Google Pixel 7a 5G mmWave Antenna Replacement

A charged lithium-ion battery can pose a safety hazard.

Allow the battery to discharge below 25% before commencing this repair.

• Disconnect all cables from your phone.
• Perform a full power-down of your device.

• Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the SIM card tray hole.
• Press the SIM eject tool into the hole to eject the SIM card tray.
• Remove the ejected SIM card tray.

Do not apply extreme heat — risk of damage to screen, rear cover, or battery.

• Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the rear cover for three minutes.
• Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to warm the rear cover.
• Be cautious: only heat until phone is just hot to the touch.

Ensure you understand the Anti-Clamp usage before proceeding.

• Using the Anti-Clamp, pull the blue handle backward to unlock its arms.
• Slide the arms over the phone's bottom edge, positioning one suction cup on the rear cover and the other on the screen.
• Squeeze the cups together for suction.

Locate the blue handle and pull it forward to lock the arms.

• Rotate the handle clockwise one full turn (360 degrees) until the suction cups begin to stretch.
• Ensure the cups remain aligned with each other during stretching. If misalignment persists, consider removing the Anti-Clamp and applying tape for secure adhesion.

Rear cover may lose heat during setup — reheat as needed.

• Place object under phone to rest level between Anti-Clamp's arms.

Wait one minute for gap to form along bottom edge of phone, or until adhesive separates.

• Insert opening pick into gap.
• If adhesive doesn't separate, twist handle clockwise one quarter turn and wait another minute.
• Apply more heat with hair dryer or heat gun if rear cover cools down.

If adhesive remains stubborn, consult the Anti-Clamp's user manual for assistance.

• Remove suction cups using pull-tabs and set Anti-Clamp aside.

Apply a suction handle to the center of the bottom edge of the rear cover.

• Pull up on the suction handle with a strong, steady force until a gap forms between the rear cover and frame.
• Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.
• Remove the suction handle.

Examine the rear cover and note its position relative to the cameras.

• Use the provided image as a visual guide for slicing the adhesive sealant.
• Start carefully slicing around the perimeter of the frame using a suitable tool or device.

Angle the opening pick upward so its tip faces away from the frame.

• Keep all opening picks angled upward while slicing until the rear cover is fully removed.
• Slide your pick to the bottom left corner of the rear cover and leave it in place.

Leave this pick in place to prevent adhesive from resealing.

Insert a second opening pick in the bottom left corner.

• Slide it to the bottom right corner of the rear cover to separate the bottom edge adhesive.
• Leave this pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the rear cover for 2 minutes.

• Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to warm the rear cover.

Do not overheat the phone.

Never insert the pick deeper than 5 mm along the right edge.

• Measure 5 mm from the tip and mark the pick with a permanent marker for reference.
• Insert another pick into the bottom right corner of the rear cover.
• Slide up the right edge, stopping before reaching the camera bar, to separate the adhesive.
• Leave this pick in place to prevent resealing.

Apply a iOpener to the left edge of the rear cover for 2 minutes.

• Use an alternative heating method like a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate if available.

Avoid overheating the phone to prevent damage.

Avoid damaging the wireless charging coil and rear cover foam pad by inserting picks no deeper than 3 mm along the left edge.

• Measure 3 mm from the tip of your pick and mark it with a permanent marker for reference.
• Insert a fourth opening pick in the bottom left corner of the rear cover.
• Stop just before reaching the camera bar, then slide your pick up the left edge to separate the adhesive.
• Leave this pick in place to prevent resealing of the adhesive.

Apply heat to the top edge of the rear cover using a iOpener for 2 minutes.

Do not overheat the phone.

• Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to warm the rear cover.

Locate a thick strip of adhesive on the antenna housing.

• Insert a fifth opening pick between 8-10 mm deep into the top left corner of the rear cover, about halfway between the tip and the iFixit logo.
• If needed, try inserting the pick near the camera bar from previous step.

Slide the pick halfway across the top edge to separate the antenna bracket adhesive without applying excessive force.

Slide your opening pick to the top right corner and gently pry the top edge adhesive.

Avoid inserting the pick more than 3mm depth, as this can damage the antenna housing graphite tape.

• Remove the excess adhesive on the rest of the edge by carefully slicing with the pick at a 3mm depth.

Angle picks upwards, keeping them away from the frame.

• Place top edge pick with flat side under rear cover.
• Position picks on either side of camera bar, with flat edges down.

Locate the long strip of adhesive securing the rear cover below the camera bar.

• Use opening picks under the camera bar to pry the top edge of the rear cover from the frame.
• Pry back and forth until the camera bar loosens, being careful not to bend the rear cover.

Only loosen the adhesive near the camera bar. If it feels stubborn, rotate the rear cover side-to-side for further loosening.

Use an opening pick to carefully pry along the long edges of the rear cover, working your way around to loosen any re-adhered areas.

Do not proceed with further disassembly until power functionality is verified.

• Power on the device and verify that it functions correctly.
• Return the device to a powered-off state before continuing reassembly.

Apply new adhesive according to the provided guide, then install the rear cover.

Apply heat to the flash unit for 1 minute to loosen the adhesive.

• Use a heated iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to warm the flash until it is only warm to the touch.
• Beware of overheating and damage to surrounding components.

Risk of damage: be gentle when handling the flash cable.

• Insert a pick under the right edge of the flash.
• Gently pry to separate the adhesive securing it to the cover.

Remove any remaining copper tape and black foam residue from the logic board cover using tweezers or your fingers.

Avoid damaging the battery with your tool.

• Apply heat to the underside of the flash using an iOpener for one minute.
• Hold the neck of the flash cable firmly and use tweezers to remove the copper tape from the flash unit.
• If the copper tape remains on the logic board cover, now is the time to replace it with a new piece.

Check if your kit includes Torx Plus bits; standard Torx drivers may work.

• If using standard Torx, use T2 for 1IP Torx Plus screws and T3 for 3IP Torx Plus screws. Apply constant downward force to avoid stripping.
• For the logic board cover: remove thirteen 4.3 mm screws using a 3IP Torx Plus driver.
• Remove the right edge 1.5 mm screw using a 1IP Torx Plus driver.

Insert a pick into the gap between the logic board cover and its frame, at the bottom right corner.

• Pry upwards gently with the pick to disengage the retaining clip.

• Lift the logic board cover from the top edge.
• Thread the flash unit through its corresponding cutout.
• During reassembly, repeat steps 1 and 2 in reverse order.

Remove the wireless charging assembly.

Remove the 1.5 mm screw with a 1IP Torx Plus driver.

• Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the connector cover.

During reassembly, ensure the upper left corner of the cover is under the logic board hook before installing the screw.

For Verizon model G0DZQ Google Pixel 7a, note the additional 5G mmWave antenna cable and connector.

• The procedure remains the same for non-Verizon models unless otherwise specified.

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the top edge of the battery press connector.

Pry straight up with care, taking care not to damage the connector.

• To reconnect, align the press connector over the socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place.
• Then press down on the other side. It may take a few attempts to achieve proper alignment.

Remove the 4.3 mm screw using a 3IP Torx Plus driver.

Lift the earpiece speaker upward, starting at the bottom edge.

• Pull the speaker towards the bottom of the device to release the red gasket.
• The gasket should come free from its cutout in the frame.
• Remove the earpiece speaker

Use the 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the two 4.3 mm screws.

• Securely attach the antenna housing back onto the frame during reassembly.
• Hold down the housing with one hand while fastening the screws with the 3IP Torx Plus driver.

Insert a pick into the top left corner of the antenna housing and the frame.

• Pry to release the clips securing the housing.

During reassembly, be careful not to touch or crease the graphite film. Hold it out of the way before inserting the housing.

• Lift the bottom leg of the antenna housing.
• Pull the top edge out from the frame.
• Remove the housing.

Use the tip of a spudger to carefully pry up and release the 5G mmWave press connector.

Apply a heated iOpener to the front-facing camera for 1 minute.

• The copper tape adhesive will soften as it warms up.

• Only heat until warm to touch – avoid burning the components.

Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer or heat gun for this task.

Careful not to touch the rear camera lenses.

• Insert the tip of an opening pick under the front-facing camera's copper tape.
• Slowly peel up the tape from the logic board, using a sharp tool like angled tweezers if it gets stuck and can't be removed easily.

Be careful not to touch the front-facing camera lens.

• Insert the tip of your opening pick between the right edge of the front-facing camera cable and the frame.
• If the pick can't slide under, lightly heat the cable with a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive underneath.
• Slide your pick underneath the cable to separate the adhesive securing it to the frame.

Do not touch the rear camera lenses.

• Pry up and disconnect the press connector above the battery using a spudger or fingernail.
• This connector controls the power button, volume buttons, flash unit, and upper microphone.

Insert pentalobe P5 at top right edge between logic board and frame.

• Pry up to free logic board from recess.
• Insert pick in gap near white antenna cable and pry up top left edge of logic board.

Handle the logic board with care to avoid bending.

• Lift the top edge of the logic board from the frame.
• Pull the top edge of the logic board towards the right, ensuring cutouts clear the vibration motor and protrusions.

Do not fully remove the logic board yet, as it remains connected via the screen cable.

During reassembly:

• Pull the logic board towards the bottom of the frame.
• Press the charging port down until its edge sits flush with its corresponding protrusion in the frame.
• Ensure the flash, front-facing camera, and press connector do not become trapped under the frame.

The logic board may fall during this step — handle with care.

• Steady the logic board, avoiding camera lenses and connectors.
• Attach your suction handle to the left screen side, facing downwards.
• Position the phone upright, or lean it against a sturdy support like a heavy box.
• Tilt the logic board downward and lay it flat; reposition cables if necessary.

Avoid touching the thermal pads on the underside of the logic board.

• Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the 2 mm screw securing the screen connector cover.
• Remove the cover and set it aside.

Hook the bottom edge of the cover into its slot on the logic board before installing the 2 mm screw.

Be cautious when handling the screen press connector due to its fragile nature.

• Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the screen press connector.
• To reconnect, hold the cable's neck with tweezers and align it over the socket before pressing down.

Remove logic board from frame.

Remove the front sensor rubber gasket if it stayed on the frame or became misaligned.

Avoid touching the sensor to prevent damage or corrosion.

• Place the gasket over the front sensor on the logic board during reassembly, aligning the smaller cutout toward the top.

Inspect the logic board for a damaged thermal pad.

• If reusing the logic board, replace the old thermal pad with a new one.
• Clean the logic board surface before installing the new thermal pad.

Thermal pads must be applied to prevent damage from overheating.

• If installing a new logic board, apply the pre-installed or included thermal pad now.

Insert the spudger into the gap between the 5G mmWave antenna and the frame, at its lower left corner.

• Pry upwards carefully to release the adhesive securing the antenna.

Remove 5G mmWave antenna and its connected cable from the device frame.

Be careful not to damage the 5G mmWave antenna.

• Remove the conductive tape by peeling it off carefully.
• Grab the cable near the head of the connector with a pair of needle-nose pliers.
• Pry the connector away from the antenna to disconnect the cable.

Lift the 5G mmWave antenna cable upward.

• Peel the cable from the antenna.
• If the conductive tape rips, carefully remove remaining pieces with tweezers or your fingers.

Locate and disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna.

Remove the conductive tape from the end of the cable.

Check if you need to proceed with the 5G mmWave antenna cable reconnect steps.

• Peel the replacement adhesive from its large liner.
• Remove two red liners to expose the sticky side of the adhesive.

Reattach the 5G mmWave antenna cable.

• Secure with an adhesive strip, pressing its square tab into the connector head and its long edge onto the thin, upright side of the antenna.

Remove blue liners by peeling them off the adhesive.