Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement
Repairing your Google Pixel 9 may compromise its water resistance.
- This guide, authored by iFixit staff and not endorsed by Google, covers replacing both the LDAF sensor and tethered flash cable together as one module.
- You'll need new back glass and autofocus sensor adhesives for this repair.
Step 1 | Prepare your Pixel for disassembly
Allow the Pixel's battery to drain below 25% to prevent potential damage.
- Disconnect all cables from the phone.
- Power off the phone completely.
- Press and hold the power and volume up buttons simultaneously to access the shutdown menu.
Step 2 | Adhesive information
Apply adhesive around the back glass perimeter to secure it to the frame.
Insert tool no more than 3 mm under the back glass when separating adhesive, to avoid damaging internal components.
- Measure and mark 3 mm from the tip of an opening pick with a permanent marker for reference.
- If screen or back glass is badly cracked, apply packing tape strips to protect yourself and aid disassembly.
Ensure a smooth area near the bottom edge for suction cup attachment before proceeding.
Step 3 | Apply a suction handle
Position the suction handle at the bottom edge of the back glass, just above the rim.
Pull it towards you and secure with a downward push.
Step 4 | Insert an opening pick
Use a firm grip on the suction handle and pull it upwards with steady force.
- Continue until a small gap forms under the back glass.
- Insert the tip of an opening pick into the created gap.
Step 5 | Separate the back glass adhesive
Do not insert the opening pick deeper than 3 mm.
- Slide the opening pick back and forth along the bottom edge to break the adhesive.
Step 6
Use the opening pick to slice around the edges of the phone, removing all remaining adhesive.
Step 7
Lightly twist the opening pick at the bottom edge to lift the back glass.
- Grip the back glass with your fingers once lifted.
- Use the opening pick to separate any remaining adhesive securing the back glass.
Step 8 | Remove the back glass
- Back Glass: Remove completely.
- Test phone functionality now, power on and verify it works before sealing.
- Power down the device before proceeding with reassembly.
- Apply new adhesive and install Back Glass according to separate guide instructions.
Step 9 | Remove the upper board cover
Keep track of each screw and ensure it is replaced exactly where it came from.
Standard Torx bits may strip screws; use a Torx Plus driver instead for optimal results.
Apply constant, downward force when removing screws to prevent stripping.
- Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the single 5.4 mm-long screw securing the upper board cover.
Step 10
Remove the upper board cover with a pair of tweezers.
Step 11 | Remove the midframe
Remove the midframe using a 3IP Torx driver.
- Take out four screws, each 5.4 mm long.
- Next, remove one shorter screw: 2.2 mm.
Step 12 | Peel up the flash cable
Use tweezers to carefully remove the flash cable from the metal midframe.
Step 13 | Remove the midframe
Remove the midframe, wireless charging coil, and NFC assembly.
Step 14 | Disconnect the battery
Use the tip of a spudger to pry up the battery connector and release it from its socket.
Step 15 | Remove the antenna board cover
- Remove the antenna board cover using a Torx Plus driver with a 3mm socket size.
- The screw is 5.4 mm long.
Step 16
Remove antenna board cover with a pair of tweezers.
Step 17 | Disconnect the autofocus cable
Take care when working near electrical components.
- Pry up the autofocus connector using the pointed end of a spudger.
- Gently lift and disconnect the autofocus connector from the motherboard.
Step 18 | Disconnect the flash
Insert the spudger tip into the flash connector slot on the motherboard
Gently pry up and rotate the connector out of its socket.
Step 19 | Heat the LDAF adhesive
Apply heat from an iOpener to the LDAF and flash module for 1 minute, targeting the adhesive holding it to the rear camera module.
Step 20 | Remove the LDAF and flash module
Remove the LDAF and flash module.
When handling, be careful not to touch the rear camera lenses.
- Orient the LDAF and flash module with the longer cable on the bottom edge during reassembly.
- If the rear camera lenses are touched accidentally, clean them with a microfiber cloth.
Step 21 | Reassembly information
- During reassembly, use a spudger and tweezers to remove two adhesives from the bottom of the LDAF and flash module.
- Remove one larger clear liner from the flash module adhesive.
- Repeat for the other piece of flash adhesive, then remove two remaining blue liners.
Press down firmly on the adhesive with a spudger's flat end to secure it in place.