Google Pixel 3 XL Rear-Facing Camera Replacement
This repair guide was created by iFixit staff and has not been endorsed by Google.
- This guide details the process of replacing a faulty rear-facing camera module on a Pixel 3 XL.
- To access the camera, you'll need to loosen and partially detach the motherboard.
Step 1 | Heat the edge of the back cover
Do not apply excessive heat to the device — risk of display and battery damage.
- Apply a heated iOpener or alternative heat source to the right edge of the back cover for one minute.
- Note areas of strong adhesive near the bottom of the phone and the location of the fingerprint sensor cable.
- Pry carefully to avoid damaging the adhesive patches or slicing through the fingerprint sensor cable.
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 having trouble, apply heat and try again, as difficulty may vary depending on phone 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.
The adhesive may harden upon cooling; if so, re-apply heat to facilitate slicing.
- Continue slicing until the edge is fully separated.
- Leave a pick in the seam to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.
Step 4 | Heat the bottom edge of the back cover
Apply iOpener to the bottom 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 and continue along the bottom edge of the phone.
Work slowly around the corner to avoid cracking the panel.
If necessary, reapply heat to ease slicing.
- Leave a pick in place along the edge to prevent adhesive re-sealing.
Step 6 | Slice through the remaining edges
Continue heating and slicing the remaining edges.
Avoid snagging the fingerprint sensor, which is located on the left edge.
- If the pick gets stuck near the top, retract it slightly and try again.
- Ensure thorough cutting through adhesive near the bottom and right edges.
Step 7 | Slice through the leftover adhesive
Locate and gently lift the right edge of the back cover.
- If necessary, use an opening pick to carefully remove any remaining adhesive from around the edges.
Step 8 | Swing open the back cover
Swing the right edge of the back cover upwards and rest it along the left side of the phone.
- Ensure slack in the fingerprint sensor cable to prevent pinching.
Power on your phone, test functions, then power down completely before continuing work.
Before sealing the back cover, install custom-cut adhesives following the provided guide.
- Use a software tool to configure new fingerprint sensor (if replaced).
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 — risk of short circuit.
- 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 pull out the flex cable from the socket.
Step 11 | Remove the back cover
Remove the back cover.
- Apply new back cover adhesive according to instructions in the accompanying guide.
Step 12 | Remove the metal cover bracket screws
Remove the T3 screws securing the metal cover bracket.
- Three 4mm screws.
- One 3mm screw.
Keep track of each screw to ensure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Step 13 | Remove the metal cover bracket
- Locate the top right edge of the metal bracket.
- Pry the bracket loose using a spudger at its top right edge.
- The metal cover bracket should now be removable.
Step 14 | Disconnect the battery
Use only a plastic spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector from its socket.
- Pry up the battery connector using a plastic spudger point.
- Bend the battery cable away from the socket to prevent accidental contact.
Step 15 | Remove the motherboard shield screws
Remove the motherboard shield.
- Locate and remove three T3 screws, each with a length of 4mm.
- Next, locate and remove two T3 screws, each with a length of 3mm.
Step 16 | Remove the motherboard shield
Remove the motherboard shield.
Step 17 | Remove the front camera bracket
Remove the T3 screws (x3) securing the front camera bracket.
- The screws are 3 mm long.
Step 18 | Remove the front camera bracket
Remove the front camera bracket.
Step 19 | Determine which camera to remove
Determine which camera type needs replacement: Normal or Wide Angle.
Step 20 | Disconnect the front camera(s)
Take care when prying up the camera connectors — avoid damaging nearby surface-mount components.
- Use a spudger's pointed end to carefully pry up each camera connector from its socket on the motherboard.
- Be gentle to prevent dislodging surrounding small surface-mounted components.
Step 21 | Loosen the front camera(s)
Remove the camera module by prying it gently with the flat end of a spudger.
- Target the recess where the camera is lightly adhered.
- Gently pry up and loosen the camera from its recess using the flat end of the spudger.
Step 22 | Remove the front-facing camera(s)
Remove the front-facing cameras.
Step 23 | Remove one loudspeaker screw
Remove the T3 screw, approximately 4 mm in length, located at the top-right corner of the loudspeaker.
- This will provide additional clearance for motherboard removal later on.
Step 24 | Remove the button array connector bracket
- Remove the two T3 screws (3 mm long) securing the button array connector bracket.
Step 25
Remove the button array connector bracket.
Step 26 | Disconnect the earpiece speaker
Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up the earpiece connector from its motherboard socket.
- Remove the connector pad surrounding the earpiece socket.
Step 27 | Disconnect the motherboard connectors
Identify and isolate the microphone connector, button array connector, and earpiece connector.
- Pry up the microphone connector using a pointed tool, such as a spudger.
- Disconnect the button array connector.
- Confirm that the earpiece connector is already disconnected or disconnect it separately if necessary.
Step 28
Use the spudger to gently pry up each connector, working from one end of the device.
- Pry up and disconnect the charging coil connector.
- Pry up and disconnect the left squeeze sensor connector.
- Pry up and disconnect the display connector.
- Pry up and disconnect the right squeeze sensor connector.
- Pry up and disconnect the loudspeaker connector.
- Pry up and disconnect the USB-C port connector.
Step 29 | Remove the motherboard screws
Remove the T3 screws secured to the motherboard.
- The T3 screws have a length of 3mm.
- There are two screws in total that need to be removed.
Step 30 | Loosen the motherboard
Locate the point underneath the motherboard near the rear-facing camera module.
- Pry up gently with a spudger to loosen the motherboard from its recess.
- Verify all connectors are disconnected if the motherboard does not budge.
Excessive pressure on the earpiece cable may cause the speaker to pop open.
- To prevent this, press on the earpiece module with a finger while maneuvering the motherboard out.
- If the speaker does pop open, carefully realign and press it back into place.
Step 31
Do not attempt to remove the motherboard from the phone.
- Keep slack in the antenna cables attached to the bottom leg of the motherboard.
- Lift the top half of the motherboard slightly to clear it from its recess.
Step 32 | Disconnect the rear-facing camera
Use a spudger to carefully pry up the rear-facing camera and disconnect it from the motherboard socket.
Step 33 | Remove the rear-facing camera
Remove the rear-facing camera.
- If installed, remove the plastic spacer from your new camera module.
- Clean the lens surface to ensure it is free of smudges and dust before installing the camera assembly.