboard.

Immediate Workarounds (No Tools Needed)

Before buying any parts, try these software-based solutions that let you use the phone without the physical power button:

1. Enable Double-Tap to Wake: Go to Settings → General → Gestures and turn on Double-tap to wake. This lets you wake the screen by tapping it twice.
2. Enable Double-Tap to Lock: In the same menu, turn on Double-tap to lock. This lets you lock the screen by double-tapping the status bar (the top area of the screen).
3. Use the QuickCircle case or Smart Settings: If you have an LG QuickCircle case, opening the cover wakes the phone. You can also set Smart Settings to keep the screen on while you’re looking at it.
4. Use a third-party lock screen app: Apps like Screen Lock or Lock Screen add a widget or shortcut that locks the screen when tapped.
5. Use the volume buttons to wake: Some custom ROMs or launchers allow the volume keys to wake the device, but this is not a stock feature on the G5.

These workarounds don’t fix the hardware, but they give you time to decide on a repair. Note that if the phone is completely powered off, you cannot turn it back on without the power button (or a hardware repair). If the battery dies, you’ll need to hold the power button to boot up.

Replacing the Button Module (DIY Repair)

If you’re comfortable opening your phone, replacing the button module is the most cost-effective permanent fix. Here’s what you need:

• Replacement button module (includes power button, fingerprint sensor, and flex cable)
• Plastic opening tools or a guitar pick
• Small Phillips screwdriver (size #00)
• Heat gun or hair dryer (optional, to soften adhesive)

Steps (general outline, check a video guide for your exact model):

1. Power off the phone (if possible).
2. Remove the back cover using a plastic tool. The G5 has a removable back panel.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Unscrew the screws holding the mid-frame (there are about 10 screws).
5. Carefully separate the mid-frame from the screen assembly.
6. Locate the button module on the back of the mid-frame. It’s held by adhesive and a small bracket.
7. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the motherboard, then remove the old button module.
8. Install the new module, reconnect the cable, and reassemble the phone.

This is a moderate difficulty repair. If you’ve never opened a phone before, watch a teardown video first. The most common mistake is tearing the ribbon cable or damaging the screen flex cable during disassembly.

Professional Repair vs. DIY

If you don’t want to open the phone yourself, a repair shop can replace the button module. The cost varies, but it’s typically less than a screen replacement. The main advantage of professional repair is that they have the right tools and experience, reducing the risk of further damage. They also often provide a warranty on the part.

DIY repair is cheaper (the part costs a few dollars), but it carries the risk of breaking the screen or other components. If your phone is already out of warranty and you’re careful, DIY is a good option. If the phone is still under warranty, contact LG or your carrier first—a faulty button may be covered.

When to Consider a New Phone

The LG G5 was released in 2016, so as of 2024 it’s quite old. If the power button is broken, you should also consider the phone’s overall condition:

• Battery life: The G5’s battery is removable, so you can replace it easily, but the phone’s processor and software may be outdated.
• Software support: LG has stopped providing Android updates for the G5. The last official version is Android 8.0 (Oreo).
• Security: Without updates, the phone may be vulnerable to security issues.
• Other hardware issues: The G5 is known for potential GPS and bootloop issues (though not as common as the G4).

If the only problem is the power button and you’re happy with the phone’s performance, a $10 repair is worth it. If you’re already experiencing other issues, it might be time to upgrade.

Preventing Future Button Failure

To extend the life of a repaired or replacement button:

• Keep the phone away from dust and moisture. Use a case that covers the button area.
• Avoid pressing the button too hard. The G5’s button is not designed for forceful presses.
• Clean the button area gently with a dry cloth if it gets dirty.
• Don’t expose the phone to extreme temperatures, which can warp the plastic.

Remember that the button is a moving part; it will eventually wear out. Using the double-tap gestures regularly reduces wear on the physical button.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn on my LG G5 without the power button?

If the phone is completely off, you cannot turn it on without the power button. There is no other hardware button that triggers a boot. However, if the phone is in a reboot loop or has a removable battery, you can try removing and reinserting the battery, which sometimes causes the phone to boot automatically. But a full power-on requires the power button.

Will the fingerprint sensor still work if the power button is broken?

Possibly. The fingerprint sensor and the power switch are on the same flex cable, but they use different circuits. If the switch itself is broken, the fingerprint sensor may still work. However, if the ribbon cable is damaged, both may fail. You can test by going to Settings → Lock screen & security → Fingerprints and trying to register a fingerprint.

How much does it cost to replace the LG G5 power button?

The part itself typically costs between $5 and $15 online. If you pay a repair shop to do it, labor might add $30 to $60, depending on the shop. The total is usually under $80, which is reasonable for a phone that’s otherwise functional.

Is the LG G5 power button replacement difficult?

It’s moderate. You need to remove the back cover, battery, and mid-frame. The button module is accessible after that. If you have basic phone repair experience, it’s doable. If not, watch a video guide and take your time. The risk is damaging the screen or the ribbon cables.

Can I use a different phone’s power button on the G5?

No. The button module is specific to the LG G5. Using a part from another model won’t fit or connect properly. Always buy a replacement labeled for the LG G5.

What if my phone is under warranty?

If your G5 is still under warranty (unlikely for a 2016 phone, but possible if you have extended coverage), contact LG or your carrier. A defective power button should be covered. Do not attempt DIY repair if you plan to use the warranty, as opening the phone may void it.

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