Google Pixel 10a Rear Camera (Wide) Replacement
This guide, authored by iFixit staff, is not endorsed by Google. Learn more about our guides. Follow this step-by-step to replace your Google Pixel 10a's main rear camera, addressing issues like poor focus or physical damage from a cracked lens.
- Check if replacement is needed due to faulty focusing or stabilizing, or damaged lens.
- Acquire new rear cover adhesives for successful repair completion.
Note: This repair may compromise your phone's water resistance. Proper re-adhesion and clean mating surfaces are crucial for maintaining water-resistance after the repair.
Step 1 | Prepare your Pixel for disassembly
Let the Pixel's battery drain below 25% before starting repair.
- Remove all cables and power down the device completely.
If rear cover is bulging, assume swollen battery - take necessary precautions.
Step 2 | Eject the SIM card tray
Insert a SIM card eject tool or a straightened paper clip into the small hole.
- Press firmly to eject the SIM card tray.
- Remove the SIM card tray.
Step 3 | Heat the rear cover
Remove the rear cover by softening its adhesive.
- Heat the entire rear cover with a hair dryer until it's hot to the touch.
- For more information on using a hair dryer, refer to a recommended guide.
- Alternatively, use an iOpener to heat only the edge of the rear cover.
Step 4 | Create an opening gap
Position the suction handle approximately one inch from the right edge of the rear cover.
Step 5
Hold the suction handle firmly and pull up with strong, steady force.
- A gap will form between the cover and frame. If it doesn't, reheat the edge and try again.
- Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.
Step 6 | Adhesive information
Separate the rear cover from the frame using the provided picture for reference.
- Work carefully near the cameras where adhesive is also present.
- To remove left edge adhesive, insert pick no deeper than 3 mm to avoid damaging the wireless charging coil and its graphite film.
Step 7 | Separate the rear cover
Apply a heat gun to loosen the adhesive.
- Insert an opening pick around the device's perimeter.
- Slide the pick gently but firmly to separate the adhesive.
- If still stuck, repeat heat application and try again.
Step 8
Insert the opening pick about halfway in near the top-left corner.
- Pry gently to loosen the adhesive around the camera bezel.
Step 9
Remove the rear cover by carefully peeling it upwards.
Step 10 | Remove the wireless charging assembly screws
It's crucial to maintain accurate screw tracking throughout this repair.
- Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver's fifteen screws securing the wireless charging assembly:
- Thirteen 5.0 mm gray screws
- Two 5.0 mm silver non-magnetic screws
Step 11 | Unclip the wireless charging assembly
Insert an opening pick into the gap between the wireless charging assembly and the phone frame.
- Pry up gently at the bottom-right corner cutout to unclip one end of the wireless charging assembly.
- Next, pry up at the left edge near the power button cutout to release the other end.
Step 12 | Remove the wireless charging assembly
Disconnect and remove the wireless charging assembly.
Step 13 | Remove the battery connector cover
Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and use it to remove the 1.9 mm-long screw that secures the battery connector cover.
Step 14
Remove the battery connector cover.
Step 15 | Disconnect the battery
Prying too aggressively can cause damage to nearby components.
- Insert the point of a spudger under the top-right corner of the battery connector.
- Pry up gently to disconnect the battery.
- Avoid prying outside designated areas, as marked by a gold line on the circuit board.
Step 16 | Disconnect the front camera
Insert the spudger point into the top-left corner of the front camera connector and pry upwards.
- Flip the camera module out of its recess onto the logic board.
- Beware not to tear the copper foil during removal.
Step 17 | Remove the logic board screws
Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screw from the area near the front camera.
- Remove the other Torx Plus 3IP screw, located at the bottom-right corner of the logic board.
Step 18 | Remove the logic board
- Place the spudger tip near the front camera on the logic board.
- Pry gently to loosen the logic board.
Step 19
Ensure the SIM card tray is fully ejected.
- Pry up the logic board by inserting a spudger into the notch at the bottom-right corner and applying gentle pressure.
Step 20
Bend the battery connector at an angle to prevent it from getting damaged or caught when removing the logic board.
Step 21
Careful not to damage components, use fingers to gently lift and remove the logic board.
Step 22 | Lay the logic board
Place the logic board with camera connectors facing up on a clean surface.
Step 23 | Remove the wide camera
Locate the wide camera connector's outer edge with the point of a spudger.
- Pry upwards gently to release the connector.
Step 24
Remove the wide camera.
Step 25 | Disassembly complete
We've completed the disassembly process and now it's time to put everything back together.
Step 26 | Install the wide camera
Leave lens caps on for now; they'll protect the lens during reassembly.
- Position the wide camera over the logic board.
- Be careful not to touch the lens.
- Press connector onto socket using fingertip, starting with one side and then the other, until it clicks into place.
Step 27 | Logic board connector information
Locate the press connector on the underside of the logic board.
- Install the logic board with the press connector in its final position.
- Maintain even pressure while seating the logic board to ensure proper connection.
Step 28 | Install the logic board
Position the logic board with the USB-C port seated in its designated cutout, ensuring a secure fit.
Step 29
Press the logic board near the USB-C port until you feel a click.
- Use your finger to apply pressure.
- Verify that the logic board is fully seated against the plastic alignment pin.
- If having trouble, try realigning the logic board for a snug fit.
Step 30
Hold the battery connector aside.
- Lay the top portion of the logic board into its designated recess.
- Gently maneuver the rear cameras into position with a spudger.
Step 31 | Install the logic board screws
Install the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver.
- Screw one into the near the front camera, top position.
- Screw one into the near the bottom-right corner.
Step 32 | Install the front camera
Press front camera firmly into its cutout using a spudger or your finger.
Step 33
Press the front camera press connector with your finger.
Step 34 | Connect the battery
Align the battery press connector over its socket using a gentle touch.
Avoid forcing the connector into place — risk of damage.
- Realign if necessary, then attempt to connect again.
- If still having trouble, consult troubleshooting guides or seek assistance.
Step 35 | Install the battery connector cover
Align the battery connector cover with the edge of the device and secure it by hooking the left edge into position.
Lay the battery connector cover down flat to complete installation.
Step 36
Install the 1.9 mm-long battery connector cover using a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver.
Step 37 | Install the wireless charging assembly
Place the wireless charging assembly on the frame.
- Press around the perimeter with your fingers to secure all clips.
- If the assembly does not clip in, stop and check for any items underneath that may be out of place.
Step 38
- Install the 15 wireless charging assembly screws using a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver.
- The screws include 13 gray and 2 silver non-magnetic ones.
- All screws are 5.0 mm long.
Step 39 | Test your repair
Test your repair now:
- Power on your phone and verify all functions are working.
If screen or fingerprint sensor is faulty, reconnect the screen connector.
Completely power off your phone before proceeding with reassembly.
Step 40 | Clean the frame
Take your time cleaning the frame as a clean surface ensures better adhesion.
- Use fingers, spudger, or tweezers to remove adhesive from the perimeter.
- If you can grip a large piece, pull slowly and straight in the opposite direction of the adhesive.
Use high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol with a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) to remove any remaining residue.
Step 41 | Replace the camera bezel adhesive
Inspect the adhesive blocks around the rear cameras. If they are clean and smooth, proceed to step 5.
- Pry up the adhesive blocks using a spudger.
- Remove all seven adhesive blocks.
Step 42
Remove the clear liner from the camera bezel adhesive.
- Aim for the center of the phone body while applying the adhesive.
- Use the rear cameras as a reference to ensure correct alignment.
- Lay the adhesive in place, making sure it is smooth and even.
Step 43
Press the camera bezel adhesive onto the frame using your fingers.
- Peel off the top blue liner from the adhesive.
- A remaining thin liner will still cover the adhesive.
Step 44 | Replace the rear cover interior adhesive
Check if the interior adhesive blocks are clean and smooth.
- If they're good, you can reuse them and skip ahead.
- Otherwise, use a spudger to carefully remove them from the rear cover.
Step 45
Remove the large liner.
- Peel the clear liner from the interior adhesive sheet.
- Use the camera cutout for alignment.
- Press the adhesive onto the rear cover.
Step 46 | Install the rear cover adhesive
Hold the rear cover with its existing liner intact.
- Align the camera cutout with the phone's frame.
- Check how it will sit without removing any liners.
Step 47
Expose the adhesive by peeling down the top half of the clear liner.
Do not fully remove the liner at this stage.
Step 48
Take your time aligning the adhesive to the frame. Incorrect application will require new adhesive.
- Lay the top edge of the adhesive onto the frame.
- Press down along the top edge to secure alignment.
- Slowly peel away the clear liner while pressing the rest of the adhesive into place.
Step 49
Press the adhesive onto the entire frame perimeter using a spudger.
Step 50
Remove the rear cover liner by peeling it away from the adhesive.
Step 51
Remove all remaining liner strips from the replacement camera bezel adhesive.
Step 52
Remove the perimeter adhesive liner.
- Carefully inspect the frame for any remaining liners.
- Remove all detected liners.
Step 53 | Inspect the rear camera glass
Inspect the rear cover camera cutouts and wipe them clean with a lint-free cloth if necessary.
- Remove any lens caps or liners from the rear cameras.
- Gently wipe the lenses with a lint-free cloth to ensure they are clean.
Step 54 | Install the rear cover
Position the rear cover over the frame.
- Firmly press around the perimeter with fingers or use a cloth to secure the adhesive.
- Optional: Hold your phone screen-up and squeeze firmly for added strength.
For an extremely secure bond, lay your phone screen-down on a clean surface under several books overnight to ensure full curing.
Step 55 | Insert the SIM card tray
Locate the SIM card slot and insert the SIM card tray.