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Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement

Introduction

This repair guide was authored by the iFixit staff and hasn’t been endorsed by Google. Learn more about our repair guides here.

Use this guide to replace the screen for your Google Pixel 6a.

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your phone. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

Your new replacement screen will come with the fingerprint reader already attached. If not, you will need to reinstall the original fingerprint reader to your new replacement screen and recalibrate the reader to maintain its functionality.

You'll need replacement adhesive in order to complete this repair.

What you need

  1. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • Completely power off your phone before you begin.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • 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

  2. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • While you're waiting for the adhesive to loosen, take note of the following:

    • Screen seam: This seam separates the screen from the rest of the phone. Do not pry at this seam.

    • Bezel seam: This is where the plastic bezel designed to protect the screen meets the frame. It's held in place by plastic clips. This is where you should pry.

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  3. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • The next two steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down two steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle towards the hinge to disengage opening mode.

    • Position the suction cups near the middle of the right edge of the screen—one on the front, and one on the back.

    • Push down on the cups to apply suction to the desired area.

    • If you find that the surface of your device is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, you can use packing tape to create a grippier surface.

    Edit

  4. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Push the blue handle away from the hinge to engage opening mode.

    • Turn the handle clockwise until you see the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned to each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • Insert an opening pick under the bezel seam when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle clockwise half a turn.

    • Don't crank more than a half a turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next two steps.

    Edit

  5. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup to the screen, as close to the center of the right edge as possible.

    • Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the bezel and the frame.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

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

    • 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.

    Edit

  7. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Reposition the opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Reposition the opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Reposition the opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • While still applying suction, pivot the pick upwards to a steep angle.

    • Carefully push the pick in while prying to reposition the opening pick into the bezel seam.

    • Only insert the pick up to 3.5 mm to avoid damaging the internals.

    Edit

  8. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the right clips: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the right clips: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the right clips: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the pick along the right edge to release the plastic clips securing the bezel to the frame.

    • Position the pick at the top-right edge before moving to the next step.

    Edit

  9. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top right clips: step 8, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top right clips: step 8, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top right clips: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Rotate the opening pick around the top-right corner of the phone to release the clips.

    • Leave the opening pick in the top-right corner to prevent the clips from re-locking.

    • Only insert the pick up to 4 mm to avoid damaging the internals.

    Edit

  10. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top clips: step 9, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top clips: step 9, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top clips: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a new opening pick into the gap you just created.

    • Slide the pick along the top edge to release the clips.

    • When slicing around the front camera, only insert the pick up to 3 mm to avoid damaging the lens.

    Edit

  11. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top left clips: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top left clips: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the top left clips: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Rotate the opening pick around the top-left corner of the phone to release the clips.

    • Leave the opening pick in the top-left corner to prevent the clips from re-locking.

    Edit

  12. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the left clips: step 11, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the left clips: step 11, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Release the left clips: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a new opening pick into the gap you just created.

    • Slide the pick along the left edge to release the clips.

    • Only insert the pick up to 3 mm to avoid damaging the internals.

    • Repeat the rotating and sliding procedure for the remaining edge.

    • At this point, the screen should be separated from the frame. If there's still resistance around the edges of the screen, use an opening pick to release any remaining clips.

    Edit

  13. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 12, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 12, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Don't try to remove the screen all the way yet. It's still connected to the frame by a flex cable.

    • Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side of the device, like opening a book.

    • Rest the screen upside down and parallel to the frame before continuing.

    • Don't twist the screen or move it too far away from the frame to avoid damaging the flex cable.

    Edit

  14. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 13, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 13, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • The display cable bracket is secured with metal clips.

    • Use tweezers to bend the left side of the bracket upwards, releasing the metal clip.

    • Remove the display cable bracket.

    Edit

  15. Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 14, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 6a Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Be very careful performing this step, as you risk damaging tiny components around the press connector.

    • Insert the tip of a spudger under the left edge of the display cable press connector.

    • Pry up and disconnect the display cable press connector.

    • 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 6a Screen Replacement, Reassembly information: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • If you're reusing your screen, follow this guide to reapply adhesive to the screen.

    • If you're replacing the screen, follow these instructions:

    • Follow this guide to reapply adhesive to the screen

    • Be sure to remove all adhesive liners from your replacement screen, including the front-facing camera recess

    • Perform a fingerprint sensor calibration

    • If you're having trouble performing the calibration, you might need to download the Google USB Driver

    Edit
Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Google Pixel 6a Answers community for help.

21 other people completed this guide.

Author

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Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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26 Comments

How do I glue the new screen to make it waterproof.

Brenda Holt - Reply

My screen replacement of my 6a was a success. Thank you IFixit :) Very good kit with good tutorial :)

fpoulin1 - Reply

Just replaced the screen and it is a GREAT REPLACEMENT. Only issue is the fingerprint reader isn't working. Issue is with google NOT this replacement screen. I haven't been able to find a solution. Even when trying to install google's "Install fingerprint calibration software". I have an appointment with "Ufixit" to see if they can resolve it. Google's tech said it isn't a common issue but just wanted to share my experience.

Also...Install steps only show how to take the screen off. Steps to install would be helpful because there are some tips to aligning/applying the adhesive that would be helpful to consumers.

Jon Holland - Reply

the new display's fringer sensor must be replaced with the same(old screen's).

Rahilkhan Pathan -

In the end I was able to get everything working. BUT, there needs to be a reassembly process. I was finally able to make it work, but it isn't terribly intuitive. Just simple instructions for the adhesive like this side down and peel this first, etc. would be really useful. I ended up with incomplete adhesion (and thus incomplete water resistance) because the adhesive failed to easily remove from the backing. I'm sure it's because I did something wrong, but I was on my own for this part.

Likewise, the fingerprint reader recalibration is very poorly documented on Google's site, requiring that you hop around until you click the right places to download the right USB drivers, unzip them, navigate through Windows device manager, install new drivers, and then finally complete the process of resetting the fingerprint reader. Took me almost an hour of cursing to get this working (heck, took 15 minutes just to get it to the fastboot screen...very finicky).

Anyway, good first 15 steps. Just wish there were 30 or so.

Paul York - Reply

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