Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement - Google Pixel 3

Step 1 | Weaken the back cover's adhesive

Apply iOpener to the bottom of the device for 1 minute.

Step 2 | Create a gap in the seam

Apply a suction cup to the heated bottom edge of the back cover.

Mistake the screen side for the back cover side — risk of incorrect repair.

If badly cracked, apply clear packing tape for improved suction.
Lift on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.

Significant force may be required depending on phone age — do not apply excessive pressure.

Insert an opening pick into the created gap.
Avoid using metal tools, which can mar or shatter the glass back cover.

If panel resists removal, apply additional heat using a hair dryer or heat gun.

Step 3 | Fingerprint cable information

Avoid inserting the pick more than 1mm deep to prevent damaging the fingerprint sensor cable.

Step 4 | Cut through the adhesive

Use a tool to carefully slice the adhesive along the bottom edge and around the right corner of the phone.

Insert a pick at the bottom edge to hold the adhesive open.

Step 5

Apply heat to the right edge with an iOpener.

Continue using an opening pick to slice the adhesive.
If the adhesive is gummy, use a sawing motion with the opening pick by pushing it in and out.

Step 6

Continue heating and slicing through the remainder of the phone's perimeter.

Leave a pick in each edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

When slicing above the power button, be cautious not to insert the pick more than halfway, as this may damage the fingerprint sensor cable.

Step 7 | Lift the left edge of the back cover

Carefully lift the left edge of the back cover.

The back cover remains attached by the fingerprint sensor cable.
Flip and rest it with the fingerprint sensor cable not strained.

Step 8 | Remove the screws

Remove two Phillips screws, 4.1 mm long.

Keep track of each screw for correct placement later.

Be careful not to over-tighten these screws during reassembly or risk damaging your display.

Step 9 | Remove the fingerprint connector bracket

Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry the fingerprint connector bracket away from the NFC coil.

Continue sliding the spudger along the edge until the bracket is fully removed.
Remove the fingerprint connector bracket entirely.

Step 10 | Disconnect the fingerprint connector

Use a spudger to pry up the fingerprint connector.

Beware: Nearby surface-mounted components may be dislodged.
To reconnect: align carefully and press down on one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other. Avoid pressing in the middle or when misaligned.

Step 11 | Remove the back cover

Remove the back cover.

If re-using, clean off existing adhesive with high concentration isopropyl alcohol and an opening tool.
If installing a replacement, compare it to the original part and transfer any remaining components (e.g., flash diffuser) to the new part.

Before applying adhesive, ensure the phone frame is free of old residue.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying new back cover adhesive to avoid damage or improper adhesion.

Step 12 | Remove the screws

Remove the five Phillips screws holding the wireless charging coil.

Two of these are 1.9 mm in length.
Two more are 4.2 mm long.
The remaining screw is 4.3 mm in length.

Step 13 | Remove the charging coil

Remove the wireless charging coil. Lift it up to disengage.

Step 14 | Disconnect the battery cable

Locate the battery press connector near the right edge of the phone and use the point of a spudger to carefully pry it loose.

Step 15 | Remove the screws

Remove two screws from the camera bracket:

4.1 mm Phillips screw
4 mm standoff screw (use a standoff bit for best results)

For the standoff screw, use extra caution and consider using a small flathead screwdriver as an alternative.

After removing the screws, carefully take out the camera bracket.

Step 16 | Identify the cameras

Identify the type of front-facing camera to be replaced:

Normal View Camera
Wide-Angle Camera

For motherboard removal, both cameras must be removed.

Step 17 | Disconnect the camera(s)

Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up the camera connector.

Make sure to avoid damaging the nearby components.

Step 18 | Loosen the camera(s)

Remove the camera by inserting a spudger into the gap between the module and the frame.

Apply gentle pressure to pry the camera loose.
Once removed, clean the area with compressed air to prevent further adhesion.

Step 19 | Remove the camera(s)

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

If the adhesive holding the camera module is still in good condition, re-use it.
Otherwise, replace with double-sided Tesa tape.

Make sure phone frame lenses are clean and free of adhesive residue or debris before installing a replacement camera module.

Step 20 | Disconnect the loudspeaker

Careful not to pierce the battery with the spudger.

Pry up the loudspeaker connector using a spudger point near the right edge.
Disconnect it from its socket on the motherboard.

Step 21 | Remove the screws

Remove four Phillips screws:

1.9 mm screw
4.3 mm screw
Two 4.3 mm screws with thinner shanks

Be careful not to lose the tiny grounding clip from the left screw hole.

Install the grounding clip so that the contoured edge faces the left side of the phone.

Remove the small plastic insert from the right side of the USB-C port.

Reinstall this insert before screwing down the daughterboard.

Step 22 | Loosen the loudspeaker

Be cautious when handling the loudspeaker due to potential electrical shock.

Pry the loudspeaker in a few different places using a spudger to break the adhesive seal.
Insert the spudger under the bottom right corner of the loudspeaker.
Pry up gently to loosen the loudspeaker from the phone.

Step 23

Careful not to puncture the battery while prying.

Pry under the top left corner of the loudspeaker using a spudger.
Apply gentle pressure until the loudspeaker loosens.

Step 24

Pry the loudspeaker loose with a spudger, inserting its flat end under the top edge, nearest the left.
Work it gently to start loosening the speaker.

Step 25 | Remove the loudspeaker

Remove the loudspeaker.

Inspect the adhesive gasket before installing a replacement loudspeaker.

If the gasket is in good condition, re-use it but ensure it does not cover the exit hole.
If the gasket is out of place, remove and replace with pre-cut strip or Tesa tape.

Step 26 | Disconnect the charging assembly

Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the gap between the charging assembly's connector and the motherboard socket.

Pry gently to release the connector from its socket near the right edge of the phone.
Once released, carefully pull the connector away from the motherboard socket.

Step 27 | Peel away the black tape

Damage to the flex cable can occur if metal tools are used.

Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry up the black tape near the right edge of the phone.
Avoid using metal tools as they may damage the flex cable.

Step 28 | Disconnect the press connectors

Disconnect the external buttons connector using a spudger.
Pry up and disconnect the top microphone connector.
Remove the earpiece connector from its socket.
Use a spudger to release the left squeeze sensor connector.
Disconnect the screen connector.
Separate the right squeeze sensor connector from the motherboard.
Pry up the SIM tray connector to disconnect it.

Step 29 | Move the earpiece speaker cable away from the motherboard

Carefully use the flat side of a spudger to bend the earpiece speaker's flex cable upwards and away from the motherboard.

Step 30 | Remove the screws

Careful not to lose the very small grounding clips attached to screws.

Remove six screws securing the motherboard:
- 4.2 mm Phillips screw
- 3 x 1.9 mm Phillips screws
- 4.3 mm Phillips screw
- 3.83 mm standoff screw

When removing standoff screw, use a standoff bit; or, if necessary, a small flathead screwdriver with extra caution to avoid damaging components.

Retain the three small metal grounding clips attached to removed screws.

Step 31 | Remove the antenna bracket

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

To reinstall small metal grounding clips: orient silver side up.
Tear-drop shaped clips point towards phone edge.
Double-holed clip points downwards towards top-right screw hole.

Step 32 | Check the motherboard

Insert the point of a spudger near the top left corner of the motherboard, below the rear-facing camera.

Pry up gently to loosen the motherboard.
Bend all flex cables away from their connectors.
Check for any still-connected flex cables or screws if the motherboard feels firmly seated.

Step 33 | Loosen the motherboard

Take care when handling the motherboard, as it can be damaged easily.

Insert the spudger under the top edge of the motherboard and gently pry up to loosen it.
Be cautious with the earpiece speaker's flex cable, which may press against the motherboard. Gently guide the motherboard around the cable as you lift.

Step 34 | Remove the motherboard

Lift the left edge of the motherboard and swing upwards towards the right.

Do not attempt to fully remove the motherboard — it is still attached with antenna cables.

Push any press connectors snagging the motherboard out of the way.
Carefully guide any flex cable connectors clear of the motherboard during reinstallation.

Step 35 | Remove the rear-facing camera

Locate the rear-facing camera connector on the motherboard.

Pry up the connector using a spudger's point and carefully disconnect it from the socket.
Lift the camera module away from the motherboard, working to release any adhesive securing it in place.
Once separated, remove the rear-facing camera.