## Requirements

Before you begin, make sure you have the following items ready:

* An additional **laptop or PC** to run commands

**FPC cable**

**CH341A USB programmer**

**Debug board**

**PH0 screwdriver**

**Thermal compound** (if needed)

![Tools](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_33.jpg?v=1724252907)

---

### 1. Prepare the Device

Place the **StarLite Mk V** on a **soft, protected surface** to prevent scratching.

![Step 1](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_1.jpg?v=1772459150)

---

### 2. Remove the MicroSD Tray

Use a SIM pin or paperclip to eject and remove the **MicroSD card tray**.

![MicroSD Tray](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_25.jpg?v=1724246055)

---

### 3. Separate the Backplate

Using a **plastic pick**, gently wedge it between the display and backplate to begin separating the two pieces. Work slowly around the edges.

![Opening Device](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_2.jpg?v=1772459245)



![Step 3b](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_3.jpg?v=1772459251)

---

### 4. Lift the Backplate Carefully

Once loosened, lift the backplate to about **90°** — there are **two ribbon cables** connecting it to the mainboard. Disconnect these gently before fully removing the backplate.

![Ribbon Cables](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_4.jpg?v=1772459256)



![Ribbon Cables 2](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_5.jpg?v=1772459261)

Once removed, you’ll see the components underneath.

![Components](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_6.jpg?v=1772459266)

---

### 5. Disconnect the Battery

Start by disconnecting the **battery connector** from the mainboard.

> 

> ⚠️ **Important:** Do not skip this step.
>
> ![Battery Disconnect](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_7.jpg?v=1772459271)
>
> 
>
> ![Battery Cable](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_26.jpg?v=1724247632)

---

### 6. Remove the Heatsink

Remove the **five black Phillips screws** securing the heatsink.

![Heatsink Screws](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_27.jpg?v=1724248198)

Gently pull the heatsink **straight upward** to avoid spreading thermal paste.

![Heatsink Removal](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_28.jpg?v=1724248568)

---

### 7. Assemble the Programmer

Connect the **programmer**, **debug board**, and **FPC cable** as shown below.

![Programmer Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_29.jpg?v=1724251523)

---

### 8. Locate the Debug Connector

Find the debug connector on the mainboard (PCBA).

![Debug Connector](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_30.jpg?v=1724251805)

---

### 9. Connect the Programmer

Attach the free end of the **FPC cable** to the debug connector.

![Connection](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_31.jpg?v=1724252090)

---

### 10. Connect to Your Secondary Laptop/PC

Plug the **CH341A USB programmer** into your additional computer.

> 

> **Note:** Make sure the programmer isn’t resting directly on your laptop — place it on a **non-conductive surface** (e.g. a mouse pad).
>
> ![Connected Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/I5_32.jpg?v=1724252418)

---

### 11. Install Flashrom

On your external laptop/PC, open a terminal and install Flashrom with:

```bash
sudo apt install flashrom
```

---

### 12. Download the Firmware

Firmware files are available on our [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware).

For example, for the **StarLite Mk V**, navigate to the `.bios` file [here](https://github.com/StarLabsLtd/firmware/raw/refs/heads/main/roms/I5.bios) and download it.

🔍 **Tip:** Always use the **latest version** of the firmware for your model.

---

### 13. Flash the Firmware

Run the following command, replacing `~/Downloads/I5.bios` with the path to the firmware file you downloaded:

```
sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w ~/Downloads/I5.bios
```