Google Pixel XL Battery Replacement
The Pixel XL's display panel is fragile and prone to breakage, especially if it has existing micro-fractures. Apply plenty of heat and exercise extreme care during prying.
- Discharge battery below 25% before disassembly to minimize explosion risk if punctured.
- Use high concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol to loosen the battery from the phone, as adhesive is very strong.
- Take appropriate precautions when handling a swollen battery.
Step 1 | Display Assembly
Heat a suitable tool (iOpener, hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate) and apply it to the top edge of the display for two minutes.
Avoid overheating the phone, as the display and internal battery can be damaged by excessive heat.
- Identify the following areas before prying:
- Thin adhesive lining against the display panel
- Thick adhesive
- OLED display panel, which is prone to damage
- Display cable, vulnerable to damage during prying
Step 2
Apply a suction cup near the warmed edge.
- Lift on the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap.
- Insert the pick no deeper than 13 mm (0.5 inches).
- If a gap is hard to create, reheat the edge and try again.
Alternatively, use a playing card for easier initial entry.
Step 3
Slide the opening clip across the top edge to slice through the adhesive.
- Ensure you don't cut deeper than 13 mm (0.5 inches), as this may damage the display.
- Be cautious not to damage or lose the mesh covering the earpiece speaker on the top edge of the screen, if a replacement is not available.
- Leave an opening pick in the edge to prevent resealing of the adhesive.
Step 4
Apply an iOpener to the right edge of the phone for two minutes.
- Insert a pick near the top edge where the adhesive has been sliced.
- Guide the pick slowly around the right corner.
Do not insert the pick more than 1 mm (1/32") along the edge to avoid damaging the display assembly.
- Slide the pick down the right edge to slice through the adhesive.
- Repeat for the left edge of the phone.
Step 5
Do not slice deeper than 8.5 mm or you will damage the display cable.
- Heat the bottom edge with a iOpener for two minutes.
- Carefully guide the pick around the corner.
- Slide the pick along the bottom edge to slice through the adhesive.
Step 6
Carefully lift the display assembly up slightly by the right corners.
- Do not attempt to remove the display assembly — it remains attached via a flex cable.
- Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.
Step 7
Hold the display assembly by the top end and carefully lift.
- Swing the display assembly around so it rests upside down on the frame.
- Be gentle with the flex cable to avoid straining it during this process.
Step 8
Remove the two 4mm T5 screws securing the display cable bracket.
Keep track of all removed parts to ensure correct reassembly.
- Set aside the display cable bracket.
Step 9
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable from its connector.
- To re-attach press connectors like this one, align them carefully and press down on one side until it clicks into place.
- Repeat on the other side; avoid pressing the middle area.
Misaligned connectors can cause pin bending and permanent damage.
Step 10
Remove the display assembly.
Refer to the comprehensive guide for Pixel XL display reinstallation instructions before proceeding.
- If your replacement display lacks a speaker grille, use tweezers to carefully detach the adhesive grille from the old display and transfer it to the new one.
Ensure all adhesive residue is removed from the frame using a spudger or opening tool, then high-concentration isopropyl alcohol for any remaining residue.
When reinstalling the same display assembly, remove all adhesive residue from both panel and frame before applying new adhesive.
- Test your repair by turning on your phone and verifying its functionality before reapplying adhesive and sealing the device.
During boot-up, do not touch the screen during calibration; failure to comply may result in improper touch calibration and subsequent touch issues.
Step 11 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure
Remove seven black 4mm T5 screws and two silver 3mm T5 screws that secure the midframe to the back.
Step 12
Locate and identify the plastic clips holding the midframe to the back case.
- The clips are designed to push into the edge of the back case.
Step 13
Locate the small notch at the bottom left corner of the frame.
- Insert an opening pick into the notch.
- Slide the pick along the bottom edge towards the right corner and leave it in place.
Step 14
Insert an opening pick into the right edge near the bottom.
- Push the pick upwards along the seam until the first clip pops free. Be cautious of tight tolerances, which may require substantial force.
- If you encounter difficulty, try using a playing card for assistance.
- Once released, leave the pick in place to prevent resealing.
Step 15
Insert a picking tool into the right edge of the phone, sliding it upwards towards the top right clip.
- Limit insertion to only 2 mm.
Do not insert the pick too far and risk damaging flex cables.
- Slowly slide the pick past the clip, disengaging it from the frame.
If the right edge of the midframe is still attached to the case:
- Slide an opening clip up and down along the right edge to free it.
Step 16
Grasp the right edge of the midframe by the corners and slowly hinge it up.
- Stop when the left edge feels loose and lift the midframe upwards.
- Remove the midframe.
When reassembling, ensure the midframe is aligned properly to avoid damaging clips.
Reinstall by squeezing around the perimeter until all clips snap back into position.
Step 17 | Battery
- Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.
Bend the battery flex cable slightly to prevent accidental contact with the motherboard.
Step 18
Remove the protective tape from the interconnect cable's end using tweezers.
Step 19
Use a spudger's point to pry up the interconnect cable from the motherboard.
- To reconnect: align the cable with the socket and press down on one side of the cable with your finger, then the other.
Ensure the cable is firmly seated in the socket.
Step 20
Use a spudger to gently pry up and release the interconnect cable from the bottom daughterboard.
- Leave the interconnect cable attached via the adhesive if desired.
- Alternatively, completely remove the interconnect cable.
Step 21
Remove the double-sided tape securing the battery.
- Heat an iOpener and apply it to the phone's left edge for two minutes.
- If necessary, reheat and reapply the iOpener.
Step 22
Flip the phone over and locate the right edge of the battery.
- Pry tool: Push a slow and firm downward motion on the right edge of the battery, sliding slightly back and forth to slice through the adhesive.
- If needed, reapply an iOpener and reheat for improved access.
- Alternatively, apply high concentration isopropyl alcohol for added adhesive weakening.
Avoid snagging the white antenna cable during this process.
Once the right side of the battery is loose, leave a pry tool in place to prevent re-adhesion.
Step 23
Apply heat to the phone's right edge using an iOpener for 2 minutes.
You may need to reheat and reapply the iOpener as necessary.
- Alternatively, fill a plastic dropper or syringe with high concentration isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol under both edges of the battery.
- Allow the alcohol to weaken the battery adhesive for at least 1 minute.
Step 24
- Grasp the loosened right edge of the battery by the corners and swing it upwards.
- If you feel or see the battery bending, stop and reapply a heated iOpener or more alcohol as directed previously.
- Pull the battery pack out of the frame once loosened from the adhesive.
- Remove the battery.
Step 25
Do not reuse and reinstall used batteries to avoid fire and chemical leakage risks.
- Apply new adhesive strips to secure the battery in place.
- Align the battery connector with the motherboard carefully.
Choose from stretch release adhesive strips, double-sided tape, or pre-cut adhesive strips for securing the battery.
Place the new battery into its recessed area.
- Temporarily connect the battery connector to the motherboard using a spudger's flat end or your finger.
Step 26
With the battery still connected, lift the bottom end of the battery upward.
- Remove all adhesive liners using tweezers.
- Lift the battery carefully back into position and press along the edges to secure with adhesive.
- Pry up the battery connector from the motherboard using a spudger, then bend it away slightly.
Be sure to disconnect the battery before proceeding with reassembly.