Google Pixel 3 XL Back Cover Replacement - Google Pixel 3 XL

Step 1 | Heat the edge of the back cover

Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the back cover for 1 minute.

iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun may also be used, but avoid overheating the phone.
Note the locations of strong adhesive near the bottom and the fingerprint sensor cable before prying.

Be cautious not to slice through the fingerprint sensor cable during removal.

Step 2 | Create a gap under the back cover

Apply a suction cup to the heated edge of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible.

Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.
If necessary, reapply heat and try again due to potential difficulties depending on your device's age.

Insert the point of an opening pick into the created gap.

Step 3 | Loosen the right edge adhesives

Slide a pick along the right edge to slice through the adhesive.
If the adhesive gels and becomes hard to slice, re-apply heat to facilitate removal.
Leave an opening pick in the seam after slicing to prevent re-adhesion.

Step 4 | Heat the bottom edge of the back cover

Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom of the back cover for one minute.

Step 5 | Slice through the bottom adhesives

Use an opening pick to slice along the bottom edge of the phone, starting at the bottom right corner.

Work slowly to avoid panel cracking. If slicing becomes difficult, re-apply heat.
Leave a pick in the edge to prevent adhesive from re-sealing.

Step 6 | Slice through the remaining edges

Continue heating and slicing along the edges of the phone.

Be cautious when slicing along the left edge, as this may snag the fingerprint sensor.
If the pick feels stuck near the top, gently retract it slightly and try again.
Make sure to cut through adhesive at the bottom and right edges of the phone.

Step 7 | Slice through the leftover adhesive

Pry up the right edge of the back cover gently.

Use an opening pick to cut through remaining adhesive along the edges.

Step 8 | Swing open the back cover

Swing the right edge of the back cover upwards and rest it on the left side of the phone.

Maintain slack in the fingerprint sensor cable to avoid pinching.
Power on your phone during reassembly to test all functions before sealing it up.

Make sure to power down your phone completely before continuing.

Follow the guide for installing custom-cut adhesives on the back cover.

If you replaced the fingerprint sensor, use the software tool to enable recognition of the new sensor.

Step 9 | Remove the fingerprint sensor tape

Use tweezers to carefully remove the yellow tape covering the fingerprint sensor connector.

Step 10 | Disconnect the fingerprint sensor

Avoid touching the metal contacts on the flex cable.

Use a spudger to carefully flip up the black lock bar on the fingerprint sensor's ZIF socket.
Grasp the cable's tab with your fingers or tweezers and gently remove the flex cable from the socket.

Step 11 | Remove the back cover

Remove the back cover.

Apply new back cover adhesive as per instructions in the repair guide.

Step 12 | Heat the fingerprint sensor

Position iOpener on the fingerprint sensor and heat it for 1 minute.

Step 13 | Pry up the fingerprint sensor

Use an opening tool to insert its edge under the fingerprint sensor's square portion.
Slowestly pry up on the sensor to loosen it initially.
Pry around the perimeter of the sensor to fully loosen it.

Step 14 | Loosen the fingerprint sensor

Push the fingerprint sensor out from its cutout on the back cover with your finger.

Step 15 | Remove the fingerprint sensor

Remove the fingerprint sensor.

If transferring to a new back cover, apply Tesa tape to secure.

Step 16 | Remove the flash diffuser

Locate the plastic flash diffuser and insert the edge of an opening tool underneath.

Pry up slowly to loosen the diffuser.
Once loose, remove the diffuser.

Step 17 | Remove the rear camera bracket

Insert the edge of an opening tool underneath the camera bracket and pry up to loosen it.

Remove the camera bracket and transfer it to your replacement part.
Compare your new replacement back cover with the original part. You may need to transfer additional components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.