Google Pixel 2 XL Motherboard Replacement

Insert a SIM card eject tool or a paperclip into the small hole in the SIM card tray, located on the left edge of the phone.

Be careful not to damage the tray or surrounding components.

Eject the tray by pressing firmly.

• Remove the SIM card tray from the phone.
• The SIM card will fall out on its own.
• When reinserting, ensure proper orientation with the SIM card tray.

Apply clear tape over the cracked display glass to prevent bodily harm and further breakage, creating a smooth surface for the next step.

• Suction Cup placement: Position as close to SIM slot edge as possible, avoiding curved area.
• The suction cup will not seal properly on the curved portion of the glass.

Applying significant force may be required; if struggling, try rocking the suction cup or applying heat.

• Hold the suction cup firmly in place and insert an opening pick between the front panel and rear case.
• If needed, use a heat source like an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive.

Careful handling is essential to avoid damaging the phone's components.

• Insert the pick no more than 0.25 inches (6 mm) into the bottom edge of the phone.
• Avoid contacting the folded portion of the OLED panel, as this can damage the display.
• Do not cut along the left edge to prevent damaging delicate display cables.
• Maintain shallow cuts in the upper left corner; deep prying may harm the front-facing camera.

Insert an opening pick into the top-right corner of the phone and gently slide it down the right edge to loosen the display adhesive.

• Use the flat edge of the opening pick to cut, not its corners.
• Slide the opening pick around the lower-right corner and along the bottom edge of the phone.

Reinsert the flat edge of the pick at the top-right corner and slide it around to the top edge.

Lift the display from the right side of the phone, opening it like a book.

If the display doesn't lift easily, apply extra prying pressure to separate the adhesive.

• Do not fully separate the display yet as fragile ribbon cables remain attached.
• Lay the display flat on the table beside the phone, keeping it close to avoid straining the cables.

Use a pointed tool (e.g., an opening tool) to pry up the lower edge of the digitizer cable connector cover.

• The clip securing this cover is located on the bottom edge.
• Pry carefully to avoid damaging the underlying cable or losing the cover itself.

Do not lose the connector cover, as it may be required for reassembly.

Remove the digitizer cable connector cover and retain it for later use.

Use the spudger point to lift the digitizer cable connector out of its motherboard socket.

• To re-attach, align and press down on one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other. Do not press in the middle.
• If misaligned, pins can bend causing permanent damage.
• In case of screen touch response issues post-repair, re-seat this connector, ensuring a full click and checking for dust or obstructions.

Remove any tape covering the display connector with tweezers.

• Insert the point of a spudger into the small hole on the edge of the display connector cover.
• Pry the cover out of its recess using the spudger.
• Remove the connector cover, being sure to retain it for reassembly later.

Use the flat edge of a spudger to gently lift the display cable connector up from its socket.

• Remove the display once the connector is free.
• If desired, replace the adhesive around the edges during reassembly and pause here before proceeding further.

Remove 11 x 3.8 mm Phillips screws that secure the midframe.

Keep a record of each removed screw to ensure correct reassembly.

Insert a spudger into the notch near the volume buttons.

• Pry the midframe upwards, moving it away from the rest of the phone.
• The midframe can now be removed.

Disconnect the battery connector with the flat end of a spudger.

• Disconnect the front-facing camera connector using the pointed end of a spudger.
• For reassembly, attach the front camera to the motherboard, then insert the motherboard into place.

• Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the right Active Edge sensor connector.
• Remove the antenna cable.

Use the point of a spudger to carefully disconnect the fingerprint sensor connector.

Disconnect the left Active Edge sensor connector with the flat end of a spudger.

Disconnect the charging assembly connector using the flat end of a spudger.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to release the front-facing sensor assembly connector.

Clear all cables and connectors from the board.

• Lift the bottom of the motherboard using a spudger's flat edge.
• If the board starts to bend, stop and check for obstructions.

The narrow part is fragile. Ensure it lifts freely without resistance.

• Hold the wide part near the SIM card slot and slide toward the bottom while lifting out of the phone.
• Remove the motherboard from the phone.

After removal, keep the phone flat with the battery facing up to prevent the front-facing camera from falling.

• When reinstalling: move cables and connectors out of the way and align all connectors with their sockets.