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

Step 1 | Screen

Avoid damaging the screen flex cable by prying carefully.

Identify the two seams on the phone, but only pry at the screen seam.
Avoid prying at the frame seam, as it is held in place by screws.

Note the narrow adhesive perimeter around the screen for careful prying.

Step 2

Avoid applying direct heat to any internal components.

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the display for one minute.
Alternatively, use a hair dryer to warm the edge until it feels 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.
If the adhesive is stubborn and won't release, heat the edge to aid removal.
Insert a picking tool into the gap created, no more than 1 mm.

Step 4

Insert the pick without damaging the OLED panel, before slicing long edges.

Pivot the pick upwards to a steep angle with 1 mm in the gap.
Push the pick into the gap about 6 mm (1/4") at this angle.

Stop if you feel resistance, as the pick may be pressing against the edge of the OLED panel. Adjust the angle and try again.

Step 5

Slide a pick along the right edge, cutting through the adhesive.

Insert no more than 1/4" (6 mm) to avoid damaging the screen's flex cable.
Leave a pick in place to prevent resealing of the adhesive.

Step 6

Insert the pick no more than 1/4" (6 mm) into the phone.

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

Step 7

Insert a pick into the left edge of the phone, angling it to be below the OLED panel.

The tip should not protrude more than 1 mm from the case.
Slowly push the pick in an upward angle, taking no longer than 1/4" (6 mm) to reach desired depth.

Step 8

Use a spudger to carefully slice along the top edge, with the tool inserted no more than 5/16" (8mm) deep.

Step 9

Carefully hinge open the right edge of the screen.

Do not remove the screen as it remains attached by a flex cable near the left edge.

Use an opening pick to carefully cut through any remaining adhesive.

Step 10

Flip the attached screen glass over, placing it upside-down on top of the phone.

The screen flex cable should be loosely arched while in this position.

Step 11

Careful when handling electrical components.

Peel off the black tape covering the screen connector bracket, reusing it if still in good condition or replacing with electrical tape otherwise.
Remove the two T3 screws, each approximately 4.4 mm long.
Take out the screen connector bracket.

Step 12

Use a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the screen flex cable.

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

To reattach, carefully align the connector and press down on one side until it clicks into place. Repeat on the other side.

Do not press in the middle of the connector, as misalignment can cause pins to bend and result in permanent damage.

Step 13

Remove the screen.

Compare your replacement screen with the original part for matching components.
Transfer additional parts, like the speaker mesh, as needed to the new screen.

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

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

Step 14 | Plastic Midframe

Remove all T3 screws securing the plastic midframe.

Silver: 12 x 4.3 mm
Black: 2 x 4.3 mm

Track each screw for reassembly to avoid incorrect placement.

Step 15

Remove any remaining plastic clips from the midframe.

Insert an opening pick into the frame seam at the bottom of the phone.
Slide the pick along the seam to release the plastic midframe

Step 16

Release the midframe clips by sliding an opening pick along both edges.

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

The fragile proximity sensor cable still connects the midframe to the phone at the top edge.

Be careful when handling the proximity sensor cable as it is fragile.

To reinstall, align the midframe with the back cover and snap the clips into place using gentle pressure around the perimeter.

Step 17

Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up the proximity sensor connector from the motherboard.

Check if the proximity sensor connector has already been disconnected.
If not, use a spudger to carefully pry up and disconnect it.

Be careful when handling internal components to avoid damage.

Remove the plastic midframe.

Step 18

Reconnect the proximity sensor by aligning the top edge of the plastic midframe with the phone.

Carefully use a spudger's point to align and push the proximity sensor connector onto the motherboard socket.
Alternatively, you can remove the proximity sensor from the midframe first. Use a spudger to pry it out of its recess.

The sensor is lightly adhered and may require finesse during reassembly.

Remove the sensor from the midframe and attach its connector to the motherboard socket.
Thread the sensor cable through the midframe, then press down with your finger to adhere the sensor back onto the midframe.

Step 19 | Google Pixel 3a Battery Disconnect

Use a spudger to carefully pry up and disconnect the battery connector from its motherboard socket.

Bend the battery flex cable slightly to prevent accidental contact with the socket.

Step 20 | USB-C Port

Remove the two 3.3 mm T3 screws securing the USB-C port.

Step 21

Use the point of a spudger to pry up the USB-C port connector from the daughterboard.
Remove the USB-C port module.