Google Pixel 7 Motherboard Replacement
Discharge battery below 25% before disassembling for safety, reducing fire risk if battery is damaged.
- Check for a swollen battery and take precautions.
Caution: The Pixel 7 contains class 1 lasers. Disassembly could expose you to invisible infrared laser emissions.
This guide was authored by the iFixit staff for a Google Pixel 7 with GQML3 model (5G mmWave antenna). Non-mmWave models can still use this guide, but ignore mmWave steps.
- Removing the battery is required to replace the motherboard.
Do not reuse a deformed or damaged battery; replace it with a new one for safety.
Replacing adhesive will compromise water resistance and IP (Ingress Protection) rating. You'll need replacement adhesive for this repair.
Step 1 | Safety precautions
A fully charged battery may catch fire if damaged, so allow it to drain below 25%.
- Power off your phone completely.
- Unplug all cables from the device.
Step 2 | Screen removal information
Insert opening picks under the safety frame to avoid separating it from the screen.
- Limit insertion depth to ~3.5 mm to prevent damaging internals and interfering with plastic clips.
- Be aware of multiple plastic clips around the entire screen.
Inserting pick too deeply can cause blockages; adjust insertion point if this occurs.
Step 3 | Anti-Clamp instructions
For using the Anti-Clamp, skip ahead three steps if not needed.
If your screen is cracked, cover it with clear packing tape for suction cup adhesion.
- Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.
- Slide the arms over either edge of your phone (left or right).
Position the suction cups near the bottom edge, one on the front and one on the back. Squeeze them together for suction.
If the surface is too slippery, use tape to create a grippier surface.
Step 4
Hold the blue handle and pull it forward to lock the arms in place.
- Turn the handle clockwise by 360 degrees or until you notice the suction cups start to stretch.
- Maintain alignment between the suction cups; if they begin to misalign, loosen them slightly and reposition the arms.
Step 5
Proceed with care when using heat to avoid damaging the display or internal battery.
- Heat an iOpener, then thread it through the arms of the Anti-Clamp.
- Fold the iOpener so it lays on the bottom edge of the phone and wait one minute for the adhesive to release.
- Insert an opening pick under the screen frame when a large enough gap is created by the Anti-Clamp.
Step 6 | Loosen the display adhesive
Be cautious of overheating when using a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate.
- Apply a heated iOpener to the screen for at least 3 minutes.
- The edge should feel slightly too hot to touch, but avoid overheating the device.
Step 7 | Insert an opening pick
Apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the screen when it's warm to the touch.
- If your display is cracked, cover with clear packing tape for better adhesion.
- Alternatively, use strong tape or superglue the suction cup to the broken screen if necessary.
Be careful when handling hot devices and sharp objects.
- Lift the screen with its safety frame using the suction handle to create a small gap.
- Apply more heat to the bottom edge if you're having trouble due to phone age.
- Insert an opening pick into the created gap.
Step 8 | Prevent damage to your phone
Insert the pick no more than ~2.5 mm to prevent damaging your phone.
- Identify the screen cable location: slightly below halfway up the left edge of the phone.
- Screen cable: be extremely careful when navigating this area to avoid damage.
- Many spring contacts surround the phone's perimeter; handle these areas with care to prevent contact bending.
Step 9 | Slice the bottom edge adhesive
Insert the opening pick at the bottom right corner of the screen and gently pry up the adhesive.
Do not remove the opening pick, as this can cause the adhesive to reseal and make repairs more difficult.
Step 10
Insert a second opening pick near the bottom edge, guiding it towards the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Use it to cut through the adhesive.
- Leave the new opening pick in place to prevent re-adhesion.
Step 11 | Release the left clips
Insert a third opening pick under the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Slide the pick along the left edge, slicing adhesive and releasing plastic clips.
- Leave the pick in place at top left to prevent resealing.
Step 12 | Slice the top edge adhesive
Check if the adhesive has cooled down; use iOpener or heat gun for 1-2 minutes to reheat.
Be cautious near the front facing camera and insert only the tip of the opening pick (~2.5 mm) to avoid damage.
- 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 opening 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.
- Slice the remaining adhesive and release the right plastic clips.
Do not remove the display all the way yet, as the screen is still connected by a flex cable.
Step 14 | Open up the phone assembly
Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side, similar to opening a book.
Do not twist the screen or move it too far away from the frame, as this may strain or damage the flex cable.
Rest the screen upside down and parallel to the frame before proceeding.
Step 15 | Release the display cable bracket
Some force may be required to release the display cable bracket.
- Insert one arm of a pair of tweezers into the opening at the upper end.
- Pry up while pushing inwards on the display cable bracket to release it.
Step 16 | Remove the display cable bracket
Remove the display cable bracket using a pair of tweezers, pulling from underneath the midframe towards the cameras.
Step 17 | Disconnect the display cable
Disconnect the display flex cable by using a spudger to pry its connector straight up from its socket.
- To reattach, carefully align the connector and press down on one side until it clicks into place.
- Repeat this process for the other side, avoiding the middle of the connector.
Misaligned connectors can cause permanent damage by bending the pins.
Step 18 | Screen information
The Pixel's screen is highly sensitive to damage.
- Handle the screen by its edges only.
- When placing the screen, ensure nothing touches its bottom surface. Place it on a soft, lint-free cloth if possible.
Step 19 | Separate the screen
Separate the screen from the phone.
- During reassembly: Ensure all screws are tightened & there are no loose parts.
- Reconnect the screen and test your phone to ensure it's working properly.
Do not power down the phone again until you've completed reassembly.
Apply new adhesive where necessary after cleaning with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).
- Follow this guide for custom-cut adhesives or pre-cut adhesive cards.
During boot-up, do not touch the screen during calibration; improper calibration can cause touch issues.
Step 20 | Remove the black silicone pad
Do not puncture or bend the battery with your tool.
- Use a pair of tweezers to carefully peel the black silicone pad off the battery and midframe.
Step 21 | Peel off the upper graphite foil
Apply tweezers to gently lift the upper graphite foil from the battery and midframe.
- If required, heat the foil with a iOpener for two minutes to loosen its adhesive before attempting to peel it off.
Step 22 | Peel off the lower graphite foil
Peel the lower graphite foil off the battery and midframe using a pair of tweezers.
- If needed, apply a heated iOpener for two minutes to loosen the adhesive.
Step 23 | Unfasten the loudspeaker screws
Remove the screws using a Torx T3 screwdriver.
- The screws are 5.1 mm long and secure the loudspeaker.
Step 24 | Remove the loudspeaker
Use a pair of tweezers to carefully lift the loudspeaker out of its recess.
Be careful not to damage any nearby components during removal.
- Once lifted, remove the loudspeaker from its recess.
Step 25 | Unfasten the midframe screws
Remove the Torx T3 screwdriver and take out the nine 5.1 mm screws
- Located along the midframe of the device.
Step 26 | Remove the midframe
Use a pair of tweezers to carefully remove the midframe.
- During reassembly, inspect the condition of the thermal pad.
- If damaged, follow these steps:
Remove and discard the old thermal pad.
- Clean the area with high-concentration (greater than 90%) isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
Apply a new thermal pad
Step 27 | Disconnect the battery cable
Disconnect the battery cable by prying the connector straight up with a spudger.
Step 28 | Heat the battery's adhesive
Do not apply excessive heat, as this can damage the device.
- Apply a heated iOpener to the back of the device for at least 3 minutes.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but ensure the edge does not overheat.
- The temperature should be slightly too hot to touch, but avoid burning the device.
Step 29 | Separate the battery pull tabs
Peel plastic pull tabs away from the battery using tweezers or your fingers.
Step 30 | Separate the battery's adhesive
Be cautious not to accidentally pull the tab upwards while working slowly.
- Pull the tabs back and forth in a sawing motion up the length of the battery.
- Apply more heat if separating the adhesive proves difficult, allowing it to loosen over time.
If the release strip is lost or torn, proceed with the alternative battery removal method described next.
Step 31 | How to remove a stuck battery
Do not apply too much alcohol — risk of damaging NFC antenna and charging coil.
- Apply a few drops of high concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol into the gap at the top edge of the battery.
- Wait about one minute for the adhesive to weaken.
- Use the flat end of a spudger or an opening pick to gently lift the top edge of the battery until you can grab it with your fingers.
Avoid using excessive force, as this may cause damage. Puncture or bend risk: chemical leak or fire hazard.
Step 32 | Remove the battery
Do not reinstall a damaged or deformed battery, as this poses a potential safety hazard.
- Tilt the battery out to separate remaining adhesive from the device.
- Remove the battery entirely.
Ensure proper installation:
- Apply pre-cut adhesive or double-sided tape only to the battery well, not directly on the new battery.
- Temporarily reconnect battery to motherboard for correct alignment. Disconnect once seated.
- Verify center placement and even gap around the new battery.
Press the new battery firmly into place.
Step 33 | Unfasten the mmWave antenna bracket screw
Remove the Torx T3 screw using a Torx T3 screwdriver.
- The screw is located on the mmWave antenna bracket.
- The screw has a length of 5.1mm.
Step 34 | Remove the mmWave antenna bracket
Remove the mmWave antenna bracket using a pair of tweezers.
Step 35 | Disconnect the mmWave antenna cable
Disconnect the mmWave antenna cable using a spudger to pry the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 36 | Remove the mmWave antenna assembly
Use a tweezers to carefully lift the mmWave antenna, including its cable, out of its recess.
- Once removed, take note of the mmWave antenna assembly for reassembly purposes.
- Set it aside in a safe place.
Step 37 | Remove the thermal paste
Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off the thermal paste from the mmWave antenna.
- 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 mmWave antenna bracket.
When reapplying thermal paste, follow this guide carefully to avoid excess application.
Step 38 | Disconnect the front facing camera
Disconnect the front facing camera cable using a spudger, prying the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 39 | Remove the front facing camera
Use tweezers to carefully lift out the front-facing camera from its recess.
- Hold the camera by its sides, not the lens or connector.
- Gently pull the camera straight up and away from the phone body.
- Once free, remove the front-facing camera from its recess.
Step 40 | Unfasten the rear camera screw
Remove the Torx T3 screw using a Torx T3 screwdriver.
- The screw is secured with a length of 5.1 mm.
Step 41 | Disconnect the wide-angle camera cable
Disconnect the wide-angle camera cable using a spudger. Pry the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 42 | Remove the wide-angle camera
Use tweezers to carefully remove the wide-angle camera.
Step 43 | Disconnect the ultra wide-angle camera cable
Disconnect the ultra wide-angle camera cable using a spudger. Pry the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 44 | Remove the ultra wide-angle camera
Remove the ultra wide-angle camera with a pair of tweezers.
Step 45 | Unfasten the earpiece speaker screw
Remove the earpiece speaker using a Torx T3 screwdriver.
Ensure you're using the correct size and type of screwdriver to avoid damaging the surrounding components.
Step 46 | Pry up the earpiece speaker
Locate the earpiece speaker and insert the pointed end of a spudger under its bottom edge.
- Pry upwards on the spudger to loosen the earpiece speaker from its mount.
Step 47 | Remove the earpiece speaker
Use tweezers to remove the earpiece speaker.
Step 48 | Disconnect the microphone interconnect cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the microphone interconnect cable. Pry the connector straight up from its socket.
Step 49 | Eject the SIM card tray
Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the SIM card tray hole.
- Press the SIM eject tool into the SIM card tray hole until the SIM card tray is ejected.
Step 50 | Remove the SIM card tray
Remove the SIM card tray.
Step 51 | Unfasten the motherboard screw
Use a Torx T3 screwdriver to remove the motherboard screw (5.1mm long).
Step 52 | Pry up the motherboard
Ensure no cables obstruct the motherboard.
- Place a spudger under the motherboard's top edge.
- Pry upward to release the board; once loose, grasp it with your fingers.
Step 53 | Remove the motherboard
Grab the top end of the motherboard with your fingers.
- Pull the motherboard in the direction of the top edge of the frame to free the charging port from its recess.
- Remove the motherboard.
- Compare the new replacement part to the original part and transfer components, such as antenna cables, if necessary.