Hello Algie42,
Oh, sorry.
I did not realise that you were waiting for the link from me.
I have been wondering how you had gotten on.
I did actually manage to find the information and links.
If you let me know the model details, SM-R830/R835 (40mm) or Sm-R820/R825 (44mm). The 5 in both numbers is the LTE variant. The 0 is the Bluetooth (non-LTE ) variant.
I have included a link for a teardown for the Galaxy Watch 3.
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Samsung_Galaxy_Watch_3 You need only look at removing the back, then swop it for the new replacement if you buy a complete back from;
For 44mm Watch:
https://rounded.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-active2-44mm-sm-r820-battery-cover-black-gh82-20901b.html.
or,
For 40mm Watch:
https://rounded.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-active2-40mm-sm-r835-battery-cover-black-gh82-21342a.html.
I would recommend buying a complete back.
If you however, opt to buy just the shell, you will obviously need to transfer the components from the existing back to the new one.
Just be careful to note what goes where by taking notes, photos, or both.
The procedure for removing the back on the Galaxy Watch Active2 should be almost identical to that of the Watch3 shown in the link. This part is very similar across the Watch variants.
Just be sure to watch out for the flat cable linking the back to the main board on the body.
The gasket tends to tear, and though the new back has a new gasket attached, do still be careful removing the back.
The whole thing is a delicate procedure, therefore there is always the risk of damaging the watch.
Nevertheless, as long as you exercise great care and patience, you should easily accomplish the replacement.
You obviously need the necessary tools to do the repair. If you do not already have these, the site sells what you need, so you can include them in your purchase.
Finally, consider, of course whether this avenue is worth it for YOU, before going ahead.
Personally, I will go ahead with it because I love repairing things and anyway, apart from buying a new watch, what other alternative is there?
Regarding the response you got from Samsung, I have no idea what they mean by a device lock.
If it is a security lock, it is understandable that they will not bypass the lock for you. If they were to do that, it would defeat the object of having the security lock feature.
Having said that, it should be a simple matter of instructing you to remove the lock, then they can proceed with the repair under warranty.
As you currently have the watch with you, It is worth you checking to make sure a lock has not been set, then see what they say.
I would imagine that the non-warranty repair bill would probably be enough to buy a new watch, just in case the watch was acquired "hot".
I also did wonder if the lock they mentioned is similar to a regional lock, particularly with the LTE variants, but I am not at all sure that the watches are region-locked, nor have I had any reason to consider or check.
I hope all this helps.
I look forward to your response.
Regards.
