How to Fix a DSI When the Screen Is White

By Billy Kirk

Updated September 22, 2017

Items you will need

  • Phillips screwdriver

  • Flathead screwdriver

The DSi screen can be removed using a Phillips screwdriver.
i Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

The Nintendo DSi is an upgrade to the original Nintendo DS released in 2004 by Nintendo. In addition to dual screens and a bottom touch monitor, the Nintendo DSi also features two cameras that provide additional capabilities for gamers. Unfortunately, a small number of Nintendo DSi units suffer from a white screen effect that affects the bottom DSi screen and renders it useless. In most cases you will have to replace the screen, but you can manage this procedure even if you lack any experience repairing Nintendo DSi units.

Turn off your Nintendo DSi and power the device back on. Check the bottom screen for any continued whiteness. If the screen is still white and remains unusable, you will need to replace it entirely.

Remove the game cart from the top of your device, if applicable. Remove the stylus from the top right stylus slot on the Nintendo DSi. Shut the display and turn the unit over.

Remove the battery, which is located on the back left of the device and can be accessed by opening up the battery compartment. Ensure the DSi has already been powered completely off before doing so.

Take out the screws on the back of the Nintendo DSi. There are seven screws here and each can be removed with a Phillips screwdriver.

Take off the back cover. The cover will be loose and you can simply pry along its edges to pull it off and reveal the DSi's motherboard.

Locate the three cables along the bottom edge of the Nintendo DSi's motherboard. Each one of the cables connects into a black connector. Pull up gently and very slightly on each connector. Do not pull up on each more than a few millimeters, or they may break. With the connectors pulled upright, slide each cable out to disconnect it.

Remove the power wires on the device. These power wires are clustered near the bottom center of the motherboard where they are held in place by one white connector. Pull up gently on this connector to pull out the power wires in the same manner you used on the other three connectors on the motherboard.

Take out the four screws on the motherboard using your Phillips screwdriver. There is one lone screw in the top right corner of the motherboard. The other three are clustered on the left side of the motherboard.

Take the motherboard out of the housing, but do not attempt to remove it completely as it is still connected by two cables. These two cables can be left as is. Lay the motherboard off to the side of the DSi so you can access the screen beneath it.

Pull out the bottom screen. It is loose and can simply be pulled free.

Position the new replacement bottom DSi screen in the housing of the game system. It will slide in exactly where you removed the old screen.

Reassemble the Nintendo DSi by performing each of the disassembly steps in reverse. Turn on the DSi.

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