Google Pixel 3 XL Flash Diffuser Replacement
The information in this guide has not been officially approved or sponsored by Google.
- This repair guide was created by iFixit staff.
- The guide covers replacing the plastic flash diffuser on a Pixel 3 XL device.
Step 1 | Heat the edge of the back cover
Be cautious when applying heat to avoid overheating the phone and potential damage.
- Apply heat to the right edge of the back cover using an iOpener or other heat source (hair dryer, heat gun, hot plate) for a minute.
- Note the strong adhesive areas near the bottom of the phone.
- Avoid damaging the fingerprint sensor cable when prying the back cover open.
Step 2 | Create a gap under the back cover
Apply a suction cup to the heated edge of the back cover.
- Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.
- Depending on your phone's age, this may be difficult; if needed, reapply heat and try again.
Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.
Step 3 | Loosen the right edge adhesives
- Slide a pick along the right edge to slice through the adhesive.
- Leave an opening pick in place once you've sliced through the seam to prevent re-sealing.
The adhesive can become difficult to slice as it cools; if necessary, re-apply heat for assistance.
Step 4 | Heat the bottom edge of the back cover
Apply iOpener to the bottom edge of the back cover and heat for 1 minute.
Step 5 | Slice through the bottom adhesives
Apply an opening pick to the bottom right corner of the phone and carefully slice along the entire bottom edge.
Work slowly to avoid cracking the panel, if necessary re-apply heat to facilitate the process.
Insert a pick into the cut edge to maintain separation from the adhesive.
Step 6 | Slice through the remaining edges
Continue heating and slicing along the remaining edges.
- Caution: Be careful when approaching the left edge, as it's easy to snag the fingerprint sensor.
- If the pick feels stuck near the top of the seam, try retracting and reslicing.
- Make sure to cut through thick adhesive portions at the bottom and right edges.
Step 7 | Slice through the leftover adhesive
Insert an opening pick into the seam and gently pry up the right edge of the back cover.
Careful not to damage the surrounding components.
Use the opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive along the edges.
Step 8 | Swing open the back cover
Swing the right edge of the back cover upwards and place it against the left side of the phone.
Maintain slack on the fingerprint sensor cable to avoid pinching it during this process.
- Power on your phone and test all functions before continuing.
- Make sure to power your phone back down completely.
During reassembly, install custom-cut adhesives for the back cover.
- If you replaced the fingerprint sensor, use a software tool to enable it on your phone.
Step 9 | Remove the fingerprint sensor tape
Use tweezers to gently lift the yellow tape covering the fingerprint sensor connector.
Step 10 | Disconnect the fingerprint sensor
Do not touch the metal contacts on the flex cable to avoid short circuits.
- Flip up the black lock bar on the fingerprint sensor's ZIF socket using a spudger point.
- Pull out the flex cable by grasping its tab with your fingers or tweezers, taking care not to touch the metal contacts.
Step 11 | Remove the back cover
Remove the back cover.
- Apply new back cover adhesive as per instructions in the accompanying guide.
Step 12 | Remove the flash diffuser
- Insert the opening tool under the plastic flash diffuser, then slowly pry it loose.
- Once loose, remove the diffuser.