Google Pixel 9a Logic Board Replacement - Google Pixel 9a

Step 1 | Safety precautions

Allow the battery to drop below 25% charge before proceeding — risk of thermal runaway.

Completely power down the device by unplugging all cables.

Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray

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

Continue pressing until the SIM card tray is ejected.
Identify and avoid the small microphone hole next to the SIM tray.
Remove the SIM card tray from your phone.

Step 3 | Heat the rear cover

Heating the rear cover to extreme temperatures can cause damage.

Heat the entire rear cover using a hair dryer.
Maintain a temperature that's just hot enough for your phone to be comfortable to touch, avoiding excessive heat.

Step 4 | Apply a suction handle

Attach a suction handle as close to the right edge of the rear cover's center as possible.

Step 5 | Insert an opening pick

Use strong, steady force to pull up on the suction handle until a gap forms between the cover and frame.

Insert the tip of an opening pick into the formed gap.

Step 6 | Adhesive information

Use the provided picture for reference when removing the rear cover.

Separate the adhesive near the cameras using a tool or a credit card.
When working on the left and right edges, limit your pick's insertion to 3 mm to avoid damaging the wireless charging coil and its graphite film.

Step 7 | Separate the rear cover adhesive

Apply additional heat if separation is difficult.

Insert the opening pick at the top right edge and move it clockwise around the top right corner.
Continue along the top edge to separate the adhesive securing the rear cover.

Step 8

Insert an opening pick in the initial gap near the right edge of the rear cover.
Slide the opening pick down the right edge, along the bottom edge, and up the left edge to separate the adhesive.

Step 9 | Separate the camera bezel adhesive

Insert the opening pick into the gap at the top of the rear cover's left edge, just above the camera bezel.

Twist and apply constant pressure to the pick to loosen the adhesive around the camera bezel.

Step 10 | Remove the rear cover

Remove the rear cover.

If encountering resistance, revisit the perimeter and use a pick to carefully release any remaining adhesive.

Step 11 | Remove the camera bezel

Careful not to damage the cameras when prying the bezel.

Insert an opening pick a few millimeters under the camera bezel.
Pry up carefully to remove the bezel, taking care not to touch the cameras.
If needed, lightly heat the bezel before prying for easier removal.

Step 12 | Remove the wireless charging assembly screws

Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the 16 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 goes back exactly where it came from.

Step 13 | Unclip the wireless charging assembly

Locate the wireless charging assembly cutouts.

Use a spudger point to carefully pry up the wireless charging assembly from the right-side cutout, located next to the charge port.
Pry up the wireless charging assembly from the left-edge cutout, situated just below the camera.

Step 14 | Remove the wireless charging assembly

Disconnect the wireless charging connectors. Gently lift and remove the wireless charging assembly.

Step 15 | Remove the connector cover screw

Avoid damaging the battery with tools during disconnection.

Remove the battery connector cover using a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver.
The screw is 1.7 mm in length.

Step 16 | Remove the battery connector cover

Remove the battery connector cover with a pair of tweezers.

Step 17 | Disconnect the battery

Use a plastic spudger to gently pry up the battery press connector and release it from the motherboard.

Step 18 | Disconnect the front camera

Careful not to touch camera lenses when removing front camera.

Wipe lens with clean cloth if touched accidentally.
Pry up front camera press connector under top left corner using a spudger point.

Step 19 | Remove the front camera

Hold the tweezers at the center of the front camera, between the press connector and the camera housing.

Be careful not to touch any internal components when handling the camera.

Flip the camera towards the right edge.
Gently peel it off from the copper foil using a slight prying motion with the tweezers.

Step 20 | Remove the logic board screws

Remove the two 2.8 mm screws securing the logic board using a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver.

Step 21 | Lift the logic board

Do not smudge the cameras.

Verify that the SIM card tray has been removed.
Spudger: Insert the point under the screw hole near the cameras, then lift the logic board.

Step 22 | Free the bottom edge of the logic board

Disconnect the screen cable from the logic board

Grip the skinny section of the board and lift until the clip near the bottom edge releases.
Pull the top edge to the right, sliding the charge port out of its recess.

Step 23 | Lay the logic board down

Hold the logic board steady with one hand.

Avoid touching camera lenses or connectors.
Apply a suction handle to the screen and prop it up.
Lay the logic board down flat, taking care not to strain the screen cable.

Step 24 | Remove the logic board connector cover

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

Step 25 | Remove the connector cover

Remove screen cable cover with tweezers.

Step 26 | Disconnect the logic board

Insert the flat end of the spudger between the screen cable press connector and gently pry it upwards.

Step 27 | Remove the logic board

Slide the logic board away from the frame.

Remove the logic board.

Step 28 | Remove the rear cameras

Fingerprints on lenses can be difficult to remove — gently wipe them clean with a soft cloth if needed.

Keep the logic board at an angle above your work surface during camera maintenance.
Pry up and disconnect the ultrawide camera press connector using the flat end of a spudger.
Remove the ultrawide camera.

Step 29

Disconnect the wide camera, then repeat the removal process from the previous step.

Step 30 | The logic board remains

Transfer the cameras to your replacement logic board.

Compare your replacement logic board to the original.
Transfer any remaining components (such as the black and white coaxial cables). If necessary, remove adhesive backings from new parts before installation.

Step 31 | Install the rear cameras

Place the wide camera onto the logic board carefully avoiding the lens.
Position the press connector over its socket and press down first on one side, then the other until it clicks into place.

Step 32

Reinstall the ultrawide camera following the same steps as before.

Step 33 | Check the thermal pads

Inspect logic board thermal pads for damage before proceeding.

Locate thermal pads on logic board or attached to frame.
If pads are damaged (ripped, torn), proceed with replacement steps starting next.
If pads are undamaged, skip ahead five steps in the repair guide.

Step 34 | Remove the thermal pads

Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off the damaged thermal pads.

Step 35

Use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (greater than 90%) and a coffee filter to clean affected areas.

Step 36 | Apply the thermal pads

Handle thermal pads with care as they can be easily misaligned.

Remove textured liner from smaller thermal pad.
Take your time when placing the pad onto the board.
Use photo reference to align the pad.
Press down lightly on the entire surface with a spudger or finger, ensuring it's securely in place without deforming.

Step 37

Slowly lift and remove the 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 again to secure it.

Step 38

Apply the remaining thermal pad following the same process as the smaller pads.

Consult the provided reference photo for proper alignment.

Step 39 | Slide the logic board into place

Prop your phone up using the suction handle.

Position the logic board against the frame.
The screen cable should be near its connector.

Step 40 | Connect the screen cable

Position the screen cable press connector over its socket.

Firmly press down on one side with your fingertip until you feel a click.
Repeat on the other side of the connector.

Step 41 | Install the screen cable cover

Hook the cable cover's bottom edge with tweezers and gently lay it flat.

Step 42

Use a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver to secure the screen cable cover with the provided 1.7 mm long screw.

(Verify that the correct screw is used)
The 1.7 mm long screw should be hand-tightened only at this stage.

Step 43 | Flip up the logic board

Handle the logic board carefully to avoid smudging the cameras.

Flip the logic board up, resting it gently in its recess.
Release the suction cup and place your phone screen-side down.

Step 44 | Put the logic board into place

Insert the logic board ensuring the battery cable is not trapped.

Gently bend the battery cable aside as needed.
Press the charging port down until it snaps into place.
Apply pressure to the center of the logic board's bottom edge.
The clip near the battery should engage.

Step 45

Align the logic board with its recess.

Push down gently on the top edge to secure in place.
Verify that the cameras are flush and properly aligned.

Step 46 | Install the logic board screws

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

Ensure the logic board is flat and free from obstructions before tightening.

Step 47 | Install the front camera

Peel back the old copper foil carefully from the front camera.

Insert the camera into its designated recess.
Press the camera press connector firmly in place using your finger.

Step 48 | Apply new copper foil

Remove the copper foil from its large clear liner.

Place the copper foil onto the front camera.
Gently press down on the top section of the copper foil to secure it to the camera.

Do not remove any liners other than the clear liner from the copper foil.

Step 49

Press the copper foil's top section into place using your finger.

Use tweezers to carefully slide the liner out from the copper foil's bottom section.
Gently press the copper foil's bottom section onto the front camera press connector.

Step 50

Use tweezers to carefully lift and remove any remaining liner from the top of the copper foil.

Step 51 | Remove the old adhesive

Remove six small adhesive pieces around rear cameras with a spudger.

Clean area with high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol using a lint-free cloth or coffee filter.
Dispose of any remaining adhesive residue.

Step 52 | Apply the adhesive

Remove the larger clear liner from the inner housing adhesive.

Lay the liner in place around the camera holes.
Use the cutouts for the small silver pads to help align the adhesive.

Use caution: Apply gentle pressure to avoid air bubbles with a spudger to secure each piece of adhesive in place.

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

Colored liner removal: Use the pull tab on the top edge to remove the colored liner.

Step 53 | Secure the adhesive

Press down firmly on each of the six inner housing adhesives using a spudger.

The adhesive can easily be pulled up when removing the final liners, so ensure they are securely in place.

Step 54 | Connect the battery press connector

Position the battery press connector over its socket.

Do not force the connector — risk of damage.

If alignment is difficult, reposition the connector and try again.

Step 55 | Install the battery connector cover

Hook the battery connector cover with a pair of tweezers.

Lay the cover down flat.

Step 56

Install the 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver and secure the battery connector cover using the provided 1.7 mm-long screw.

Step 57 | Install the wireless charging assembly

Position the wireless charging assembly on top of the .

Step 58

Press firmly with your fingers around the perimeter of the wireless charging assembly to re-engage all clips.

Step 59 | Install the wireless charging assembly screws

Install the wireless charging assembly using a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver and the following screws:

Thirteen 5.0 mm long Torx screws.
Three 2.2 mm long Torx screws.

Step 60 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

Be extremely cautious when removing the rear cover adhesive, as damage to the battery or fragile components near the perimeter is a risk.

Take your time to ensure a smooth removal process for better adhesion later on.
Use a spudger and tweezers to carefully scrape away old rear cover adhesive from the perimeter of your phone.
If you manage to lift a large enough piece, use your fingers to pull out long sections in the opposite direction of the adhesive, moving slowly and straight.

Step 61 | Clean the frame

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

Gently wipe down areas around the frame where adhesive was removed

Step 62 | Find the adhesive orientation

Ensure accurate placement of rear cover adhesive.

Position the adhesive above the frame.
Verify orientation with the camera cutout in the liner.

Incorrect application requires new adhesive and a restart.

Step 63 | Peel the liner halfway down

Peel down the top half of the large, clear liner to expose the adhesive.

Do not fully remove the liner yet.

Step 64 | Apply the adhesive

Take your time when aligning the adhesive with the frame.

Lay the exposed top edge of the adhesive onto the frame with the clear liner folded towards the bottom of the phone.
Use the lip of the frame to help guide the adhesive into place.
Gently press down on the top corners with your fingers once aligned.

Do not try to move the adhesive after applying it — it is very sticky and will not move.

Step 65

Slowly apply the remaining adhesive to the frame, pressing firmly in place and simultaneously peeling off the large release liner.

Step 66 | Remove the top liner

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

Step 67 | Secure the adhesive

Press the adhesive with a spudger, applying firm pressure around the perimeter.

Step 68 | Remove the old camera bezel adhesive

Follow these steps if the camera bezel came off during removal.

Use a spudger to scrape off any remaining adhesive from the camera bezel and the matching area on the rear cover.

Step 69 | Remove the adhesive residue

Always use high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.

Use a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter) to wipe away any adhesive residue from the camera bezel and its corresponding spot on the rear cover.

Step 70 | Apply the adhesive

Remove the large, clear liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

Apply the adhesive to the top of the camera bezel and press into place.

Step 71

Use a spudger to firmly press around the camera bezel's perimeter.

Secure the camera bezel adhesive with the spudger.
Remove the second, colored liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

Step 72 | Install the camera bezel

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

Press the bezel onto the rear cover using your fingers, squeezing firmly around the edges to secure it with the adhesive.

Step 73 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

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

Target the five small, oval-shaped pieces of adhesive.
If some remain stuck to the phone frame, gently pry them loose with the spudger.

Step 74

Apply isopropyl alcohol with a lint-free cloth or coffee filter to wipe away adhesive residue.

Step 75 | Apply the adhesive

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

Lay the adhesive on the back cover's bottom, ensuring the cutout fits around the camera bezel.

Step 76 | Secure the adhesive

Push down firmly on each of the five small adhesives using your fingers or a spudger.

Pick up the edge of the liner and slowly peel it away from the adhesives.
If an adhesive comes with the liner, press it back down and use your spudger to re-secure it.

Step 77 | Remove the remaining liners

Use a spudger point to carefully lift out the plastic liners from around the rear cameras.

If the adhesive starts to detach with the liner, reposition it and use your spudger to press it back in place.

Step 78

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

Step 79 | Install the rear cover

Place the rear cover onto the frame and secure with a firm press.

Step 80

Press firmly along the edges of the rear cover, including the area near the camera bezel, to secure all adhesives.

Step 81 | Install the SIM card tray

Push the SIM card tray fully into its slot at the phone's bottom edge.