Google Pixel 4a 5G Screen Replacement - Google Pixel 4a 5G

Step 1 | Precautionary Notes

Carefully read all notes before proceeding to avoid damage.

Identify two seams on the phone's edge:
- Screen seam: Where you will pry the screen away from the phone.
- Frame seam: Held by screws; do not pry here.
Note areas on the screen:
- Screen flex cable: Do not insert opening pick deeper than instructed to avoid damage.
- Adhesive perimeter: Prying beyond this area risks damaging the OLED panel; angle your pick carefully.

Step 2 | Heat the right edge of the screen

Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the display for one minute.

The adhesive should become softened.

Use caution not to overheat, as this can damage the phone's display and internal battery.

Alternative heat sources include a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate.

Step 3 | Insert an opening pick

A badly cracked display may require special measures: use clear packing tape or very strong tape to aid suction cup adhesion.

Apply a suction cup as close to the right edge of the screen as possible.
Lift the suction cup with steady force.
Insert an opening pick into the screen seam, no more than 1 mm deep.

Step 4 | Guide the opening pick under the OLED panel

Insert the pick 1 mm into the gap, then pivot upwards to a steep angle.

Be careful not to press against the OLED panel's edge.

Pivot the pick back and try again if you hit resistance.
Continue pushing the pick at a steep angle, about 1/4 inch (6 mm), below the OLED panel.

Step 5 | 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 6

Inspect the earpiece speaker mesh on the screen's top edge and take care not to damage or lose it if a replacement is not available.

Since the screen adhesive is weak, minimal heat may be required to separate the screen.
Apply heat to stubborn areas for one minute and try slicing again if necessary.

Damage to the OLED panel can occur without proper care.

Insert an opening pick at an angle into the right edge of the phone where a gap has formed.
Slide the pick around the top edge to cut the adhesive, leaving it inserted to prevent resealing.

Step 7

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

Slice around the top-left camera window using the pick.
If the screen is stubborn, apply heat for one minute and try again.

Leave the pick inserted along the left edge to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.

Step 8

Slide the opening pick along the left edge of your phone to cut the adhesive.
If the screen is hard to slice, apply heat for one minute to the affected area before trying again.

Note that you are now cutting near sensitive components, including the screen flex cable and digitizer.

Step 9

Slide a opening pick around the bottom-left corner and across the bottom of the display to cut remaining adhesive.

If the screen is hard to slice, apply heat for one minute to the difficult area before trying again.
Be cautious when cutting near the screen flex cable and digitizer.

Step 10

Carefully lift the right edge of the screen, partially opening the phone like a book.

Do not remove the screen yet — risk of damage from separated components.

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

Step 11 | Flip the screen over

Avoid applying excessive force that may damage the ribbon cable.

Lift the screen from the top edge.
Swing it over the bottom edge, placing it glass-side down.

Step 12 | Disconnect the display

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

Replace with new Kapton tape if the existing tape is damaged or degraded.

You can re-use this tape if it's still in good condition during reassembly.

Step 13

Insert the spudger tip into the screen flex cable opening.
Pry the plastic cover straight up until it pops out of place.

The plastic cover may spring into the air.

Remove the plastic cover.

Step 14

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

Re-attach by aligning and pressing down one side until it clicks; repeat on other side.

Do not press down on the middle of the connector.

Misaligned connectors may cause pin bending, resulting in permanent damage.

Step 15 | Remove the screen

Remove the screen.

Check if replacement screen has speaker mesh & top edge adhesive pre-installed.
If so, proceed to installation; otherwise, remove clear liner from top edge adhesive and apply to screen (not frame).
Ensure larger cutout lines up with speaker mesh.
Apply custom-cut adhesive as per guide. Refer to third photo for positioning adhesives.

During boot-up after reassembly, do not touch the screen; improper calibration may cause touch issues.