How to Apply Back Cover Adhesive in Your Google Pixel 8a
This repair guide is provided by iFixit and has not been endorsed by Google. Learn more about our repair guides here.
- If you've recently repaired your Google Pixel 8a, follow this guide to apply new back cover adhesive.
- Otherwise, first remove the back cover using this guide.
Step 1 | Remove the old back cover adhesive
Scrape off old adhesive with a spudger and use tweezers for tight areas.
- Gently scrape along the entire perimeter of the frame.
- Remove all remaining old adhesive.
Step 2
Use a spudger and tweezers to carefully scrape away adhesive from above and below the rear camera(s).
- If adhesive is stubborn, soften it with a hair dryer or heated iOpener.
Step 3
Be cautious when handling the lens covers on the back cover.
- Wipe the lens covers with a clean microfiber cloth if they appear dirty.
- If reusing the back cover, repeat steps to remove old adhesive from the cover.
Step 4
Apply highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (90%+) around frame and former adhesive strip areas with a pipette or syringe.
- Wipe away any excess adhesive with a microfiber cloth.
Note: This process applies when reusing the back cover as well.
Step 5 | Apply new adhesives
Check if your new back cover has pre-applied lower and top back cover adhesive.
- If so, proceed to applying the perimeter adhesive (Steps 6-7).
Remove the shorter strip of back cover adhesive from its liner and attach it above the rear cameras on the plastic housing.
Step 6
Remove the longer back cover adhesive strip from its liner.
- Place the exposed adhesive onto the logic board cover below the rear cameras.
Step 7
Hold the back cover adhesive over the frame to ensure correct orientation.
- The blue liner should face upwards.
- The larger, clear liner should be positioned on the bottom.
Step 8
Peel down the top half of the larger liner, exposing the adhesive, but do not remove it entirely.
Step 9
Take your time aligning the adhesive with the
Make sure the larger liner is folded towards the bottom of the phone during this step to avoid any confusion.
- Lay the exposed top edge of the adhesive onto the frame, using its lip for alignment.
- Once properly aligned, gently press down with your fingers to secure it in place.
Step 10
Apply remaining adhesive to the frame by slowly peeling away the liner.
Step 11
Press the flat end of your spudger along the perimeter of the adhesive, securing it to the frame.
Step 12 | Remove the liners
Slowly peel and remove the blue liner.
- If the adhesive starts to lift with the liner, check that all is seated.
- Hold the adhesive down with the point of your spudger as needed.
Step 13
Remove adhesive liners from the two smaller strips near the rear cameras.
Step 14
Hold the pull tab firmly at the top edge and carefully release the liner.
- Pull downwards to slowly separate the liner from the rest of the packaging.
- Continue peeling until the entire liner is removed.
Step 15 | Secure the back cover
Align the back cover over the frame.
- Press the back cover firmly into place around its perimeter.
- Caution: Lightly heat the back cover's perimeter with a hair dryer or heated iOpener and continue pressing it into place to strengthen the adhesive bond.
Step 16
Press firmly down on the back cover above and below the camera bump.
- The two smaller strips of adhesive will secure the cover in place.