Google Pixel 4a 5G Fingerprint Sensor Replacement - Google Pixel 4a 5G

Step 1 | Eject the SIM card tray

Insert a SIM eject tool, bobby pin, or a straightened paperclip into the SIM tray hole.

Press firmly and directly into the hole to avoid damaging it.

Remove the SIM card tray.

Step 2 | Precautionary Notes

Pry at the correct seam to avoid damaging the phone's components.

Identify the screen seam and frame seam on your phone's edge.
Pry only at the screen seam, not the frame seam.

Be cautious with the screen flex cable; do not insert the opening pick deeper than instructed.

Avoid prying beyond the adhesive perimeter, as this can damage the OLED panel.

Step 3 | Heat the right edge of the screen

Heat sensitive components inside the device can be damaged by excessive heat.

Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the display for one minute to loosen the adhesive.
Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but keep it away from overheating and sensitive areas.

Step 4 | Insert an opening pick

Using packing tape or superglue can damage your device further.

Apply clear packing tape to the cracked display for improved suction cup adhesion, if necessary.
Alternatively, use strong adhesive tape instead of a suction cup.

Position the suction cup as close to the right edge of the screen as possible.

Lift the suction cup with a steady, strong force.
Insert an opening pick into the screen seam, no more than 1 mm from the edge.

Step 5 | Guide the opening pick under the OLED panel

Insert picking tool 1mm into gap, then pivot upwards to steep angle.

Push picking tool in at steep angle for about 6mm (0.25in). It should slide below OLED panel.
Stop if hitting ridge; try angling picking tool and attempting again.

Step 6 | Slice through the display adhesive

Slide the pick along the right edge of the screen to cut the adhesive.

Do not insert the pick more than 1/4 inch (6 mm) or you may damage the screen's flex cable.

Leave the pick in the bottom-right corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

Step 7

Inspect the earpiece speaker mesh on the screen's top edge and take note not to damage or misplace this component if no replacement is available.

Be cautious with the weak screen adhesive, as excessive heat may cause damage.

If slicing the screen proves difficult, apply moderate heat (1 minute) to the troublesome area and try again.

Insert another opening pick at an angle into the right edge of the phone, where a gap has already formed, to protect the OLED panel.

Slide the pick around the top edge to cut the adhesive.
Leave the pick inserted along the top edge to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.

Step 8

Insert another opening pick at an angle into the top edge where a gap has formed.

Slice around the top-left corner, including the camera window area.
If slicing is difficult, apply heat to the area for one minute and try again.
Leave the pick in along the left edge to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.

Step 9

Apply a heat gun to the screen for 1 minute if the adhesive doesn't cut easily.

Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the phone to cut the adhesive.
Cut carefully, as you are now near the screen flex cable and digitizer.

Step 10

Slide a pick tool around the bottom-left corner and across the display's bottom.

Be cautious when cutting near the screen flex cable and digitizer.

If necessary, apply heat to the area for one minute to soften the adhesive.
Continue slicing with the pick tool after reattempting.

Step 11

Carefully lift the right edge of the screen to partially open the phone.

Be careful not to remove the screen yet.

Use an opening pick to carefully cut through remaining adhesive.

Step 12 | Flip the screen over

Careful not to damage the ribbon cable during removal.

Lift the screen from the top edge.
Swing the screen over the bottom edge until it can be rested glass-side down.

Step 13 | Disconnect the display

Peel off the screen connector tape using your fingernail or a pair of tweezers.

If the tape is in good condition, set it aside to re-use during reassembly.
Otherwise, replace it with a piece of Kapton tape.

Step 14

Insert the spudger tip into the cover's opening.

Pry the cover straight up to release it.
The cover might spring off, so be prepared.
Remove the plastic cover once it's loose.

Step 15

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

To reconnect, align and press one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side.

Do not press in the middle; this can bend the pins and cause permanent damage.

Step 16 | Remove the screen

Remove the existing screen.

Inspect the replacement screen for pre-installed speaker mesh and top edge adhesive.
If both are present, skip applying top edge adhesive. Otherwise:

Remove the larger clear liner from the top edge adhesive.
Apply it to the screen (not the frame), ensuring the cutout aligns with the speaker mesh.

Avoid touching the screen during boot-up calibration, as improper touch calibration can cause issues.

Step 17 | Remove the midframe screws

Remove the nine 4.4mm screws secured with a T3 Torx driver.

Track each screw to ensure correct reassembly.

Step 18 | Separate the back cover from the midframe

Insert a precision opening pick into the seam between the midframe and back cover, located above the SIM card slot.

Slide the opening pick along the right edge of your phone to release the plastic clips holding the back cover in place.

Step 19

Slide the opening pick along the top edge.
Continue onto the left edge, ensuring tabs are released.
Finish by sliding the pick along the bottom edge.

Step 20

Hold the phone upside down with the back cover facing upwards.

Do not remove the back cover yet, it is still attached by two ribbon cables.

Rest the back cover against a stable object like a cardboard box or a soda can.

Step 21 | Remove the motherboard bracket

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the following screws:

Four 4.0 mm-long screws
Three 2.1 mm-long screws

Step 22

Remove the motherboard bracket.

Step 23 | Disconnect the battery

Disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard using the tip of a spudger.

Step 24 | Remove the back cover

Locate the fingerprint sensor cable and carefully use the tip of a spudger to pry it loose.

Step 25

Insert the spudger tip into the cable retainer and gently pry up, then slide it out.

Step 26

Remove the back cover.

Step 27 | Apply heat to the fingerprint sensor

Apply heat using an iOpener or heat gun for 1 minute to the area surrounding the fingerprint sensor on the outside of the back cover.

Step 28 | Remove the fingerprint sensor

Push the fingerprint sensor through the back cover with your finger.

Be careful not to scratch the surrounding components.

Step 29

Apply a plastic spudger under the fingerprint sensor cable.

Slide it carefully between the cable and the back cover to dislodge them.

If cables do not come out easily, apply heat for one minute then try again.

Step 30

Disconnect the fingerprint sensor cable.

Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place.
Gently pry the fingerprint sensor away from its mounting bracket.