I simply have a laptop (65W) USB C connected to the phone. I wasn't able to turn it on a month or so ago but tried it again after your reply and yes it still works. I use open camera to take a picture every so often (30s is one option). The phone is old and has a cracked display but the back is user removable so it is really nice. I attach the USB C cable, connect the (now very swollen) battery in, power on the phone, and remove the battery once the phone boots. As long as I don't do anything insane like try to use the flash, it works.

I appreciate the laugh at

> I tried acetone, because I had a bottle next to the alcohol, which went well.

Haha

can you please expand on this part though?

> Unfortunately, the micro-USB connector charges the battery, it doesn't power the device. This can be fixed by connecting a random 5V power supply to the battery connector instead.

Do I need a soldering iron for this? Thanks in advance.

Edit: do you know how we could get open camera or any camera app on Android to take pictures with the screen turned off? It really doesn't need the screen on all the time.