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Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement

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  1. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Create a gap in the seam: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Create a gap in the seam: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Lift the left edge of the back cover: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Lift the left edge of the back cover: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the fingerprint connector bracket: step 9, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the fingerprint connector bracket: step 9, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the fingerprint connector: step 10, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 11, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 11, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery cable: step 14, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the screws: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the camera(s): step 17, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the camera(s): step 17, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Loosen the camera(s): step 18, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker: step 20, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the screws: step 21, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the screws: step 21, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Loosen the loudspeaker: step 22, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 25, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly 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 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the blue antenna cable: step 26, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the blue antenna cable: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the blue antenna cable from its socket on the charging assembly.

  27. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to carefully pry up and release the blue antenna cable from its grounding clips.

    • The cable is fragile and prone to breaking. If it feels like the wire is firmly clamped in place, use the point of a spudger to push the clip open slightly, then try again.

  28. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the black antenna cable: step 28, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the black antenna cable: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the black antenna cable from its socket near the USB-C port.

  29. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, De-route the antenna cables: step 29, image 1 of 1
    • Carefully de-route both antenna cables and move them away from the charging assembly.

  30. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • 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.

    • Carefully peel the flex cable from the top of the SIM card reader.

  31. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the display connector: step 31, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the display connector: step 31, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display connector from the motherboard.

  32. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Peel the black tape away from the battery: step 32, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Peel the black tape away from the battery: step 32, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Peel the black tape away from the battery: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • Whenever you use the spudger near the battery, be very careful not to puncture the battery.

    • Slide the point of a spudger in the crevice underneath the black tape bridging across the battery and the motherboard.

    • Slide the spudger along the crevice to pry up the tape from the battery side.

    • Carefully peel the tape from the battery and fold it out of the way.

  33. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the press connectors: step 33, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the press connectors: step 33, 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

    Note the "screen connector" mentioned here SHOULD refer to the smaller, upper screen connector. The one indicated here was already disconnected in step 31.

    Ray Livingston - Reply

  34. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Move the earpiece speaker cable away from the motherboard: step 34, image 1 of 1
    • Use the flat of a spudger to carefully pry up and bend the earpiece speaker's flex cable upwards, out of the way of the motherboard.

    I STRONGLY recommend simply REMOVING the phone speaker at this step. It is VERY easy to damage the flex cable when removing the motherboard if the speaker is left in place. Removing the speaker entirely takes only a few seconds. Just be sure to replace the adhesive when re-installing. TESA tape works fine here.

    Ray Livingston - Reply

    When re-installing, make sure you remember this part when putting the motherboard back in. I followed the steps in reverse order, as suggested, and almost damaged the orange flex cable when I pushed it down.

    Alex Schultz - Reply

  35. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the screws: step 35, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the screws: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • 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.

    During reassembly, don’t forget to replace the plastic piece before placing the 4.3mm screw.

    William DeCook - Reply

    be careful not to forgetto remove the bottom screw not to damage your motherboard

    Paul - Reply

  36. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the antenna bracket: step 36, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the antenna bracket: step 36, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the antenna bracket: step 36, 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.

  37. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Check the motherboard: step 37, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Check the motherboard: step 37, 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 flex cables or screws that may still be connected.

  38. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Loosen the motherboard: step 38, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Loosen the motherboard: step 38, 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.

    Make sure the ambient sensor is disconnected right underneath the flash!

    jrancanoarias - Reply

  39. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Start removing the motherboard: step 39, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Start removing the motherboard: step 39, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the left edge of the motherboard and carefully swing upwards it towards the right. Carefully push any press connectors snagging the motherboard out of the way.

  40. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 40, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 40, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Carefully lift the top end of the motherboard away from the frame.

    • Remove the motherboard.

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

    • It may be difficult to reposition the motherboard around the earpiece flex cable. You can gently pry up the earpiece speaker, install the motherboard, and reinstall the earpiece speaker.

  41. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Weaken the display assembly's adhesive: step 41, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Weaken the display assembly's adhesive: step 41, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Weaken the display assembly's adhesive: step 41, image 3 of 3
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom edge of the screen for a minute.

    • Place a suction cup near the bottom edge of the screen, near the USB-C port.

    • 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.

    • You can also try heating and pulling up a long edge of the phone to gain access.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

  42. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 42, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 42, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the pick along the bezel to slice through the adhesive.

  43. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 2 of 2
    • Continue heating edges with an iOpener and slicing the adhesive with an opening pick, until you've sliced through all of the adhesive.

  44. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the front glass cover: step 44, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the front glass cover: step 44, image 2 of 2
    • Lift up and remove the front glass from the phone.

  45. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 45, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 45, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Cut through the adhesive: step 45, image 3 of 3
    • The remaining part of the screen is affixed to the phone frame by a large patch of adhesive.

    • Insert an opening pick into the seam between the phone frame and the bottom edge of the screen remains.

    • Pry along the edge to loosen the screen from the frame.

    • If you are having trouble, apply a heated iOpener over the screen to help loosen the adhesive.

  46. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Begin removing the display assembly: step 46, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Begin removing the display assembly: step 46, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Begin removing the display assembly: step 46, image 3 of 3
    • Continue applying heat and slicing along a screen edge until you've loosened enough material to be grasped with your fingers.

    • Grasp the edge with your fingers and slowly pull the screen remains away from the phone frame.

  47. Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 47, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 47, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 3 Display Assembly Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 47, image 3 of 3
    • Thread the screen cable and digitizer cable out of their cutouts, then remove the display.

    • To install a replacement display assembly:

    • Clean all adhesive residue from the phone frame. Adhesive that's left behind may apply uneven pressure against the replacement screen and potentially damage it.

    • Apply a pre-cut adhesive, or double-sided tape to the phone frame's perimeter.

    • Peel all plastic liners from the back of the replacement screen to expose the adhesive.

    • Carefully thread the screen cable and the digitizer cable through the phone frame's cutouts.

    • Lay the screen onto the frame and place some books on top for an hour to help the screen adhesive bond to the frame.

    • 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.

Conclusion

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

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

26 other people completed this guide.

Arthur Shi

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29 Comments

To change only the screen glass… Do you have to disassemble the whole phone or just steps 39 to 42?

Thanks

Adrián García Estaún - Reply

Hi Adrián,

The OLED is bonded to the screen glass. Unlike LCDs, trying to remove the glass only will most likely destroy the OLED screen.

Arthur Shi -

How to differentiate between a pre-mounted and a non pre-mounted display? I don’t want to order the wrong part, hence the question.

Sid Mankad - Reply

The pre-mounted part will come with the frame, which is the majority of the phone body. The screen is already stuck affixed to the frame, but you would have to transfer everything else onto it. The display only part looks like a thin panel with adhesive on the back. It would look like this part.

Arthur Shi -

When buying a replacement screen do I need to buy it with a frame?

Abby Andam - Reply

This guide is meant to be used with replacement screens without frames. If you buy a screen with a frame, you will have to transfer many components from your existing frame onto the new one.

Arthur Shi -

My Pixel 3 has a broken screen and also the touchscreen is not working (well, only for half the screen; the top half works just fine, the bottom half does not). Will this guide and replacement parts also fix the touchscreen functionality?

Ball Dude - Reply

This guide should resolve any issues with the screen, which includes touch functionality.

Arthur Shi -

Also, only because the part in iFixit is out of stock, is this the same part?

https://www.amazon.com/ePartSolution_-Di...

Ball Dude - Reply

Unfortunately, this is not the same part we sell. Like many aftermarket screens for the Pixel, the linked part uses a cheaper LCD panel, while the original Pixel has an OLED. The part may install properly, but the image quality will be different.

Arthur Shi -

Hi again @arthurshi . Following up on my comment from Dec 2. I bought the tools and replacement screen, and performed the repair yesterday. Thanks for the guide!

Everything seemed to go alright… but sadly, the touchscreen functionality remains broken. I installed the new screen. The phone turns on and the screen turns on just fine, but it does not respond to my touch :(

Do you think then that the motherboard’s circuitry for the touchscreen is broken? Or is it more likely that I didn’t connect one of the two screen connectors (I believe the large one is for the display, and the small one for the touch)? Anything I can do to debug/test where the problem is?

Any help is much appreciated. And thanks again for the very useful guide! Even if things don’t end up working, I still learned a lot!

Ball Dude - Reply

Hey @balldude,

You are right in that one connector is for the screen, and one is for the touch (digitizer). Both must be connected in order for both screen and digitizer to function. The press-fit connectors contain very small contacts. Any small amount of dirt/finger oils on the contacts may cause issues. You can clean them by wiping with lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

If the screen still won’t respond to touch after that, it may be that the circuitry responsible for the digitizer is broken on the logic board.

Arthur Shi -

Hey, did you try what arthurshi advise and if so did it work. I am also having the same issue and I would hate to buy a new motherboard. Thank in advance.

José Alberto Garcia -

Hi Jose.

I tried reattaching the connectors a few times and testing it out. I couldn’t get it to work, unfortunately. I ended up buying a new Pixel 4 and sending in the Pixel 3 to Google as a trade-in, for which I received $105.

Hope that helps, and good luck!

Ball Dude -

Can you buy just the bezel or do you need a new frame

S Lee - Reply

Hi to be more in depth the problem I been having is that when I took the screen of my pixel 3 there was a piece of flashing(not sure the proper turn that came off with screen it was glued down to mid frame and the screen is supposed to sit in it. Can you buy this part or do you have to buy a whole new mid frame ? Thank you for your time and all your guides they have been very helpful to me.

S Lee - Reply

Hi S Lee,

Are you speaking of the part shown in step 44? If so, that is part of the display panel. It should be fully removed before you install a replacement screen.

Arthur Shi -

Do NOT follow the author's advice to just “bend up the earpiece speaker flex”. This might work fine enough for board removal, but going backwards, you will likely rip the flex trying to jimmy it back in place. The flex is like plasticated paper ribbon. Just remove the earpiece speaker before you reassemble, and place it in its spot after you put the board back in.

Sarah Wreisner - Reply

Ps. The plastic insert in step 19 should be given a bit more attention. If you forget to reinstall this plastic insert, the screw that you replace in that spot will instatly ruin your lcd - no matter how gently you screw it in. You'll be left with a green or pink line through your lcd. It seems worth mentioning, as I have seen this before.

Sarah Wreisner - Reply

Hi Sarah!

Thanks for the suggestions! I will make a note of that and your comment above in the relevant steps.

Arthur Shi -

Followed the guide and was able to install the display in my Pixel 3. Adhesive removal is super frustrating though. But I have a current issue, the rear camera is vibrating like crazy. You could actually hear the camera move around (autofocus) when you open the app. Any ideas?

Levi Klein Marifosque - Reply

Hi Levi,

It sounds like the adhesive holding the rear camera is not holding the modules in place. If possible, open the phone, pry the rear cameras up, and install some replacement adhesive.

Arthur Shi -

Hi Arthur, thanks for replying. I feel like I wasn't able to word my problem properly so I made this short video https://youtu.be/cnym7ROK6eU

Seems like an issue in OIS or focusing. Do I need to replace my camera module?

Levi Klein Marifosque -

I had major difficulty removing the back panel.

I’m unsure if there was a crack prior to removal of the back panel as the attempt to use the suction and pry tool had catastrophically failed. Huge cracks sprawled as the pry tool was inserted, quite a bit of force was necessary to have the pry tool inserted whilst awkwardly positioning my hands to hold the phone down whilst pulling up on the suction tool. I had used heat tools to ease the adhesive behind the panel but may have lost patience as the heat bags provided does not seem to have the same effect as a heat gun would. That being said, the heat bags, while they heat up I’m unsure if they heat up to the critical temperature of the adhesive for it to weaken.

further instruction for the temperature of the bags would help; what is the max temperature I can warm the bag up before it fails (explodes in the microwave) while meeting minimum temperature required to ease the adhesive. currently it said to warm it up for 30sec, 1 every 10 mins, doesn’t cut it.

John Quimson - Reply

as the guide said, “The remaining part of the screen is affixed to the phone frame”. why we need to remove the motherboard?

Lei Liu - Reply

You unfortunately can't release/reconnect the display flex cable and the digitizer cable without removing the motherboard. There isn't enough of a gap to thread the cable through the side.

Arthur Shi -

Need a big update. I order a new screen and it's not only the screen but the whole case. So, I have to transfer all the components to the new case. It is not explained here.

Decathlon Outdoor - Reply

Just pay close attention when you take it apart.......... take pictures.

keep screws in order so they go back in the same place...

and im sure there are videos on youtube showing screen replacement in-frame

Alan Sears -

Sorry about that! We accidentally linked that part to this guide. We are in the process of writing a guide specifically for the screen and frame assembly replacement part.

Arthur Shi -

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