Google Pixel Battery Replacement
Replacing a swollen or damaged battery can be hazardous, and using a charged lithium-ion battery without discharging it first can cause fire or explosion if punctured.
- Battery lifespan: 18-24 months with daily use. Replacing the battery may solve issues like frequent recharging or sudden shutdowns.
- Work carefully due to strong display adhesive, limited tool clearance, and high heat requirements. This increases risk of display damage.
Before disassembling:
- Discharge battery below 25% to avoid fire/explosion risks when handling a charged lithium-ion battery.
- (If necessary) Remove swollen or damaged battery with caution, taking precautions against accidental puncture.
Use high-concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol to loosen strong adhesive holding the battery in place.
Step 1 | Display
Turn off the device.
- iOpener: Heat the edges of the display and soften the adhesive underneath for approximately two minutes, or until the area is slightly too hot to touch.
- Alternatively, use a heat gun or hair dryer. Note that areas near the speaker (top) and microphone (bottom), with larger adhesive sections, may require longer heat exposure.
Step 2
Excessive insertion depth may cause permanent display damage.
- Insert an opening tool only up to 1.5mm deep on both sides or 9mm on top and bottom.
Refer to the diagram of the back of the display panel for proper clearance measurements.
Step 3
Use a suction handle to pull up on the display and create a slight gap between the display and phone's chassis.
- If your display is cracked, cover it with packing tape to help the suction cup adhere and prevent glass shards from popping loose.
- If necessary, apply more heat as you may need extra time for this step. Be patient as this process can take a while.
- Once you can gently insert a tool in the gap, proceed to the next step.
Step 4
Do not attempt to lift or pry the screen off with the pick.
- Insert an opening pick into the gap between the chassis and display assembly.
- Slide the pick around the edge of the display, cutting through the adhesive.
The display panel is extremely fragile. Handle with care to avoid damage.
- When reusing the display, insert tool only as far as necessary to separate the adhesive.
- Avoid inserting tool too far, which can damage the OLED panel under the glass.
Step 5
Careful handling is crucial when separating adhesive around remaining device areas.
- Be cautious of the earpiece speaker mesh on top screen edge; a replacement may be needed if damaged or lost.
- Handle side bezels with care, as they are only 1.5 mm deep and prone to damage.
Step 6
Avoid spreading adhesive with an opening pick.
- Lift the display slowly from top with speaker-grille cutout.
- Flip it over vertically toward the bottom, resting on its face.
Do not completely remove the display yet; ribbon cable remains attached.
Be careful not to strain the fragile ribbon cable while positioning the display.
Step 7
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the two black 3.5 mm T5 screws securing the display cable connector bracket.
- Label and set aside each screw for correct reinstallation later.
- Keep track of each screw's original location for accurate reassembly.
Step 8
- Use tweezers to remove the display connector bracket.
- The bracket is a simple piece of metal; it should lift out easily.
Do not attempt to pull on the cable at this time — it will be removed in the next step.
Step 9
Forcing the connector may cause permanent damage.
- Use a spudger to pry up the display cable connector, freeing the display.
- On reassembly, gently snap one side into place, then the other.
Step 10
Do not touch the screen during the boot-up process — risk of improper touch calibration.
- Remove the display from your device.
- If your replacement display lacks an earpiece speaker grille, transfer it from the old display to ensure compatibility.
- Pause here to test the new part's functionality and apply the display adhesive during reassembly.
Step 11 | Midframe
Remove the midframe by using a T5 Torx driver to take out the nine 3.5 mm screws.
Step 12
- Identify the five midframe clips.
- Apply inward pressure to each clip using a opening tool, as shown.
Step 13
Insert an opening pick into the bottom right notch at the phone's edge.
Step 14
Insert the opening pick into the gap between the midframe and rear case, sliding it up both sides of the device.
The clips will release due to inward pressure as the pick enters around them, not by sliding through them directly.
- If the clips do not come undone, try gently pushing the edge you are working on inward with your hand.
- Alternatively, use a thicker tool like a spudger.
Do not remove the midframe yet — there is still a fragile ribbon cable underneath connecting the earpiece speaker to the motherboard.
Step 15
Use a spudger to pry the earpiece speaker cable connector straight up from the motherboard.
- Remove the mid-frame from the device.
During reassembly, ensure the earpiece speaker cable is securely attached before snapping the midframe clips back into place.
Step 16 | Battery
- Use a spudger to gently pry up the battery ribbon cable.
- Continue prying until the cable is fully disconnected from the motherboard.
Step 17
Peel back the silver tape using tweezers, exposing just enough of the connector underneath.
- Pry the connector straight up with a spudger to disconnect it from the motherboard.
Step 18
Peel up the sticker covering the interconnect cable.
- Use a spudger to disconnect the cable from the daughterboard.
- Remove the cable from the device.
Ensure the interconnect cable is positioned correctly during reassembly; an upside-down installation will prevent boot-up.
Step 19
Be extremely cautious when removing the battery to avoid damaging it and causing a potential safety hazard.
- Try to use the battery jacket as a removal tab by pulling it.
- If that fails, carefully insert an opening pick under the battery to break the adhesive.
- (If stuck) Apply heat to the back of the phone with an iOpener or a heat gun to loosen the adhesive.
Avoid deforming the battery, as damaged soft-shell lithium-ion batteries can leak chemicals, catch fire, or explode.
- Never use excessive force or pry with metal tools.
- Replace the removed battery with a new one.
Step 20
Remove the battery.
- To install a new battery, remove any remaining adhesive from the phone.
- Clean the glued areas with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
- Secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided tape, applying it to the phone, not directly onto the battery.
- Press the new battery firmly into place for 5-10 seconds.