Google Pixel XL Fingerprint Sensor Replacement
The Google Pixel XL's display panel is fragile due to strong adhesive and may break easily, especially with pre-existing micro-fractures.
- Prepare for a challenging repair process due to the unreinforced display panel.
- Apply plenty of heat to loosen the adhesive before prying the display panel.
- Be extremely cautious during the prying stage to avoid display damage.
Step 1 | SIM Card Tray
Insert a SIM eject tool, SIM eject bit, or a paperclip into the small hole on the left edge of the phone, near the top.
Press firmly to eject the tray.
Step 2 | Display Assembly
Apply heat to the top edge of the display using an iOpener or alternative heat source for two minutes.
Be cautious not to overheat the phone, as both the display and internal battery are susceptible to damage.
- Identify the following regions before prying:
- Thin adhesive against the display panel.
- Thick adhesive.
- OLED display panel, prone to damage.
- Display cable, vulnerable to damage during prying.
Step 3
Apply a suction cup near the warm edge.
- Lift on the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap, but no more than 13 mm (0.5 inches).
- If trouble persists, reheat the edge and try again.
Alternatively, use a playing card to aid in initial entry, if needed.
Step 4
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, as a replacement may be required.
Leaving an opening pick in the edge will prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Step 5
Apply heat with an iOpener to the right edge of the phone for two minutes.
- Insert an opening pick near the top edge, where the adhesive was sliced previously.
- Guide the pick slowly around the right corner.
Do not insert the pick more than 1 mm (1/32") along the edge or you will damage the display assembly.
- Slide the pick down the right edge to slice through the adhesive.
Repeat the process for the left edge of the phone.
Step 6
Never slice deeper than 8.5 mm (1/3") as this can damage the display cable.
- Heat the bottom edge with an iOpener for two minutes.
- Insert a pick near the right edge where you've loosened the adhesive.
- Guide the pick around the corner and slide it along the bottom edge to slice through the adhesive.
Step 7
Do not attempt to remove the display assembly as it remains attached by a flex cable.
- Lift the display assembly up slightly by the right corners, taking care not to detach it prematurely.
- Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.
Step 8
Avoid straining the flex cable during handling.
Lift the display assembly from the top end and swing it upside down onto the frame.
Step 9
Remove the two 4 mm T5 screws securing the display cable bracket.
Keep track of each screw for reassembly purposes to avoid mix-ups and incorrect reinstallation.
- Remove the display cable bracket.
Step 10
Do not press down on the middle of the connector.
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable from its connector.
- To re-attach: align the connector, then press down gently on one side until it clicks into place, repeating for the other side.
Step 11
Do not install a new display without proper removal of old adhesive residue.
- Remove the display assembly.
- If no speaker grille is included with replacement, gently remove it from old display using tweezers and transfer to new one.
- Scrape off all adhesive residue from frame using a spudger or opening tool, then clean with high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.
Remove all adhesive residue before applying new adhesive when reinstalling same display assembly.
Do not touch the screen during boot-up calibration process to prevent improper touch calibration and potential touch issues.
Step 12 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure
- Remove seven black 4 mm T5 screws.
- Remove two silver 3 mm T5 screws.
Step 13
Locate and remove the plastic clips that secure the midframe to the back case.
- The clips are pushed into the edge of the back case, making them a bit challenging to access.
- Use a suitable tool, such as a plastic spudger or a metal pick, to carefully pry the clips loose.
Step 14
- Locate the small notch at the bottom left corner of the frame.
- Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge, moving towards the bottom right corner.
- Leave the pick in place at the bottom right corner.
Step 15
- Insert an opening pick into the phone's right edge near the bottom.
Due to tight tolerances, you may need significant force to push it upwards along the seam until the first clip pops free.
- If necessary, try inserting a playing card instead for easier access.
- Leave the opening pick in place to prevent resealing of the midframe.
Step 16
Insert an opening pick into the right edge of the phone, sliding it upwards towards the top right clip.
- Skip inserting the pick more than 2 mm into the edge to avoid damaging flex cables.
- Slowly slide the pick past the clip to disengage it from the frame.
If the right edge of the midframe is not free, use an opening clip and gently move it up and down along the right edge.
Step 17
Grasp the right edge of the midframe by the corners and slowly hinge it up.
- Stop when the left edge feels loose.
- Lift the midframe upwards.
The midframe may contain sensitive components — handle with care.
To reinstall, align the midframe to the case and squeeze around the perimeter until all clips snap back into place.
Step 18 | Motherboard
Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and release the battery connector.
Be careful not to damage the battery flex cable; bend it slightly away from the motherboard to prevent accidental contact.
Step 19
Use a spudger to carefully pry up the button strip connector.
- If the metal clip falls out during repair, align it and gently push it back into its groove.
Step 20
Peel up the interconnect cable tape with tweezers from the top.
Step 21
Insert the pointed end of a spudger under the interconnect cable, then gently pry it loose from the motherboard.
Step 22
Disconnect the black antenna cable using the point of a spudger, located near the front-facing camera module on the motherboard.
- Route the antenna cable out of its retaining clip.
Step 23
Locate the white antenna cable near the rear-facing camera module on the motherboard.
- Pry up the white antenna cable using the point of a spudger.
- Disconnect the white antenna cable from the motherboard.
- Route the cable out of its retaining clip.
Step 24
Remove the two 3 mm T5 screws holding the motherboard to the frame.
- During reinstallation, ensure the camera modules and headphone jack module are seated correctly in their sockets.
- Screw down the motherboard after verifying correct seating of these components.
Step 25
- Use the pointed end of a spudger to gently pry up the front facing camera module from its socket.
Step 26
Insert the spudger into the headphone jack port, with the pointed end facing up.
- Pry gently upwards on the spudger to loosen the port from its socket.
Step 27
Ensure the SIM card tray is ejected before proceeding.
- Use a spudger with flat end to pry up the bottom edge of the motherboard.
- This should loosen it from its recess, but do not remove it yet.
The flex cable still connects the motherboard, so do not attempt removal at this stage.
Step 28
Locate the fingerprint sensor cable on the underside of the motherboard, near the bottom edge.
- Pry and release the fingerprint sensor cable from its socket using a pointy tip of a spudger.
- Peel the cable away from the motherboard.
Step 29
Hold the motherboard by the corners and carefully remove it from its recess.
Be careful not to snag any cables during removal.
- Route both antenna cables underneath the motherboard edges during reinstallation.
- Direct them through the cable notches on either side.
The fingerprint sensor connector can be tricky to reconnect, use caution when handling.
- Bend the fingerprint sensor cable slightly so it bows upward near the connector.
- Stand the motherboard up and position the connector so it rests against its socket.
- Use your finger to carefully align the connector and press it into place, do not use excessive force.
If you experience difficulty reconnecting the fingerprint sensor, refer to the provided guide for assistance.
Step 30 | Fingerprint Scanner
Place your thumb over the fingerprint sensor and press down firmly.
The sensor will pop out of its indentation when pressed correctly.
Step 31
Remove the fingerprint sensor.
- To reinstall, first attach it to the motherboard.
- Position the sensor in its indentation afterwards.
Do not use excessive force when pressing the connector into the socket.
Align the fingerprint sensor's connector with the motherboard socket, located on the underside near the battery edge.
- Press the connector firmly into place using your finger.
- The connector should click into position if done correctly.
Step 32
Position the motherboard near its recess.
- Press the fingerprint sensor down into its indentation using your finger.
- Ensure proper alignment in the indentation.
- Proceed with reassembly.