After much anticipation, the CMF Phone 1 (review) is finally here, and if you’ve ordered your unit alongside an additional back panel, this guide is for you! Out of the box, you get to choose from the Black, Orange, Blue (India-Exclusive), and Orange colorways, with no additional panel in the box.
To customize your device further, you will need to purchase additional panel bundles for Rs 1,499 each. Once you do, you can open and change the back cover of the CMF Phone 1 to customize it. Additionally, it's important to note that the battery isn’t removable, in case you were curious.
As a new user, changing the back panel of the Phone 1 might seem daunting. However, once you get the hang of it, the process is quite straightforward. In this guide, I will outline the step-by-step process to make changing the CMF Phone 1’s back cover an easy task!
How to Open CMF Phone 1 Back Cover
The CMF Phone 1 has four screws that you can unscrew, and a dial at the back, which can be easily removed by rotating it anti-clockwise. This feature allows for quick access to the internal components of the phone for customization.
To open the back cover correctly, follow these steps:
- Firstly, using the provided screwdriver-SIM ejector or a standard screwdriver, rotate the screws anti-clockwise to unscrew them. It's crucial to store the screws carefully after unscrewing them, as they are easy to misplace!
Next, focus on the dial located at the bottom right. Use your index finger to rotate the dial anti-clockwise to unscrew it. This is an essential step as the dial secures the back cover in place.
- Then, using the SIM ejector side of the tool, take out the SIM tray. This step is important to avoid damaging the phone while removing the back cover.
Pro Tip: Before removing the panel, ensure that you have taken off the dial and the SIM card tray. Forgetting this step could lead to breaking something when pulling off the back.
- Next, to remove the back cover, turn the phone upside down. While holding it in one hand, gently press the circular indent where the dial was and use the SIM card tray for grip to yank off the panel. Look for the area that reads “PUSH HERE TO RELEASE” for guidance.
And just like that, you will have successfully removed the CMF Phone 1’s back cover!
How to Change CMF Phone 1 Back Cover
Once you have removed the default panel, you can place the new back panel (one of the many new accessories for the CMF Phone 1) on the bare back of the phone. Make sure to adjust it so that it sits properly before proceeding to screw in the screws and the dial.
Start by inserting the screws and tightening them by turning the screwdriver clockwise this time. Then, simply insert the SIM tray and screw the dial back in, following no particular order.
Tips for Changing CMF Phone 1’s Back Cover
- When replacing the new back panel, avoid screwing it in too tightly. This could cause you to apply excessive pressure, potentially damaging the surrounding areas.
- Remember to remove the SIM tray before changing the case.
- Keep the screws safe while changing the panels; losing them means spending Rs 1,499 again for another bundle.
- After unscrewing the screws and removing the dial, make sure to press on the vacant spot of the dial before removing the back.
Is Changing CMF Phone 1’s Back Cover Worth It?
The process of changing the CMF Phone’s back cover is straightforward and typically takes about 5-7 minutes. The screwdriver-SIM ejector hybrid tool provided by CMF can be a bit cumbersome, but you can use any other screwdriver for the task.
One challenge is that the screws are non-magnetized, making it tricky to keep them in place while securing the back case. Additionally, their tiny size makes storing them securely a bit difficult; we almost lost one screw at the office!
Considering the back panel, screw, and SIM tray bundle costs Rs 1,499, it may seem a bit pricey for a phone that retails for Rs 16,000. However, the customization options add value.
There's significant potential for customization as you can mix and match different colored back cases, SIM trays, screws, and dials. This allows you to make your CMF Phone 1 look unique!
However, the fun really starts when you acquire multiple back panel bundles, enabling you to create a colorful and personalized device. For example, you can replace the Black panel with the Orange one, using different color screws and dials.
Despite the exciting customization options, it's worth considering if the time and money spent on changing the back cover repeatedly justify the investment. For some, a good-looking back cover may be a better alternative.
In addition to back panels, CMF offers accessories like a lanyard cable, a phone stand, and a wallet case for an additional price. What are your thoughts on the swappable back? Let us know in the comments below!
