Google Pixel 8 Earpiece Speaker Replacement
This repair guide is from iFixit and has not been endorsed by Google.
Replace earpiece speaker if phone call sound is muffled or absent.
- The earpiece speaker is located under the logic board and requires extensive disassembly to access.
- You'll need replacement adhesive for this repair.
- This guide was created with the 5G mmWave antenna model of the Pixel 8 in mind. For non-mmWave models, skip steps mentioning this antenna.
Step 1 | Prepare your Pixel for disassembly
Never start repair with a fully charged Pixel battery as it may catch fire if damaged.
- Unplug all cables from the phone.
- Completely power off the device.
- Press and hold both the power and volume up buttons to access the shutdown menu.
Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray
Press the SIM eject tool into the SIM card tray hole.
- Firmly press until the tray ejects.
- Remove the SIM card tray.
Step 3 | Mark your opening picks
Insert an opening pick into the screen bezel and separate the screen from the frame.
To prevent damage, mark your pick:
- Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark with a permanent marker.
- Alternatively, tape a coin to the pick 3 mm from the tip.
Step 4 | Heat the bottom edge adhesive
Use caution with heat sources to avoid damaging the screen and/or battery.
- Apply an iOpener for two minutes to the bottom edge of the screen to soften the adhesive.
Step 5 | Secure the Anti-Clamp
To use the Anti-Clamp, pull its blue handle backwards to unlock its arms.
- Place your phone screen side up on an object, ensuring it rests level between the Anti-Clamp's arms with the bottom edge hanging off.
- Slide the arms over the left edge of your phone for access to the bottom edge.
- Position the suction cups as close to the center of the bottom edge as possible.
Squeeze the cups together carefully, creating sufficient suction to secure your phone in place.
Step 6 | Twist the handle
Pull the handle forward to lock the arms in place.
- Turn the handle clockwise one full turn (360 degrees) until the suction cups begin to stretch.
- Ensure the cups remain aligned while stretching. If they slip,
remove the Anti-Clamp and apply tape for improved adhesion.
Step 7 | Insert an opening pick
Wait one minute for a gap to form between the screen and frame.
If no separation occurs, twist the handle clockwise 1/4 turn and wait another minute; apply more heat if the gap closes.
- Insert an opening pick into the formed gap, but not more than 3 mm to avoid damaging spring contacts.
- Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the arms and remove the Anti-Clamp using the pull tabs on the suction cups.
Step 8 | Apply a suction cup
Attach a suction handle to the middle of the screen's lower edge.
Step 9 | Insert an opening pick
Apply firm but controlled force to avoid damaging surrounding components.
- Pull up on the suction handle until a gap forms between the screen and frame.
- If necessary, reapply heat and try again.
- Insert an opening pick into the created gap.
Step 10 | Prevent damage to your phone
Insert pick no more than 3 mm deep to avoid damaging your phone.
- Identify the screen cable, located just below the midpoint on the left edge.
- Exercise extreme care in this area, as the cable is prone to tearing.
- Avoid the perimeter of the phone, where many delicate spring contacts are situated.
- Take special caution when working near these contacts to prevent damage from bending.
Step 11 | Separate the bottom edge adhesive
Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive.
- Leave the pick in the bottom right corner to hold back the adhesive.
Step 12 | Heat the right edge adhesive
Careful not to apply excessive heat, which may damage the screen and/or battery.
- Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate with caution.
Step 13 | Separate the right edge adhesive
Insert the second opening pick at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Slide the new pick along the right edge, moving towards the top right corner.
- Stop when the adhesive is fully separated, and leave the pick in place to prevent resealing.
Step 14 | Leave a pick in the bottom left corner
Insert another opening pick under the screen's lower edge.
- Guide this new pick down to the bottom left corner.
- Leave it in place at the bottom left to prevent re-adhesion.
Step 15 | Heat the left edge adhesive
Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen for 2 minutes.
Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate; be cautious as excessive heat can damage the screen and/or battery.
Step 16 | Separate the left edge adhesive
Insert a fourth opening pick under the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Slide the new pick to the top left corner, separating the adhesive securing the screen's left edge.
- Leave the pick in the top left corner to prevent resealing of the adhesive.
Step 17 | Heat the top edge adhesive
Apply a iOpener to the top edge of the screen for two minutes.
Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but be careful: extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.
Step 18 | Separate the top edge adhesive
Insert a fifth opening pick near the left corner under the top edge of the screen.
- Slide the pick across to the top right corner, carefully separating the adhesive.
Step 19 | Prop up the screen
Position a small object (such as a box or books) on the left side of your phone to prop up the screen.
- Swing the right edge of the screen upwards, similar to opening a book.
- Beware not to strain the screen cable.
- If the screen is stuck, use an opening pick around its perimeter to loosen any remaining adhesive.
- Prop up the screen for access to the screen cable.
Step 20 | Remove the screen cable cover
Use an opening pick to gently pry up the upper edge of the screen cable cover.
Make sure not to damage the surrounding components.
- Continue prying until you can easily remove the cover.
- Set the cover aside for now.
Step 21 | Disconnect the screen
Insert the point of a spudger under the top left corner of the screen's press connector.
- Gently pry up and disconnect the cable.
- Remove the screen.
When reconnecting a press connector, do not press down in the middle. Align it over its socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place, then press down on the other side to avoid bending the pins and causing permanent damage.
Step 22 | Screen information
The Pixel's rear screen is extremely delicate and susceptible to damage from minor scratches or dents.
- Grip the screen by its edges when handling to avoid touching sensitive areas.
- Position the screen on a soft, lint-free cloth or work surface to prevent contact with foreign objects.
Step 23 | Reassembly information
Reconnect the screen cable and reinstall its cover.
- Use the pull tabs to remove the liners covering the front camera cutout, rear camera pad, back of the screen, and perimeter adhesive.
Temporarily power on your phone to test it before sealing.
Power it down when done.- Firmly press the screen into place on the frame. The clips should "pop" into place.
Press firmly around the perimeter of the screen to secure it with new adhesive.
Optional: Apply even pressure to strengthen the adhesive bond.
Calibrate the fingerprint sensor using this guide.
Step 24 | Remove the shim
- Gently slide the tip of a opening pick under the plastic shim.
- Continue until you can grasp the shim with either tweezers or your bare fingers.
Step 25
Remove the shim from the midframe using tweezers or your fingers.
- Target the shim under the midframe.
- Also, carefully remove the shim from the bottom speaker.
Step 26 | Unfasten the USB-C port bracket
Keep track of each screw and ensure it returns to its original location.
- The Pixel 8 uses Torx Plus screws, but standard Torx bits can also be used.
- To avoid stripping, apply constant downward force when turning the driver.
- Use a T3 Torx driver to remove two 5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screws securing the USB-C port bracket.
Step 27 | Remove the USB-C port bracket
Remove the USB-C port bracket using tweezers or your fingers.
Step 28 | Reassembly information
When reassembling, replace or reseat the plastic shim under the midframe and loudspeaker.
- Shim replacement: If available, remove the clear liner from the new shim.
- Align the left edge of the shim to the markings on the midframe and press it into place.
- Firmly press down along the entire shim using a spudger's flat end.
If a replacement is not available, carefully press the old shim back into position.
Step 29 | Unfasten the bottom speaker
Remove the screw securing the bottom speaker using a T3 Torx driver.
Step 30 | Remove the bottom speaker
Insert the point of a spudger between the top right corner of the bottom speaker and the frame.
Pry the bottom speaker up with the spudger to dislodge it from its recess.
Remove the bottom speaker.
If reassembling, ensure the edge of the speaker with a black gasket is inserted at a downward angle before pressing firmly into place.
Step 31 | Disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna
Insert the pointed end of a spudger between the logic board and the 5G mmWave antenna cable, carefully prying up to release it.
Step 32 | Heat the 5G mmWave antenna cable
Be careful when applying heat not to damage the battery.
- Lay an iOpener on the left edge of the phone for two minutes to soften the adhesive.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate to loosen the adhesive.
Step 33 | Separate the adhesive
Insert a pick under the lower part of the 5G mmWave antenna cable's adhesive.
- Slide the pick towards the phone's top edge to break the adhesive.
Step 34
Repeat the process for the upper portion of adhesive.
Step 35 | Reposition the 5G mmWave antenna cable
Do not crease the 5G mmWave antenna cable, as this can damage it.
- Maintain the cable's original shape, keeping it free from folds and creases.
- Gently move the 5G mmWave antenna cable out of the way to prevent interference during disassembly.
Step 36 | Remove the graphite sheet
Remove the graphite sheet, which connects the upper part of the battery, midframe, and rear cameras.
- Insert a spudger's point under the top right corner of the graphite sheet and lift until you can grip it with your fingers.
- Peel up and remove the entire graphite sheet. If it tears, reassemble in sections by gripping the torn parts.
Do not reuse the old graphite sheet; replace it entirely during reassembly.
Step 37 | Unfasten the midframe
Remove the midscreen using a T3 Torx screwdriver.
- Target the eight 3IP Torx Plus screws with the driver.
- The screws are 5.1 mm long and securing the midframe.
Step 38 | Remove the midframe
Separating the midframe from the thermal pad may cause damage.
- Locate the bottom right corner of the midframe and insert a spudger.
- Pry the midframe away from the thermal pad until it loosens completely.
Step 39
- Lift off the midframe from the frame.
- Remove the midframe completely.
- If damaged, remove the thermal pad and clean the area with a microfiber or lint-free cloth.
- Use high-concentration (greater than 90%) isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply a new thermal pad after cleaning.
During reassembly, inspect the thermal pad for damage.
Step 40 | Disconnect the battery
Remove the battery connector using a spudger.
Step 41 | Disconnect the wide rear camera
Insert the point of a spudger under the bottom half of the wide rear camera press connector, between surface-mounted components.
Avoid damaging the logic board by prying only in this location.
- Pry up to disconnect the wide rear camera.
Step 42 | Unfasten the wide rear camera
Remove the two 3IP Torx Plus screws using a T3 Torx screwdriver.
- The screws are located near the wide rear camera.
- Each screw is 5.1 mm long.
Step 43 | Remove the wide rear camera
Insert the spudger into the wide rear camera screw hole cutout.
- Lift the camera out using the spudger.
- Remove the camera from its recess.
Step 44 | Disconnect the ultrawide rear camera
Use a spudger to gently pry up the ultrawide rear camera press connector from the logic board.
Step 45 | Remove the ultrawide rear camera
Insert the spudger tip into the top screw cutout on the ultrawide rear camera.
- Caution: Use a gentle prying motion to avoid damaging the camera.
- Lift the camera out of its recess using the spudger.
- Remove the ultrawide rear camera.
Step 46 | Disconnect the front camera
Use a spudger to gently pry up the front camera press connector from the logic board.
Step 47 | Separate the adhesive
Separate the front camera cable from the earpiece speaker with an opening pick.
- Reuse old adhesive if still sticky during reassembly.
- If not, use a double-sided tape (e.g., Tesa Tape) to secure the front camera in place.
Step 48 | Remove the front camera
Free the front camera by moving the 5G mmWave antenna cable towards the right edge of the phone.
- Remove the front camera once it's freed from the antenna cable overlap.
During reassembly, ensure the front camera is properly seated in its recess and under the antenna cable to avoid damage.
Step 49 | Unfasten the 5G mmWave antenna bracket
Remove the 3IP Torx Plus screw using a T3 Torx screwdriver.
- The screw is located on the 5G mmWave antenna bracket
- The screw is 5.1 mm long
Step 50 | Remove the bracket
Insert the point of a spudger into the notch at the top right corner of the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
- Pry up with the spudger to separate the bracket from its recess in the frame.
- Remove the bracket.
When reassembling, ensure the foam pad sits properly before resecuring the bracket to avoid damage.
- Reinsert the top edge of the bracket first at a downward angle.
- Then resecure the bracket.
Step 51 | Remove the antenna
Remove the antenna and its cable from the frame.
If the cable disconnects, align the press connector over its socket and press firmly until it clicks back into place.
Step 52 | Disconnect the interconnect cable
Remove the interconnect cable press connector with a spudger.
Step 53
Heat damage may occur if the phone gets too hot.
- Secure your phone upside down on a workspace.
- Apply gentle heat from a hairdryer or heat gun to the left back cover, near battery edges.
- Avoid overheating; it should feel slightly too hot to touch.
Step 54 | Apply isopropyl alcohol
Lay the phone face down on your workspace.
- Apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to the right edge of the battery.
Step 55
Position the phone at an angle to direct the alcohol towards the adhesive along the top and bottom edges.
Wait for exactly one minute to allow the alcohol to break down the adhesive.
Step 56 | Insert an opening pick
Insert the flat side of an opening pick into the gap between the right edge of the battery and the frame.
Step 57 | Separate the battery adhesive
Do not crease or bend the battery as it may leak chemicals and catch fire.
- Firmly secure your phone with one hand.
- Apply constant pressure to the battery using a pick, working from one end.
The adhesive is very strong; multiple heat and isopropyl alcohol treatments may be required for separation.
- Monitor progress every 2 minutes and reapply heat and isopropyl alcohol as needed.
- Continue applying constant pressure until the battery separates from the frame.
Step 58 | Remove the battery
A creased, bent, or deformed battery is a fire hazard - replace it with a new one.
- Use an opening pick to lift the battery and loosen remaining adhesive.
- Remove the battery completely.
During reassembly, refer to this guide for safe removal of old adhesive and installation of your new battery.
Step 59 | Unfasten the grounding bracket
Remove the 3IP Torx Plus screw using a T3 Torx screwdriver.
- The screw is located at the bottom right edge, securing the grounding bracket.
- The screw has a length of 2.5 mm.
Step 60 | Remove the grounding bracket
Remove the grounding bracket.
Step 61 | Unfasten the logic board
Remove the logic board using a T3 Torx screwdriver.
- Target the 2 x 3IP Torx Plus screws with a length of 3.5 mm.
- Securely grasp each screw and rotate it counterclockwise to loosen.
Step 62 | Reposition the interconnect cable
Move the interconnect cable away from the frame.
- To prevent snagging, consider taping the cable to the left edge of the phone using electrical tape.
Step 63 | Remove the logic board
Remove the SIM card tray.
- Insert the flat end of a spudger under the top edge of the logic board
- Lift until you can grip the logic board with your fingers.
Step 64
Release the logic board's bottom clip by lifting it upwards.
- Remove the logic board.
Reinsert the USB-C port at a downward angle to avoid damaging it.
Align the rubber gasket before pressing the logic board into place.
Step 65
Reinsert the rubber plunger, ensuring the red rings face outward.
- Locate the rubber plunger next to the SIM card tray slot.
- Gently push it back into place with the red rings facing toward the phone's edge.
Step 66 | Unfasten the earpiece speaker
Remove the 3IP Torx Plus screw secured to the earpiece speaker using a T3 Torx driver.
Step 67 | Remove the earpiece speaker
Insert an opening pick at the bottom right corner of the earpiece speaker.
- Separate the earpiece speaker from the frame.
- Remove the earpiece speaker.