Google Pixel 3 Front-Facing Cameras Replacement
This repair guide was created by iFixit staff and is not affiliated with Google. See our full list of repair guides here. Follow these steps to remove and replace the front-facing selfie cameras on your Pixel 3, which are modular and can be replaced individually.
- The wide-angle camera is located on the left side when viewing from the display.
- The normal angle camera is positioned on the right side of the display.
Step 1 | Weaken the back cover's adhesive
Apply heat from an iOpener to the bottom of the device for 1 minute.
Step 2 | Create a gap in the seam
Apply suction cup to heated bottom edge of back cover, avoiding screen side.
- If back cover is cracked, cover with clear packing tape for better adhesion.
- Lift suction cup with strong, steady force to create gap; may require significant force depending on phone age.
Avoid using metal tools, which can mar or shatter the glass back cover.
- Insert an opening pick into the created gap.
- If panel does not budge, apply more heat with a hair dryer or heat gun and try again.
Step 3 | Fingerprint cable information
Do not insert the opening pick more than 1mm above the power button — risk of damaging the fingerprint sensor cable.
Step 4 | Cut through the adhesive
Insert a prying tool into the gap between the screen and the phone's frame at the bottom edge.
Do not apply too much pressure, as this may crack the screen.
- Slice along the bottom edge of the phone using a plastic spudger.
- Continue slicing around the right corner.
- Leave one pick in the bottom edge to prevent re-sealing.
Step 5
Be careful not to apply too much heat, as it may damage components.
- Apply heat to the right edge using an iOpener.
- Continue removing adhesive with an opening pick in a sawing motion, pushing in and out as needed.
Step 6
Continue applying heat and cutting along the remaining edges.
- Leave a pick lodged in each edge to prevent adhesive re-adhesion.
- When approaching the power button, insert the pick no more than halfway to avoid damaging the fingerprint sensor cable.
Step 7 | Lift the left edge of the back cover
Lift the left edge of the back cover, being careful not to lift the entire cover yet.
The back cover remains attached by the fingerprint sensor cable.
- Flip the back cover along its long axis.
- Rest it in a position that does not strain the fingerprint sensor cable.
Step 8 | Remove the screws
Remove the two 4.1 mm Phillips screws securing the fingerprint connector bracket.
Be sure to track each screw and its original location for proper reassembly.
- Reinstall the screws loosely, avoiding over-tightening which may damage your display.
Step 9 | Remove the fingerprint connector bracket
Slide the fingerprint connector bracket out from under the NFC coil using the point of a spudger.
- Remove the fingerprint connector bracket
Step 10 | Disconnect the fingerprint connector
Avoid dislodging small components surrounding the socket.
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the fingerprint connector.
- When re-attaching, align the connector carefully and press down on one side until it clicks into place. Repeat on the other side. Do not apply pressure to the middle.
Step 11 | Remove the back cover
Remove the back cover.
- If re-using, clean off old adhesive and apply new back cover adhesive.
- For a replacement, compare it to the original part and transfer any remaining components (e.g., flash diffuser). Apply new back cover adhesive correctly, following the guide.
Use an opening tool to scrape off old adhesive residue from the phone frame, then clean with high concentration isopropyl alcohol.
Step 12 | Remove the screws
Locate and remove the Phillips head screws that secure the wireless charging coil.
- Remove two screws with a diameter of 1.9 mm.
- Next, remove two more screws with a diameter of 4.2 mm.
- Finally, locate and remove the remaining screw with a diameter of 4.3 mm.
Step 13 | Remove the charging coil
Remove the wireless charging coil.
Step 14 | Disconnect the battery cable
- Use the point of a plastic spudger to pry up the battery press connector from its socket on the right edge.
Step 15 | Remove the screws
Use extreme care when removing standoff screws, as a small flathead screwdriver can slip and cause damage.
- Remove the 4.1 mm Phillips screw using a screwdriver.
- Next, remove the 4 mm standoff screw with a standoff bit, or carefully use a small flathead screwdriver if necessary.
- After both screws are removed, take out the camera bracket.
Step 16 | Identify the cameras
Identify which front-facing camera requires replacement: normal view or wide-angle.
- For motherboard removal, remove both cameras.
Step 17 | Disconnect the camera(s)
Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and release the connector for the new camera.
- The camera connector is likely held in place by clips or a latch.
- Pry carefully to avoid damaging the connector or surrounding components.
Step 18 | Loosen the camera(s)
- Pry loose the camera modules using a spudger, applying gentle pressure.
- The adhesive holds them in place.
Step 19 | Remove the camera(s)
Remove the camera(s) using a pair of blunt nose tweezers.
The adhesive holding the camera module can be reused if in good condition, otherwise replace with double-sided Tesa tape.
- Ensure that the phone's frame lenses are free of any adhesive residue or debris before installing a replacement camera module.