Google Pixel XL Rear Facing Camera Replacement - Google Pixel XL

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.

Press the SIM card tray to eject it.

Step 2 | Display Assembly

Apply heat to the top edge of the display for 2 minutes using an iOpener or alternative heat source.

Avoid overheating, as this can cause damage to the phone's internal components and display.

Identify the areas of concern before prying:

OLED Display Panel, which is prone to damage
Display Cable, susceptible to damage during prying
Thin Adhesive and Thick Adhesive

Step 3

Apply a suction cup near the warmed edge.

Lift the suction cup and insert an opening pick into the gap, not more than 13 mm deep.
If necessary, reheat the edge and try again.
Alternatively, use a playing card to aid entry.

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) to avoid damaging the display, as indicated by a guide-warning below:

Cutting too deep will risk damage to the display.

Avoid damaging or losing the mesh covering the earpiece speaker on the top edge of the screen.

Leave an opening pick in place at the edge to prevent adhesive resealing.

Step 5

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

Insert a plastic opening pick near the top edge of the phone, where you have already applied adhesive removal solution.
Guide the pick slowly around the right corner of the phone.

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 of the phone to slice through the adhesive.

Repeat for the left edge of the phone.

Step 6

Do not slice deeper than 8.5 mm (1/3") or you will damage the display cable.

Heat the bottom edge with an iOpener for two minutes.
Insert a pick near the right edge, where you have already loosened the adhesive.
Carefully guide the pick around the corner.
Slide the pick along the bottom edge to slice through the adhesive.

Step 7

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

iSclack or other prying tool is not needed at this point.
Opening pick only, use it to slice through remaining adhesive.

Display assembly still attached by a flex cable; do not attempt to remove yet.

Step 8

Careful handling is required for the flex cable — risk of damage.

Lift the display assembly from the top end.
Swing it around, resting upside down on the frame.

Step 9

Remove the 2 x 4mm T5 screws securing the display cable bracket.

Keep track of each screw, ensuring they return to their original location.
Remove the display cable bracket.

Step 10

Misaligned connection may cause pin bending or permanent damage.

Pry up and disconnect the display cable from its connector using a spudger's pointed tip.
To reconnect: align, then press down on one side until it clicks in place; repeat on the other side.

Step 11

Do not touch the screen during the calibration sequence — may cause improper touch calibration.

Remove the display assembly for replacement or reinstallation.
Transfer the speaker grille from old to new display using tweezers, if necessary.

Completely remove adhesive residue from frame before installing new display.

Use a spudger or opening tool and high-concentration isopropyl alcohol for residue removal.

Ensure all adhesive is removed before applying new adhesive, if reusing same display assembly.

Test your repair by turning on phone after installation.
Avoid touching screen during boot-up calibration sequence to prevent touch issues.

Step 12 | Google Pixel XL Opening Procedure

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

Step 13

Locate and release the plastic clips holding the midframe in place.

Be cautious not to damage the edges of the back case during removal.

Step 14

Locate the small notch at the bottom left corner of the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the notch.
Slide the pick along the bottom edge, moving towards the bottom right corner, and leave it in place.

Step 15

Applying excessive force may damage the phone.

Insert an opening pick into the right edge of the phone, near the bottom.
Slowly push the pick upwards along the seam until it catches on a clip.
Apply gentle yet firm pressure; if necessary, use a playing card for assistance.

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, aiming for the top right clip.

The pick should only be inserted about 2 mm to avoid damaging flex cables.
Slowly slide the pick past the top right clip to disengage it from the frame.

If the midframe doesn't release, use an opening clip to gently pry along the right edge.

Step 17

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

Stop hinging when the left edge feels loose to avoid damaging clips.

Lift the midframe upwards.
Remove the midframe.

To reinstall, align the midframe and squeeze it into place until all clips snap back in.

Step 18 | Motherboard

Use a spudger to carefully pry up the battery connector.

Bend the battery flex cable slightly to prevent accidental contact with the motherboard.

Step 19

Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the button strip connector.

If the button strip's metal clip falls out, align it and 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 pointed end of a spudger to gently pry up and disconnect the interconnect cable from the motherboard.

Step 22

Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry the black antenna cable away from the motherboard, located near the front facing camera module.

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.

Use a spudger to carefully pry up and disconnect the white antenna cable.
Route the antenna cable out of its retaining clip.

Step 24

Remove the 2 x 3 mm T5 screws holding the motherboard to the frame.

During reinstallation, ensure both camera modules and the headphone jack module are securely seated in their sockets.
Only then screw down the motherboard using the 2 x 3 mm T5 screws.

Step 25

Hold the spudger at an angle and use its pointed tip to gently pry up the front facing camera module from its socket.

Step 26

Insert the point of a spudger into the headphone jack port and pry upwards to loosen the port from its socket.

Step 27

Ensure the SIM card tray has been ejected.

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

Do not remove the motherboard yet; it remains connected by a flex cable.

Step 28

Locate the fingerprint sensor cable on the underside of the motherboard, near the bottom edge.

Use a spudger to pry and release the fingerprint sensor cable from its socket.
Pry the cable away from the motherboard.

Step 29

Hold the motherboard by its corners and gently remove it from its recess.

Route both antenna cables underneath the motherboard edges and through cable notches during reinstallation.
Fingerprint sensor connector can be tricky to reconnect. Bend the fingerprint sensor cable slightly to direct it towards the connector.
To connect, stand the motherboard up, position the connector against its socket and use your finger to align and press it into place without excessive force.

If you're having trouble, refer to the guide that shows how to remove the fingerprint sensor before attaching it to the motherboard.

Step 30 | Rear Facing Camera

Flip the motherboard over so the underside is facing upwards.

Insert the point of a spudger into the gap between the connector and its socket, then pry up to release the rear-facing camera connector.

Step 31

Be careful not to touch the camera's electrical components during removal.

Flip the motherboard over so that the back side is facing down.
Pivot the camera module out of its recess and slowly pull it away, lifting the adhesive tape in the process.
Remove the rear camera module.