Google Pixel Fold Fingerprint Sensor Replacement
This repair guide was created by iFixit and is not affiliated with Google. To replace the fingerprint sensor on your Google Pixel Fold, follow these steps:
- The fingerprint sensor is integrated with the power button and cannot be replaced separately.
- Use this guide to replace both components as a combined assembly.
Step 1 | Safety Precautions
Allow the battery to discharge below 25% before proceeding, as a fully charged battery may pose a fire hazard.
- Power down your phone completely.
- Remove all external connections, including USB cables.
Step 2 | Heat the bottom edge
Place the phone on a clean surface with the back glass facing up.
- Apply an iOpener to the bottom edge of the back glass for exactly two minutes.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate-but exercise caution: excessive heat may damage displays and/or internal batteries.
Step 3 | Anti-Clamp instructions
Using the Anti-Clamp, follow these steps:
- Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.
- Unfold your phone and slide the Anti-Clamp arms over the left edge of the back glass, below the Google "G" logo.
Make sure the suction cup on the inner screen isn't touching the bezel, as it won't stick properly.
- Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the phone-one on the front, and one on the back.
- Squeeze the cups together to apply suction to the desired area.
If your phone's surface is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp, use tape to create a grippier surface. If the glass is cracked, use packing tape to help the suction cups adhere.
Step 4
Position a stabilizing object under your phone.
- Place the Anti-Clamp's arms around it, ensuring level placement.
Make sure the suction cups remain aligned to prevent damage.
- Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms into place.
- Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups begin to stretch.
Step 5
Insert an opening pick into the gap under the back glass.
- If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle a quarter turn.
Do not crank more than a quarter turn at a time, risk of damage. Wait one minute between turns.
Step 6 | Insert an opening pick
Apply a suction cup near the center of the bottom edge.
- Pull up with strong force to create a gap between the back glass and frame.
- Insert an opening pick into the gap.
- If back glass is badly cracked, apply clear packing tape for better adhesion.
- Alternatively, very strong tape or superglue can be used to secure the suction cup.
Difficulty may vary depending on phone age, use more heat if necessary.
Step 7 | Separate the bottom adhesive
Inserting the opening pick more than 3.5 mm deep may damage internal components.
- Slide the opening pick back and forth along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive.
- Leave the opening pick in the bottom left corner before proceeding.
Step 8 | Heat the left edge
Heat a iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the back glass for 2 minutes.
Step 9 | Separate the bottom left adhesive
Insert the opening pick at the bottom left corner and rotate it to loosen the adhesive.
Step 10 | Separate the left adhesive
Insert a second opening pick at the bottom left corner.
- Slide the pick toward the top left corner to separate the adhesive.
- Leave the pick in place and continue with the next step.
Step 11 | Heat the top edge
Heat the iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the back glass for 2 minutes.
Step 12 | Separate the top left adhesive
Hold the opening pick steady and rotate it around the top left corner of the device.
- The rotation should help loosen and separate the adhesive.
Step 13 | Separate the top adhesive
- Insert a third opening pick into the top left corner.
- Slide the opening pick toward the top right corner to loosen the adhesive.
Step 14 | Heat the right edge
Apply a iOpener to the right edge of the back glass and heat it for 2 minutes.
Step 15 | Separate the top right adhesive
Be extremely cautious when handling sharp corners, as they are prone to cracking.
- Apply sufficient heat and manipulate the tool with delicate care around this area.
- Position your pick as flat against the back glass as possible.
- Rotate the opening pick around the top right corner, utilizing a smooth sweeping motion to separate the adhesive.
Step 16 | Separate the right adhesive
Insert a fourth opening pick into the top right corner of the device.
- Slide it toward the bottom right corner, gently prying up the adhesive.
Step 17 | Separate the bottom right adhesive
The corner is fragile, use plenty of heat and gentle care.
- Position your pick flat against the back glass.
- Rotate the pick around the bottom right corner to release the adhesive.
Step 18 | Reposition the back glass
Leave the back glass connected by its cable.
- The back glass should be separated from the frame at this point.
- If edges are still stuck, use an opening pick to remove any remaining adhesive.
Swing the left edge of the back glass over the right edge of the phone.
Lay the back glass beside the phone on its right side.
Step 19 | Unfasten the middle bracket
Keep track of each screw during this repair, ensuring it returns to its original position.
- For Pixel Fold's Torx Plus screws, use T3 or T4 Torx bits as a substitute (ensure one size larger for T3IP and T4IP)
- Apply constant downward force when turning to prevent stripping
- Torx Plus 3IP driver: Remove two 2.8 mm-long screws securing the middle bracket.
Step 20 | Remove the middle bracket
- Pull the middle bracket toward the left edge of the phone using tweezers or your fingers.
- Release its clip and remove the middle bracket.
Ensure the middle bracket clip is reinserted under its slot in the frame during reassembly.
Step 21 | Disconnect the back glass cable
Use a spudger to pry up the back glass cable from the motherboard.
- To re-attach, align the press connectors carefully and press down on one side until it clicks into place.
- Repeat this process on the other side. Do not press in the middle.
Misaligned connectors can bend pins, causing permanent damage.
Step 22 | Remove the back glass
Remove the back glass.
Step 23 | Reassembly information
During reassembly:
- Tweezers: Remove big chunks of adhesive from the perimeter of the back glass.
- Repeat for any remaining adhesive on the frame.
- Clean thoroughly: Use isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth to remove residue.
- Replace back glass adhesive with custom cut strips (follow guide).
If no custom cut adhesive, use double-sided tape like Tesa Tape instead.
Step 24 | Reposition the graphite sheet
Handle the fragile graphite sheet with care, especially if reusing.
Pry the graphite sheet from the bottom up, toward the top of the phone.
Secure the graphite sheet out of the way using your hands or tape with light adhesive.
During reassembly:
If completely removed, follow replacement guide to install new graphite sheet.
Use double-sided tape (e.g. Tesa Tape) or custom cut adhesive strips for the antenna.
Step 25 | Remove the screw cover
Remove screw cover from top screw on bottom bracket using tweezers or a clean fingernail.
Step 26 | Unfasten the bottom bracket
Remove the five Torx Plus 3IP driver screws, each 3.1 mm long.
- Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to loosen and remove the screws.
Step 27 | Remove the bottom bracket
Use tweezers or your fingers to pull the bottom bracket toward the phone's bottom edge and release its clip.
- Remove the bottom bracket.
Reinsert the clip under the logic board slot before aligning screw holes during reassembly to ensure proper fit.
Step 28 | Disconnect the base battery
- Locate the base battery cable press connector.
- Pry up the connector using the point of a spudger.
Ensure you are disconnecting the correct batteries — failure to do so may cause permanent damage.
Step 29 | Remove the tape
Remove the grey conductive tape from the bottom interconnect cable.
Step 30 | Disconnect the flip battery
Locate the flip battery and bottom interconnect press connectors.
- Pry up and disconnect the flip battery connector using a point of a spudger.
- Disconnect the bottom interconnect press connector to prevent accidental contact with the logic board.
Ensure both cables are completely disconnected to avoid electrical shock.
Step 31 | Reassembly information
Peel off the conductive tape from its liner.
- Apply the sticky side of the tape to the bottom interconnect connector, ensuring it bridges the logic board.
Step 32
Press down the conductive tape with a spudger or your fingers.
- Pull on the tab using tweezers or your fingers to expose the tape.
Step 33 | Disconnect the ultra wideband antenna
Remove the tape holding the graphite sheet in place.
- Pry up the ultra wideband antenna press connector using a spudger point.
- Disconnect the ultra wideband antenna press connector.
Step 34 | Separate the adhesive
Locate the ultra wideband antenna on the graphite sheet.
Use a plastic opening pick to carefully pry it loose from its adhesive.
Step 35 | Remove the ultra wideband antenna
Peel up the ultra wideband antenna and remove it.
- If the adhesive is still usable during reassembly, you can reuse it.
- Otherwise, replace the adhesive as per this guide's instructions.
- For securing the antenna to the logic board without custom cut adhesive strips, use double-sided tape (e.g. Tesa Tape).
Step 36 | Separate the adhesive
Insert an opening pick under the top edge of the graphite sheet.
- Pry the pick under the top of the thermal insulator adhesive to separate it.
Step 37 | Remove the graphite sheet
Peel the graphite sheet off the logic board to separate the remaining adhesive.
Be gentle — risk of damage to the logic board.
- Remove the graphite sheet.
Step 38
Use tweezers to carefully remove any remaining adhesive from the logic board.
Step 39 | Remove the bottom speaker
Avoid prying against the battery with a spudger to prevent damage.
- Insert the flat end of a spudger between the battery and bottom speaker.
- Twist the spudger to loosen the adhesive securing the bottom speaker.
- Remove the bottom speaker.
If your original adhesive is still intact, you can reuse it. Otherwise, see the replacement guide for instructions.
- If custom cut strips are not available, use a product like Tesa Tape as an alternative to secure the speaker to the frame with double-sided tape.
Step 40 | Disconnect the fingerprint sensor
Careful not to break small surface-mounted components — risk of damage.
- Use the point of a spudger to gently lift the fingerprint sensor press connector.
- Disconnect the fingerprint sensor press connector.
Step 41 | Remove the tape
Remove tape from top of interconnect cable.
Step 42 | Reassembly information
Peel off the new conductive tape from its liner.
Make sure the sticky side faces towards the press connector, bridging the logic board.
- Use a spudger or your fingers to press down the conductive tape and adhere it.
- Employ tweezers or your fingers to gently pull on the tab and expose the tape.
Step 43 | Unfasten the top interconnect cable
- Remove the Torx Plus 3IP driver and unscrew one 2.8 mm-long screw.
- Next, remove the same driver and unscrew a second 2.5 mm-long screw.
Step 44 | Disconnect the top interconnect cable
Do not attempt to separate the metal bracket from the press connector.
- Pry up the top interconnect cable press connector using a spudger and a gentle prying motion.
Step 45 | Disconnect the inner screen
Risk of damage to small surface-mounted components — handle with care.
- Use the flat end of a spudger to lift and disconnect the inner screen press connector.
- Move the inner screen cable up 90° over the right edge of the phone, keeping it away from the logic board.
Step 46 | Unfasten the top bracket
Remove the middle bracket using a Torx Plus 3IP driver.
- Drive out the two 2.8 mm screws.
Step 47 | Remove the top bracket
- Pull the top bracket toward the left edge to release its clips.
- Remove the top bracket.
- During reassembly, insert clips under their slots before aligning screw holes.
Step 48 | Separate the adhesive
Locate the 5G mmWave antenna, lightly adhered to the frame.
- Insert a spudger between the frame and the right edge of the 5G mmWave antenna.
- Pry gently to separate the adhesive.
If your original adhesive remains intact, you can reuse it during reassembly. Otherwise, replace the adhesive following this guide.
- Alternatively, secure the antenna with double-sided tape, such as Tesa Tape.
Step 49 | Disconnect the front camera
Insert the point of a spudger under the bottom right corner of the front camera press connector.
Do not insert the spudger anywhere else to avoid breaking surface-mounted components on the logic board.
- Pry up and disconnect the front camera press connector.
Step 50 | Heat the front camera
Never apply concentrated heat to a single spot.
- Apply an iOpener to the front camera for two minutes.
- Alternatively, use a hair dryer or heat gun at low temperature setting.
Step 51 | Remove the front camera
Use tweezers to carefully grasp the front camera connector as close to the body as possible.
- Avoid pinching the press connector's pins to prevent bending.
- Pull straight up to release the adhesive and remove the front camera.
If reusing the original adhesive, ensure it remains intact and sticky. Otherwise, replace it according to this guide.
- As an alternative, use double-sided tape (e.g., Tesa Tape) to secure the front camera if custom cut adhesive strips are not available.
Step 52 | Unfasten the logic board
Remove the Torx Plus 3IP driver and use it to unscrew:
- Two screws total.
- One 2.8mm-long screw near top left corner.
- One 2.5mm-long screw near bottom right corner.
Step 53 | Tape the cables
Keep the cables organized using light-adhesive tape, such as painter's tape.
- Tape down the Fingerprint sensor cable.
- Tape down the Top interconnect cable.
- Tape down the Inner screen cable.
Avoid folding cables at sharp angles to prevent creasing.
Step 54 | Release the logic board
Pry the logic board upwards with a spudger, starting at the top front near the camera recess.
- The goal is to release the upper alignment peg.
Step 55 | Remove the logic board
Be extremely cautious when handling the fragile logic board with numerous cutouts.
- Grip the top of the logic board firmly with your fingers.
- Lift upward and gently pull toward the right edge to release the bottom clip, overcoming resistance from both the white bracket and thermal paste.
- Continue lifting until the clip clears its slot in the frame.
- Once released, lift straight up to dislodge the lower alignment peg, then carefully remove the logic board.
Step 56 | Reassembly information
Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off thermal paste on the bottom of the logic board.
- Clean remaining residue with isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and either a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth.
- Repeat cleaning process for frame-mounted thermal paste.
Apply new thermal paste evenly across the logic board using the flat end of a spudger, matching the original spread.
Reapply thermal paste according to this guide during reassembly.
Step 57
Insert the USB-C port into its cutout at a shallow angle.
- Use your finger to press down on the USB-C port until the orange rubber gasket is level with its cutout, avoiding twists or pinches.
- Press the bottom of the logic board over its lower alignment peg and engage its spring connectors.
Step 58
Press the logic board firmly into its lower metal clip, while guiding it towards the phone's bottom edge.
Step 59
Press down gently on the white logic board bracket until it fits snugly under the lip of the frame's edge.
Step 60
Ensure all cables are above the logic board before securing it back into the frame.
Tape any loose cables now to avoid trapping them during assembly.
- Press down on the white logic board bracket while pushing the logic board against the left edge of the phone.
- Position the logic board over the upper alignment peg.
- Press down firmly to secure the logic board.
Step 61 | Reposition the cable
Locate the fingerprint sensor cable and gently peel it away from the side of the frame, separating the adhesive.
- Maintain a firm grip on the cable as you move it to the left edge of the phone.
- Continue with the repair once the cable is positioned over the left edge.
Step 62 | Separate the adhesive
Peel back the button bracket board from the frame using an opening pick.
- Position the alignment pegs on the frame before reapplying adhesive during reassembly.
Use care when handling the board to avoid damage to the alignment pegs.
Step 63 | Unfasten the button bracket
Remove the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver from storage.
- Insert the Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver into the screw head and turn counterclockwise.
- Remove three 2.3 mm-long screws securing the button bracket.
Step 64 | Remove the button bracket
Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the recess and gently pry the button bracket free.
- Continue prying until the button bracket is loose.
- Remove the button bracket from its position.
Step 65 | Remove the fingerprint sensor
Push the fingerprint sensor out of its recess using a spudger.
Some resistance from a rubber gasket can be expected.
Step 66
Remove the fingerprint sensor.
- Insert the fingerprint sensor into its recess directly during reassembly.
- Press the rubber gasket into place afterwards.