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Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement

What you need

  1. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Eject the SIM card tray: step 1, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Eject the SIM card tray: step 1, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Eject the SIM card tray: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the SIM tray hole.

    • Press directly into the hole to eject the SIM card tray.

    • Remove the SIM card tray.

    Edit

  2. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Precautionary Notes: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Precautionary Notes: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Precautionary Notes: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • You will need to pry the screen up to remove it from the phone. Read the following notes carefully before proceeding.

    • Take note of the two seams on the edge of your phone:

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

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

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

    • Screen flex cable: Do not insert the opening pick deeper than instructed or you risk damaging this cable.

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

    Edit

  3. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Heat the right edge of the screen: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the display for one minute to soften the adhesive.

    • 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.

    Edit

  4. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • If your display 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 screen.

    • Place a suction cup as close to the right edge of the screen as possible.

    • Lift the suction cup with a strong steady force.

    • Insert the tip of an opening pick into the screen seam no more than 1 mm.

    Edit

  5. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Guide the opening pick under the OLED panel: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Guide the opening pick under the OLED panel: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Guide the opening pick under the OLED panel: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • This step shows how to insert your pick without damaging the OLED panel. Do this before slicing the adhesive.

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

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

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

    Edit

  6. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Slice through the display adhesive: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Slice through the display adhesive: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Slice through the display adhesive: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the pick along the right edge of the screen to cut the adhesive.

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

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

    Edit

  7. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • There's a mesh covering the earpiece speaker on the top edge of the screen. If you don’t have a replacement mesh, take care not to damage or lose this component.

    • The screen adhesive is weak, so you should not need to re-apply heat. If the screen is hard to slice, apply heat to the difficult area for one minute and try again.

    • Insert another opening pick into the right edge of the phone at an angle where a gap has already formed to prevent damage to the OLED panel.

    • Slide the opening pick around the top of the phone to cut the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick inserted along the top edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  8. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Insert another opening pick into the top edge of your phone at an angle where a gap has already formed to prevent damage to the OLED panel.

    • Use the pick to slice around the top-left corner where the camera window is.

    • If the screen is hard to slice, apply heat to the difficult area for one minute and try again.

    • Leave the pick inserted along the left edge of your phone to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    Edit

  9. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the opening pick to cut the adhesive along the left edge of your phone.

    • If the screen is hard to slice, apply heat to the difficult area for one minute and try again.

    • Keep in mind that you are now slicing near the screen flex cable and digitizer.

    Edit

  10. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom-left corner and across the bottom of the display to cut the rest of the adhesive.

    • If the screen is hard to slice, apply heat to the difficult area for one minute and try again.

    • Keep in mind that you are now slicing near the screen flex cable and digitizer.

    Edit

  11. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Once you have cut around the perimeter of the phone, carefully lift the right edge of the screen, partially opening the phone like a book.

    • Do not remove the screen yet.

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

    Edit

  12. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Flip the screen over: step 12, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Flip the screen over: step 12, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Flip the screen over: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Lift from the top edge and swing the screen over the bottom edge until you can rest it glass-side down.

    • Be careful not to put any stress on the attached ribbon cable.

    Edit

  13. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the display: step 13, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the display: step 13, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the display: step 13, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use your fingernail or a pair of tweezers to carefully peel off the tape covering the screen connector.

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

    Edit

  14. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the tip of a spudger into the opening of the plastic cover securing the screen flex cable.

    • Pry the plastic cover straight up until it pops out of place.

    • The plastic cover may spring into the air.

    • Remove the plastic cover.

    Edit

  15. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the screen flex cable.

    • 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.

    Edit

  16. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the screen: step 16, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the screen: step 16, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the screen: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the screen.

    • To install a new screen:

    • Check if your replacement screen has speaker mesh and top edge adhesive pre-installed.

    • If it does, you won't need the top edge adhesive.

    • If it doesn't, remove the larger clear liner from the top edge adhesive and apply it to the screen (not the frame). Make sure the larger cutout lines up with the speaker mesh.

    • Follow this guide to apply the custom-cut adhesive.

    • Use the third photo as a reference to position your adhesives.

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

    Edit

  18. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the midframe screws: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the midframe screws: step 17, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the nine 4.4 mm-long screws securing the back cover to the midframe.

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

    Edit

  19. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Separate the back cover from the midframe: step 18, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Separate the back cover from the midframe: step 18, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Separate the back cover from the midframe: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick into the seam between the midframe and the back cover, right above the SIM card slot.

    • Slide the opening pick along the right edge of your phone to release the plastic clips securing the back cover to the midframe.

    Edit

  20. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Continue sliding the opening pick along the top, left, and bottom edges of your phone until all of the plastic tabs securing the back cover to the midframe are released.

    Edit

  21. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Flip your phone over so the back cover is facing up.

    • Carefully swing the back cover up to an upright position.

    • Do not remove the back cover. It is still attached by two ribbon cables.

    • Rest the back cover against an object such as a cardboard box or soda can.

    Edit

  22. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the motherboard bracket: step 21, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the motherboard bracket: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the seven screws securing the motherboard bracket:

    • Four 4.0 mm-long screws

    • Three 2.1 mm-long screws

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  23. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the motherboard bracket.

    Edit

  24. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 23, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 23, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the battery cable from the motherboard.

    Edit

  25. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 24, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 24, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the fingerprint sensor cable.

    Edit

  26. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the front sensor array cable.

    Edit

  27. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the back cover.

    Edit

  28. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the front-facing camera: step 27, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the front-facing camera: step 27, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to peel the tape off of the copper foil.

    • The copper foil is thin and easily punctured.

    Edit

  29. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the front-facing camera from the motherboard.

    • Remove the front-facing camera.

    Edit

  30. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 29, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the loudspeaker: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 4.2 mm-long screws from the loudspeaker assembly.

    Edit

  31. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the tip of a spudger underneath the loudspeaker assembly.

    • Be careful not to puncture the white membranes on either side of the loudspeaker if you are intending to reuse it.

    • Flip the loudspeaker assembly over so it lightly rests on top of the battery.

    Edit

  32. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers to disconnect the antenna cable from the loudspeaker assembly.

    • Grab the metal connector of the antenna cable with your tweezers—not the plastic cable.

    Edit

  33. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully peel the loudspeaker assembly up off the tape underneath it.

    • Be careful not to puncture the white membranes on either side of the loudspeaker if you are intending to reuse it.

    • Remove the loudspeaker assembly.

    Edit

  34. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, De-route the antenna flex cable: step 33, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, De-route the antenna flex cable: step 33, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, De-route the antenna flex cable: step 33, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use your fingers or a pair of tweezers to pull the antenna cable out from underneath the tape covering it.

    Edit

  35. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker cable: step 34, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the loudspeaker cable: step 34, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the loudspeaker cable from the motherboard.

    Edit

  36. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the headphone jack: step 35, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Disconnect the headphone jack: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the headphone jack cable from the motherboard.

    Edit

  37. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 36, image 3 of 3

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the tape on the earpiece speaker covering the antenna flex cable.

    Edit

  38. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the charging port screw: step 37, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the charging port screw: step 37, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.1 mm-long screw securing the charging port.

    Edit

  39. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 38, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Remove the motherboard: step 38, image 2 of 2

    • The motherboard is secured to the midframe by plastic clips.

    • Insert the tip of a spudger into the gap between the motherboard and the midframe near the front-facing cameras to pop it free from the first clip.

    Edit

  40. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 39, image 3 of 3

    • Grab the motherboard with your fingers and open it like a book.

    • This will release the rest of the clips.

    • Lift the motherboard straight out to remove it.

    Edit

  41. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Power and Volume Button Cable: step 40, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement, Power and Volume Button Cable: step 40, image 2 of 2

    • iFixit adhesive remover contains acetone, a mild skin and eye irritant.

    • Wear eye protection when handling and applying the adhesive remover. (Eye protection is included in your kit.)

    • Do not wear contact lenses without eye protection.

    • Protective gloves are also included in your kit. If you are concerned about skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

    Edit

  42. Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 4a 5G Power and Volume Button Cable Replacement: step 41, image 2 of 2

    • Pull off the black rubber stopper from your bottle of adhesive remover.

    • Twist to loosen or remove the bottle cap before you cut the applicator tip.

    • This unseals the bottle and allows the pressure to equalize before you cut the applicator tip. If you skip this step, the adhesive remover may spray out unexpectedly when the tip is cut.

    • Use scissors to cut off the sealed tip of the applicator.

    • Cutting close to the narrow tip will give you better control so you can apply the adhesive remover in small amounts.

    • Twist and close the bottle cap securely before you proceed further.

    Edit

    • Use the tweezers to remove the tape holding the flex cable to the battery.

    • When installing a new cable, it is easier to apply brush on superglue to this area than new tape. Hold the cable into the corner until the glue sets. This prevents the back cover from ripping the cable.

    Edit

    • Use the adhesive remover to loosen the glue under the contact pads, flex cable, and buttons.

    • Be careful to apply only to the flex cable and boards on the ends. Dripping on the battery or other cables and connectors may loosen their adhesive and cause problems.

    • Apply adhesive remover primarily in the marked areas. The fluid will wick easily along the flex cable.

    Edit

    • The buttons and contacts are adhered to a thin rigid greenish fiberglass backing. Slice between this and the aluminum housing.

    • It is very difficult to remove the button flex cable without damage. If you need the cable intact consider adding heat with the iOpener to help soften the adhesive further. Be patient and keep applying adhesive remover every minute or so for several minutes before attempting to remove the cable.

    • Use spudger or blade to slice behind the button board.

    • There is solid aluminium directly under the buttons. Slicing straight down should not damage any other components.

    Edit

    • Pry out on the end of the cable and peal it away from the phone.

    • Using the tip of the spudger, work the cable free along it's length, being careful not to tear or crease the cable when you get to the contact end.

    Edit

    • Apply more adhesive remover to the underside of the contact board.

    • Using the metal spudger, pry up on the outside corner of the contact board.

    • Removing this end is difficult. If you don't need the cable you can be more aggressive, but be careful not to damage the [] cable.

    • Lift the complete cable out of the phone.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Author

with 1 other contributor

Samuel Hess

Member since: 08/27/20

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