Google Pixel 7 5G mmWave Antenna Replacement
Discharge battery below 25% to avoid fire risk during disassembly.
- This guide is not endorsed by Google and was authored by the iFixit staff. Learn more about our guides here.
- Proceed with caution as the Pixel 7 contains class 1 lasers, which may expose you to invisible infrared laser emissions during disassembly.
- Replacing the 5G mmWave antenna in your Google Pixel 7 requires replacement adhesive; ensure proper reapplication to maintain water resistance and IP rating.
If battery is swollen, take necessary precautions before proceeding.
Step 1 | Safety precautions
A charged battery may be at risk of catching fire if damaged.
- Allow the battery to drain below 25% charge before proceeding with this repair.
- Fully power off your phone and unplug all cables.
Step 2 | Screen removal information
Insert opening picks under the safety frame, not between the frame and screen.
- Limit pick insertion depth to ~3.5 mm to prevent internal damage or plastic clip interference.
- Avoid inserting the pick too deeply; blocked picks indicate excessive insertion.
Step 3 | Anti-Clamp instructions
- Use the provided guide to learn how to operate the Anti-Clamp, an alternative method.
If your screen is cracked, cover it with clear packing tape for better suction cup adhesion.
- Unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms by pulling the blue handle backwards.
- Position the arms on either side of your phone.
If your phone's surface is too slippery, use tape to create a grippier surface for the suction cups.
Step 4
Hold the blue handle forward to lock the arms.
- Rotate the handle clockwise until it reaches 360 degrees or until the suction cups start to stretch.
- Verify that the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip, loosen them slightly and realign the arms.
Step 5
Proceed with care when using heat to avoid damaging the display and/or internal battery.
- Apply heat to the Anti-Clamp arms using an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun.
- Fold the iOpener so it lies along the phone's bottom edge.
Wait one minute for the adhesive to release and create a gap.
- Insert an opening pick under the screen frame when a large enough gap is created.
- Apply more heat if necessary, rotating the Anti-Clamp clockwise in half-turn increments (maximum).
Step 6 | Loosen the display adhesive
Apply a heated iOpener to the screen for at least 3 minutes.
- The iOpener can help loosen the adhesive underneath.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate — but be cautious not to overheat the device.
- The edge should feel slightly too hot to the touch.
Step 7 | Insert an opening pick
Apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the screen when warm.
If severely cracked, use clear packing tape or strong adhesive to secure suction cup before proceeding.
- Lift the screen with its safety frame using the suction handle to create a gap between the screen and phone assembly.
- If experiencing difficulty, reapply heat and retry if necessary, depending on phone age.
Insert an opening pick into the created gap.
Step 8 | Prevent damage to your phone
Avoid damaging the phone by not inserting the pick more than ~2.5 mm when separating screen adhesive.
- Be cautious near the screen cable, located just below the midpoint of the left edge.
- Exercise extra care in areas with spring contacts around the phone's perimeter to avoid bending them.
Step 9 | Slice the bottom edge adhesive
Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner of the screen to cut its adhesive.
Do not remove the pick as this can cause the adhesive to reseal.
Step 10
- Insert another opening pick at the bottom edge, moving it to the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Leave this new opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 11 | Release the left clips
Insert a third opening pick underneath the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Slide the pick along the left edge of the screen to cut the adhesive and disengage the plastic clips.
- Leave the pick in place at the top left corner to stop the adhesive from re-sealing.
Step 12 | Slice the top edge adhesive
Reheat the adhesive with your iOpener or heat gun for 1-2 minutes if it becomes hard to cut.
- Avoid damaging the front facing camera: When slicing near it, only insert the tip of the opening pick (~2.5 mm).
- Insert a fourth opening pick at the top left corner of the screen.
- Slide the opening pick along the top edge to slice the adhesive.
Leave the pick in the top right corner to prevent resealing.
Step 13 | Release the right clips
Insert a fifth opening pick and slide it along the right edge of the phone.
Do not attempt to remove the display at this time as the screen remains connected to the phone assembly via a flex cable.
- The remaining adhesive will be sliced, releasing the right plastic clips.
Step 14 | Open up the phone assembly
Hold the right edge of the screen and gently lift up towards the left side, similar to opening a book.
Avoid twisting the screen or moving it too far from the frame to prevent flex cable strain or damage.
- Rest the screen upside down, parallel to the frame, before proceeding further.
Step 15 | Release the display cable bracket
Use a pair of tweezers to release the display cable bracket.
- Insert one arm of the tweezers into the opening at the upper end of the display cable bracket.
- Pry up on the bracket while pushing it inwards to release it with some force.
Step 16 | Remove the display cable bracket
- Insert a pair of tweezers under the midframe
- Pull the display cable bracket towards the cameras.
Step 17 | Disconnect the display cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the display flex cable by prying the connector straight up from its socket.
- To reattach press connectors, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place.
- Repeat this process on the other side. Never press down in the middle.
If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 18 | Screen information
Screen damage can occur with minimal contact; handle with care.
- Grasp the screen by its edges when handling to prevent damage.
- Support the screen on a soft, lint-free cloth during disassembly and reassembly.
Step 19 | Separate the screen
Avoid touching the screen during boot-up calibration to prevent touch issues.
- Separate the screen from the phone.
- During reassembly:
- Ensure all screws are tightened and there are no loose parts.
- Reconnect the screen and test the phone to verify it works properly.
Do not power down until the calibration sequence is complete.
- Clean the relevant areas with >90% isopropyl alcohol before applying new adhesive.
- Apply new adhesive where necessary, following the guidelines for your specific adhesive type:
- Custom-cut adhesives: Follow this guide.
- Pre-cut adhesive cards: Follow this guide.
Step 20 | Remove the black silicone pad
Risk of chemical leakage and fire if the battery is damaged.
- Peel back the black silicone pad from the battery using a pair of tweezers.
- Continue to peel the silicone pad away from the midframe.
Step 21 | Peel off the upper graphite foil
Apply heat from a iOpener to the battery/midframe upper graphite foil for 2 minutes.
- Use a pair of tweezers to carefully peel off the heated foil.
Step 22 | Peel off the lower graphite foil
- Peel the lower graphite foil away from the battery and midframe using a pair of tweezers.
If the foil resists removal, apply heat to it with an iOpener for two minutes to loosen the adhesive.
Step 23 | Unfasten the loudspeaker screws
Remove the three Torx T3 screws using a Torx T3 screwdriver.
- The screws are located at the loudspeaker mounting points.
Step 24 | Remove the loudspeaker
Use a tweezers to carefully lift the loudspeaker out of its recess.
- Remove the speaker once lifted.
Step 25 | Unfasten the midframe screws
- Remove the midframe using a Torx T3 screwdriver.
- There are nine screws in total, each measuring 5.1mm long.
Step 26 | Remove the midframe
Remove the midframe using a pair of tweezers.
- During reassembly check the condition of the thermal pad.
- If it's damaged, apply the following steps:
Never touch the thermal pad — risk of damage or electrical shock.
- Remove the thermal pad using a flathead tool.
- Clean the area with high-concentration (greater than 90%) isopropyl alcohol and a
. - Apply a new thermal pad.
Step 27 | Disconnect the battery cable
Disconnect the battery cable using a spudger, prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 28 | Unfasten the mmWave antenna bracket screw
Remove the Torx T3 screw securing the mmWave antenna bracket.
- The screw is located near the mmWave antenna.
- The length of the screw is 5.1 mm.
Step 29 | Pry up the mmWave antenna bracket
Use a spudger to pry the mmWave antenna bracket from the underside, starting at the bottom right corner.
- Pry upwards gently to loosen the mmWave antenna bracket.
Step 30 | Remove the mmWave antenna bracket
Remove the mmWave antenna bracket with a pair of tweezers.
Step 31 | Disconnect the mmWave antenna cable
Disconnect the mmWave antenna cable using a spudger.
- Pry the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 32 | Remove the mmWave antenna assembly
Remove the mmWave antenna using a pair of tweezers.
- Lift the mmWave antenna assembly (including its cable) out of its recess.
If the thermal pad is damaged, replace it:
- Remove the old pad.
- Clean the area with high-concentration (isopropyl alcohol, >90%) and a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
- Apply a new thermal pad.
Step 33 | Disconnect the mmWave antenna cable
- Disconnect the mmWave antenna cable by prying the connector straight up with a spudger.
- Remove the mmWave antenna cable from the mmWave antenna.
Step 34
The mmWave antenna remains.