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Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement

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  1. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Weaken the back cover's adhesive: step 1, image 1 of 1

    Older devices may require 2 or more minutes with a very hot iOpener. Also note, the photo shows the opener on the FRONT of the phone. The heat needs to be applied to the back of the device!

    Rick Johnson - Reply

    I just realized that I was trying to pry apart the front of my Pixel 3… and have separated the class from the display. ??‍♂️ Even though the rest of the directions show the back, it would be nice for the first picture to also show the back, just to be safe.

    JR Raith -

    Agreed, I’ve done exactly the same and completely broken my display. I probably should’ve paid more attention to the initial steps before diving in but the step could do with a new picture for sure.

    Daniel Fryer -

    Thanks for the comments! I’ll add a note in the step warning people to make sure to pry the back cover, not the screen.

    Arthur Shi -

    I prefer my favorite opening method with something like this. Dental floss. So thin it can slide in the gap. A little sawing to get it far enough past the edge to lift and get the first pick in.

    John Hoffstetter - Reply

    I found another wonderful tool. I used something like medicine packaging which is aluminum foil with plastic. It’s thin and strong enough!

    Christie Lin - Reply

    I also went for the hairdryer, dental floss, and then the provided picks and this worked. Not easy to get that initial seal broken but once that's done the rest is pretty easy.

    James - Reply

    I needed 20 nerve wracking minutes with a hairdryer

    Amy schneider - Reply

    My battery had bulged and opened the case for me!

    Warmed it up a bit with hairdryer

    Floss helped also.

    David Lincer - Reply

    I found I wasn't able to get the edges hot enough. I ended up using my heat gun (for shrink tubing) instead.

    Kurt Nowak - Reply

  2. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Create a gap in the seam: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Create a gap in the seam: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Create a gap in the seam: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • Apply a suction cup to the heated bottom edge of the back cover.

    • Make sure you did not mistake the screen side for the back cover side.

    • If your back cover is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere.

    • Lift on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.

    • Depending on how aged your phone is, this may take significant force. If you are having trouble, apply more heat and try again.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

    • Don't use metal tools to pry, or you'll mar or shatter the glass back cover. If the panel won't budge, apply more heat, either with a hair dryer or heat gun.

    The initial opening/insert is the hardest part of this repair, and if you end up having to use a flat-head screwdriver (etc) to get the first gap opened, you’ll scratch the phone. But it works.

    William Kew - Reply

    I don’t recommend using a screwdriver. I tried this and it shattered the glass in that area. I replaced the battery on my Pixel 1 recently and noted that heating the FRONT glass on that phone enough to get a gap for one of the pics takes a considerable amount of time AND patience. I was one of the few who didn’t break or otherwise damage the glass in that process. I would say the same rule applies here. Allow for significant time and patiences to heat the old adhesive enough to get a pick inside the cover.

    kevlion88 - Reply

    Definitely, this opening/insert is the hardest part of the procedure. I was unable to open even a slight separation with a suction cup and even with tons of heat from a hair dryer. What worked really well, and what I would highly recommend to others who experience really strong adhesive, is to use a small X-acto knife with a #16 blade. Make sure it’s a #16 (find on Amazon) because it differs greatly in angle and rigidity from the usual #11 blade. The sharpness of the blade makes it really easy to find the crack and open a gap, where you can then insert a pick with no problem.

    Andris Vizulis - Reply

    I used a typical razor blade (like Matt and Rick and Greg) pressing the whole of the blade against the edge (blade parallel and flush against the back cover). The razor slipped under enough that I could get a pick in. (No damage, but when I first tried the corner of the razor, a small cut was immediately evident. Only use the whole blade.) Then, I used blue picks exclusively.

    I'm very curious about the dental floss method. I'll try that if I need to get back inside.

    pandam3ch4 -

    I gave up with the iOpener and pick, I tried >5 times for over an hour… After heating with theiOpener, I used and X-acto knife instead and that worked like a charm, except it did leave a few scuff marks unfortunatly. I used a size 22 blade.

    Manny - Reply

    I really wanted to level off the back of the phone when pulling on the suction cup in this step, but found it was actually pretty easy once I used the opening tool to push down on the edge of the bezel, at the crack, barely putting any force on the back of the phone at all (just to keep it steady).

    Eugene Creswick - Reply

    I have about a 2 year old Pixel 3. iOpener didn’t work at all on this step, but once I broke out the hair dryer, I was able to get the phone hot enough to insert the pick (no screwdriver or xacto knife needed)

    sliverdragon37 - Reply

    I’m having trouble with the iOpener too. It is frustrating because I practiced on a bricked iPhone earlier this week and it was effortless. My Pixel 3 is also about 2 years old. Out of curiosity, were you replacing the charging assembly because of the charging cables fitting too loosely on the phone or for some other reason?

    Edwin -

    I used a stanley knive to get started and then a combo of opener and plektrums.

    All went well till I used to much force on the camera corner and broke the back into lots of small pieces. Be careful on that corner, people.

    But the new camera does focus, so for a first attempt at fixing a phone I am happy.

    clas ebeling - Reply

    I heated the bottom up with the Iopener and then used a rectangular razor blade and the suction cup to lift the bottom. Place the entire blade edge into the crack and push/pry while lifting with the suction cup. As soon as you have a gap start to open, have a second person insert a pick into the corner. It was actually really easy. I had given up after a couple of tries without a blade. My Pixel 3 is 2 years old.

    Jeremy Stewart - Reply

    Agreed with many other comments here. My Pixel 3 is two years old and neither the iopener nor a blow dryer were capable of loosening it enough. I ended up using a VERY hot iopener for a couple of minutes, the suction cup, and then a wide-bladed razer blade (about 80% width of bottom edge to spread out the stress and prevent risk of fracturing the rear glass panel). Once adding the razer blade I was able to get the pick in and follow the rest of the instructions as written.

    Matt Johnson - Reply

    I also had to follow this process but resorted to a heat gun on its lowest setting as I couldn’t get the iOpener hot enough (I was afraid of overheating and bursting it). Other how-to videos also show using a thin piece of plastic or metal to slide into the corner, saving substantial time.

    Rick Johnson -

    So I didn’t use a blade, but I did get my fingernail in before the plectrum haha. Happened by accident as I was trying to push down on the bezel to counter the suction cup force.

    I also heated the sides and corners as well as the bottom, which may have helped it budge.

    Dmitriy - Reply

    Helped me to notice that the focus here is to lift in the center (like right over the USB C connector). Was able to get it with just the iOpener and pushing down on the rest of the phone with the pry tool. My phone is over 2 years old though and it took about 50 minutes of working / reheating / repeating

    Tim Noack - Reply

    Destroyed the glass back trying to take it off. This is not an easy phone to take apart.

    Andrew Richie - Reply

    It would be nice if there was a heads up that the rear of the phone is glass….. Phone piping hot glass shattered and splintered

    John Gates - Reply

    Hi John!

    Good suggestion! I'll add that into the step.

    Arthur Shi -

    The Jimmy tool from the iFixit toolkit worked like a freakin’ charm. Took me 10 mins to open the phone and it came out unscathed.

    adrianpauly - Reply

    I used dental floss to cut the adhesive and slide it open. Just wiggle it back and forth from the corners until you cut enough that you can switch to a pick. Helps to have a extra hand to hold the phone.

    Javier Sullivan - Reply

    Brother, dental floss was an absolute godsend!!! After 4 hours with the IOpener and attempting to use a heat gun which I balked from out of fear I came across this comment. Teased it around a corner and was then able to saw away at the adhesive. A lot of patience but no heat or potentially damaging tools needed. Thanks!

    Elijah Wilcox -

    With the floss, I wasn't getting enough "sawing" motion as it just slipped through my fingers too easily (my phone is about 4-5 years old I think, I bought it used). So I tied a few knots around a pen (the kind with a gripper, so the floss won't slide off) and it was a lifesaver. After about 3 hours trying other ways, the floss/pen saw got it open enough to stick the picks in and eventually open it up!! Thank you to everyone who commented these tips!!

    Rachel DeGouff -

    I have a 2-3 year old phone. The “heating pad” and blue picks did not work. I tried for two hours. Two weeks later I tried again using a hair dryer on high heat and low fan, and a rectangular utility razor blade. Start at the bottom of the phone, heat, and insert the razor blade into the gap and use it to cut the adhesive back a little at a time. Do not insert it more than about a 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch. Once you start getting a separation, use the blue picks to hold it open. Go up both sides an inch or two on both sides at a time. Do not pry the back open more than an 1/8 of an inch or so until you get it separated all the way around. Be patient. Work slowly. This took about 30 minutes once I got the hang of it. Do NOT pull the cover away from the phone after you separate it all the way around!! Read the instructions several times. There is a cable to the finger print sensor attached to the cover!

    Re-read these entire set of instructions and ALL of the comments TWICE before you start.

    Greg B - Reply

    I used and iOpener and the iFixit tool (the one with the metal spatula). Ended up inserting about 10 picks, but it worked.

    Kevin Dick - Reply

    I couldn’t get the pick in so I tried the sharper pry tool. Got it in and slid it sideways towards the corner —- BLAM, the back shattered. Not a good home repair experience.

    Roy Feague - Reply

    Similar experience with others, iOpener would not heat up the phone enough to separate the adhesive. Had to use a hair dryer to finally insert the blue pick. After sliding the pick past the corner, the back glass scattered… Time to get a new phone and give up on this battery replacement i guess.

    John Wu - Reply

    On a 3 years old Pixel 3 phone, after unsuccessfully trying iOpener and the suction cup, I used a piece of dental floss, and it worked perfectly.

    To make the process easier - tie little loops on both ends of the floss, put a finger or a screwdriver through the loop to help pulling the floss. Pull it through to one side and then to another, continue until you’re 1/2 inch in. At this point it should be possible to insert a pick

    Sergey Kiselev - Reply

    This was the hardest step. I could not get the pick in at all. I tried dental floss and it slid in no problem. I eventually stuck the very tip of a razor blade in which allowed me to slide in a pick. Also be very careful when sliding the picks around as my wife broke the back glass of her phone, try to keep pressure as even as possible without bending the glass much.

    Adam Simmons - Reply

    I like the dental floss idea. I set edges of the phone-back and also the blunt metal tool on an electric cooktop on low heat, and the adhesive softened enough to be workable. SAFETY TIP: the tool and phone were hot to touch, I wore cotton gloves throughout this task.

    Student4Life - Reply

    Can confirm, with a 4-year-old Pixel 3, it was not possible to get the back cover off with any amount of force, heat, and the blue picks. I managed to get started by using single-edge box cutter razor blades and a hair dryer on high--got in just a bit under the left corner, then added a second blade along the bottom edge, and a third near the right corner, and that gave me enough space to get a blue pick in and start replacing the razors with blue picks one by one, and then proceeded as per the instructions. Dental floss is a neat idea; I wish I'd tried that--the razors didn't do any damage, but I was worried about the possibility.

    Adiv Paradise - Reply

    Agreed; a 4cm section of utility knife was required along with heat/alcohol/patience to break the initial seal.

    Managed to do it without cracking anything, but sweated through this step quite prolifically.

    Mike -

    3.5 year old phone. Just wanted to confirm that dental floss, combined with the iOpener, does the trick to get the first pick in.

    I was able to slide the floss under the bottom right corner if you are looking at the phone. I alternated between sawing with the floss and applying heat with the iOpener. Eventually I was able to get a pick in that corner and was able to remove the rest of the adhesive by applying heat with the iOpener and sawing with additional picks around the perimeter of the phone.

    Matt Dubois - Reply

    My Pixel 3 is 4 years old. I tried using the iOpener heat pad for 2 minutes. Didn't work. Then I tried using a heat gun on low for about 30 seconds. Didn't work. Then I used the heat gun on high for about a minute, then the suction pulled it off. I used the picks to peel the rest off. I thought about using the floss which would have work well. I also though about letting the phone sit in the car when it's hot outside. The key is to be patient and try not to use something besides the plastic tools. If I can do it then anyone can. Heat guns are very cheap and a good tool to have.

    Alex Schultz - Reply

    After unsuccessfully trying all prying tools including metal ones - I finally hit the motherlode with the most inane thing possible-a stiff plastic collarbone-it has a slight angle at one end that gives it the required amount of rigidity and prying power.

    Yes, a heat gun is an absolute must!

    Jatinder Singh - Reply

    I've ordered the battery replacement kit, it will arrive next week. I keep my house cool in fall/winter, so I'm a bit concerned about how well I'll be able to heat the adhesive. I'm considering heating the whole phone in my convection oven's "warm" function. Its thermostat compares well with a meat thermometer, I might try my lab grade thermometer too.

    I see "The phone is designed to work best in ambient temperatures between 32° and 95° F (0° and 35° C), and should be stored between ambient temperatures of -4° and 113° F (-20° and 45° C)." 113° F seems pretty low, perhaps that's when the adhesive begins to soften appreciably. I was considering starting at 120F. (And trying "toast" if it defeats me.)

    Experience, suggestions, good luck wishes welcome.

    reg - Reply

    Hi reg!

    The temperatures you listed are operating temperatures—once the Pixel exceeds those temperatures, it will shut down and show a heat warning symbol. Ideally, you want to heat just the adhesive perimeter. The back cover should be slightly too hot to the touch—aim for about 80°C.

    Arthur Shi -

    3.5 year old phone. Thank the gods you guys recommended floss. I broke 2 nails trying the picks. Unfortunately I used extra slippy floss so I couldn't even tie it into loops to help. Even with the floss I couldn't saw my way through or get a pick in so I ended up just adding more and more floss (and more and more hairdryer) until I could get the pick in. After that it was just careful muscle.

    Amy schneider - Reply

    Despite several frustrating tries across several days, I had zero success creating a molecule of seam gap to begin to remove back cover without breaking it! Suction cup ineffective (needs 3rd? hand to pull-and-insert pick); heated iOpener doesn't U-fold to cover perimeter (soon cools off in 63F room); hair dryer likewise too-brief heat; Exacto or utility knife blades useless. Dental floss no luck. But only! once I tried keeping the Px3 on my electric 1980s food warming tray (Lo heat ..hands resting on insulating hot pads ..it also! keeps iOpener hot) ..would dental floss fit into corners (No chance midpoint at charge port per foto); then blue pick. But! floss was too slippery to pull/grip strongly ..one must tie loops at each end, then use old-style 'peg' clothespins (or pen with clip) to roll-up floss length to enable pulling right at insertion point. With fingers/hands preoccupied manipulating floss, it was awkward to simultaneously tug suction cup upward effectively at all. Didn't break rear cover ;-)

    AdahS - Reply

    I had no luck with just a suction cup and heat. Heat and a razor blade as others commented worked well; HOWEVER, while working the blue opening picks around the bottom I cracked the glass. The back glass is more delicate than I anticipated. :-( Be very careful/gentle with the back glass! If I attempt this with another glass-backed phone I will plan to work on an actively heated pad for this step.

    Jeff Selfa - Reply

    The plastic opening pick was to thick to get into the (almost nonexisting) crack. I had to use a thin sharp metal knife, which scratched the paint a little bit but finally made the crack wide enough for the plastic pic to fit in and finish the job. Perhaps one thin metal pick would be helpfull in the kit for this first step.

    L. Hopmeier - Reply

    As others have said, this step was by far the most difficult and time consuming. DO NOT RUSH THIS STEP THOUGH. Take it slow and do NOT bend the back glass to try and speed things up. Keep slicing your way though, patiently being aware of the fingerprint sensor cable. On my phone it required a lot of force and im not even sure the puller was able to make a gap.. I found that the plastic picks were too thick to get a crack started. I ended up using a piece of plastic from a clamshell plastic container to finally make it through the crack and through the adhesive. I tried the plastic backing of one of the adhesives but that wasn't rigid enough. Once though I made my way about half way through; and in haste I made the fatal mistake of bending the back glass to much and shattered it. Yes it is in fact made of glass! It will NOT BEND. I ended up getting a replacement back glass kit on Amazon for $16 which had a new sensor and the adhesive pre-installed which was very nice.

    Kurt Nowak - Reply

  3. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Fingerprint cable information: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • When inserting an opening pick above the power button, be careful not to insert the pick too deeply, or you will damage the fingerprint sensor cable.

    While the text is accurate, I found this image to be misleading - it appears as if the finger print cable is attached to the right side (from a back-of-phone reference). Only upon close image inspection is it clear that the cable has already been disconnected from the connector that is positioned just inside and above the power button.

    Jeff Selfa - Reply

  4. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Slice the adhesive along the bottom edge of the phone and around the right corner.

    • Leave a pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    The back cover is glass! I was sure it was some kind of nice plastic. It's probably obvious to a lot of people, and it's very obvious in hindsight, after shattering it. But I'm writing this in case anyone else is oblivious to the last decade of smartphone design. I got impatient and flexed it out as I cut the glue. Don't do that. Carefully work your way around and avoid applying any significany bending forces to the cover.

    Dharman Gersch - Reply

    Yup, shattered the back of my phone while trying to follow these instructions. You can’t flex the back cover much at all or it is toast.

    Roy Feague - Reply

    Someone else had said to use floss to start the cutting I found this to be the most useful. After I heated the phone with a hairdryer I would cut some of the adhesive at the bottom corner after sawing away for a bit I was able to move it enough to fit one of these picks in then I slowly reheated around the edge as I slowly moved more picks and slowly cut away at the adhesive .

    Braden D - Reply

    Didn't have guitar picks. I grabbed some plastic packaging from my recycle bin and cut it into a bunch of triangles to hold the gap open as I worked my way around.

    Student4Life - Reply

    Leaving the pick in the bottom as described while using another to slide up for the next steps shattered the back cover - these instructions should be clear to only leave the pick in the bottom with as little inserted into the phone as possible as it does not take much flex at all to shatter. Also beware that there are no replacement back covers available from iFixit either :(

    Pixel3 Owner - Reply

  5. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Heat the right edge with an iOpener and continue slicing the adhesive with an opening pick.

    • The adhesive can be very gummy. Push the pick in and out in a sawing motion to help with slicing.

    What is the required temperature to soften the glue? Can I just use a small bag filled with boiling water or a heat gun.

    Wiley Sanders - Reply

    The iOpener is a plastic bag filled with what appears to be water so probably, yes.

    Christopher St. John - Reply

  6. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Continue heating and slicing through the rest of the phone perimeter. Leave a pick in each edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    • When slicing above the power button, do not insert the pick more than halfway in to avoid damaging the fingerprint sensor cable.

  7. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Lift the left edge of the back cover: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Lift the left edge of the back cover: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Lift the left edge of the back cover: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Once you have sliced around the perimeter of the phone, carefully lift the left edge of the back cover.

    • Do not attempt to remove the back cover. It is still attached to the phone by the fingerprint sensor cable.

    • Flip the back cover along its long axis and rest it so that the fingerprint sensor cable is not strained.

    Yes, per Step 7 foto, lift rear cover to vertical only! along the left edge (camera, power/volume) ..while also keeping the opposite long edge down (almost touching wireless coil) ..as left/camera edge rises (and right/lower edge slides leftward), take care to keep lower/right edge no further rightward than midway across coil (foto) ..then gently rotate now-lower right edge leftward 'clockwise', lay it flat without straining cable. [When my rear cover eventually suddenly released from the perimeter adhesive while still pulling on it, the upward force almost yanked the cover off cable; got lucky]

    [this updates my minutes-ago post ..apparently one can't edit after 5min? ..or delete/replace with this?]

    AdahS - Reply

    Where is the guide on re-attaching the back cover with new adhesive?

    iuooip - Reply

  8. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 8, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove the two 4.1 mm-long Phillips screws securing the fingerprint connector bracket.

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

    • During reassembly, be careful not to over-tighten these screws, or you may damage your display.

    A magnetic screwdriver tip helped here.

    Ciprian Chelba - Reply

    If you purchase iFixit’s kit for this replacement, their included driver is magnetic. Helped immensely!

    Rick Johnson -

    after replacing my camera, my screen had a big green/white vertical stripe. I didn’t see the disclaimer about overtightening these screws. I think it may be related.

    Ethan Berry - Reply

    KEEP TRACK OF THE SCREWS - sketch a scale diagram of the open, inside of the phone on a piece of paper and mark the position of each screw as you remove it - lay the screws on your diagram to keep track of which screw goes where - they are NOT the same size.

    Greg B - Reply

  9. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the fingerprint connector bracket: step 9, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the fingerprint connector bracket: step 9, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the fingerprint connector bracket: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to slide the fingerprint connector bracket out from under the NFC coil.

    • Remove the fingerprint connector bracket.

    Re-inserting this is tricky and requires pretty good dexterity. The shiny metal frame of the wireless charger is also not held down, so you may wish to gently apply pressure to it as you try to re-position the connector bracket.

    William Kew - Reply

    I could use a whole tutorial on how to reinstall this

    Amy schneider - Reply

  10. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the fingerprint connector: step 10, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the fingerprint connector: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the fingerprint connector from its socket.

    • 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.

  11. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 11, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 11, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the back cover.

    • Before you install a replacement back cover, be sure to remove all adhesive residue from the phone frame. Use an opening tool to scrape and high concentration isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface.

    • If you are re-using the back cover, be sure to clean off any adhesive, and apply new back cover adhesive.

    • If you are installing a replacement back cover, be sure to compare it with the original part. Transfer any remaining parts (such as the flash diffuser) over to your replacement part.

    • Follow this guide to correctly apply new back cover adhesive.

    When reassembling is it better to first attach the new adhesive back gasket to the phone back or the phone chassis frame?

    Tom Burke - Reply

    Hi Tom!

    It depends on the adhesive. Carefully align the adhesive to the phone by matching the contours. Note which adhesive side is backed by a clear liner, and which side is backed by a colored liner. The clear liner should be removed first. Whichever component the exposed adhesive faces should be the first surface to apply to.

    Hope that helps!

    Arthur Shi -

    Two things:

    1) I recommend attaching the adhesive to the Phone frame and not the back panel. As you attach, you can more easily see the gaps and guide the adhesive along the groove, leaving equal space all around.

    2) To transfer the fingerprint sensor, you will need double-sticky tape to make a new gasket. Put the tape on the back from the inside, and trim with a blade to make the sensor hole. To attach the sensor, place it on something small to raise it off your working surface, then lower the back over it. You’ll be able to see the sensor alignment as you lower the back, which helps get a good position.

    Gary Beardsley - Reply

    Oh, and be prepared: Removing the old adhesive is teeeeedious!! It will take you some time. :-b Alcohol is not a strong solvent, so don’t expect it to remove much; it is mostly for cleaning afterward. In the end, I used one of iFixit’s flat metal tools from the big toolkit to remove the final remains. Its was blunt enough to not cut metal shavings as I cleaned.

    Gary Beardsley - Reply

    I used “medicinal” 91% Isopropyl Alcohol and about 30 Qtips to do the final cleaning of the adhesive, that is, after using a razor blade and the supplied tweezers to remove most of the tape. Patience and many Qtips soaked in IPA removed most of the remaining glue and film.

    Greg B -

    I ended up reusing the original adhesive as it was in pretty good shape. So far, no problems.

    Dan Comiskey - Reply

    Does your IF356-119-1, Google Pixel 3 Rear Cover Adhesive, template use 2 sided pressure sensitive tape? Do I simply align it on the back cover and then press it to the device to reassemble the unit? If so, how long til the back cover is “glued” to the unit?

    Martin Seffens - Reply

    Hi Martin,

    The rear cover adhesive is indeed two-sided PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive). Apply firm even pressure for a minute to bond the adhesive to the unit.

    Arthur Shi -

    When scraping the adhesive off the back cover be careful and don’t apply too much pressure (and/or position the cover against the surface so that it’s supported against the tool used), especially in the corners, or the glass cover rounded edges could break.

    Bart Oleksiak - Reply

    Agree. BEWARE of SCRATCHING off the PAINT from the BACK COVER when cleaning !

    The back cover is painted glass it seems - using a razor blade to scrape off adhesive also scratches off the paint on the inside of the back cover, under the adhesive, and the clear lines it creates are visible from the outside of the back case. If you are using a phone case, this won’t matter.

    Greg B -

    My battery swelled and did all the hard work getting started popping the back open so I didn’t need the iOpener to get the back off, but now the iOpener is handy to heat up the sticky foamy factory original adhesive.

    I found isopropanol ineffective. I found heat softens it considerably. Just very warm, like hot water warm, is effective. Use tweezers or a plastic blade to help pull it off. Metal blades will either gouge the plastic or, worse, create metal shavings that will wreak havoc.

    Are there any solvents other than isopropanol that work and won’t harm the plastic? How do pros speed up this step?

    wsanders - Reply

    I think pros often use heating pads or special jigs. They’d set the temperature, set the phone on the pad, and let the phone heat up for a few minutes. Heat guns are also a popular choice.

    Arthur Shi -

    I found that an opening pick worked well to scrape the glue off the inside of the curved edges of the back cover

    Richard Elder - Reply

    The adhesive on mine took some effort to clean off all the way. During reassembly I did notice that my replacement back panel adhesive was larger than I expected and based off of product photos it looks like I received the 3 XL adhesive instead of the 3. That ended up having me fiddle with the adhesive to try and get it to fit right and unfortunately the camera side now has a bit of a gap that I can still press down on without having it stick. I’ll see how it stays but I fear I might have to get another adhesive. The guide was very helpful though!

    Craig Mileham - Reply

    Does the replacement back come with all the sticky bits I need to replace it, including the fingerprint sensor, led and camers cover?

    wsanders - Reply

    I decided not to bother with new adhesive. The seal doesn't seem great but I tend not to drop my phone in toilets as often as other people.

    James - Reply

    The actual back glass cover part is missing from the parts list and it appears iFixit doesn't sell it anymore.

    It used to be there, and I ordered one months ago and used this guide successfully then. I broke it again and the part is no more.

    Elijah Lynn - Reply

  12. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the five Phillips screws securing the wireless charging coil:

    • Two 1.9 mm screws

    • Two 4.2 mm screws

    • One 4.3 mm screw

    The top 1.9 mm screw can’t be totally removed — it comes out with the coil once loosened

    Dmitriy - Reply

    This was not true for me.

    Will Herrick -

    Can I leave the wireless charging coil out?

    This may also allow a bigger battery!

    Jex Webster - Reply

    You may be able to! Note that this is not only the wireless charging coil, but also the NFC antenna (the upper loop).

    Arthur Shi -

    The 1.9 mm screws are actually screwed into the head of another screw beneath them. Sometimes the lower screw unscrews instead of the upper. That leaves both screws attached to the coil. If possible you should separate the two screws and screw the lower one back in first using a small flat blade screwdriver.

    Richard Elder - Reply

    If you decide to clean the wireless coil assembly, be aware that IPA will completely remove the printed 2-D barcode on the lower right. (Hopefully that's not important.)

    Bitt Faulk - Reply

    There were 7 screws!!! The last two were both near the power button.

    Emily Viehland - Reply

    Yes, I have that to, and a little black plastic part covering I port.

    ekan97Kingen (ekan) -

    l won’t mother board google pixel3 contact on WhatsApp +250783996430

    Nhimimana Glibert - Reply

  13. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the charging coil: step 13, image 1 of 1
    • Lift up and remove the wireless charging coil.

    There seems to be a small amount of adhesive holding down the camera-side edge of the coil. Used a spudger to peel it off...and some of the black film on the back side of the coil was torn away.

    Jacob Dziubek - Reply

    Had some adhesive tape holding down the camera side of the coil. Used the tweezers and the spudger to carefully peel it off.
    Also has some adhesive from the back cover edge that caught on the black film at the top of the phone (above NFC coil) - VERY carefully scraped it off with the point of the spudger while gently pulling the coil assembly away.

    Stuart Clark - Reply

  14. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery cable: step 14, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery cable: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector from its socket near the right edge of the phone.

    The connecton board is quete flexible … be careful otherwise other connectors may get looze.

    This is also valid when re-assemble … pusing battery conector may cause other conectors to “pop“.

    Tsanko Tsolov - Reply

    The square connector directly below the battery connector came undone and will not pop back into place.

    Curtis Redfield - Reply

  15. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the two screws securing the camera bracket:

    • One 4.1 mm Phillips screw

    • One 4 mm standoff screw

    • Standoff screws are best removed using a standoff bit. In a pinch, a small flathead screwdriver will do the job—but use extra caution to ensure it doesn't slip and damage surrounding components.

    • Remove the camera bracket.

  16. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Identify the cameras: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • If you are replacing front-facing cameras, determine which one you need to replace:

    • Normal view camera

    • Wide-angle camera

    • If you are doing the motherboard removal procedure, you will need to remove both cameras.

    I actually didn't have to remove the cameras to get my motherboard out and back in, just pushed the connectors out of the way. It's probably less hassle prying them up as directed than wiggling the board back under two extra connectors when re-assembling as I did :)

    elyze - Reply

    Make sure that the cameras each go in exactly the same spots or not the phone will boot loop forever. The connectors on both of these cameras are the same, so they will easily connect on both sides. So be careful.

    Let's Talk Tech - Reply

  17. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the camera(s): step 17, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the camera(s): step 17, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the camera(s): step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the connector for the camera(s) you are replacing.

  18. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Loosen the camera(s): step 18, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Loosen the camera(s): step 18, image 2 of 2
    • The cameras are held in place with adhesive.

    • Insert the point of a spudger behind the edge of the camera module and pry up to loosen it from the frame.

  19. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the camera(s): step 19, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Buy
    • Use a pair of blunt nose tweezers to remove the camera(s).

    • If the adhesive holding the camera module is in good condition, you can re-use the adhesive. Otherwise, replace the adhesive with double-sided Tesa tape.

    • When installing a replacement camera module, make sure that the phone frame lens are free of adhesive residue or debris.

  20. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker: step 20, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the loudspeaker connector from its motherboard socket near the right edge of the phone.

    • Be careful not to puncture the battery with the spudger.

  21. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 21, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 21, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the following four Phillips screws:

    • One 1.9 mm screw

    • One 4.3 mm screw

    • Two 4.3 mm screws with thinner shanks

    • Remove the tiny grounding clip from the left screw hole. Be careful not to lose it.

    • The grounding clip installs such that the contoured edge faces the left side of the phone.

    • Remove the small plastic insert from the right side of the USB-C port.

    • Be sure to reinstall this insert before you screw down the daughterboard.

    The three 4.3 mm screws highlighted in Orange are not all the same. The one closest to the battery is slightly different, a larger diameter. It would be good to note this for reassembly.

    genec123 - Reply

    Thank you! I will adjust the guide to reflect this!

    Arthur Shi -

    Ah, all great and everything but this should be in big bold red letters: “Be sure to reinstall this insert before you screw down the daughterboard.“

    Screwed 4.3 thin screw without that small insert and penetrated new screen module behind…

    Maks - Reply

    Noted and changed!

    Arthur Shi -

  22. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Loosen the loudspeaker: step 22, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Loosen the loudspeaker: step 22, image 2 of 2
    • The loudspeaker is still held in place by a strong adhesive gasket. Before attempting to remove it, pry it up in a few different places to break the adhesive seal.

    • Insert the point of a spudger under the bottom right corner of the loudspeaker.

    • Pry up to loosen the loudspeaker from the phone.

  23. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the point of a spudger under the top left corner of the loudspeaker.

    • Be careful not to puncture the battery with the spudger.

    • Pry up to loosen the loudspeaker.

  24. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the flat end of the spudger under the top edge of the loudspeaker, towards the left edge.

    • Pry up to loosen the loudspeaker.

  25. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 25, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the loudspeaker.

    • Before you install a replacement loudspeaker, check the adhesive gasket.

    • If it is in good condition, you can re-use the gasket. Make sure that the gasket does not cover the exit hole.

    • If the gasket is pulled out of place, remove it and replace the adhesive with a pre-cut strip or Tesa tape.

    tesa tape seems hard to come by in my town. Is there anything else I could use?

    Michael Schlimmer - Reply

    Never mind. A bunch of tesa tape came with the kit

    Michael Schlimmer - Reply

    Adhesive is VERY strong. Used the Ifixit opening tool on the uppder edge between battery and speaker to get better leverage without risking cable / board underneath or the battery.

    Stuart Clark - Reply

  26. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the charging assembly: step 26, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the charging assembly: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the charging assembly's connector from its motherboard socket, near the right edge of the phone.

  27. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Peel away the black tape: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to carefully pry up the black tape holding the display flex cable in place, near the right edge of the phone.

    • Do not use metal tools to pry, or you may damage the flex cable.

    This step can be ignored if you’re only trying to replace the rear cam

    pizzamx - Reply

  28. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the press connectors: step 28, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the press connectors: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the following seven press-fit connectors from their motherboard sockets:

    • External buttons connector

    • Top microphone connector

    • Earpiece connector

    • Left squeeze sensor connector

    • Screen connector

    • Right squeeze sensor connector

    • SIM tray connector

  29. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Move the earpiece speaker cable away from the motherboard: step 29, image 1 of 1
    • Use the flat of a spudger to carefully bend the earpiece speaker's flex cable upwards, out of the way of the motherboard.

  30. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 30, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 30, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the screws: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Some of these screws hold very small grounding clips in place. Be careful not to lose these clips as you remove the screws.

    • Remove the six screws securing the motherboard in place:

    • One 4.2 mm Phillips screw

    • Three 1.9 mm Phillips screws

    • One 4.3 mm Phillips screw

    • One 3.83 mm standoff screw

    • Standoff screws are best removed using a standoff bit. In a pinch, a small flathead screwdriver will do the job—but use extra caution to ensure it doesn't slip and damage surrounding components.

    • Remove and retain the three small metal grounding clips.

    It appears to me that the Standoff screw in this step may not need to be removed, which can save some troubles. In fact if you’re only replacing the rear camera, you can keep the daughterboard intact.

    pizzamx - Reply

  31. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the antenna bracket: step 31, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the antenna bracket: step 31, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the antenna bracket: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • Carefully remove the antenna bracket from the top left edge of the phone.

    • To reinstall the small metal grounding clips:

    • Orient the clips such that the silver side is facing upwards.

    • The teardrop shaped clips should have their points facing towards the phone edge.

    • The double-holed clip dips downwards towards the frame's top-right screw hole.

  32. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Check the motherboard: step 32, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Check the motherboard: step 32, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the point of a spudger near the top left corner of the motherboard, right below the rear-facing camera.

    • Pry up gently to loosen the motherboard, bending all flex cables away to accommodate for the movement.

    • If the motherboard feels firmly seated, check for any still-connected flex cables or screws.

  33. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Loosen the motherboard: step 33, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Loosen the motherboard: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the spudger underneath the top edge of the motherboard and carefully pry up to loosen the motherboard.

    • The earpiece speaker's flex cable will press tightly against the motherboard. Take your time and carefully guide the motherboard around the flex cable.

  34. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 34, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 34, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 34, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the left edge of the motherboard and carefully swing upwards towards the right. Carefully push any press connectors snagging the motherboard out of the way.

    • Do not attempt to fully remove the motherboard. It is still attached to the frame with some antenna cables.

    • When you reinstall the motherboard, be careful not to trap any flex cable connectors underneath it.

  35. Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the rear-facing camera: step 35, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the rear-facing camera: step 35, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Rear-Facing Camera Replacement, Remove the rear-facing camera: step 35, image 3 of 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the rear-facing camera connector from its motherboard socket.

    • Lift the camera module away from the motherboard, peeling the adhesive in the process.

    • Remove the rear-facing camera.

    Make sure before installing the camera that it fits the bezel on the rear cover.

    Mark Warburton - Reply

Conclusion

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

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

10 other people completed this guide.

Arthur Shi

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4 Comments

Pixel 3 and pixel 3xl rear cameras are same. If I buy pixel 3 camera and can I use this on pixel 3xl?

Suren - Reply

Time is not correct for this job. Only the disassembly itself takes 90 - 120 minutes. But assembly is a separate type of torture. Only to separate the old adhesive tape is very hard. For the instructions thank you, with bolts during assembly helped, but I do not recommend to disassemble it on your own. In my case, a professional replaced the camera for about 5 hours until I took my phone back.

Ruslan Dorokhin - Reply

It is possible to remove the rear camera without dismantling upper or lower speaker. The main PCB is sufficiently flexible. However, take care of the speaker connections while moving the PCB.

Most difficult step is the initial opening of the the back cover of the phone. I broke it (as it is made of glas), though being really carefully using dental floss to “cut” the glue. All other steps are not particular challenging.

Thanks for the ifxit guideline!

Frank Zoellner - Reply

I noticed pixel 3 cameras have different model numbers. Must the model number for the old camera be the same with the replacement?

lanre emmanuel - Reply

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