Google Pixel XL Motherboard Replacement - Google Pixel XL

Step 1 | SIM Card Tray

Insert a SIM eject tool, SIM eject bit, or a paper clip into the small hole near the top-left edge.

Press firmly — risk of damage if not done correctly.

The tray should now be ejected from the phone.

Step 2 | Display Assembly

Excessive heat may cause damage to the phone's internal battery or the display.

Apply heat to the top edge of the display using an iOpener for 2 minutes.
Alternatively, use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but monitor temperature to avoid overheating the phone.

Note the following areas before proceeding:

OLED display panel: prone to damage.
Display cable: susceptible to damage during prying.
Thin adhesive and thick adhesive on the display panel.

Step 3

Apply a suction cup near the warm edge.

Lift on the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap, but do not insert more than 13 mm (0.5 inches).

If trouble persists, reheat the edge or try using a playing card for initial entry.

Step 4

Do not cut deeper than 13 mm (0.5 inches) to avoid damaging the display.

Slide the opening clip across the top edge to slice through the adhesive.
The mesh covering the earpiece speaker must be handled with care to prevent damage or loss.
Leave an opening pick in place to maintain access and prevent resealing of the adhesive.

Step 5

Apply an iOpener to the right edge of the phone for two minutes.

iPod repair tool: Insert a pick near the top edge, where adhesive was previously sliced.
Guide the pick slowly around the right corner, then down the right edge to slice through the adhesive.

Do not insert more than 1 mm along the edge to avoid display damage.

iPod repair tool: Repeat for the left edge of the phone, following the same steps.

Step 6

Heat the bottom edge with an iOpener for two minutes.

Insert a pick near the right edge where adhesive has been loosened.
Guide the pick around the corner carefully.

Do not slice deeper than 8.5 mm (1/3") or display cable will be damaged.

Slide the pick along the bottom edge to cut through the adhesive.

Step 7

Carefully lift the display assembly up slightly using the right corners.

Do not attempt to remove the display assembly as it remains attached by a flex cable.

Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive.

Step 8

Careful handling is required to avoid damaging the flex cable.

Lift the display assembly from the top end.
Swing it around so that it rests upside down on the frame.

Step 9

Remove the two 4 mm T5 screws holding the display cable bracket in place.

Set aside these screws for later use.
Carefully lift and remove the display cable bracket.

Step 10

Careful alignment is essential to prevent pin damage.

Pry up and disconnect the display cable from its connector using a pointed spudger.
To reattach: align carefully, press one side until it clicks, then repeat on the other.
Avoid pressing down in the middle; misaligned connectors can bend pins.

Step 11

Do not proceed without reading the reinstall guide first.

Remove the display assembly from your phone.
If new display lacks a speaker grille, gently transfer old one using tweezers.

Ensure the frame is completely free of adhesive residue:

Scrape off remaining adhesive with a spudger or opening tool.
Use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue.

Calibration sequence during boot-up: do not touch the screen.

Test your repair before applying new adhesive and resealing the phone.
If reinstalling original display, clean both panel and frame of old adhesive residue.

Step 12 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure

Remove seven black 4 mm T5 screws.
Also, remove two silver 3 mm T5 screws.

Step 13

Locate and release the plastic clips on the back case.

Push each clip away from the case, working your way around the midframe.
The clips should come loose with a slight push or tug.

Step 14

Locate the small notch at the lower left corner of the frame.

Insert an opening pick into this notch.
Slide the opening pick along the phone's bottom edge towards the lower right corner, then leave it in place.

Step 15

Insert an opening pick near the bottom right edge of the phone.

Push the pick upwards along the seam until the first clip pops free.

Due to tight tolerances, this may require substantial force.

Alternatively, try inserting a playing card for easier insertion.

Leave the opening pick in place to prevent resealing of the midframe.

Step 16

Insert a pick into the right edge of the phone.

Slide the pick upwards towards the top right clip, but no more than 2 mm deep to avoid damaging flex cables.
Slowly slide the pick past the clip to disengage it from the frame.

If necessary, use an opening clip to gently pry along the right edge until the midframe is free.

Step 17

Grasp the right edge of the midframe by the corners and slowly hinge up.

Stop when the left edge feels loose.
Lift the midframe upwards.
Remove the midframe.

Be gentle to avoid damaging clips or screws.

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 done.

Step 18 | Motherboard

Pry up the battery connector with the pointed end of a spudger.
Bend the battery flex cable to prevent accidental contact with the motherboard.

Step 19

Use the pointed end of a spudger to carefully pry up and release the button strip connector.

If the button strip's metal clip becomes dislodged, align it with its original position and gently push it back into its groove.

Step 20

Peel up the top of the interconnect cable using a pair of tweezers.

Step 21

Use the point of a spudger to gently pry up and release the interconnect cable from its socket on the motherboard.

Step 22

Insert the point of a spudger between the black antenna cable and the motherboard.

Slide the spudger to release the connection, near the front facing camera module.
Route the antenna cable out of its retaining clip.

Step 23

Insert the point of a spudger into the gap between the motherboard and the white antenna cable's connector.

Pry up on the connector to release it from the motherboard.
Route the antenna 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 properly seated in their sockets.
Screw down the motherboard after verifying all components are secure.

Step 25

Locate the front facing camera module and use the pointed tip of a spudger to gently pry it loose from its socket.

Step 26

Insert spudger tip into headphone jack port.

Pry upwards to loosen port from socket.

Step 27

Make sure the SIM card tray has been ejected before proceeding.

Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry up the bottom edge of the motherboard, loosening it from its recess.

The motherboard is still connected by a flex cable; do not attempt to remove it yet.

Step 28

Locate the fingerprint sensor cable attached to the underside of the motherboard.

Pry the fingerprint sensor cable loose with a spudger point.
Pull the cable away from the motherboard.

Step 29

Hold the motherboard by the corners and carefully maneuver it out of its recess.

Rout both antenna cables underneath the motherboard edges and direct them through the cable notches during reinstallation.
To reconnect the fingerprint sensor connector, bend the cable slightly to create an upward bow near the connector.

Do not use excessive force when connecting the fingerprint sensor cable.

Stand the motherboard up and position it so that the connector rests against the socket.
Use your finger to carefully align the connector and press it into the socket.

If you're having trouble, consult the additional guide for removing the fingerprint sensor before reattaching it to the motherboard.