Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold 5G mmWave Antenna Replacement - Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Step 1 | Prepare your phone for disassembly

Allow the battery to discharge below 25% before proceeding.

Disconnect all cables from the phone.
Powers off the phone completely.

Step 2 | Insert an opening pick

Apply a suction cup to the center of the bottom edge of the back cover.

Pull up on the suction cup with strong force while holding the phone with one hand to create a gap between the back cover and frame.
Insert an opening pick into the created gap.

If your back cover is badly cracked, consider covering it with clear packing tape or using very strong tape instead of the suction cup. As a last resort, superglue may be used to secure the suction cup.

Step 3 | Separate the back cover adhesive

Do not insert the opening pick deeper than 3 mm, as this can damage the metal springs.

Measure and mark the opening pick at 3 mm for reference if needed.
Remove the suction handle from the back cover.
Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and up the left edge to separate the adhesive.

Step 4

Slide the pick along the top left corner and then continue it across the top edge of the back cover.

Step 5

Ensure your opening pick is at least 4 mm in length.

Insert the pick along the right edge, near the top, and work it down to the bottom right corner.
Continue sliding the pick around the bottom right corner to loosen remaining adhesive.

Step 6

Leave the back cover partially attached by its cable.

The back cover should now be free from the frame.
If there's resistance, use an opening pick to release remaining adhesive.
Lift and swing the bottom edge of the back cover over the phone's top edge.
Use a suction handle or sturdy object to prop up the back cover, keeping the cable secure.

Step 7 | Remove the top bracket screw

Make a note of each screw's location before removal.

Ensure all screws are returned exactly where they were found.

Torx Plus (3IP) or standard T3/T4 Torx bits can be used, but never smaller sizes.

Apply consistent downward force to prevent stripping when using these tools.
Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the top bracket's 3.0 mm-long screw.

Step 8 | Remove the top bracket

Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the top bracket towards the top of the phone.

This may require some force, but be careful not to damage the surrounding components.

The top bracket should now release from its clip.
Once released, carefully remove the top bracket.

Step 9 | Disconnect the back cover cable

Locate the back cover cable press connector at the bottom edge.

Only insert your spudger here to avoid damaging surface-mounted components.
Pry up the back cover cable and disconnect it.

Step 10 | Remove the back cover

Remove the back cover from the frame.

Step 11 | Remove the base battery bracket screws

Remove the two screws (3.0 mm long) using a Torx Plus 3IP driver.

Step 12 | Remove the base battery bracket

Release the base battery bracket by pulling it toward the bottom using tweezers or your fingers.

Continue to pull until the bracket comes free from its clip.
Remove the base battery bracket.

Step 13 | Disconnect the base battery

Insert the tip of a spudger under the bottom left corner of the base battery press connector.

The gold marker is located nearby for reference.
Avoid inserting the spudger elsewhere to prevent damaging surface-mounted components.
Pry up and disconnect the base battery.

Step 14 | Disconnect the USB-C port board cable

Use a spudger to carefully pry up the USB-C port board cable press connector.

Step 15 | Remove the vibrator bracket screws

Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the two vibrator bracket screws. Each screw is 3.0 mm long.

Locate the screws and place the driver in the screw head.
Precise, gentle twisting motion will loosen the screws.

Step 16 | Remove the vibrator bracket

Remove the vibrator bracket by lifting it off the frame using either tweezers or your fingers.

Step 17 | Disconnect the antenna cable

Lift the black antenna cable off the USB-C board by sliding a pair of angled tweezers under its metal neck.

Be careful not to damage the connector head or USB-C port.

Lift straight up to complete the disconnection.

Step 18 | Remove the inner front camera bracket screws

Remove the inner front camera bracket using a Torx Plus 3IP driver.

Securely hold the driver in place.
Turn the screws counterclockwise to loosen and then remove them.

Step 19 | Remove the inner front camera bracket

Lift the inner front camera bracket using tweezers or your fingers toward the left edge.

The bracket's clips will be released.
Remove the inner front camera bracket.

Step 20 | Disconnect the inner front camera

Remove the inner front camera press connector by prying it loose with a spudger.

Step 21 | Remove the inner front camera

Locate the inner front camera using a spudger.

Pry up the camera with the spudger's pointed tip.
Separate the adhesive securing it to the frame.
Remove the inner front camera.

Step 22 | Separate the ultra wideband antenna

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the ultra wideband antenna to break its seal.

Be careful when handling adhesive foam.
Use tweezers or your fingers to lift the antenna off the frame.

Step 23 | Remove the ultra wideband bracket screws

Apply Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove two screws (3.0 mm long) securing the ultra wideband bracket.

Step 24 | Remove the ultra wideband bracket

Hold the ultra-wideband antenna aside.

Pull the bracket downwards at the phone's bottom edge.
The clips will release, allowing you to remove the ultra-wideband bracket.

Step 25 | Remove the bottom interconnect cable bracket screw

Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the interconnect cable bracket screw, which is approximately 3.0 mm long.

Step 26 | Remove the bottom interconnect cable bracket

Pull the bracket towards the right edge with tweezers or your fingers to disengage the clip.
Remove the bottom interconnect cable bracket.

Step 27 | Remove the inner display cable bracket screw

Remove the Torx Plus 3IP driver secured screw using the same tool.

The screw is located beneath the inner display cable bracket.
Measure and locate the 3.0 mm‐long screw securing the bracket in place.

Step 28 | Remove the inner display cable bracket

Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the inner display cable bracket towards the left edge of the phone.

The bracket should come free from its clip.
Once released, remove the inner display cable bracket completely.

Step 29 | Disconnect the inner display cable

Insert the spudger carefully under the bottom left corner of the inner display press connector, next to the gold marker on the logic board.

Pry up and disconnect the inner display cable.

Step 30

Disconnect the top and bottom interconnect cables.

Pry next to the gold markers on each connector.

Step 31 | Remove the graphite sheet

Remove the graphite sheet by peeling it away from the bottom speaker.

Be gentle, as excessive force may damage the speaker's components.

Step 32

Use your fingers or a blunt tool to gently continue removing the graphite sheet from the logic board.

Adhesive may still be present and require further removal.

Step 33 | Disconnect the side buttons

Peel off the yellow tape from the side button cable ZIF connector using tweezers or your fingers.

Set the peeled-off tape aside
You will need it during reassembly.

Step 34

Lift the locking tab on the side button cable ZIF connector using the point of a spudger or your fingertip.

Step 35

Risk of battery damage: be careful when handling the side button cable.

Pull the side button cable straight out of its slot using angled tweezers.
Avoid puncturing the battery, as it may leak hazardous chemicals and/or catch fire.

Step 36 | Separate the 5G mmWave antenna

Separate the 5G mmWave antenna from the thermal pad.

Gently pry the 5G mmWave antenna away from the frame using a spudger.
The thermal pad should remain on the frame.

Step 37 | Remove the logic board screws

Remove the three screws on the logic board:

Torx Plus 3IP driver: One short screw (2.2 mm).
Torx Plus 3IP driver: Two medium screws (2.6 mm each).

Step 38 | Remove the logic board

Be careful not to damage the logic board — use a spudger under the top left corner.

Pry up the logic board from the frame, as it is bonded by thermal paste.
Continue prying until you can grasp the top edge with your fingers.

Step 39

Remove the logic board from the frame.

Lay the logic board upside down on a clean, flat surface.

Step 40 | Clean the thermal paste

Use the flat end of a spudger to remove large pieces of old thermal paste from the frame.

Apply a few drops of highly-concentrated isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to any remaining residue.

Use a coffee filter or lint-free cloth to wipe away the residue carefully

Step 41

Avoid heavy pressure on the logic board to prevent damage to the metal springs and rear camera assembly.

Clean the bottom of the logic board again using the thermal paste cleaning procedure.

Step 42 | Disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna

Disengage the 5G mmWave antenna press connector using a spudger.

Step 43 | Separate the 5G mmWave antenna adhesive

Avoid damaging the logic board by prying excessively.

Locate the 5G mmWave antenna cable adhered to the bottom of the logic board.
Tweezers or fingers, carefully pull up on the cable's adhered section.
Remove any remaining adhesive from the logic board.

Step 44

Peel off the protective cover from the 5G mmWave antenna cable's adhered section on the top of the logic board.

Use a plastic spudger to carefully pry up the edge of the adhered section.
Gently lift and remove the 5G mmWave antenna from its mounting point.

Step 45 | End of disassembly

Reassembly begins with the following steps.

Step 46 | Remove the old adhesive

Compare your replacement adhesive with your old adhesive.

Ensure you have the correct adhesive strips.
Using tweezers or fingers, carefully remove the old adhesive from the 5G mmWave antenna cable and its corresponding spots on the logic board.

Step 47

Apply isopropyl alcohol (at least 90%) to the affected area using a coffee filter or lint-free cloth.

Step 48 | Apply new adhesive

Peel off the curved adhesive strip's opaque liner to reveal the exposed adhesive

Step 49

Press the curved adhesive strip onto the matching curve on the 5G mmWave antenna cable.

Make sure to align the curved edge of the strip with the corresponding section on the cable.

Step 50

Locate the square-shaped adhesive strip and place it over the gold section on the 5G mmWave antenna cable.

Repeat the process for the second adhesive strip

Remove the colored liners from both adhesive strips to expose the underlying adhesive.

Step 51 | Reinstall the 5G mmWave Antenna

Locate the 5G mmWave antenna cable.

Reattach the cable to its designated spot on the logic board.
Securely pinch the cable in place to re-adhere both sides.

Step 52 | Apply new thermal paste

Apply five small beads of thermal paste to the motherboard at the original thermal paste locations.

Step 53 | Reinstall the logic board

Align and insert the logic board into its designated cutout within the frame.

Verify that all cables are properly seated above the logic board to prevent entrapment.

Step 54

Install the logic board with a Torx Plus 3IP driver.

Secure with one 2.2mm-long screw.
Secure with two 2.6mm-long screws.

Step 55 | Reconnect the side button cable

Push the side button cable back into its slot using an angled pair of tweezers.

Step 56

Press the locking tab down until it clicks into place.

Step 57

Apply yellow tape over the ZIF connector and its associated cable.

Step 58 | Apply the new graphite sheet

Peel the clear liner off the replacement graphite sheet to expose the adhesive on the upper half.

Ensure the adhesive faces upwards before proceeding — incorrect orientation may compromise adhesion.

Align the upper half of the graphite sheet over the logic board.
Lay it down gently to avoid damaging components.

Step 59

Press the upper half of the graphite sheet firmly onto the logic board using your finger.

Step 60

Remove the blue liner from the bottom of the graphite sheet.

Peel back the liner to expose the adhesive underneath.

Step 61

Place the graphite sheet over the loudspeaker, smoothing out any wrinkles by dragging a finger from the center of the graphite towards the adhesive area.

Step 62

Grasp the pull tab at the top edge of the graphite sheet and carefully remove the residual liner.

Step 63 | Reconnect the right side cables

Press the inner display cable and top/bottom interconnect cable connectors back into place.

Ensure they click securely to establish connection.

Step 64 | Reinstall the inner display cable bracket

Align the screw holes on the inner display cable bracket clip with the corresponding slots on the logic board.

Insert the cable bracket clip under its designated slot.

Step 65

Install the Torx Plus 3IP driver and secure the inner display cable bracket with the 3.0 mm-long screw.

Step 66 | Reinstall the bottom interconnect cable bracket

Align the interconnect bracket clip with its slot on the frame, then reinsert it.

Snap the clip into place.
Ensure the screw hole is aligned correctly.

Step 67

Install the Torx Plus 3IP driver and secure the 3.0 mm-long screw for the interconnect cable bracket.

Step 68 | Reinstall the ultra wideband bracket

Hold the ultra wideband antenna aside and insert the ultra wideband bracket clip back into its slot in the frame.

Ensure the screw holes are aligned properly.

Step 69

Install the Torx Plus 3IP driver and secure the ultra wideband bracket with two 3.0 mm-long screws.

Step 70 | Replace the ultra wideband bracket adhesive

Check if the ultra wideband bracket is still sticky before proceeding.

Careful: Remove old adhesive and foam from the ultra wideband bracket and under the antenna to avoid damage.

Replace old adhesive and foam with new ones on the bracket and frame.
Press the ultra wideband antenna firmly onto the frame to re-adhere it.

Step 71 | Remove the old adhesive

Remove old adhesive foam from the inner front camera cutout using tweezers or your fingers.

Mix isopropyl alcohol (>90% or greater) with a coffee filter or lint-free cloth to clean away adhesive residue.

Step 72 | Apply the new adhesive

Remove the clear liner from the new inner front camera adhesive foam.

Position the foam with the pull tab at the bottom of the phone, aligning it over the frame cutout.
Insert the foam into the cutout.

Step 73

Press the adhesive foam into place using the tip of a spudger.

Step 74

Remove the colored liner with tweezers or your fingers.

Be careful not to touch the adhesive.

Step 75 | Reinstall the inner front camera

Reconnect the inner front camera's press connector while holding it above its cutout.

Lay the inner front camera into its cutout and press down firmly to secure it to the adhesive.

Step 76 | Reinstall the inner front camera bracket

Realign the inner front camera bracket clip under its slot on the logic board, ensuring proper alignment of the screw holes.

Step 77

Install the Torx Plus 3IP driver and secure the inner front camera bracket with two 2.6 mm-long screws.

Step 78 | Reconnect the antenna cable

Hold the antenna cable's connector in place with tweezers.

Gently press down with your finger or a spudger on top of the connector.
The connector will snap into its socket when securely seated.

Step 79 | Reinstall the vibrator bracket

Locate the vibrator bracket and position it over the logic board.

Ensure that the screw holes on both parts are aligned properly.

Step 80

Install the vibrator bracket using a Torx Plus 3IP driver.
Secure with two 3.0 mm-long screws.

Step 81 | Reconnect the USB-C port board cable

Reconnect the USB-C port board cable to its press connector.

Step 82 | Reconnect the base battery

Reattach the base battery press connector.

Step 83 | Reinstall the base battery bracket

Align the base battery bracket with its slot on the logic board.

Insert the clip under its designated slot.
Ensure the screw holes are properly aligned.

Step 84

Install the Torx Plus 3IP driver and secure the base battery bracket with the two 3.0 mm-long screws.

Step 85 | Remove the old adhesive

Remove the old back cover adhesive using a spudger or your fingers.
Clean up remaining adhesive with isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a coffee filter or microfiber cloth.

Step 86 | Remove the back cover liners

Remove rear camera liners from the inside of the new back cover. Use either tweezers or your fingers.

Step 87

Remove the clear liner from the back cover.

Step 88 | Compare your adhesive

Verify that the adhesive is compatible with the frame.

The clear liner must be positioned facing the frame.

Step 89 | Apply the new adhesive

Careful handling is required to avoid incorrect adhesive placement.

Peel off the top half of the new adhesive strip from its clear liner and fold it for easy application.
Align the folded top half of the adhesive strip over the frame, using corner reference points.
Place the adhesive on the frame.

Step 90

Press the adhesive onto the frame using the flat end of a spudger or your fingers.

Step 91

Slowly apply the remaining adhesive along the perimeter of the phone.

Avoid getting the adhesive on surrounding components.

Step 92

Press down the remaining adhesive with the flat end of a spudger or your fingers.

Step 93

Use a spudger to carefully pry up the segmented tab on the bottom right corner of the large blue liner.

Lift the tab, then peel off the large blue liner to expose the secondary liner.
If adhesive starts to lift with the liner, lay it back gently and secure it using the flat end of a spudger.

Step 94 | Reconnect the back cover cable

Do not force the connector — risk of damaging the cable.

Hold or prop up the back cover.
Reconnect the back cover cable carefully.
If trouble arises, reposition the connector and try again.

Step 95 | Reinstall the top bracket

Locate the top bracket clip and slide it back into position on the logic board. Align the screw hole with the corresponding mounting point.

Step 96

Install the Torx Plus 3IP driver and secure the top bracket with a 3.0 mm-long screw.

Step 97 | Remove the secondary liner

Using a spudger, carefully pry up the segmented tab at the top right corner of the secondary liner.

Step 98

Remove the secondary liner from the adhesive.

If adhesive lifts during removal, reattach it to the frame and press firmly with a spudger's flat end.

Step 99 | Secure the back cover

Press down on the back cover until it clicks into place.

Ensure the top edge of the back cover is aligned with the surrounding frame.

Step 100

Press along the perimeter of the back cover to adhere it to the frame.

Use a hair dryer or heat gun to lightly heat the edges, if desired, for a stronger bond.
Allow the phone to sit for several hours for the adhesive to cure.