Google Pixel 3 Motherboard Replacement - Google Pixel 3

Step 1 | Weaken the back cover's adhesive

Apply heat from an iOpener to the phone's bottom surface for 1 minute.

Step 2 | Create a gap in the seam

Apply a suction cup to the heated bottom edge of the back cover. Ensure you've identified the correct side.

If your back cover is badly cracked, apply a layer of clear packing tape for better adhesion.
Lift the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap. Be prepared for significant force, especially on older phones.

Do not use metal tools, as they can mar or shatter the glass back cover.

Insert an opening pick into the gap created by the suction cup.
If the panel doesn't budge, reapply heat using a hair dryer or heat gun and try again.

Step 3 | Fingerprint cable information

Be cautious when placing the pick near the power button — risk of damaging the fingerprint sensor cable if inserted too far.

Step 4 | Cut through the adhesive

Insert a pick at the bottom edge of the phone.

Slice the adhesive along the bottom edge and around the right corner using a tool.
Leave the pick in place to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.

Step 5

Apply heat to the right edge using the iOpener.

Continue to slice the adhesive using an opening pick.
Note: The adhesive can be stubborn, so use a sawing motion to help it separate.

Step 6

Continue heating and slicing along the phone's edges.

Leave a pick at each edge to prevent re-adhesion.
When cutting above the power button, only insert the pick up to half its length to avoid damaging the fingerprint sensor cable.

Step 7 | Lift the left edge of the back cover

Carefully lift the left edge of the back cover.

Do not attempt to remove the back cover yet.

The fingerprint sensor cable is still attached, so be patient.
Flip the back cover along its long axis and rest it in place.
Maintain tension on the fingerprint sensor cable to avoid straining it.

Step 8 | Remove the screws

Remove the Phillips screws securing the fingerprint connector bracket.

There are two screws, each 4.1 mm long.
Keep track of each screw to ensure correct reassembly.

Be careful not to over-tighten these screws during reassembly, as this 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

Careful handling of small surface-mounted components required.

Use a spudger to carefully pry up and disconnect the fingerprint connector.
Be cautious not to dislodge surrounding surface-mounted components.

When re-attaching, press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other. Avoid pressing in the middle.

Step 11 | Remove the back cover

Remove the back cover.

If reusing, clean off adhesive and apply new back cover adhesive.
If installing replacement, compare it with the original part and transfer any remaining parts.

Use high concentration isopropyl alcohol to clean the phone frame when removing adhesive residue.

Follow instructions for applying new back cover adhesive.

Step 12 | Remove the screws

Locate and remove the following Phillips screws:

Two 1.9 mm, two 4.2 mm, and one 4.3 mm.

Step 13 | Remove the charging coil

Remove the wireless charging coil by lifting it up.

Step 14 | Disconnect the battery cable

Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the battery press connector from its socket, located near the right edge of the phone.

Step 15 | Remove the screws

Use a standoff bit to remove the 4 mm standoff screw, or carefully use a small flathead screwdriver if no standoff bit is available.

Remove one Phillips screw (4.1 mm).
Remove the other standoff screw (4 mm).

Carefully lift out the camera bracket.

Step 16 | Identify the cameras

Identify the specific front-facing camera requiring replacement: normal view or wide-angle.

If performing a motherboard removal, proceed with removing both cameras.
Else, ensure you have the correct camera model for the replacement process.

Step 17 | Disconnect the camera(s)

Use the pointed end of a spudger to carefully pry up the camera connector and release it from its socket.

Step 18 | Loosen the camera(s)

Avoid pulling on the camera modules by their cables.

Locate the camera's adhesive attachment points.
Pry the camera loose with a spudger, inserting it behind the edge of the module.

Step 19 | Remove the camera(s)

Use blunt nose tweezers to remove the camera(s).

If the camera module's adhesive is intact, you may re-use it.
Otherwise, replace with double-sided Tesa tape.

Ensure phone frame lens are free of adhesive residue or debris before installing a replacement camera module.

Step 20 | Disconnect the loudspeaker

Avoid piercing the battery when prying the loudspeaker connector loose.

Pry up the loudspeaker connector from its socket near the right edge using a spudger's point.

Step 21 | Remove the screws

Remove four Phillips screws: one 1.9 mm, one 4.3 mm, and two 4.3 mm with thinner shanks.

Take out the tiny grounding clip from the left screw hole; be careful not to lose it.

Install the grounding clip such that the contoured edge faces the phone's left side.
Remove the small plastic insert from the right USB-C port side.

Reinstall this insert before screwing down the daughterboard.

Step 22 | Loosen the loudspeaker

Locate the loudspeaker's adhesive gasket and use a spudger to pry it loose in multiple areas.

Insert the spudger's point under the loudspeaker's bottom right corner.
Pry gently to break the seal and loosen the loudspeaker from the phone.

Step 23

Careful not to puncture the battery when prying.

Spudger: insert point under top left corner of loudspeaker.
Pry up to loosen loudspeaker.

Step 24

Position the spudger's flat end at the top-left corner of the loudspeaker.
Pry gently to loosen the loudspeaker.

Step 25 | Remove the loudspeaker

Remove the loudspeaker.

Before installing a replacement, inspect the adhesive gasket.
If in good condition, re-use the gasket ensuring it does not cover the exit hole.
Else, remove and replace adhesive with pre-cut strip or Tesa tape.

Step 26 | Disconnect the blue antenna cable

Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up the blue antenna cable.

Locate the cable's socket on the charging assembly.
Gently dislodge the cable from its socket using the pointed tip.

Step 27

Careful not to break the blue antenna cable, as it is fragile.

Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up and release the blue antenna cable from its grounding clips.
If firmly clamped, use the spudger to push the clip open slightly before trying again.

Step 28 | Disconnect the black antenna cable

Insert the point of a spudger into the space between the black antenna cable and its socket.

Gently pry up and release the connector to prevent damage or pinching the surrounding circuit board.

Use your fingers or a soft tool to completely disconnect the black antenna cable.

Step 29 | De-route the antenna cables

De-route both antenna cables carefully to avoid damaging the charging assembly.

Move the antenna cables away from the charging assembly.

Step 30

Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the charging assembly's connector from its motherboard socket, located near the right edge of the phone.

Careful not to damage the flex cable or surrounding components while handling.

Peel back the flex cable carefully from the top of the SIM card reader.

Step 31 | Disconnect the display connector

Never use metal tools to pry parts — risk of damaging internal components.

Carefully lift the black tape holding the display flex cable with a flat-end spudger, near the right edge of the phone.
Pry up and disconnect the display connector from the motherboard using a flat-end spudger.

Step 32 | Peel the black tape away from the battery

Be extremely cautious when using a spudger near the battery to avoid damage.

Insert the spudger's point into the gap under the black tape connecting the battery and motherboard.
Slide the spudger along this crevice to dislodge the tape from the battery side.
Pry off the tape, carefully lifting it away from the battery and folding it aside.

Step 33 | Disconnect the press connectors

Risk of damage to the press-fit connectors or motherboard if not done carefully.

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the External buttons connector from its socket.
Disconnect the Top microphone connector using the same method.
Remove the Earpiece connector from its motherboard socket.
Carefully disconnect the Left squeeze sensor connector.
Pry up and remove the Touchscreen and OLED display connectors, as shown in the provided pictures.
Disconnect the Right squeeze sensor connector from its socket.
Remove the SIM tray connector.

Step 34 | Move the earpiece speaker cable away from the motherboard

Use the flat side of a spudger to gently lift the flex cable of the earpiece speaker.

Pry the cable upwards and out of the way of the motherboard.

Step 35 | Remove the screws

Be aware that some screws hold tiny grounding clips; secure these for later reinstallation.

Remove the six screws securing the motherboard:

One 4.2 mm Phillips screw
Three 1.9 mm Phillips screws
One 4.3 mm Phillips screw
One 3.83 mm standoff screw

Use a standoff bit for optimal removal; as a last resort, use a small flathead screwdriver with extreme care.

Retain the three small metal grounding clips.

Step 36 | Remove the antenna bracket

Remove the antenna bracket from the top left edge of the phone with care.

To reinstall the small metal grounding clips:

Orient them with the silver side facing upwards.
The teardrop-shaped clips should have their points directed towards the phone edge.
The double-holed clip should dip downwards towards the top-right screw hole of the frame.

Step 37 | Check the motherboard

Insert spudger tip near top left corner of motherboard below rear-facing camera.

Pry up gently to loosen motherboard, bending all flex cables away from movement.
If motherboard feels firmly seated, check for remaining flex cables or screws.

Step 38 | Loosen the motherboard

Insert a plastic spudger under the top edge of the motherboard.

Take care not to damage the flex cable or strip its pins.

Pry up gently on the motherboard with the spudger.
Guide the motherboard carefully around the earpiece speaker's flex cable.

Step 39 | Start removing the motherboard

Use both hands to lift the left edge of the motherboard.

Carefully swing it upwards, angling towards the right.
Pull free any press connectors caught under the motherboard.

Step 40 | Remove the motherboard

Remove the top end of the motherboard from its frame.

Lift the motherboard away from the frame.
Disconnect the flex cable connectors before reinstalling.

Be careful not to trap any flex cable connectors underneath the motherboard.

It may be difficult to reposition the motherboard around the earpiece flex cable. Gently pry up the earpiece speaker, install the motherboard, and reinstall the earpiece speaker.