Google Pixel XL Loudspeaker Replacement
Careful handling of the Pixel XL's unreinforced display panel is essential due to its fragility and adhesive attachment to the frame, risking damage or breakage, especially with pre-existing micro-fractures. Apply sufficient heat and exercise extreme caution during disassembly.
Step 1 | Display Assembly
Excessive heat can cause permanent damage to the phone's internal components.
- Apply heat to the top edge of the display using an iOpener or a hair dryer/heat gun/hot plate for at least two minutes.
- Avoid overheating, as this can damage the display and battery.
Take note of these sensitive areas:
- Thin adhesive strip on the display panel.
- Thick adhesive.
- The OLED display panel, which is fragile and prone to damage.
- The display cable, susceptible to damage during prying.
Step 2
Apply a suction cup close to the edge once it's warm.
- Lift on the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap, but not more than 13 mm deep.
- If you have trouble creating a gap, reheat and try again or use a playing card for assistance.
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, cutting through the adhesive.
- Be cautious of the mesh covering the earpiece speaker.
- Take note: if this mesh is damaged or lost, it cannot be replaced.
- Leave an opening pick in place to prevent resealing of the adhesive.
Step 4
Apply an iOpener to the right edge of the phone and let it sit for two minutes.
- Insert an opening pick near the top edge of the phone, just below where you've sliced the adhesive.
- Slowly guide the pick around the right corner without applying too much pressure.
Do not insert the pick more than 1 mm (1/32") along the edge to avoid damaging the display assembly.
Repeat the process for the left edge of the phone.
- Apply an iOpener and let it sit for two minutes before proceeding.
- Insert an opening pick near the top edge, just below where you've sliced the adhesive.
Step 5
Heat the bottom edge with a iOpener for two minutes.
- pick near the right edge, where you've loosened the adhesive.
-
- 8.5 mm (1/3"), or you will damage the display cable.
Step 6
Carefully lift the display assembly up slightly by the right corners.
- Do not remove the display assembly, as it remains attached by a flex cable.
- Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.
Step 7
Support the display assembly with one hand.
- Lift the display assembly from the top end.
- Swing it around, allowing it to rest upside down on the frame.
Be careful not to strain the flex cable during this process.
Step 8
Remove the 2 x 4 mm T5 screws securing the display cable bracket.
Keep track of each screw to ensure correct reassembly.
- Remove the display cable bracket.
Step 9
Use a spudger to pry up the display cable from its connector.
- To re-attach, carefully align and press one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other side.
- Do not press down in the middle.
Misaligned connector pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 10
Remove the display assembly.
Before installing a new display, be sure to remove all traces of adhesive from the frame.
- Use a spudger or opening tool to scrape it off.
- Apply high-concentration isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue.
If reusing the same display assembly, remove all adhesive residue from the panel and frame before applying new adhesive.
- Turn on your phone and test your repair.
- Do not install new adhesive or reseal the phone until you have verified functionality.
During boot-up, do not touch the screen during calibration sequence to prevent improper touch calibration and touch issues.
Step 11 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure
Remove the seven black 4 mm T5 screws
- Next, remove the two silver 3 mm T5 screws.
Step 12
Locate and release the plastic clips that secure the midframe to the back case.
- The clips are designed to push into the edge of the back case.
Step 13
Locate the notch at the bottom left corner of the frame.
- Insert an opening pick into the notch.
- Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge towards the bottom right corner and position it there.
Step 14
Insert a separate opening pick into the right edge of the phone near the bottom.
Due to tight tolerances, you may need to apply significant force.
- Slowly push the pick upwards along the seam until the first clip pops free.
- If having trouble, try using a playing card instead of an opening pick.
Leave the opening pick in place once you've released the clip to prevent resealing of the midframe.
Step 15
Insert a pick into the phone's right edge, about 2 mm deep to avoid damaging flex cables.
- Slide the pick upwards towards the top right clip.
- Past the clip, slide the pick slowly to disengage it from the frame.
If the midframe is not free, use an opening clip to carefully slide up and down along the edge.
Step 16
Grasp the right edge of the midframe by the corners and slowly hinge up.
- The left edge will feel loose; stop hinging at this point.
- Lift the midframe upwards and remove it.
Ensure all clips snap back into position when reassembling to avoid damage.
- To reinstall, align the midframe to the case.
- Squeeze around the perimeter until all clips snap back into place.
- The midframe should lie flat when properly secured.
Step 17 | Loudspeaker
Locate the battery connector and use the pointed tip of the spudger to carefully pry it away.
Be cautious not to damage the battery flex cable.
Bend the battery flex cable slightly to prevent accidental contact with the motherboard.
Step 18
Peel up the tape at the top of the interconnect cable using a pair of tweezers.
Step 19
Use a spudger point to disconnect the interconnect cable from the motherboard.
- During reinstallation, align the cable with the socket.
- Press down on one side of the cable using your finger, then the other.
Step 20
Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up the interconnect cable from the bottom daughterboard.
- Continue peeling the interconnect cable away from the bottom daughterboard.
Do not touch any exposed electrical components.
Remove the fully disconnected interconnect cable.
Step 21
Avoid pulling on the vibration motor connector by its wires as this can cause damage.
- Use an opening tool to carefully pry out the vibration motor connector from its socket.
When reinstalling, use a spudger to support the socket while pushing the connector in with an opening tool.
- Gently push the connector into place using the opening tool and secure it with a gentle tap of the spudger.
Step 22
- Remove the two 3 mm T5 screws holding the daughterboard in place.
Step 23
Use a spudger with the flat end to pry up the right edge of the daughterboard.
- Swing the daughterboard to the left and move it out of its recess.
Do not attempt to remove the daughterboard — it remains attached to the frame.
During reassembly, route the white antenna cable through the notch on the daughterboard, then wrap the black cable around the screw post.
Step 24
Do not pull too hard on the antenna patch — risk of tearing.
- Lift the left edge of the daughterboard slowly with a gentle pulling motion.
- Use an opening pick to help separate the antenna patch from the loudspeaker, if needed.
If the antenna patch begins to rip, stop immediately and proceed with applying heat from the iOpener for assistance.
- Apply the iOpener to a corner of the antenna patch for one minute.
- Use an opening pick to carefully remove the antenna patch from the loudspeaker.
Step 25
Secure the daughterboard to the battery using tape.
Step 26
Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and loosen the loudspeaker from its recess.
Step 27
Insert the point of a spudger under the loudspeaker flex cable and pry gently to loosen it from the frame.
- During reinstallation, ensure proper seating using the alignment notches on the loudspeaker flex cable.
- Failure to align the notches may result in a non-functional loudspeaker.
Step 28
- Use a spudger to carefully pry up the loudspeaker.
- Remove the loudspeaker once it is loose.