Google Pixel XL Front Facing Camera Replacement
Repairing the Pixel XL's display may result in damage due to its fragile nature and strong adhesive attachment.
- This guide, authored by iFixit staff, is not endorsed by Google.
- Replacing the front facing camera module requires care due to the display's potential fragility and micro-fractures.
Apply plenty of heat and exercise extreme caution during the prying stage to minimize damage risk.
Step 1 | Display Assembly
Excessive heat may cause irreversible damage to the internal battery and OLED display.
- Apply a heated iOpener or alternative heat source (hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate) to the top edge of the display for two minutes.
- Take note of sensitive regions before prying:
- OLED display panel
- Display cable
- Thin adhesive
- Thick adhesive
Step 2
Apply a suction cup near the warm edge.
- Lift on the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap, but not more than 13 mm (0.5 in) deep.
- If no gap forms, reheat the edge and try again.
- Alternatively, use a playing card to aid initial entry.
Using excessive force can damage the display assembly.
Step 3
Do not cut deeper than 13 mm (0.5 inches) or you will damage the display.
- Slide the opening clip across the top edge to slice through the adhesive.
- The mesh covering the earpiece speaker should be handled carefully to avoid damage if no replacement is 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.
Do not insert the pick more than 1 mm along the edge, or you will damage the display assembly.
- Insert an opening pick near the top edge and slice through the adhesive.
Slowly guide the pick around the right corner and down the edge of the phone.
- Repeat the step for the left edge of the phone.
Step 5
Apply heat to the bottom edge with an iOpener for two minutes.
- Insert a pick near the right edge, where the adhesive has been loosened.
- Guide the pick carefully around the corner.
- Slide the pick along the bottom edge to cut through the adhesive.
Do not slice deeper than 8.5 mm (1/3") or you will damage the display cable.
Step 6
Do not attempt to remove the display assembly yet — it's still attached.
- Lift the display assembly up slightly by the right corners, being careful.
- Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.
- The flex cable is what's still holding it in place.
Step 7
Careful not to strain the flex cable.
- Lift the display assembly from the top end.
- Swing it around so it rests upside down on the frame.
Step 8
Remove the two 4 mm T5 screws securing the display cable bracket.
- Keep track of each screw, noting its original location for reassembly.
- Remove the display cable bracket.
Step 9
Pressing connectors in the middle may cause pin bending and permanent damage.
- Pry up the display cable from its connector using a spudger point.
- To reattach, align the connector carefully and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side.
Step 10
Remove the display assembly.
- For display reinstall instructions, follow the provided guide.
- If your new display lacks a speaker grille, transfer the old one using tweezers and peel off the adhesive.
Remove all existing adhesive residue from the frame before installing a new display.
- Use a spudger or opening tool, then high-concentration isopropyl alcohol to clean any remaining residue.
- If reinstalling the same display, ensure all adhesive residue is removed from both the panel and frame before reapplying new adhesive.
- Test your repair by turning on your phone before applying new adhesive or resealing it.
During boot-up after reassembly, do not touch the screen during the calibration sequence to avoid improper touch calibration and potential issues.
Step 11 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure
Locate and remove seven black 4mm T5 screws and two silver 3mm T5 screws securing the midframe to the back.
- Count and record the removed T5 screws.
- Set aside the magnets attached to the midframe for later reinstallation.
Step 12
Remove the midframe by prying loose the plastic clips that secure it to 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 opening pick along the phone's bottom edge towards the bottom right corner and secure it there.
Step 14
Insert a separate opening pick into the right edge of the phone near the bottom.
- Push the pick upwards slowly along the seam until the first clip pops free.
- If difficulty is encountered, try using a playing card instead.
Due to tight tolerances, this process may require a substantial amount of force.
Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the midframe from resealing.
Step 15
Insert a opening pick into the right edge of the phone, about 2 mm deep.
Be cautious not to insert the pick too far, as this may damage flex cables.
- Slowly slide the pick up towards the top right clip and disengage it from the frame.
- Check if the right edge of the midframe is free. If not, use an opening clip to slide it up and down along the edge.
Step 16
Grasp the midframe's right edge by its corners and slowly hinge the edge up.
- Stop when the left edge feels loose and lift the midframe upwards.
- Remove the midframe.
Improper alignment may lead to damage or loose clips.
- To reinstall, align the midframe to the case and squeeze around the perimeter until all clips snap back into place.
- The midframe should lie flat when properly secured.
Step 17 | Front Facing Camera
Disconnect the battery connector using a spudger.
- Bend the battery flex cable to avoid accidental contact with the motherboard.
Step 18
Insert the point of a spudger into the gap between the front facing camera module and its socket.
- Pry gently upwards with the spudger to release the module's retaining clips.
- Lift the module out of its socket once it is loose.
Step 19
Locate the headphone jack port and insert the point of a spudger
- into the port, then gently pry upwards.
- This should loosen the port from its socket.
Step 20
Avoid pushing the spudger against nearby surface mount components.
- Slide a spudger under the proximity sensor board and pry up to disconnect it.
- Remove the proximity sensor board.
Step 21
Careful not to damage tiny surface mount components.
- Slide a spudger under the headphone jack connector and pry up to disconnect it.
- Remove the disconnected headphone jack module.
Step 22
Locate the front facing camera connector.
- Pry it loose with the pointed end of a spudger.
- Once disconnected, carefully remove the entire front facing camera module.