Google Pixel 6a 5G mmWave Antenna Replacement - Google Pixel 6a

Step 1 | Safety Precautions

Allow the battery to discharge to at least 25% before proceeding.

Power off your phone completely, then unplug all connected cables.

Step 2 | Screen removal information

Do not touch or damage the screen during repair.

Locate the bezel seam, where the plastic bezel meets the frame.
Pry at this point, taking care not to damage the surrounding components.

Step 3 | Anti-Clamp instructions

For an alternative method, skip ahead three steps if not using the Anti-Clamp.

If your screen is cracked, apply clear packing tape to improve suction.

Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.
Slide the arms over the right edge of your phone.

The Anti-Clamp uses two suction cups, positioned near the middle of the right edge (one on the front and one on the back).

Squeeze the suction cups together to apply suction.

If necessary, use tape to create a grippier surface for the Anti-Clamp.

Step 4

Lock the arms by pulling the blue handle forward.

Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the suction cups start to stretch.
Ensure the suction cups remain aligned. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen them slightly and realign the arms.

Step 5

Apply heat using an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to the right edge of the phone.

Be cautious not to damage the display and/or internal battery with extreme heat.

Wait one minute for the adhesive to release.
Insert an opening pick under the screen frame when a large enough gap is created.

If insufficient gap, rotate Anti-Clamp clockwise half a turn and wait one minute before rechecking.

Do not over-crank; let time and Anti-Clamp do the work.

Step 6 | Heat the right edge

Apply heat to the right edge of the screen using an iOpener for 2 minutes.

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

Be careful not to overheat the phone, as it can cause damage to the display and internal battery.

Step 7 | Insert an opening pick

Apply a suction cup as close to the right edge center as possible.

Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the bezel and frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Difficulty may vary depending on phone age. Additional heat or special adhesive (e.g. clear packing tape, superglue) may be necessary for stubborn areas.

Step 8 | Reposition the opening pick

Insert the pick up to 3.5 mm at a steep angle.

Pivot the pick upwards while applying suction.
Carefully push the pick inwards to reposition it within the bezel seam.

Step 9 | Release the right clips

Move a pick along the right edge to release the bezel clips.

Target the top-right edge with the pick.
Proceed to the next step after securing the bezel.

Step 10 | Release the top right clips

Insert the opening pick into the top-right corner, rotating it to release the clips.

Leave the pick in place to prevent re-locking of the clips.
Limit insertion depth to 4 mm to avoid damaging internal components.

Step 11 | Release the top clips

Insert a new opening pick into the existing gap.

Slide the pick along the top edge of the device to release the clips.
Avoid damaging the front camera lens by limiting the insert depth to 3 mm when slicing around it.

Step 12 | Release the top left clips

Insert an opening pick into the top-left corner.

Rotate the opening pick to release the clips.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent re-locking.

Step 13 | Release the left clips

Insert a new opening pick into the gap.

Do not insert the pick more than 3 mm — risk of damage to internal components.

Slide the pick along the left edge to release the clips.
Repeat the process for the remaining edges until the screen is separated from the frame.
If necessary, use an opening pick to release any remaining clips around the edges of the screen.

Step 14 | Reposition the screen

Avoid twisting the screen or moving it excessively, as this can damage the flex cable.

Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side of the device.
Rest the screen upside down and parallel to the frame.

The screen is still connected by a flex cable, so do not attempt to fully remove it yet.

Step 15 | Remove the display cable bracket

Failure to secure the display cable bracket correctly during reassembly may cause sparks and logic board damage.

Bend the bottom side of the display cable bracket upwards using tweezers to release a metal clip.
Remove the display cable bracket.
During reassembly, insert the top side of the bracket first and then press down the other side securely.

Step 16 | Disconnect the display cable

Be extremely cautious when performing this step to avoid damaging tiny components around the press connector.

Position the opening pick's tip under the bottom right edge of the display cable press connector, just above the nearby screw hole.
Pry up and release the display cable press connector.

When re-attaching, carefully align the connector and press down on one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other. Never press in the middle or risk bending pins and causing permanent damage.

Step 17 | Screen information

The Pixel's rear display is extremely delicate; even minor scratches or dents can cause damage.

Grip the screen by its edges when handling to avoid applying pressure on the surface.
When placing the screen, ensure nothing touches its bottom. Consider using a soft, lint-free cloth for support.

Step 18 | Reassembly information

Remove the screen from your phone.

During reassembly, inspect the replacement screen's front-facing camera hole and sensor cutout for liners - remove any remaining ones.
Check if the proximity sensor's rubber gasket is missing; it might be stuck to the old screen - replace if necessary.

Test your phone before sealing it up: temporarily connect the screen, power on, and verify proper function. Power off your phone before continuing.

Reinstall the display cable bracket.
Follow this guide to replace the screen adhesive (if applicable).
For new screens only: calibrate the fingerprint sensor by following this guide.

Step 19 | Remove the silver tape

Peel back the silver tape using tweezers, but do not fully detach it.

Make sure to only release the tape's bond between the midframe and the top speaker.

Step 20

Remove the protective tape from the screws beside the USB-C port using a pair of tweezers.

Step 21 | Unfasten the midframe

Remove the T3 Torx screwdriver and remove the following screws:

Eight 4.3 mm screws
Five 2.9 mm screws
Two 4.9 mm screws
One 4.6 mm screw

Step 22 | Release the midframe clips

Insert a spudger between the top of the midframe and the frame, near the front camera.
Pry up gently with the spudger to release the top of the midframe from its clips.

Step 23

Insert a spudger between the bottom left of the midframe and the frame.
Pry up with the spudger to release the midframe from its clips.

Step 24 | Remove the midframe

Remove the midframe.

A slight resistance from thermal paste bonding may be felt; this is normal.

Power on and test all functions during reassembly, then power down completely before continuing.

Step 25 | Remove the thermal paste

Use a spudger with flat end to scrape off existing thermal paste.

Remove any remaining thermal paste using isopropyl alcohol and either a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth.
Repeat this process for the thermal paste on the midframe.

When reassembling, refer to the provided guide for proper thermal paste application.

Step 26 | Disconnect the battery

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery's press connector.

Step 27 | Unfasten the 5G mmWave antenna bracket

Remove the 2.9 mm screw using aT3 Torx screwdriver.
The screw secures the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.

Step 28 | Remove the 5G mmWave antenna bracket

Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the bracket towards the right edge of the phone.
Release the bracket's clip by continuing to pull it in this direction.