Fixing the Lilygo T Watch S3 Plus LCD

My LILYGO T-Watch S3 Plus (with GPS) arrived with a non-functional LCD. Here’s how I fixed it.

First, power off the device using the yellow switch in the back. Then using a PH00 Phillips head screwdriver…

Remove all 4 screws and gently pull away the watch straps. There is an antenna hidden inside one side of the watch bands.

Gently open it up about 1-2cm. The battery wire passes through a plastic frame that is sandwiched between the LCD w/ mainboard and the back housing.

Pass the battery through the center plastic frame so that you have enough room with the wires to fold it open. Disconnect the antenna (circled) and the back plate will come free. Be sure to keep track of the small rubber button plugs for the BOOT and RST buttons on the shoulders of the watch. They like to run away.

At this point, it was clearly aparent that the LCD cable was not attached correctly.

Using a flat plastic tool (do not break the pins), press the ribbon until it gently snaps into place. Reattach the antenna as you typically risk damaging your device if you power them on without an antenna attached.

Flip the yellow power switch on the back of the watch to “ON” and power up the device.

Sucess! The LCD works, it just wasn’t attached properly during manufacturing. It’s doubtful that this affects anyone else, but as these devices are in high demand and Out of Stock constantly, I wanted to write this blog in case someone else is just really disappointed their new watch doesn’t work.

Now flip the power switch back to OFF and reverse these steps to reassemble.