Google Pixel XL Earpiece Speaker Replacement
Repairing the Pixel XL's display panel can be hazardous due to its fragile nature and strong adhesive attachment.
- This repair guide has not been endorsed by Google, but is from a trusted source: iFixit staff.
- The Pixel XL's unreinforced display panel is prone to breakage, especially if it already has micro-fractures.
Apply plenty of heat and exercise extreme caution during the prying stage to minimize the risk of damaging the display further.
Step 1 | Display Assembly
Apply a iOpener to the top edge of the display for 2 minutes or use an alternative heat source like a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate. Be cautious not to overheat, as the phone's display and battery are vulnerable to heat damage.
Take note of the following sensitive areas before prying:
- Thin adhesive against the display panel.
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- The fragile OLED display panel.
- The display cable, which can be damaged during prying.
Step 2
Apply a suction cup near the warmed edge.
- Lift the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap.
- Insert no more than 13 mm (0.5 inches) to avoid display damage.
If a gap cannot be created, reheat the edge and try again.
Alternatively, use a playing card for initial entry assistance.
Step 3
Slide the opening clip across the top edge to slice through the adhesive.
- Do not cut deeper than 13 mm (0.5 inches), as this may damage the display.
- Avoid damaging or losing the mesh covering the earpiece speaker on the top edge of the screen.
Keep an opening pick in place to prevent resealing of the adhesive.
Step 4
Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the phone for two minutes.
- Insert an opening pick near the top edge, where you've sliced the adhesive.
- Guide the pick around the right corner slowly.
- Be cautious, as damage to the display assembly can occur if the pick is inserted more than 1 mm along the edge.
- Slide the pick down the right edge, slicing through the adhesive carefully.
Insert the pick no deeper than 1 mm (1/32") to avoid damaging the display assembly.
- Repeat for the left edge of the phone.
Step 5
Avoid damaging the display cable by ensuring the pick does not exceed 8.5 mm (1/3") in depth.
- Heat the bottom edge with a iOpener for two minutes.
- Insert a pick near the right edge, close to where you loosened the adhesive previously.
- Carefully guide the pick around the corner.
- Slide the pick along the bottom edge to cut through the adhesive.
Step 6
Carefully lift the display assembly up by the right corners.
Do not remove the display assembly yet — it's still attached by a flex cable.
- Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.
Step 7
Avoid straining the flex cable during assembly removal.
- Lift the display assembly from the top end.
- Swing it around to rest upside down on the frame.
Step 8
Remove the 2 x 4mm T5 screws securing the display cable bracket.
Keep track of each screw and ensure they go back to their original location for proper repair.
Remove the display cable bracket.
Step 9
Use a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the display cable from its connector.
- To reattach, carefully align the connector and press down on one side until it clicks into place.
- Repeat this process for the other side. Avoid pressing down in the middle.
Pressing on the misaligned connector can bend its pins, causing permanent damage.
Step 10
Remove the display assembly.
For Pixel XL display reinstall instructions, follow the linked guide.
- If your replacement display lacks a speaker grille, use tweezers to carefully remove the adhesive grille from the old display and transfer it.
- Before installing a new display, thoroughly clean the frame by scraping off any remaining adhesive with a spudger or opening tool and using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol for residue removal.
When reinstalling the same display assembly, remove all adhesive residue from both panel and frame before applying new adhesive.
- After repair completion, test your phone by turning it on.
- During boot-up, avoid touching the screen as improper calibration may occur during the calibration sequence.
Step 11 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure
- Remove seven black 4mm T5 screws.
- Remove two silver 3mm T5 screws.
Step 12
Identify and release the plastic clips that secure the midframe to the back case.
- The clips are located at the edges of the back case.
- Gently pry them open to disengage from the midframe.
Step 13
- Locate the small notch at the bottom left corner of the frame.
- Insert an opening pick into this notch.
- Guide the opening pick along the bottom edge, moving towards the bottom right corner.
- Leave the pick in place at the bottom right corner.
Step 14
Insert a separate opening pick into the right edge near the bottom.
- Push the pick upwards along the seam until the first clip pops free, applying slow and steady force if necessary.
- If using excessive force is required, try inserting a playing card to aid in disengagement.
Leaving the opening pick in place will prevent the midframe from resealing.
Step 15
Insert a pick into the top right corner of the phone.
- Pick is only required to be inserted 2 mm for safe operation.
- Slowly slide the pick upwards and past the clip, being careful not to damage flex cables.
- The right edge of the midframe should now be free from the case; if it remains stuck, use an opening clip to gently pry the right edge loose.
Step 16
Lift the midframe by grasping its right edge at the corners and slowly hinging it upwards.
- Stop when the left edge feels loose and lift the midframe upward to remove it.
- Reinstallation: Align the midframe with the case and squeeze around the perimeter until all clips snap back into place.
Step 17 | Earpiece Speaker
Flip the midframe over.
- Use the point of a spudger to pry up and loosen the earpiece speaker from the midframe.
- Remove the earpiece speaker.
When reassembling, ensure proper orientation of the replacement part: gold clips should face towards the camera hole.