Google Pixel 9a Wide Camera Replacement - Google Pixel 9a

Step 1 | Safety precautions

A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire if damaged, so let the battery drain to at least 25% charge level.

Unplug all cables from the Pixel device.
Power button: Press and hold until the device powers down completely.

Step 2 | Remove the SIM card tray

Locate the SIM card tray hole on the bottom edge of your phone.

Firmly press a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the hole until the tray ejects.
A small microphone hole is located next to the SIM tray - identify it correctly before proceeding.
Remove the ejected SIM card tray.

Step 3 | Heat the rear cover

Do not apply excessive heat to your phone as it may cause damage.

Use a hair dryer to warm up the entire rear cover, making the adhesive softer and easier to separate.
Stop heating once the phone is just warm to the touch.

Step 4 | Apply a suction handle

Position the suction handle approximately in the middle of the rear cover's right side, as close to the edge as feasible.

Step 5 | Insert an opening pick

Grasp the suction handle firmly and pull upwards with steady force.

A gap should form between the cover and frame.
Insert the tip of an opening pick into the newly formed gap.

Step 6 | Adhesive information

Avoid damaging the wireless charging coil when removing adhesive.

Use the reference picture while separating the adhesive from the frame perimeter and camera areas.
When removing left/right edge adhesives, insert pick no more than 3 mm to avoid damage to wireless charging coil & graphite film.

Step 7 | Separate the rear cover adhesive

Apply additional heat if adhesive separation is difficult.

Insert the opening pick at the top right edge of the device and work it up and over the top right corner.
Continue to guide the pick along the top edge to separate the rear cover's adhesive.

Step 8

Insert an opening pick into the initial gap near the center of the rear cover's right edge.

Slide the pick down the right edge.
Continue along the bottom edge, then up the left edge.

Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure, which may cause damage.

Step 9 | Separate the camera bezel adhesive

Insert the flat edge of an opening pick under the top of the rear cover's left edge, near the camera bezel.

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

Step 10 | Remove the rear cover

Remove the rear cover.

If you encounter resistance, inspect the cover's perimeter for remaining adhesive and carefully remove it with a pick.

Step 11 | Remove the camera bezel

Remove any stuck camera bezel from the rear cover:

Slide an opening pick under the bezel, inserting it only a few millimeters deep.
Pry up carefully to remove the bezel.

Risk of camera damage if pick is inserted too far.

If stuck, lightly heat the camera bezel for assistance.

Step 12 | Remove the wireless charging assembly screws

Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver bits.

Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove 13 screws, 5.0 mm in length.
Remove another 3 screws, 2.2 mm in length, using the same screwdriver.

Keep track of each screw for reassembly and avoid damaging your phone.

Step 13 | Unclip the wireless charging assembly

Use a spudger to carefully pry up and unclip the wireless charging assembly at its two points:

To the right of the charge port.
Just below the camera, on the left edge.

Step 14 | Remove the wireless charging assembly

Disconnect and remove the wireless charging assembly.

Step 15 | Remove the connector cover screw

Careful not to damage the battery when disconnecting.

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

Step 16 | Remove the battery connector cover

Remove the battery connector cover with tweezers.

Step 17 | Disconnect the battery

Disconnect the battery cable by prying up the press connector using a spudger.

Step 18 | Remove the logic board screws

Remove the logic board screws using a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver.

The screws are 2.8 mm long.

Step 19 | Lift the logic board

Smudge damage may occur if cameras are touched while handling the logic board.

Verify SIM card tray removal before attempting to remove the logic board.
Position a spudger point under the screw near the cameras, then lift until secure for handling with fingers.

Step 20 | Free the bottom edge of the logic board

Disconnect the screen cable from the logic board first.

Grip the logic board's skinny section and lift it up to release the clip near the bottom edge of the battery.
Pull the top edge of the logic board to the right, allowing the charge port to slide 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 to prevent damage.

Use a suction handle to prop up your phone's screen.
Lay the logic board flat on your work surface, taking care not to strain the screen cable.

Step 22 | Remove the logic board connector cover

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

Step 23 | Remove the connector cover

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

Step 24 | Disconnect the logic board

Use a spudger to carefully pry up and release the screen cable's press connector.

Position the flat end of the spudger on the connector.
Gently pry upwards to release the connector from its socket.

Step 25 | Remove the logic board

Slide the logic board away from the frame and lift it out.

Step 26 | Remove the wide camera

Hold the logic board above your work surface, with no direct pressure on fragile components.

Pry up the wide camera press connector using a flat-ended spudger.
Be gentle when working around the four nearby spring contacts to avoid damage.
Disconnect and remove the wide camera.

Step 27 | Install the wide camera

Leave any lens caps or liners in place for now to protect the lens.

Position the wide camera over its area on the logic board.

Avoid smudging the lens with your fingers.

Secure the press connector by applying pressure to both short sides until it clicks into place.

Step 28 | Check the thermal pads

Damaged thermal pads can cause overheating and damage the logic board.

Locate the thermal pads on the logic board or attached to the frame.
Inspect the pads for tears, rips, or other damage.
If damaged, proceed with replacement (next steps). Otherwise, skip ahead five steps.

Step 29 | Remove the thermal pads

Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape up and remove the damaged thermal pads.

Step 30

Apply high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (greater than 90%) to the affected area using a coffee filter.

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

Step 31 | Apply the thermal pads

Thermal pads are delicate and prone to misalignment.

Remove textured liner from smaller thermal pad.
Take your time, carefully place the pad onto the board, using a reference photo for alignment.
Use the flat end of a spudger or finger to press down lightly and secure in place, avoiding deformation.

Step 32

Slowly lift the remaining liners off the thermal pad.

If the thermal pad starts lifting with the liners, gently press it back down to secure.

Step 33

Refer to the provided photo for alignment.

Apply the larger thermal pad using the same technique as before.
Repeat the previous two steps for successful installation.

Step 34 | Slide the logic board into place

Prop the phone up using the suction handle.

Position the logic board against the frame, aligning the screen cable with its connector.

Step 35 | Connect the screen cable

Press the screen cable press connector onto its socket.

Press down gently with your fingertip on one side of the connector.
Repeat on the other side until it clicks securely into place.

Step 36 | Install the screen cable cover

Use tweezers to secure the screen cable cover, guiding its bottom edge into position.

Lay the cover down flat to ensure it is properly seated.

Step 37

Install the 3IP Torx Plus screw with a length of 1.7 mm into the screen cable cover.

Step 38 | Flip up the logic board

Careful handling is crucial for the cameras.

Flip the logic board upwards, allowing it to rest gently in the frame's recess.
Remove the suction cup and place your phone with the screen facing down.

Step 39 | Put the logic board into place

Insert the logic board into the frame, taking care not to trap the battery cable underneath.

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

Step 40

Push the logic board downwards firmly until it clicks into place.

Verify that the cameras are aligned properly, ensuring a smooth fit.

Step 41 | Install the logic board screws

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

Ensure the logic board is flat and secure with no obstructions underneath.
Tighten the screws firmly in place.

Step 42 | Remove the old adhesive

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

Clean the area with high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth (or coffee filter).

Always test cleaning materials on an inconspicuous surface before applying to device.

Step 43 | Apply the adhesive

Remove the clear liner from the inner housing adhesive.

Lay the liner around the camera holes, using the small silver pad cutouts for alignment.
Use a spudger to press down firmly on each piece of adhesive, securing it in place.

If the adhesive starts to lift with the liner, lay it back and re-secure with your spudger.

To remove the colored liner, use the pull tab on the top edge.

Step 44 | Secure the adhesive

Firmly press down on each of the inner housing adhesive pieces using a spudger.

Secure all six pieces to prevent removal with final liners.

Step 45 | Connect the battery press connector

Align the battery press connector over its socket using your finger.

Press down to connect it.

Do not force the connector into place.

If having trouble, reposition and try again.

Step 46 | Install the battery connector cover

Hook the left edge of the battery connector cover using a pair of tweezers.

Lay the cover down flat in its original position.

Step 47

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

Step 48 | Install the wireless charging assembly

Align and attach the wireless charging assembly to the frame.

Step 49

Press the wireless charging assembly's clips into place with firm finger pressure around its entire perimeter.

Step 50 | 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 screws.
Three 2.2 mm screws.

Step 51 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

Take your time during the next two steps.

Ensure a clean frame for even replacement adhesive application.

Be very careful not to damage the battery or fragile components near the perimeter when removing rear cover adhesive.

Use a spudger and tweezers to scrape up old rear cover adhesive from the phone's perimeter.

If you manage to grasp a large piece, pull slowly and straight in the opposite direction of the adhesive.

Step 52 | Clean the frame

Use a lint-free cloth or coffee filter to wipe away residue from the adhesive area with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.

Step 53 | Find the adhesive orientation

Align the rear cover adhesive over the frame before applying.

Ensure correct orientation by holding the adhesive above the frame.
Use the camera cutout in the liner as a reference point to visualize its placement.

Step 54 | 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 yet.

Step 55 | Apply the adhesive

Take your time when lining up the adhesive with the , as it's very sticky and won't move once applied.

Lay the exposed top edge of the adhesive onto the frame with the larger, clear liner folded towards the bottom of the phone.
Use the lip of the frame to help align the adhesive.
Gently press down on the top corners with your fingers to secure the adhesive once it's properly aligned.

Step 56

Press the remaining adhesive onto the , working from the center outward while peeling off the large backing.

Step 57 | Remove the top liner

Remove the large, colored liner by pulling it away from the device.

Step 58 | Secure the adhesive

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

Step 59 | Remove the old camera bezel adhesive

Check if the camera bezel came loose.

Proceed with these instructions, but skip five steps back if it did not detach.
Use a spudger to scrape off old adhesive from the camera bezel and its matching spot on the rear cover.

Step 60 | Remove the adhesive residue

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

Gently wipe the camera bezel and the corresponding area on the rear cover to remove any adhesive residue.

Step 61 | Apply the adhesive

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

Avoid touching the adhesive surface.
Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the top of the camera bezel and set it in place.

Step 62

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

Remove the second colored liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

Step 63 | Install the camera bezel

Ensure the camera bezel's square foam piece aligns with the outer edge.

Press the camera bezel into place using your fingers, applying firm pressure around its perimeter.
The adhesive will secure the bezel once firmly attached to the rear cover.

Step 64 | Remove the old rear cover adhesive

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

Target and remove five small, oval-shaped pieces of adhesive.
If any adhesives remain stuck to the phone frame, gently pry them loose with care.

Step 65

Use a lint-free cloth or coffee filter with high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol to wipe down and remove remaining adhesive residue.

Step 66 | Apply the adhesive

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

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

Step 67 | Secure the adhesive

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

Peel away the remaining liner, working slowly.
If adhesives come up with liner, lay it back down and secure adhesive again using a spudger.

Step 68 | Remove the lens cap

Remove any lens caps and liners from the wide camera.

Step 69 | Remove the remaining liners

Use the point of a spudger to gently 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 70

Remove the final liner by pulling on the pull tabs of the rear cover adhesive.

Step 71 | Install the rear cover

Press the rear cover firmly onto the frame.

Step 72

Press firmly on the rear cover's perimeter and near the camera bezel to ensure all adhesive bonds are secure.

Step 73 | Install the SIM card tray

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