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Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement

What you need

  1. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Screen: step 1, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Screen: step 1, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Screen: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Take note of the two seams on the phone:

    • Screen seam: This seam separates the screen from the rest of the phone. This is where you should pry.

    • Frame seam: This is where the plastic frame meets the back cover. It is held in place by screws. Do not pry at this seam.

    • Before you begin prying, note the following areas on the screen:

    • Screen flex cable: Do not pry deeper than instructed, or you risk damaging this cable.

    • Adhesive perimeter: Prying beyond the narrow perimeter without angling the pick will damage the display panel.

  2. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the display for a minute.

    • You can choose to skip this step since the Pixel 3a's screen adhesive is not very strong. Heating it, however, will decrease the chance of cracking the screen.

  3. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • Place a suction cup near the right edge of the screen.

    • Pull on the suction cup with strong steady force.

    • Insert the pick into the gap, no more than 1 mm.

  4. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • This step shows how to insert the pick without damaging the OLED panel. Do this before you slice either long edges of the phone.

    • With the pick 1 mm in the gap, pivot the pick upwards to a steep angle.

    • At this angle, carefully push the pick into the gap about 1/4" (6 mm). The pick should slide in below the OLED panel.

    • Stop if you feel the point of the pick hitting a ridge. The pick may be pressing against the edge of the OLED panel. Angle the pick and try again.

  5. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the pick along the right edge, slicing through the adhesive.

    • Do not insert the pick more than 1/4" (6 mm), or you may damage the screen's flex cable.

    • Leave a pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  6. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • As you slice around the bottom edge of the phone, do not insert the pick more than 1/4" (6 mm).

    • Slide the pick around the bottom right corner to slice through the adhesive.

    • If the corner feels hard to slice, apply a heated iOpener to the corner for a minute and try again.

    • Continue slicing along the bottom edge of the phone and around the left corner.

  7. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Slice through the left edge of the phone, making sure to properly angle the pick below the OLED panel and insert it in no more than 1/4" (6 mm).

    • To angle the pick below the OLED panel, insert the point of the pick no more than 1 mm in, angle the pick upwards, and then slowly push the pick in 1/4".

  8. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Slice along the top edge while keeping the pick no more than 5/16" (8 mm) in.

  9. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • With all of the edges cut, carefully hinge open the right edge of the screen.

    • Do not remove the screen. It is still attached to the phone by a flex cable near the left edge.

    • Use an opening pick to carefully cut through any remaining adhesive.

  10. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • With all of the adhesives cut, flip the attached screen glass side down and rest it on top of the phone. The screen flex cable should be loosely arched.

  11. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Carefully peel the black tape covering the screen connector bracket.

    • If it is in good condition, you can re-use this tape during reassembly. Otherwise, replace it with a piece of electrical tape.

    • Remove the two 4.4 mm long T3 screws securing the screen connector bracket.

    • Remove the screen connector bracket.

  12. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the screen flex cable.

    • When you disconnect connectors like these, be careful not to dislodge the small surface-mounted components surrounding the socket.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

  13. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the screen.

    • Carefully compare your replacement screen with your original part. You may need to transfer additional components (such as the speaker mesh) to the new part.

    • To reinstall the screen:

    • Follow this guide if you are using custom-cut adhesives.

    • If you are using double-sided tape such as Tesa tape, follow this guide.

    • During the boot-up process after reassembly, the screen will go through a calibration sequence. Do not touch the screen during this process, as it could result in improper touch calibration and create touch issues.

  14. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Plastic Midframe: step 14, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove the fourteen T3 screws of the following lengths securing the plastic midframe:

    • Twelve 4.3 mm silver T3 screws

    • Two 4.3 mm black T3 screws

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

  15. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • The midframe is still held in place by plastic clips.

    • Insert an opening pick into frame seam at the bottom of the phone. This seam sits between the plastic midframe and the back cover.

    • Slide the pick along the seam to release the clips holding the plastic midframe.

  16. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the left and right edges of the phone to release the midframe clips.

    • Lift the bottom edge of the plastic midframe up but do not remove the midframe. The midframe is still tethered to the phone by the fragile proximity sensor cable at the top edge.

    • To reinstall the plastic midframe, align the midframe to the back cover, and squeeze the perimeter of the phone with your fingers to snap the clips back into position.

  17. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up and disconnect the proximity sensor connector from the motherboard.

    • Your proximity sensor connector may have automatically disconnected itself when you lifted the midframe.

    • Remove the plastic midframe.

  18. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • This step shows how to reconnect the proximity sensor during re-assembly.

    • Align the top edge of the plastic midframe with the phone.

    • Use the point of a spudger to carefully align and push the proximity sensor connector onto the motherboard socket.

    • This takes a bit of patience and finesse. Once you have the connector in place, you can also use a finger to gently press the connector onto the socket.

    • Alternatively, you can remove the proximity sensor from the midframe to reattach it to the motherboard first.

    • Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry the proximity sensor out of its recess on the midframe. The sensor is lightly adhered to the midframe.

    • Remove the sensor from the midframe. Attach the sensor connector onto its motherboard socket.

    • Thread the sensor cable through the midframe and reposition the sensor in the recess. Press down with your finger to adhere the sensor back onto the midframe.

  19. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Google Pixel 3a Battery Disconnect: step 19, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Google Pixel 3a Battery Disconnect: step 19, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, Google Pixel 3a Battery Disconnect: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector from its motherboard socket.

    • Bend the battery flex cable slightly so that it will not accidentally make contact with the socket.

  20. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement, USB-C Port: step 20, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 3.3 mm T3 screws securing the USB-C port.

  21. Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3a USB-C Port Replacement: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the USB-C port connector from the daughterboard.

    • Remove the USB-C port module.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Google Pixel 3a Answers community for troubleshooting help.

19 other people completed this guide.

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

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10 Comments

There was moister in the tip of my USB C cable when I plugged it into my phone to charge. A warning popped up on my screen to unplug. I did right away and the cord smoked…. My charging port is charged… the rest of the phone seems to work fine. The case did not feel hot afterward. Do you think my battery might be damaged too?

Desmond Suarez II - Reply

Hi Desmond,

It sounds like moisture may have shorted some contacts at the USB port. That normally shouldn’t damage the battery. It’s possible the charging circuitry may be damaged.

Arthur Shi -

Where is the part for this? I can't find the USB C port for the 3a!

Jake Rosendahl - Reply

Just did this. A few notes:

* There’s a lot, like a lot, of adhesive up by the front camera. Lacking an iOpener, I used a washcloth soaked in hot water and sealed in a plastic bag to soften the adhesive.

* My ifixit kit is old and didn’t have a pick, but I used the knife to shave down the corner of an old gift card so it was thinner, and that worked fine. I found it easiest to get the screen off by placing several old gift cards under the edges to keep them from sticking down as I pried at other areas.

* I got my replacement port from an eBay listing entitled “Charging Port Flex Cable for Google Pixel 3a G020A G020E G020B 5.6” and it works fine.

* I forgot to buy extra tape for sticking the screen back on, so to keep it from falling off while the tape is in the mail, I’ve applied clear cellophane tape around the outside edges of the screen and back where there are no ports or buttons. It works ok.

* I found that the T4 bit worked better than the T3 for all of the screws involved in this process.

E. Dunham - Reply

Fantastic guide. Really helpful. Yes, tons of adhesive up front and on the bottom. Dealing with adhesive (clearing it out while opening the case, completely removing it while the case is open, and re-applying tesa tape before finishing) is by far the most time consuming part of this process. Overall, it took me 1.5 hrs from start to finish.

Leslie Townes - Reply

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