Home Repair Guides Google Pixel Google Pixel 9a Google Pixel 9a Earpiece Speaker Replacement

Google Pixel 9a Earpiece Speaker Replacement

This guide was authored by iFixit staff, not endorsed by Google Learn more.

  • The earpiece speaker may be damaged if phone call sound is crackly, distorted, or silent.
  • Compromised gasket between the earpiece speaker and frame can cause dust and water resistance issues.
  • Replacement rear cover and earpiece speaker adhesives are required for this repair.
  • Logic board thermal pads may need to be replaced if damaged during removal.

Note: Any repair can compromise the phone's water resistance. Proper application of new adhesives and cleanliness of mating surfaces are crucial to retaining water resistance after the repair.

Step 1 | Safety precautions

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Allow the battery to discharge below 25% to prevent risk of fire from a damaged lithium-ion battery.

  • Unplug all cables from your Pixel.
  • Power down the device completely.

Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray

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Press the SIM eject tool, or a straightened paper clip, into the SIM card tray hole until the tray ejects.

Be careful not to confuse the mic hole with the SIM tray.

  • Remove the ejected SIM card tray.

Step 3 | Heat the rear cover

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Excessive heat can damage the rear cover, screen, or battery.

  • Use a hair dryer to warm up the entire rear cover.
  • Aim for a temperature where your phone feels just hot to the touch.

Do not apply extreme heat, as it can cause damage.

Step 4 | Apply a suction handle

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Attach a suction handle to the rear cover, near its center, and as close to the right edge as feasible.

Step 5 | Insert an opening pick

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  • Pull up on the suction handle firmly to create a gap between the cover and frame.
  • Insert the tip of an opening pick into the formed gap.

Step 6 | Adhesive information

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Locate the rear cover's adhesive strips along the frame and near the cameras.

Avoid inserting a pick more than 3mm deep when separating left and right edge adhesives to prevent damage to the wireless charging coil and its graphite film.

  • Use this picture as a reference while carefully prying the adhesive apart.
  • Apply gentle force to separate the adhesive strips from the frame.

Step 7 | Separate the rear cover adhesive

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Apply additional heat and retry if separation is difficult.

  • Insert the opening pick along the right edge, navigating it around the top-right corner and along the top edge.

Step 8

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Insert an opening pick into the initial gap at the center of the right edge.

  • Work the pick down the right edge, then slide it along the bottom edge.
  • Continue by sliding the pick up the left edge to separate the adhesive.

Step 9 | Separate the camera bezel adhesive

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Insert the flat edge of an opening pick into the left edge of the rear cover, just above the camera bezel.

  • Twist the pick while maintaining constant pressure to loosen the adhesive around the camera bezel.

Step 10 | Remove the rear cover

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Remove the rear cover.

  • If encountering resistance, revisit the perimeter with a pick tool to release remaining adhesive.

Step 11 | Remove the camera bezel

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Risk of damage to the camera if the opening pick is inserted too far.

  • Insert an opening pick a few millimeters under the camera bezel.
  • Pry up gently on the bezel with the pick to remove it.
  • If stuck, lightly heat the bezel for easier removal.

Step 12 | Remove the wireless charging assembly screws

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Remove the 16 Torx Plus 3IP screws securing the wireless charging assembly:

  • Thirteen 5.0 mm-long screws.
  • Three 2.2 mm-long screws.

Keep track of each screw to avoid damaging your phone, and ensure it is replaced in its original position.

Step 13 | Unclip the wireless charging assembly

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  • Use the point of a spudger to pry up the wireless charging assembly from its two clips.
    • The first clip is located to the right of the charge port.
    • The second clip is on the left edge, just below the camera.

Step 14 | Remove the wireless charging assembly

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Remove the wireless charging assembly.

Step 15 | Remove the connector cover screw

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Avoid damaging the battery with your tools during disconnection.

  • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the battery connector cover screw.
  • The screw is approximately 1.7 mm long.

Step 16 | Remove the battery connector cover

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Remove the battery connector cover with tweezers.

Step 17 | Disconnect the battery

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Disconnect the battery cable by pressing the connector with a spudger.

Step 18 | Remove the logic board screws

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Remove the two 2.8mm screws with a Torx Plus screwdriver.

Step 19 | Lift the logic board

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Risk of smudging camera lenses when handling the logic board.

  • Verify that the SIM card tray has been removed before attempting to remove the logic board.
  • Insert a spudger point under the screw hole near the cameras and lift the board until you can grip it with your fingers.

Step 20 | Free the bottom edge of the logic board

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Do not remove the logic board yet as it is still connected by a screen cable.

  • Grip the logic board's thin section and lift upwards until the lower battery clip releases.
  • Pull the top edge of the board to the right, allowing the charge port to slide out fully.

Step 21 | Lay the logic board down

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Logic board may fall out of place — hold steady without gripping camera lenses or connectors.

  • Apply a suction handle to the screen and prop up phone for better access.
  • Lay logic board down flat, carefully avoiding strain on the screen cable.

Step 22 | Remove the logic board connector cover

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Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and loosen the 1.7mm long screw securing the screen cable cover.

  • Use caution when handling small screws
  • Securely remove the screw to prevent damage to surrounding components.

Step 23 | Remove the connector cover

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Use tweezers to carefully lift and remove the screen cable cover.

Step 24 | Disconnect the logic board

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Insert the flat end of a spudger into the screen cable press connector.

  • Pry the connector upwards gently.
  • The connector should now be released.

Step 25 | Remove the logic board

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Slide the logic board away from the frame.

  • Remove the logic board completely.

Step 26 | Lay your phone down

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Remove the suction handle from the screen.

Lay your phone down on a flat surface.

Step 27 | Detach the earpiece speaker cable

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Use angled tweezers to pry up the earpiece speaker cable from the frame.

  • Insert one arm of the tweezers under the earpiece speaker cable.
  • Lift the cable carefully to peel it off the frame.

Step 28 | Remove the earpiece speaker

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Insert the flat end of a spudger into the left edge of the earpiece speaker.

This may require significant force due to adhesive securing the speaker to the frame.

Continue to pry until the earpiece speaker is removed from its mounting location.

Step 29 | Disassembly complete

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Reassembly procedure begins now.

  • Follow these steps in reverse order of disassembly.

Step 30 | Remove the old earpiece speaker adhesive

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Scrape off old earpiece speaker adhesive with spudger flat edge and tweezers.

Step 31 | Apply new adhesive

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Apply double-sided tape strips to the earpiece speaker's bottom edge.

Step 32 | Install the earpiece speaker

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Insert the earpiece speaker into its designated cutout with the cable positioned on the left side.

  • Press down on the speaker firmly until you hear a distinct click, indicating secure placement.

Step 33 | Adhere the earpiece speaker cable

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Press the earpiece speaker cable into place with a flat-ended spudger.

  • Ensure the circular cutout covers its corresponding alignment post.

Step 34 | Check the thermal pads

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Inspect the logic board thermal pads, which may be attached to either the bottom of the board or secured to a corresponding spot on the frame.

  • Check for tears, rips, or other damage to the thermal pads.
  • If damaged, proceed with replacing them in the next five steps.
  • If undamaged, skip ahead five steps and continue with the repair.

Step 35 | Remove the thermal pads

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Scrape up and remove the damaged thermal pads using the flat end of a spudger.

Step 36

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Soak a coffee filter in high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol.

  • Dampen the filter with isopropyl alcohol, do not saturate.
  • Wipe down the area where the thermal pads were located.

Step 37 | Apply the thermal pads

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When applying thermal pads, take time for good placement as misalignment can compromise heat dissipation.

  • Remove the textured liner from the smaller thermal pad

    to ensure proper alignment.
  • Carefully place the pad onto the board, using a reference photo for alignment if needed.

  • Press down lightly on the entire surface of the thermal pad with a spudger or your finger to secure it in place without deforming it.

Step 38

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Slowly lift and remove the remaining liners from the top of the thermal pad.

  • If the thermal pad starts to lift up with the liners, lay it back down and press firmly to secure it.

Step 39

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Align the thermal pad according to the provided photo.

  • Apply the larger thermal pad to the same area as the previous one.

Step 40 | Slide the logic board into place

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Prop the phone up using the suction handle.

  • Position the logic board against the frame, ensuring the screen cable is near its connector.

Step 41 | Connect the screen cable

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Press the screen cable press connector over its socket.

  • Firmly press down on one side of the connector using your fingertip.
  • Release and press down on the other side until it clicks into place.

Step 42 | Install the screen cable cover

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Position the cable cover and use tweezers to secure it in place.

  • (Ensure proper alignment)
  • Lay the cover down flat.

Step 43

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Install the screen cable cover using a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver and the provided 1.7 mm-long screw.

Step 44 | Flip up the logic board

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Avoid touching the cameras on the logic board to prevent smudging.

  • Flip the logic board up and rest it gently in its recess.
  • Remove the suction cup and place your phone face down.

Step 45 | Put the logic board into place

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Make sure the battery cable doesn't get caught underneath when inserting the logic board.

  • Gently bend the battery cable out of the way if necessary.
  • Press the logic board toward the bottom of the frame and down on the charging port until it snaps into its cutout.
  • Press the center of the logic board's bottom edge to engage the clip near the battery.

Step 46

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Apply gentle pressure to the top edge of the logic board until it is fully seated in its recess.

  • Verify that the cameras are aligned properly, ensuring they do not sit at an odd angle.

Step 47 | Install the logic board screws

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Install the two 2.8 mm-long screws using a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver.

  • Ensure the logic board is flat and secure.
  • Verify nothing is caught underneath before tightening the screws.

Step 48 | Remove the old adhesive

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Remove the six small pieces of adhesive around the rear cameras using a spudger.

Use high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to clean up and remove any residue from the adhesives.

  • Apply isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) for cleaning.

Step 49 | Apply the adhesive

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Remove the larger clear liner from the inner housing adhesive.

  • Lay the liner around the camera holes.
  • Use the cutouts for the small silver pads to help align the adhesive.
  • Apply firm pressure with a spudger's flat end to secure each piece of adhesive in place.

Remove the colored liner using its pull tab.

  • If the adhesive starts to lift, lay it back into position and use your spudger to re-secure it.

Step 50 | Secure the adhesive

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Use a spudger to firmly press down on each piece of inner housing adhesive.

  • Secure all six pieces to prevent removal difficulties later.
  • The adhesive can be easily lifted when removing liners, so ensure secure placement now.

Step 51 | Connect the battery press connector

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Avoid forcing the battery press connector into place, as this may cause damage.

  • Align the battery press connector over its socket using your finger.
  • PRESS DOWN gently to establish a secure connection.
  • If the connector is stubborn, REPOSITION and TRY AGAIN.

Step 52 | Install the battery connector cover

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Insert the tweezers under the left edge of the battery connector cover and guide it into position.

  • Lay the battery connector cover down flat to secure.

Step 53

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Install the 1.7mm-long screw using a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver.

Step 54 | Install the wireless charging assembly

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Install the wireless charging assembly onto the frame.

Step 55

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Press the wireless charging assembly firmly with your fingers, making sure all clips are securely engaged.

Step 56 | Install the wireless charging assembly screws

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Install Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and secure the wireless charging assembly with:

  • 13 x 5.0 mm screws.
  • 3 x 2.2 mm screws.

Step 57 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

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Damage to the battery or fragile components near the frame's edge is possible if not careful.

  • Use a spudger and tweezers to carefully scrape off old rear cover adhesive from around the phone.
  • If you manage to get a large piece, use your fingers to pull it out in the opposite direction of the adhesive's original orientation.

Step 58 | Clean the frame

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Clean the adhesive areas with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free cloth or coffee filter.

Step 59 | Find the adhesive orientation

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Incorrect application of rear cover adhesive may require reapplication with new adhesive.

  • Position the rear cover adhesive above the phone's frame to determine its correct orientation.
  • Use the camera cutout in the liner as a reference point to visualize how the adhesive will sit on the frame.

Step 60 | Peel the liner halfway down

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Expose the adhesive by peeling down the top half of the large, clear liner.

Do not remove the liner completely at this stage.

Step 61 | Apply the adhesive

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Take your time when aligning the adhesive with the phone's frame.

The adhesive is very sticky and cannot be moved once applied.

  • Lay the exposed top edge of the adhesive onto the frame, folding the larger clear liner towards the bottom of the phone.
  • Use the lip of the frame to help guide the alignment of the adhesive.
  • Gently press down on the top corners with your fingers to secure the adhesive.

Step 62

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Slowly apply the remainder of the adhesive to the frame, firmly pressing it into position while peeling off the larger liner.

Step 63 | Remove the top liner

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Remove the large, colored liner by pulling it out using the provided pull tab.

Step 64 | Secure the adhesive

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Press the adhesive firmly with a spudger around the entire phone edge.

Step 65 | Remove the old camera bezel adhesive

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Remove any remaining adhesive from the camera bezel and rear cover with a spudger.

  • Scrape off old adhesive from both surfaces.

Step 66 | Remove the adhesive residue

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Apply high-concentration isopropyl alcohol directly to a lint-free cloth or coffee filter.

  • Gently wipe the camera bezel and corresponding spot on the rear cover.
  • Dip, then wring out the cloth as needed to remove adhesive residue.

Step 67 | Apply the adhesive

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  • Remove the large, clear liner from the camera bezel adhesive.
  • Position the adhesive over the camera bezel, and set it in place.

Step 68

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Press the spudger firmly around the camera bezel's perimeter to secure the adhesive.

  • Remove the colored liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

Step 69 | Install the camera bezel

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Position the camera bezel so the square foam is near the edge.

  • Firmly squeeze the camera bezel onto the rear cover around the perimeter using your fingers.

Step 70 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

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Use a spudger's flat end to scrape off remaining old adhesive from the back cover.

  • Remove any small, oval-shaped adhesives still stuck to the back cover.
  • If some oval adhesives are missing, check if they're stuck to the phone's frame.

Step 71

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High-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) must be used to prevent damage.

  • Wipe down surfaces with a lint-free cloth, such as a coffee filter.
  • Remove any remaining adhesive residue from the cloth or filter.

Step 72 | Apply the adhesive

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Remove the larger clear liner from the back cover's inner adhesive.

  • Lay the adhesive on the bottom of the back cover, ensuring the cutout aligns with the camera bezel.

Step 73 | Secure the adhesive

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Use a spudger or your fingers to firmly press down on each of the five small adhesives to ensure they stick to the back cover.

  • Slowly pull up on the remaining liner to remove it.
  • If an adhesive starts to peel up, gently lay the liner back down and use your spudger to re-secure the adhesive.

Step 74 | Remove the remaining liners

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Use the point of a spudger to carefully lift and remove the plastic liners from the adhesive around the rear cameras.

  • If the adhesive starts to pull up with the liner, lay it back in place and use your spudger to secure it again.

Step 75

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Remove the final liner from the rear cover adhesive using the provided pull tabs.

Step 76 | Install the rear cover

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Place the rear cover over the frame and press firmly to secure.

Step 77

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Press firmly around the rear cover's perimeter and near the camera bezel to bond the adhesives.

  • Ensure even pressure is applied along the rear cover edges.

Step 78 | Install the SIM card tray

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Insert the SIM card tray fully into the slot located at the bottom edge of the phone.

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