Google Pixel 3a Headphone Jack Replacement - Google Pixel 3a

Step 1 | Screen

Identify two critical seams:

The screen seam separates the screen from the rest of the phone; this is where you should begin prying.
Avoid prying at the frame seam, as it's secured by screws and must be removed first.

Prying too deep at either seam can cause damage to internal components.

Locate the screen flex cable and avoid prying beyond its designated area.
Avoid prying past the narrow adhesive perimeter without angling your pick, as this can damage the display panel.

Step 2

Apply a heated iOpener or hair dryer to the right edge of the display for at least one minute.

Heat a iOpener and place it on the right edge.
Alternative method: Use a hair dryer to heat the edge until it is hot to the touch.

Step 3

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

Pull on the suction cup with strong steady force.

The adhesive can be stubborn — heat the edge if necessary and try again to create a gap.

Insert the pick into the gap, no more than 1 mm.

Step 4

Do not damage the OLED panel during this process.

Insert the pick into the gap with the tip only 1 mm inside, before slicing either long edge of the phone.
Pivot the pick upwards to a steep angle, then carefully push it in about 6 mm.
The pick should slide below the OLED panel. If you feel resistance, stop and adjust the pick's angle for another try.

Step 5

Insert the pick into the device and slide it along the right edge, carefully slicing through the adhesive.

Avoid inserting the pick more than 1/4" (6 mm), as this may damage 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) into the phone's casing.

Slide the pick around the bottom right corner to slice through the adhesive.
If the corner is hard to slice, apply a heated iOpener for one minute and try again.

Slice along the bottom edge of the phone and continue around the left corner.

Step 7

Insert a spudger into the left edge of the phone, angling it below the OLED panel.

Ensure the spudger tip is only 1 mm deep before angling upwards.
SLOWLY push the spudger inwards a further 1/4" (6 mm).

Step 8

Use a picks to carefully cut along the top edge, not exceeding 8mm depth.

Step 9

Do not detach the screen, as it remains connected via a flex cable.

Hinge open the right edge of the screen carefully.
Use an opening pick to gently cut any remaining adhesive.

Step 10

Flip the attached screen glass sides down.

Rest the screen face down on top of the phone.
The screen flex cable should remain loosely arched.

Step 11

Peel the black tape covering the screen connector bracket.

If the tape is in good condition, you can re-use it during reassembly.
Otherwise, replace with a piece of electrical tape.
Remove the two T3 screws, each 4.4 mm long.
Remove the screen connector bracket.

Step 12

Careful not to dislodge nearby components when disconnecting.

Use a spudger's point to pry up and disconnect the screen flex cable.
Press connectors like this one, aligning and clicking in place on both sides.

Do not press down on the middle; misaligned pins can bend causing permanent damage.

Step 13

Remove the screen.

Compare your replacement screen with the original part to determine additional component transfers (e.g., speaker mesh).
Reinstall the screen:

If using custom-cut adhesives, follow this guide.
If using Tesa tape, follow this guide.

During the boot-up process, do not touch the screen as it may cause improper calibration and touch issues.

Step 14 | Plastic Midframe

Remove the fourteen T3 screws of varying lengths securing the plastic midframe.

Twelve screws: 4.3 mm silver T3 screws
Two screws: 4.3 mm black T3 screws

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

Step 15

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 the opening pick along both edges of the phone to release the midframe clips.

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

Be careful with the fragile proximity sensor cable at the top edge, as it still connects the midframe to the phone.

To reinstall the midframe, align it to the back cover and press the perimeter of the phone gently with your fingers to snap the clips back into place.

Step 17

Examine the connector for disconnection.

Proximity sensor connector was already disconnected during midframe removal. Proceed with next steps if this is the case.
If not, use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the proximity sensor connector from the motherboard.

Be cautious not to touch any electrical components when handling the spudger.

Remove the plastic midframe.

Step 18

Align the top edge of the plastic midframe with the phone.

Use a spudger to carefully align and push the proximity sensor connector onto the motherboard socket.
Alternatively, remove the proximity sensor from the midframe first:

Use a spudger to carefully pry the proximity sensor out of its recess on the midframe.

Remove the sensor from the midframe and attach the sensor connector onto its motherboard socket.
Thread the sensor cable through the midframe, then reposition the sensor in the recess.

Step 19 | Google Pixel 3a Battery Disconnect

Disconnect the battery connector using a pointed tool, such as a spudger.

To prevent accidental electrical discharge, carefully bend the battery flex cable away from the socket.

Step 20 | Headphone Jack

Pry up the headphone jack's connector using a spudger.
Disconnect the connector from the motherboard socket.
Remove the headphone jack.