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Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement

Prerequisite Only
This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

What you need

  1. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Remove the SIM card tray: step 1, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Remove the SIM card tray: step 1, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Remove the SIM card tray: step 1, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the SIM card tray on the left edge of the phone.

    • Press firmly to eject the tray.

    • Remove the SIM card tray.

  2. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Heat the back panel glass: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the back panel for one minute.

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

  3. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Apply a suction cup: step 3, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Apply a suction cup: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Apply a suction cup to the heated edge of the back panel by pressing down on it to create suction, as close to the edge as possible.

    • If your back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken panel.

  4. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back panel and the frame.

    • Depending on the age of your phone, this may be difficult. If you are having trouble, apply more heat to the edge and try again.

    • Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.

  5. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Begin to slice the adhesive: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Begin to slice the adhesive: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Begin to slice the adhesive: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick across the bottom towards the left corner to slice the adhesive.

    • With the pick still inserted, slide it from the bottom left corner over to the bottom right corner to completely slice the bottom side adhesive.

    • Leave the pick inserted in the bottom right corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

  6. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Slice the lefthand-side adhesive: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Prepare an iOpener and apply it on the left edge of the phone for one minute.

  7. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a second opening pick underneath the back panel directly over the charge port.

    • Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner of the phone.

  8. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and across the left side of the phone to slice the adhesive.

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

    • Stop when you reach the top left corner, near the camera, and leave the pick inserted.

  9. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Slice righthand-side adhesive: step 9, image 1 of 1
    • Prepare an iOpener and apply it on the right edge of the phone for one minute.

  10. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • With the first two opening picks still in place, insert a third pick on the lower part of the righthand side.

    • Slide the opening pick up towards the top of the phone, slicing the right side's adhesive.

    • Stop when you reach the top right corner, and leave the pick inserted.

  11. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Slice the top-side adhesive: step 11, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Slice the top-side adhesive: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the third opening pick around the top right corner and across the top side of the phone, slicing the final strip of adhesive.

  12. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Lift up the back panel: step 12, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Lift up the back panel: step 12, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Lift up the back panel: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Once you have sliced around the perimeter of the phone, carefully lift the right edge of the back cover, opening it like a book.

    • Do not try to pull the panel all the way off yet, as it is still connected to the phone.

  13. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • Continue swinging open the back panel until you can rest it on the left edge the phone, being careful not to put any stress on the attached ribbon cable.

    • During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.

  14. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 14, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove the five T3 Torx screws securing the battery connector shield:

    • Four 4.0 mm screws

    • One 2.1 mm screw

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

  15. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the battery connector shield.

  16. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Whenever you use the spudger near the battery, be very careful not to puncture the battery.

    • Using the pointed end of a spudger, pry the battery connector straight up from the motherboard to disconnect the battery.

    • 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.

  17. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Using the flat end of a spudger, gently fold the battery cable over so it doesn't accidentally make contact during the rest of your repairs.

  18. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Disconnect the back panel connector: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 4 mm screws securing the back panel connector cover.

  19. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the back panel connector cover.

  20. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Using the pointed end of a spudger, pry up and disconnect the back panel connector.

  21. Google Pixel 4 Back Panel Replacement, Remove the back panel: step 21, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the back panel.

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

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

    • If you are installing a replacement back panel, be sure compare it with the original part.

Carsten Frauenheim

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