Google Pixel 3a XL USB-C Port Replacement - Google Pixel 3a XL

Step 1 | Screen

Prying at the wrong seams may damage the device.

Examine the screen's backside to note its placement and clearances.
Note two seams between the body and screen:
- The screen seam, where the screen meets the rest of the phone. Pry here to separate the screen.
- The midframe seam, held by screws; do not pry here.

Step 2

Attach a suction cup to the right edge of the screen, positioned just below the volume button.

Step 3

Be cautious not to damage the OLED display panel with the plastic opening tool.

Insert an opening pick at a downward angle into the gap between the screen and phone body.
Aim for the area under the OLED display, as shown in the second photo of this step.

Step 4

Apply a strong, steady force to the suction cup.

Push screen away from phone, creating a gap.

Stop if pick hits against something (edge of OLED panel).

Angle pick downward and try again.
Insert opening pick into gap.

Suction cup can be removed now.
OLED screen should still be secure.

Step 5

Slide the pick up and down along the right edge of the phone to break the adhesive.

Step 6

Thicker adhesive on top and bottom edges is stronger than side strips.

Heat top edge with an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to loosen adhesive before cutting.
This will make screen removal easier if you plan to reuse the screen.

Step 7

Careful: risk of screen damage if not handled correctly.

Slide opening pick around upper-right corner of screen, using the gap between display and glass edge as a guide.
If reusing screen, insert pick no more than 5 mm to avoid damaging OLED display underneath.

Step 8

Avoid damaging the camera and proximity sensor by not prying aggressively.

Continue to separate the adhesive along the top edge of the display using a gentle prying motion.
Work carefully around the camera and proximity sensor when slicing along this edge.

Step 9

Apply your opening pick along the left edge of the device, working to release the adhesive in that area.

Step 10

When reusing the screen, target the thicker adhesive at the bottom edge.

Use an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to heat up the bottom edge and loosen the adhesive.

Step 11

Slide your opening pick along the bottom edge of the phone, working to separate the adhesive holding the screen in place.

Be aware that the gap between the display and the edge is larger here than on the sides, as shown.
If reusing the screen, keep your pick deep under the OLED display or only insert it 5 mm to avoid contact with the display underneath the glass.

Do not attempt to remove the screen yet — it is still connected by a display cable.

Step 12

Hold the screen at the top edge, near the front-facing camera.

Lift the screen upwards and flip it over so that it is facing downwards.
The screen should now be resting face-down on the phone.

Be cautious not to stress the display cable if you plan to reuse the screen.

Step 13

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

If the sticker is intact, set aside for reuse during reassembly.
If damaged, replace with a piece of electrical tape.

Step 14

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

A T4 Torx driver may fit better due to manufacturing tolerances.

Mark and set aside each screw for accurate reinstallation.
Ensure each screw is returned to its original position.

Step 15

Be cautious when disconnecting connectors to avoid dislodging nearby surface-mounted components.

Remove the display cable bracket.
Pry up on the cable connector with a spudger to release the screen from the phone.
To reconnect, align carefully and press down one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other; avoid pressing the middle or misaligning the connector.

Step 16

Remove the screen from the phone.

Careful comparison of new and old parts is necessary; transfer any remaining components like the speaker grille and camera bracket to the replacement part.

Step 17

Remove all adhesive from phone frame using tweezers or opening tool.

Use high concentration isopropyl alcohol to assist with cleaning if needed.
Be cautious not to scratch the screen when handling metal tools.
Remove all adhesive residue from the screen if reusing it.

Do not touch the screen during boot-up calibration sequence, or touch issues may occur.

Apply pre-cut adhesive or double-sided tape (e.g. Tesa tape) to attach screen to frame.

Step 18 | Midframe

Remove the 14 silver T3 Torx screws and 2 black T3 Torx screws.

A T4 Torx driver may fit better into these T3 screws due to manufacturing tolerances.

Keep track of each screw and ensure it is replaced in its exact original location.

Step 19

Locate and carefully separate the plastic clips still securing the midframe.

Insert an opening pick into the seam at the bottom edge of the phone.
Gently slide the pick along the seam to release the remaining clips.

Step 20

Slide an opening pick along the left and right edges of the phone to release the midframe clips.

The flat edge of the opening pick will also separate the clips at the bottom of the phone.

Lift up the bottom edge of the midframe, but do not remove it yet.

Be careful not to disconnect the fragile cable still connected to the midframe.

Step 21

Use a spudger to pry up and detach the proximity sensor cable from the motherboard.

Step 22

Remove midframe.

Step 23

Align the midframe with the top edge of the phone.

Use a spudger to carefully press the proximity sensor cable connector onto its socket.
If necessary, use your finger to gently press the connector onto the socket.

Step 24 | Battery Disconnect

Disconnect the battery connector with a spudger.

Step 25 | USB-C Port

Remove the T3 screws securing the USB-C port.

The USB-C port is held by two screws.
Locate and remove these screws using a suitable driver.

Step 26

Insert the pointed tip of your spudger between the USB-C port and the lower board.

Gently pry up on the USB-C port until it is completely disconnected.

Step 27

Disconnect and remove the USB-C port from the phone.