Pink vertical line fix
Short circuit due to grounding pin damage can cause a pink vertical line on the display.
- Tweezing the phone may initially resolve the issue, potentially saving the screen and money.
- If tweezing fails, the grounding pin should be removed or its sharp head cut off.
- Proceed to Step 23 for further instructions if damage is permanent and a new screen assembly is required.
Step 1 | Prepare your Pixel for disassembly
Charged lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if damaged.
Let the Pixel's battery drain below 25% before starting this repair.
- Unplug all cables from your phone.
- Completely power off your phone.
- Press and hold the power and volume up buttons simultaneously to access the shutdown menu.
Step 2 | Mark your opening picks
Inserting an opening pick too far can cause device damage.
- Mark your opening pick with a permanent marker at 3mm from the tip.
- Alternatively, attach a coin to a pick using tape, ensuring it's also 3mm from the tip.
Step 3 | Heat the bottom edge adhesive
Be cautious when applying heat to avoid damaging the screen and/or battery.
- Apply an iOpener to the bottom edge of the screen for two minutes to loosen the adhesive.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate – but exercise extreme care with high temperatures.
iOpener, hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate can be used to soften the adhesive and clips securing the screen.
Step 4 | Secure the Anti-Clamp
Using the Anti-Clamp requires these steps:
- Anti-Clamp not used? Skip down three steps for an alternate method.
- Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.
- Place phone screen side up on an object, with bottom edge hanging off between arms.
- Slide arms over left edge of phone for access to bottom edge.
- Position suction cups near center of bottom edge.
- Squeeze cups together to create suction.
Step 5 | Twist the handle
Grasp the handle firmly and pull it forward to secure the arms.
- Rotate the handle clockwise through one full turn (360 degrees) or until the suction cups start to extend.
- Verify the cups remain aligned as they stretch. If not, remove the Anti-Clamp and apply tape for better adhesion.
Step 6 | Insert an opening pick
Wait one minute for a gap to form between the screen and frame.
- If adhesive doesn't separate, twist the handle clockwise 1/4 turn and wait another minute; apply more heat if necessary.
- Insert an opening pick into the gap created, taking care not to insert it more than 3mm to avoid damaging spring contacts.
Pulling the blue handle backwards will unlock the arms and allow removal of the Anti-Clamp using pull tabs on suction cups; proceed with caution.
Step 7 | Apply a suction cup
Attach a suction handle to the center of the screen's bottom edge.
Step 8 | Insert an opening pick
Apply sufficient force to create a gap between the screen and frame, avoiding damage.
- Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force until a gap forms.
- If no gap is created, reapply heat and try again.
- Insert an opening pick into the newly formed gap.
Step 9 | Prevent damage to your phone
Insert the pick no deeper than 3 mm to prevent damage.
- Locate the screen cable, approximately halfway up the left edge, and be cautious to avoid damaging it.
- Avoid the spring contacts along the phone's perimeter, as bending them can cause issues.
Step 10 | Separate the bottom edge adhesive
Insert an opening pick at the bottom edge and slide it along to break the adhesive.
Do not remove the pick, leaving it in the bottom right corner to prevent resealing of the adhesive.
Step 11 | Heat the right edge adhesive
Be cautious when using high heat to avoid damaging 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; however, exercise care with extreme heat.
Step 12 | Separate the right edge adhesive
Insert a second opening pick under the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Slide the new pick up to the top right corner to separate the adhesive securing the screen's right edge.
- Leave the pick in place at the top right corner to prevent resealing of the adhesive.
Step 13 | Leave a pick in the bottom left corner
Insert a third opening pick under the bottom edge of the screen.
- Slide the pick to the bottom left corner.
- Leave the pick in place at the bottom left corner to prevent resealing.
Step 14 | Heat the left edge adhesive
Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen for 2 minutes.
- As an alternative, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate.
Be cautious as excessive heat may damage the screen and/or battery.
Step 15 | Separate the left edge adhesive
Insert the fourth opening pick under the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Slide the new pick up to the top left corner to separate the screen's left edge adhesive.
- Leave the pick in place at the top left corner to prevent resealing.
Step 16 | Heat the top edge adhesive
Excessive heat can damage the screen and/or battery — exercise caution.
- Apply a heated iOpener to the top edge of the screen for two minutes.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate (but take care with extreme temperatures).
Step 17 | Separate the top edge adhesive
Insert opening pick #5 at the top left corner.
- Slide it towards the top right corner to loosen the adhesive on the top edge.
Step 18 | Prop up the screen
Place a small box or stack of books beside your phone to prop up the screen.
- Swing up the right edge of the screen like opening a book.
- If the screen feels stuck, use an opening pick to separate any remaining adhesive along the perimeter.
Be careful not to strain the screen cable.
Once loose, prop up the screen for access to the screen cable.
Step 19 | Remove the screen cable cover
Insert an opening pick under the upper edge of the screen cable cover.
- Pry gently to lift the cover.
- Remove the cover once it is lifted.
Step 20 | Disconnect the screen
Insert the point of a spudger under the top left corner of the screen's press connector.
- Pry up gently to disconnect the cable.
- Remove the screen.
To reconnect, align over socket and press down on one side until it clicks; then press other side. Avoid middle pressure as pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 21 | Screen information
The Pixel's screen back is extremely fragile and prone to damage from minor scratches or dents.
- Grip the screen by its edges when handling to minimize risk of damage.
- Place the screen on a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent bottom contact with potential hazards during work.
Step 22 | Reassembly information
Use pre-installed adhesive on a new screen or apply new adhesive to your old screen as necessary.
- Remove liners using the pull tabs for the front camera cutout, rear camera pad, back of the screen, and perimeter adhesive.
- Reconnect the screen cable and reinstall its cover before proceeding.
- Temporarily power on your phone to test it before sealing it up. Power down when finished testing.
- Firmly press the screen into place, ensuring clips engage properly.
- Press firmly around the perimeter to secure with new adhesive.
- Optionally, apply even pressure for a stronger adhesive bond if desired.
- Calibrate the fingerprint sensor using this guide.
Step 23 | Pink vertical line fix
A pink vertical line may appear due to a short circuit caused by a grounding pin piercing the display flex cable.
- Try tweezing the phone to fix the issue, which can save the screen and some money if successful.
- However, if this doesn't work, it's likely that the flex cable is permanently damaged, requiring replacement of the screen assembly.
To resolve the issue:
- Follow iFixit's instructions to open the phone and remove or cut off the grounding pin's sharp head.
- Reassemble the phone following iFixit's guidance.