Google Pixel 9a Ultrawide Camera Replacement - Google Pixel 9a

Step 1 | Safety precautions

Ensure the battery is critically low (below 25%) to prevent potential thermal runaway due to a damaged lithium-ion battery.

Unplug all cables from your Pixel.
Perform a complete power down of the device.

Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray

Press the SIM eject tool firmly into the SIM card tray hole, avoiding the nearby mic hole.

Apply gentle pressure until the SIM card tray is ejected.
Remove the SIM card tray.

Step 3 | Heat the rear cover

Be cautious when heating your device.

Apply gentle heat using a hair dryer to soften the adhesive on the rear cover.
Heat only until the phone feels hot to the touch, as excessive heat can cause damage.

Step 4 | Apply a suction handle

Position a suction handle approximately at the center of the rear cover's right side, ideally touching the edge.

Step 5 | Insert an opening pick

Grasp the suction handle firmly and pull upwards with consistent pressure.

The gap between the cover and frame should now be visible.

Insert the tip of an opening pick into this newly created gap.

Step 6 | Adhesive information

Separate the rear cover from the device using the provided image as a guide.

Use a gentle prying motion to release the adhesive around the frame's perimeter and near the cameras.
When working with the left and right edge adhesives, be cautious not to insert your tool more than 3mm deep to avoid damaging the wireless charging coil and its graphite film.

Step 7 | Separate the rear cover adhesive

Apply more heat if necessary before attempting separation.

Slide the opening pick up the right edge, then around the top right corner.
Continue along the top edge to release the adhesive securing the rear cover.

Step 8

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

Slide it down the right edge, then along the bottom edge.
Continue up the left edge to separate the adhesive.

Step 9 | Separate the camera bezel adhesive

Position a plastic spudger so its flat end is beneath the rear cover's left edge, just above the camera bezel.

Twist the spudger gently while maintaining steady pressure on the camera bezel to break adhesive bonds.

Step 10 | Remove the rear cover

Remove the rear cover.

If encountering resistance, revisit the cover's perimeter using a pick to carefully remove remaining adhesive.

Step 11 | Remove the camera bezel

Risk of damage to the cameras if not careful.

Slide an opening pick under the camera bezel, about a few millimeters from the edge, and gently pry up to remove it.
If stuck, apply gentle heat to loosen the camera bezel.

Step 12 | Remove the wireless charging assembly screws

Remove the 16 screws securing the wireless charging assembly using a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver.

13 x 5.0 mm long screws
3 x 2.2 mm long screws

Keep track of each screw and ensure it is replaced exactly where it was removed from, to avoid damaging your phone.

Step 13 | Unclip the wireless charging assembly

Use the pointed end of a spudger to carefully pry up the wireless charging assembly from its retaining clips.

Pry up from one cutout located to the right of the charge port.
Pry up from another cutout on the left edge, just below the camera.

Step 14 | Remove the wireless charging assembly

Remove the wireless charging assembly.

Step 15 | Remove the connector cover screw

Careful handling is required when removing the battery to avoid damaging it.

Remove the Battery Connector Cover's Torx Plus 3IP with a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver.
The screw is 1.7 mm long.

Step 16 | Remove the battery connector cover

Use tweezers to lift and remove the battery connector cover.

Step 17 | Disconnect the battery

Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery cable press connector.

Step 18 | Remove the logic board screws

Remove the two 2.8mm long screws with a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver.

Step 19 | Lift the logic board

Careful not to smudge the cameras when handling the logic board.

Verify that the SIM card tray is removed before attempting to remove the logic board.
Ensure the spudger point is inserted into the screw hole near the cameras, then lift the board for a secure grip.

Step 20 | Free the bottom edge of the logic board

Make sure not to remove the logic board yet, as it's still connected by the screen cable.

Grip the skinny section with your fingers and lift until the clip near the bottom edge of the battery releases.
Pull the top edge of the board to the right, allowing the charge port to slide fully out of its recess.

Step 21 | 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 use it to prop up your phone.
Lay the logic board down flat against your work surface, taking care not to strain the screen cable.

Step 22 | Remove the logic board connector cover

Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screw using a matching driver.

The screw is located on the screen cable cover and has a length of 1.7mm.

Step 23 | Remove the connector cover

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

Step 24 | Disconnect the logic board

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the screen cable press connector.

Step 25 | Remove the logic board

Slide the logic board away from the frame, then lift it out.

Step 26 | Remove the ultrawide camera

Hold the logic board above your work surface when working on the camera.

Avoid pressing the board against your surface, which may damage fragile components.

Use a spudger's flat end to pry up and disconnect the ultrawide camera press connector.
Remove the ultrawide camera.

Step 27 | Disassembly complete

Reassembly of your phone begins now.

Carefully align the components for proper fitment.

Step 28 | Install the ultrawide camera

Leave any lens caps or liners in place for now.

Remove them before installing the back cover.
Place the ultrawide camera onto its socket on the logic board, taking care to avoid smudging the lens.
Press the press connector into place by first depressing one side with your fingertip, then the other, until it clicks.

Step 29 | Check the thermal pads

Thermal pad damage can cause overheating and system failure.

Locate the logic board thermal pads on the bottom of the board or attached to the frame.
Inspect the pads for signs of rip, tear, or damage; if damaged proceed with replacement steps.
Proceed to step [insert number] if the thermal pads are intact.

Step 30 | Remove the thermal pads

Scrape up the damaged thermal pads with the flat end of a spudger.

Step 31

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

Careful handling of isopropyl alcohol is required.

Gently blot the area with the saturated coffee filter to remove any residue.

Step 32 | Apply the thermal pads

Handle thermal pads with care, as they can be misaligned during placement and liner removal.

Remove the textured liner from the smaller thermal pad.
Apply the pad to the board carefully.
Use the provided photo for reference to ensure proper alignment.
Press down gently on the thermal pad's surface using a spudger or your finger.

Step 33

Remove the remaining liners from the top of the thermal pad by lifting them slowly.

If the thermal pad starts to lift, place it back down and press firmly to secure it.

Step 34

Repeat steps 7 and 8 using the large thermal pad.

Refer to the provided photo for alignment assistance.

Step 35 | Slide the logic board into place

Prop your phone up using the suction handle.

Position the logic board so that the screen cable aligns with its connector.

Step 36 | Connect the screen cable

Press the screen cable press connector onto its socket.

Begin by pressing down on one side with your fingertip.
Next, press down on the other side until it clicks into place.

Step 37 | Install the screen cable cover

Position the screen cable cover with tweezers and secure it at the bottom edge.
Lay the cover down flat.

Step 38

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

Step 39 | Flip up the logic board

Handle the logic board with care to avoid smudging the cameras.

Position the logic board upside down in its frame.
Release the suction cup and place your device face-down on a flat surface.

Step 40 | Put the logic board into place

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

Gently bend the battery cable if necessary to clear the logic board's path.
Push the logic board toward the bottom of the frame and press 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 41

Apply gentle downward pressure to the logic board along its top edge until it fully seats in its recess.

Verify that the cameras are properly aligned, with no visible gaps or misalignment.

Step 42 | Install the logic board screws

Install the logic board using a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver.

Tighten the two 2.8 mm-long screws securing the logic board.
Maintain a flat surface for the logic board, ensuring nothing is trapped underneath, before tightening the screws.

Step 43 | Remove the old adhesive

Remove the adhesive remnants using a spudger.

Wipe clean with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth
Or use a coffee filter for residue removal.

Step 44 | Apply the adhesive

Remove the 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.
Firmly push down on each piece of adhesive using the flat end of a spudger.

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

Remove the colored liner by pulling the tab at the top edge.

Step 45 | Secure the adhesive

Secure inner housing adhesive pieces by firmly pressing with a spudger.

Ensure adhesives are secured before removing final liners to avoid damage.

Step 46 | Connect the battery press connector

Align the battery press connector with its socket using a finger.

Press down gently to secure the connection.
If the connector resists connection, reposition it and attempt again.

Step 47 | Install the battery connector cover

Hook the battery connector cover into place with tweezers.

Lay the cover down flat.

Step 48

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

Step 49 | Install the wireless charging assembly

Position the wireless charging assembly on the frame.

Step 50

Press the wireless charging assembly firmly with your fingers around its entire perimeter.

Step 51 | Install the wireless charging assembly screws

Install the 13 x Torx Plus 3IP screws, 5.0 mm long.
Install the 3 x Torx Plus 3IP screws, 2.2 mm long.

Step 52 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

Take your time removing the rear cover adhesive.

Use a spudger and tweezers to scrape off old adhesive from the perimeter of your phone.

Be very careful not to damage the battery or fragile components near the frame's edge.

If you can grip a large piece, pull slowly and straight in the opposite direction of the adhesive.

Step 53 | Clean the frame

Clean the areas of the frame with a lint-free cloth or coffee filter soaked in high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol.

Step 54 | Find the adhesive orientation

Verify the rear cover adhesive's position on the frame.

Hold the adhesive near the frame to determine correct orientation.
Use the camera cutout in the liner for visual alignment reference.

Step 55 | Peel the liner halfway down

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

Do not remove the liner completely at this stage.

Step 56 | Apply the adhesive

Take your time when aligning the adhesive with the frame as it's 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 align the adhesive properly.
Gently press down on the top corners with your fingers to secure the adhesive in place.

Step 57

Apply remaining adhesive to the frame, pressing firmly in place while removing larger liner.

Step 58 | Remove the top liner

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

Step 59 | Secure the adhesive

Press down firmly on the adhesive around the perimeter using a spudger.

Step 60 | Remove the old camera bezel adhesive

Remove any remaining old adhesive for proper installation.

Use a spudger to scrape off old adhesive from the camera bezel.
Remove the old adhesive from its corresponding spot on the rear cover.

Step 61 | Remove the adhesive residue

Apply high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free cloth or coffee filter.

Wipe clean the camera bezel and corresponding spot on the rear cover.
Remove any adhesive residue with gentle scrubbing motions.

Step 62 | Apply the adhesive

Remove the clear liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back side of the camera bezel.
Press the camera bezel firmly into place.

Step 63

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

Remove the colored liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

Step 64 | Install the camera bezel

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

Press the camera bezel into place on the rear cover using your fingers, squeezing firmly around the perimeter.

Make sure the adhesive secures it properly to avoid damage.

Step 65 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

Use a flat spudger to scrape up and remove remaining old adhesive from the back cover, including 5 small, oval-shaped pieces.

Be sure to check for any remaining adhesives that may be stuck to the phone's frame.

Step 66

Apply high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to a lint-free cloth or coffee filter for cleaning.

Clean the area where the adhesive was removed.
Wipe away any remaining residue with the damp cloth.

Step 67 | Apply the adhesive

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 is positioned around the camera bezel.

Step 68 | Secure the adhesive

Use a spudger or your fingers to firmly press each of the five small adhesives onto the back cover.

Slowly peel back and remove the remaining liner.
If adhesives lift with liner, reattach adhesive using a spudger before continuing.

Step 69 | Remove the lens cap

Remove the lens cap and any protective liners from the ultrawide camera.

Step 70 | Remove the remaining liners

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

If the adhesive starts to come up with the liner, lay it back in place and secure it again using the spudger.

Step 71

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

Step 72 | Install the rear cover

Press the rear cover firmly onto the frame.

Ensure proper alignment to avoid damage.

Step 73

Press firmly on the rear cover's perimeter and around the camera bezel to activate all adhesives.

Apply steady pressure, ensuring even contact with the surrounding surface.

Step 74 | Install the SIM card tray

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