Google Pixel 3a XL Screen Replacement

Prying at the midframe seam can damage the phone.

Observe the two seams on your Pixel 3a: screen seam and midframe seam.

• Pry along the screen seam, where the screen meets the rest of the phone.
• Avoid prying at the midframe seam, held in place by screws.
• For reusing your screen, follow these steps carefully to avoid damage.

Apply a suction cup to the right edge of the screen, positioned immediately below the volume button.

Careful not to damage the fragile OLED display panel underneath the glass.

• Insert an opening pick at a downward angle, as shown in the second photo, to prevent damaging the OLED display panel.
• The pick should slide under the OLED panel, not between the glass and the panel.

Apply a strong, steady force to lift the screen with the suction cup.

• Insert your opening pick into the gap created.

• If you hit resistance, adjust your angle and try again.

• Once the opening pick is in place, release the suction cup.

Slide the pick upwards and downwards along the right side of the phone.

• The action should break the adhesive holding the screen in place.

Be aware that the adhesive on the top and bottom edges is thicker and stronger than on the sides.

• If reusing the screen, use an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive at the top edge before slicing.

Insert opening pick at upper-right corner of screen, following gap between display and edge.

• Keep pick deep in phone if reusing screen, or insert only 5 mm to avoid OLED display contact.

Risk of damaging OLED display if pick comes into contact with it.

Be cautious when slicing the top edge of the display — avoid prying too hard near the camera and proximity sensor.

• Continue to carefully separate the adhesive along the top edge of the display.
• If you encounter the camera or proximity sensor, work around them instead of applying force.

Insert opening pick on the left side and gently slide it down, separating the adhesive.

• Apply even pressure to prevent damage.

Be cautious when applying pressure, as the adhesive at the bottom edge is stronger than that on the sides.

• If reusing the screen, preheat the bottom edge with an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer before beginning to slice.

Slide your opening pick along the bottom edge of the phone to separate the adhesive.

• Pay attention to the gap between the display and the screen, as it's larger here than on the sides.
• When reusing the screen, be careful not to damage it with your pick: insert only 5 mm or keep it under the OLED display.

Do not attempt to remove the screen yet, as it's still connected by a display cable.

Lift the screen by its top edge, where the front-facing camera is located.

• Carefully flip the screen 180° so that it rests face-down on the phone.

• Be careful not to stress the display cable if reusing the screen.

Remove the black sticker from the display cable bracket using tweezers.

• If the sticker is intact, set it aside for reuse.
• Alternatively, use a piece of electrical tape as a replacement.

Remove the two 4.3mm T3 screws securing the display cable bracket.

• Note that a T4 Torx driver may fit better due to manufacturing tolerances.
• Keep track of each screw and ensure it returns to its original position.

Remove the display cable bracket.

• Pry up the cable connector with a spudger's pointy end to disconnect the screen from the phone.

• Be careful not to dislodge surrounding small surface-mounted components when disconnecting connectors like this.

Re-attaching:

• Carefully align and press down on one side of the connector until it clicks into place.
• Repeat on the other side, avoiding the middle to prevent pin bending or damage.

Remove the screen from the phone.

• Compare the new replacement screen with the original one.
• If necessary, transfer components like the speaker grille and camera bracket to the new part.

Remove all adhesive residue from phone frame using tweezers or an opening tool, aided by high concentration isopropyl alcohol if needed.

Avoid scratching the screen with metal tools.

• Apply pre-cut adhesive or Tesa tape to reattach the screen to the frame.
• During boot-up, let the screen complete calibration sequence without touching it, to prevent touch issues.