Google Pixel 3a Earpiece Speaker Replacement - Google Pixel 3a

Step 1 | Screen

Never apply excessive force to the frame seam — screws may strip.

Identify the screen seam where the screen meets the rest of the phone.
Note the location of the screen flex cable and avoid prying too deeply near it.
Avoid prying at the , held in place by screws, to prevent damage.
Pry only within the narrow adhesive perimeter on the screen without angling the pick.

Step 2

Apply heat to the right edge of the display using either an iOpener heated for 1 minute or a hair dryer until the area is hot to the touch.

Use the iOpener if available, and heat it for 1 minute before applying.
If not using an iOpener, apply the hair dryer directly to the right edge of the display until it's hot to the touch.

Step 3

Position a suction cup near the right edge of the screen.

Pull on the suction cup with strong steady force to create a gap.
If the adhesive is stubborn, heat the edge and try again.
Insert the pick into the gap at an angle of no more than 1 mm.

Step 4

The pick must be inserted carefully to avoid damaging the OLED panel. Do this before cutting along either long phone edge.

Pivot the pick, which is 1 mm in the gap, to a steep angle.
At this angle, slowly push the pick into the gap until it's 6 mm deep. The pick should slide below the OLED panel.

Stop if you feel resistance; this may indicate the pick is pressing against the OLED edge.

Adjust the angle and try again, if necessary.

Step 5

Slide the pick along the right edge, slicing through the adhesive.

Insert the pick no more than 1/4" (6 mm) or risk damaging the screen's flex cable.

Leave a pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 6

Do not insert the pick more than 1/4" (6 mm) as you slice around the bottom edge.

Slide the pick around the bottom right corner to slice through the adhesive.
If hard to slice, apply a heated iOpener for a minute and try again.
Continue slicing along the bottom edge and around the left corner.

Step 7

Insert a splintering tool into the left edge of the phone, angled to avoid damaging the OLED panel. The point should only be inserted about 1 mm, then push in slowly for about 1/4 inch (6 mm).

Risk of damage to screen components if the pick is not angled correctly.

Step 8

Use a pick to slice carefully along the top edge, keeping it no deeper than 5/16" (8 mm).

Maintain control of the pick at all times to avoid accidental damage.

Step 9

Careful handling required to avoid damage.

Hinge open the right edge of the screen using care.

Do not remove the screen, as it is still attached via a flex cable near the left edge.

Use an opening pick to cut through any remaining adhesive with care.

Step 10

Flip the screen assembly face-down and place it gently onto the phone.

The screen flex cable should remain loose, forming a gentle arch.

Step 11

Careful handling is essential when removing the black tape covering the screen connector bracket.

Peel off the black tape, noting if it's suitable for re-use during reassembly.
If the tape is damaged, replace it with a piece of electrical tape.
Remove the two T3 screws, each 4.4 mm long.
Finally, carefully remove the screen connector bracket.

Step 12

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

Pry up and disconnect the screen flex cable using a spudger's pointed tip.
To re-attach, align the connector carefully and press down on one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other side. Avoid pressing in the middle to prevent pin bending.

Step 13

Remove the screen.

Compare your replacement screen with the original part.
You may need to transfer additional components, such as the speaker mesh, to the new part.

Do not touch the screen during boot-up calibration sequence; risk of improper touch calibration and touch issues.

If using custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide for reinstallation.
If using double-sided tape (e.g. Tesa tape), follow this guide for reinstallation.

Step 14 | Plastic Midframe

Remove all fourteen T3 screws securing the midframe.

Twelve 4.3 mm silver T3 screws,
two 4.3 mm black T3 screws.

Keep track of each screw to ensure accurate reassembly.

Step 15

Be careful not to damage the plastic clips.

Insert an opening pick into the frame seam at the bottom of the phone, between the midframe and back cover.
Slide the pick along the seam to release the plastic clips holding the midframe in place.

Step 16

Slide a pick along both sides of the phone to release the midframe clips.

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

The midframe is still connected by the fragile proximity sensor cable at the top.

Be careful not to damage the proximity sensor cable.

Realign the midframe with the back cover and snap the clips into place using your fingers.

Step 17

Careful not to damage the proximity sensor connector.

Check if the proximity sensor connector has already been disconnected from the motherboard.
If connected, use a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect it.

Remove the plastic midframe carefully.

Step 18

Reconnect the proximity sensor during re-assembly by aligning the top edge of the plastic midframe with the phone.

Proximity Sensor Connector: Use a spudger point to carefully push it onto the motherboard socket.
Alternatively, detach the proximity sensor from the midframe first and reattach it to the motherboard socket.
Proximity Sensor Removal: Use a spudger point to pry it out of its recess on the midframe; the sensor is lightly adhered.
Thread the sensor cable through the midframe, then press down with your finger to reattach the sensor to the midframe.

Step 19 | Earpiece Speaker

Insert the pointed end of the spudger into one of the four small notches below the earpiece speaker's metal plate.

Pry up gently to release the earpiece module from its recess.

Step 20

Remove the earpiece speaker.

Ensure the new earpiece speaker is properly oriented, with gold contact springs facing upwards.
The two gold contacts should be on the same side as the copper shield (refer to the right side of this step's photo).