Google Pixel 3 XL Screen Replacement
This repair guide has not been endorsed by Google and may result in permanent damage if not performed correctly.
- This procedure assumes a replacement screen is being used that is not pre-mounted onto a frame.
- To access the screen connector, you will need to remove the back panel.
- Before starting, ensure you have replacement adhesives for both the back panel and the screen.
- OLED screens require an airtight encapsulation and are sensitive to oxygen or moisture; exposure can cause permanent damage.
- The Pixel's OLED layers are laminated to the glass, making it difficult to replace the front glass alone.
Step 1 | Heat the edge of the back cover
Excessive heat can damage the phone's display and internal battery.
- Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the back cover for one minute or use an alternative heat source like a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate.
- Note the areas on the back cover with strong adhesive near the bottom and the fingerprint sensor cable.
Be careful not to slice through the fingerprint sensor cable as you pry the back cover open.
Step 2 | Create a gap under the back cover
Apply suction cup to heated edge of back cover, near edge.
- Pull up on suction cup with strong force to create gap.
- If having trouble, apply heat and try again.
- Insert opening pick into the created gap.
Step 3 | Loosen the right edge adhesives
Slide the opening pick along the right edge to slice through the adhesive.
- If the adhesive gums up and becomes hard to slice when it cools, re-apply heat to the edge to make slicing easier.
- Once you have sliced through the edge, leave an opening pick in the seam to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.
Step 4 | Heat the bottom edge of the back cover
Heat the iOpener and apply it to the bottom of the back cover for 1 minute.
Step 5 | Slice through the bottom adhesives
Apply an opening pick to the lower right corner and carefully continue along the bottom edge.
Work slowly to avoid cracking the panel — difficulty may be resolved by re-applying heat.
- Leave a pick in place at the edge to prevent adhesive re-sealing.
Step 6 | Slice through the remaining edges
Careful not to damage the fingerprint sensor near the top left edge.
- Continue heating and slicing along the remaining edges, being cautious near the left edge.
- If the pick gets stuck near the top, retract it slightly and try again.
- Make sure to cut through thick adhesive areas around the bottom and right edges.
Step 7 | Slice through the leftover adhesive
Pry up the right edge of the back cover gently.
- Use a opening pick to cut through any leftover adhesive along 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.
- Maintain slack on the fingerprint sensor cable to prevent pinching.
- During reassembly, power on your phone and test all functions before sealing.
Power down your phone completely before continuing work.
- Follow the guide for installing custom-cut adhesives during reassembly.
- If replacing the fingerprint sensor, use the software tool to register the new sensor.
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
Use a spudger to carefully flip up the black lock bar.
- Grasp the cable's tab with fingers or tweezers and gently pull it out of the socket.
Be careful not to touch metal contacts on the flex cable with your tools to prevent shorting.
Step 11 | Remove the back cover
- Remove the back cover.
Apply new back cover adhesive following a correct application guide.
Step 12 | Remove the metal cover bracket screws
Locate the four T3 screws holding the metal cover bracket in place:
- Three screws measuring 4 mm long.
- One screw measuring 3 mm long.
Keep track of each screw and its original location to ensure correct reassembly.
Step 13 | Remove the metal cover bracket
- Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the top right edge of the metal bracket.
- Loosen and remove the metal cover bracket.
Step 14 | Disconnect the battery
Avoid using metal tools when disconnecting the battery connector — risk of short circuit.
- Pry up and disconnect the battery connector from its socket using a plastic spudger's point.
- Bend the battery cable away from the socket to prevent accidental contact.
Step 15 | Disconnect the display cable
Use a spudger to gently pry up the display cable from its motherboard socket, located on the right edge of the device.
Step 16 | Heat a long edge of the screen
Flip the phone so that the screen faces upwards.
- iOpener and apply it to a long edge of the screen for two minutes. You may need to re-heat during this time.
- A heat source such as a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate can also be used, but be cautious not to overheat the phone as the internal battery is susceptible to heat damage.
Step 17 | Create an opening gap
Apply a suction cup to the heated side of the screen as close to the edge as possible.
If your display is badly cracked, covering it with clear packing tape may help the suction cup adhere; strong tape can be used instead.
As a last resort, superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.
- Pull on the suction cup with steady force to create a gap between the screen and frame.
- If needed, reapply heat and try again due to potential age-related difficulties.
Insert the point of an opening pick into the created gap.
Step 18 | Slice through the edge adhesive
Slide a pick along the screen's edge to cut the adhesive.
The adhesive may harden when cooled — reapply heat if necessary for easier slicing.
- Once the edge is sliced, leave a pick in the seam to prevent re-adhesion.
Step 19 | Heat the bottom edge of the screen
Heat the iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the screen for 1 minute.
- Use a opening pick to slice through the adhesive on the screen.
- Leave the opening pick in place to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.
Step 20
- Keep applying heat and continue to slice the phone's casing.
- Slice around the entire edge of the device.
Step 21
Careful not to damage the screen or surrounding components.
- Locate the adhesive pad near the center of the screen and position a spudger or plastic opening card along one edge.
- Press in on the spudger/plastic card to slice through the adhesive, then continue this process until the screen is released from the frame.
Step 22
Flip the phone over with the motherboard facing up.
- Push the display cable through its motherboard cutout, angling it so one end slides under first for easy removal.
- To create a larger gap, you can loosen and partially remove the motherboard.
If you're not saving the original display, consider cutting the cable to simplify retrieval.
Step 23
Flip the phone over so the screen is facing upwards.
- Lift the screen away from the phone, cutting through any remaining adhesive.
- Remove the old screen.
When installing the new replacement screen's display cable, be careful threading it through the motherboard cutout. If needed, loosen and partially remove the motherboard for easier access.
Compare your new replacement part to the original part. Transfer any remaining components (such as the speaker grille) or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.
Apply adhesive to the replacement screen using this adhesive application guide.
Before affixing the screen with adhesives, test your repairs to ensure proper alignment and calibration.
During boot-up after reassembly, do not touch the screen during its calibration sequence to avoid improper touch calibration and touch issues.