Google Pixel 4a Screen Replacement - Google Pixel 4a

Step 1 | Precautionary notes

Careful prying required to avoid damaging the screen flex cable.

Note two seams on the phone's edge:

Screen seam: Where you should pry the screen.

Frame seam: Do not pry here, as it's held by screws.

Watch for three areas on the screen:

Screen flex cable: Avoid inserting pick too deep to prevent damage.
Orange ribbon cable (lower-right corner): Insert pick minimally to avoid damaging it.
Adhesive perimeter: Pry only within this narrow area to protect the OLED panel.

Step 2 | Heat the right edge of the screen

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

The iOpener should soften the adhesive.

Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate with caution.

Be careful not to overheat the phone, as the display and internal battery are susceptible to heat damage.

Step 3 | Insert an opening pick

Do not attempt to use packing tape or superglue on the display if it is badly cracked, as this may cause further damage.

Place a suction cup near the right edge of the screen.
Lift the suction cup with firm steady force.
Insert an opening pick tip into the screen seam, no more than 1 mm deep.

Step 4 | Guide the opening pick under the OLED panel

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

Push the pick about 1/4 inch (6 mm) into the gap at a steep angle, careful not to press against the OLED panel's edge.

Stop if you feel resistance; try angling the pick and reinserting it.

Step 5 | Cut the adhesive

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

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

Leave the pick in the top right corner to prevent re-sealing of the adhesive.

Step 6

Inspect the screen adhesive for weaknesses.

If the screen feels hard to slice, apply heat to the difficult area for one minute and try again.
Insert another opening pick at an angle into the right edge of the phone where a gap has formed.

Be careful not to damage the OLED panel or snag on delicate cables.

Slide the pick around the bottom of the phone to cut the adhesive.
Insert the pick only 2 mm deep, angled downward, and remove it if you feel any resistance.

Leave the pick inserted along the bottom edge to prevent resealing of the adhesive.

Step 7

Insert a new opening pick into the bottom edge at an angle over the gap.

Use it to slice through the left edge of the phone.
If the screen is hard to slice, heat the left edge for one minute and try again.

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

Step 8

The mesh cover protecting the earpiece speaker is critical; handle it with care to avoid damage or loss.

Insert an opening pick into the left edge, angled where a gap has formed, to prevent OLED panel damage.
Slide the pick along the top edge to cut the adhesive.

If the screen is difficult to slice, heat the top edge for one minute and retry.

Step 9

Open the phone like a book by lifting the right edge of the screen.

Do not remove the screen at this point.

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

Step 10 | Flip the screen over

Do not apply undue stress to the attached ribbon cable.

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

Step 11 | Disconnect the display

Remove the black tape from the screen connector bracket using a pair of tweezers.

If the tape is damaged or worn out, discard it and apply new electrical tape during reassembly.

Step 12

Remove the two 2.1 mm screws using a T3 Torx driver.

Identify each screw for reinstallation.
Keep track of their original locations to ensure correct replacement.

Step 13

Remove the screen connector bracket using a pair of tweezers.

Keep this part, as it will be needed for reassembly.

Step 14

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

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

Do not press down in the middle of the connector to avoid bending the pins and causing permanent damage.

Step 15 | Remove the screen

Remove the existing screen.

Verify that your replacement screen has speaker mesh and top edge adhesive pre-installed.

If it does not have top edge adhesive, remove the larger clear liner from the adhesive and apply it to the screen (not the frame), ensuring the cutout aligns with the speaker mesh.

Follow instructions for custom-cut adhesive application.

During boot-up after reassembly, avoid touching the screen during the calibration sequence to prevent touch issues.