Google Pixel 6a Front Camera Replacement
Discharge battery below 25% before disassembling for safety.
- This guide was created by iFixit and has not been endorsed by Google, see more information here.
- Replace the front camera in your Google Pixel 6a using this guide.
Take precautions if battery is swollen to prevent damage during repair.
Verify model specifications: this guide was made for Verizon GB62Z with 5G mmWave antenna, ignore steps not applicable to your device.
You will need replacement adhesive to complete this repair.
Step 1 | Safety Precautions
A fully charged battery can be hazardous during repairs.
- Drain the battery to at least 25% capacity before proceeding.
- Power off the phone completely and disconnect all cables.
Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray
Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or a straightened paper clip into the SIM card tray hole.
- Press the tool firmly into the SIM card tray hole to eject the SIM card tray.
- Remove the SIM card tray.
Step 3 | Screen removal information
Do not pry at the screen seam, as it separates the screen from the rest of the phone.
- Pry at the bezel seam, which is held in place by plastic clips.
Step 4 | Anti-Clamp instructions
Alternately, use the Anti-Clamp: pull its blue handle backwards to unlock its arms.
- Slide the unlocked arms over the phone's right edge.
- Position the suction cups near the middle of the right edge, one on the front and one on the back.
- Squeeze the cups together for suction.
If your screen is cracked, cover it with clear packing tape to help the suction cup adhere. If the surface is too slippery, use tape for a better grip.
Step 5
Grasp the blue handle and pull it forward to secure the arms.
- Rotate the blue handle clockwise for at least 360 degrees or until the suction cups begin to extend.
- Maintain proper alignment between the suction cups; if they start to lose synchronization, release tension and reposition the arms as needed.
Step 6
Apply heat with care to avoid damaging the display or internal battery.
- Thread an iOpener through the Anti-Clamp arms, positioning it on the phone's right edge.
- iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun can be used to apply heat.
Wait one minute for the adhesive to release and create an opening gap.
- Insert an opening pick under the screen frame when a large enough gap is created.
- If insufficient gap, reapply heat, rotate Anti-Clamp clockwise half a turn, and wait one minute.
- Avoid excessive rotation or continuous cranking.
Step 7 | Heat the right edge
Apply heat to the right edge of the screen using an iOpener for two minutes.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate.
Be careful not to overheat the phone, as heat damage is possible to both the display and internal battery.
Step 8 | Insert an opening pick
Apply a suction cup as close as possible to the center of the right edge of the screen.
- 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 created by the suction cup.
Difficulty may vary depending on phone age. Apply more heat if needed for improved results.
If display is severely cracked, apply clear packing tape or use strong alternative adhesives to facilitate the process.
Step 9 | Reposition the opening pick
Apply steady suction and tilt the pick upwards at an extreme angle.
Insert the pick carefully, pushing it no more than 3.5 mm into the bezel seam to prevent internal damage.
Step 10 | Release the right clips
Slide the pick along the right edge of the device.
- Release the plastic clips that secure the bezel to the frame.
- Position the pick at the top-right edge for the next step.
Step 11 | Release the top right clips
Insert the opening pick into the top-right corner and rotate it to release the clips.
Do not remove the opening pick, or the clips may re-lock.
Only insert the pick up to 4 mm to avoid damaging internal components.
Step 12 | Release the top clips
Insert a new opening pick into the gap.
- Slide the pick along the top edge to release the clips.
- Avoid damage by only inserting up to 3 mm when slicing around the front camera.
Step 13 | Release the top left clips
Insert the opening pick into the top-left corner of the phone.
Be careful not to remove the opening pick, as this may cause the clips to re-lock.
Hold the opening pick in place at the top-left corner to prevent the clips from re-engaging.
Step 14 | Release the left clips
Insert a new opening pick into the created gap.
- Slide the pick along the left edge to release the clips.
- Be cautious not to insert the pick more than 3 mm to avoid damage.
If resistance persists, use an opening pick to release any remaining clips around the edges of the screen.
- Repeat the rotating and sliding procedure for the remaining edge.
- The screen should now be separated from the frame.
Step 15 | Reposition the screen
Do not remove the screen completely as it is still attached by a flex cable.
- Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side, similar to opening a book.
- Rest the screen upside down and parallel to the frame before proceeding further.
- Avoid twisting or moving the screen too far from the frame to prevent damaging the flex cable.
Step 16 | Remove the display cable bracket
Failure to properly secure the display cable bracket during reassembly may cause sparks and logic board damage.
- Use tweezers to bend the bottom side of the display cable bracket upwards, releasing the metal clip.
- Remove the display cable bracket.
During reassembly, insert the top side of the bracket first before pressing down the other side.
Step 17 | Disconnect the display cable
Risk of damaging tiny components around the press connector.
- Insert the tip of an opening pick under the bottom right edge of the display cable press connector.
- Pry up and disconnect the display cable press connector.
When re-attaching: align carefully, press down on one side until it clicks, repeat on other side; do not press middle. Misaligned connector can bend pins, causing permanent damage.
Step 18 | Screen information
The Pixel's screen back is extremely fragile and prone to damage.
- Grip the screen by its edges when handling to prevent accidental drops or presses.
- Place the screen on a soft, lint-free cloth, ensuring nothing touches the bottom of the screen during work.
Step 19 | Reassembly information
Remove any remaining liners from the front-facing camera hole and sensor cutout on the replacement screen.
- Check if the proximity sensor's rubber gasket is present and reinstall it if necessary.
- Test your phone before sealing by temporarily connecting the screen, powering on, and ensuring functionality.
Power off your phone before continuing with reassembly.
- Reinstall the display cable bracket during reassembly.
- Follow this guide to replace the screen adhesive.
- If installing a new screen, calibrate the fingerprint sensor using this guide.
Step 20 | Remove the silver tape
Remove the silver tape using tweezers, but only peel back the section connecting the midframe and top speaker. Do not remove the entire tape.
- Peel back only the bridge between the two parts.
Step 21
Use tweezers to gently remove the tape covering the screws on either side of the USB-C port.
Step 22 | Unfasten the midframe
Remove the T3 Torx screwdriver and unscrew:
- Eight 4.3 mm screws.
- Five 2.9 mm screws.
- Two 4.9 mm screws.
- One 4.6 mm screw.
Step 23 | Release the midframe clips
Insert the plastic spudger between the top of the midframe and the frame near the front camera.
- Pry up carefully with the spudger to release the top of the midframe from its clips.
Step 24
Locate the midframe and insert a spudger into the gap between it and the surrounding frame.
- Pry up gently on the midframe with the spudger to release its clips.
Step 25 | Remove the midframe
Remove the midframe.
You may encounter resistance due to thermal paste bonding; this is normal.
- Power on your phone and test all functions during reassembly.
- Ensure your phone is powered down completely before continuing work.
Step 26 | Remove the thermal paste
Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off the thermal paste.
- Clean any remaining thermal paste with isopropyl alcohol and either a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth.
- Repeat the cleaning process for the thermal paste on the midframe.
- During reassembly, follow the guide for reapplying thermal paste to your device.
Step 27 | Disconnect the battery
Use a spudger to pry up the battery's press connector for disconnection.
Step 28 | Unfasten the 5G mmWave antenna bracket
Check if device has 5G mmWave antenna.
- No: Skip next four steps.
Ensure use of a T3 Torx screwdriver.
- Remove the 2.9 mm screw securing the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
Step 29 | Remove the 5G mmWave antenna bracket
Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the bracket towards the right edge of the phone.
This may require some force, but be careful not to damage any surrounding components.
Disconnect its clip and remove the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
Step 30 | Disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna
Use a spudger to carefully pry up and release the press connector for the 5G mmWave antenna.
Step 31
Remove the 5G mmWave antenna using tweezers or your fingers.
Step 32 | Remove the ultrawide rear camera
Use a spudger to pry up and release the ultrawide rear camera's press connector.
- Remove the ultrawide rear camera
Step 33 | Remove the wide rear camera
Use a spudger to carefully pry up the wide rear camera's press connector.
- Hold the spudger at an angle and gently lift the connector.
- Once disconnected, proceed with removing the wide rear camera.
Step 34 | Disconnect the volume and power button
Insert the flat end of a spudger into the volume and power button press connector, located at the top left corner of the motherboard.
Step 35 | Unfasten the motherboard
Remove the T3 Torx screw using a T3 Torx screwdriver.
Note that the screw is only 2.9 mm in diameter.
Step 36 | Remove the motherboard
Insert a spudger between the top of the motherboard and the frame near the front camera.
Pry up gently to lift the motherboard until you can grip it with your fingers.
Step 37
Release the motherboard clips by tilting the top of the board upwards.
- Allow the motherboard to come free from its clips.
- Remove the motherboard.
Step 38 | Remove the front camera
Disconnect the front camera's press connector using a spudger.
- removal follows.
- Remove the front camera.