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Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils 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 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • Allow your battery to drain below 25% before starting this repair. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged.

    • Fully power off your phone and unplug any cables.

  2. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • The screen of the Google Pixel 7 is held in place by plastic clips and adhesive.

    • During the removal procedure, make sure to insert your opening picks in the right position to avoid separating the screen from its safety frame instead of the phone assembly.

    • Only insert the pick up to ~3.5 mm during the removal procedure to avoid damaging the internals and to avoid interfering with the plastic clips.

    • There are several plastic clips around the whole screen. In case your opening pick gets blocked during the screen removal procedure it means you inserted your pick too deep underneath the screen.

  3. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next three 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 three steps for an alternate method.

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

    • If your screen is cracked, cover it with a layer of clear packing tape to help the suction cup adhere.

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Slide the arms over either the left or right edge of your phone.

    • Position the suction cups near the bottom edge of the phone—one on the front, and one on the back.

    • Squeeze the cups together to apply suction.

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

  4. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

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

  5. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Heat an iOpener and thread it through the arms of the Anti-Clamp.

    • You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun—but extreme heat can damage the display and/or internal battery, so proceed with care.

    • Fold the iOpener so it lays on the bottom edge of the phone.

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

    • Insert an opening pick under the screen frame 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.

  6. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Loosen the display adhesive: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the screen to loosen the adhesive underneath. Apply the iOpener for at least 3 minutes.

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the device. The edge should feel slightly too hot to the touch.

  7. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Once the screen is warm to the touch, apply a suction handle to the bottom edge of the screen.

    • 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.

    • Lift the screen including its safety frame with the suction handle to create a small gap between the screen and the phone assembly.

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

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

  8. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Prevent damage to your phone: step 8, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Prevent damage to your phone: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • To avoid damaging your phone, don't insert your pick more than ~2.5 mm as you separate the screen adhesive. Note the following areas:

    • The screen cable is a little less than halfway up the left edge of the phone. Be very careful here to avoid tearing the cable.

    • There are many spring contacts around the perimeter of the phone. Be very careful in these areas to avoid bending the contacts.

  9. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Slice the bottom edge adhesive: step 9, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Slice the bottom edge adhesive: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the opening pick to the bottom right corner of the screen to slice its adhesive.

    • Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  10. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a second opening pick at the bottom edge and slide it to the bottom left corner of the screen to slice the adhesive.

    • Leave the opening pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  11. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the left clips: step 11, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the left clips: step 11, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the left clips: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a third opening pick underneath the bottom left corner of the screen.

    • Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the screen to slice the adhesive and to release the plastic clips.

    • Leave the opening pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  12. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Slice the top edge adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Slice the top edge adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Slice the top edge adhesive: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • If the adhesive becomes hard to cut, it has most likely cooled down. Use your iOpener or heat gun for 1-2 minutes to reheat it.

    • When you slice near the front facing camera, insert only the tip of the opening pick (~2.5 mm) to avoid damaging or smearing the camera.

    • Insert a fourth opening pick at the top left corner of the screen.

    • Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the phone to slice the adhesive.

    • Leave the opening pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  13. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the right clips: step 13, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the right clips: step 13, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the right clips: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a fifth opening pick and slide it along the right edge of the phone to slice the remaining adhesive and release the right plastic clips.

    • Do not try to remove the display all the way yet, the screen is still connected to the phone assembly by a flex cable.

  14. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Open up the phone assembly: step 14, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Open up the phone assembly: step 14, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Open up the phone assembly: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side of the device, like opening a book.

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

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

  15. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the display cable bracket: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Release the display cable bracket: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • The display cable bracket sits tightly and requires some force to release it.

    • Insert one arm of a pair of tweezers into the opening at the upper end of the display cable bracket.

    • Push the bracket inwards and pry up to release it.

  16. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 16, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the display cable bracket by pulling it from underneath the midframe and in direction of the cameras.

  17. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the display flex cable by prying the connector straight up from its 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.

  18. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Remove the black silicone pad: step 18, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Remove the black silicone pad: step 18, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Remove the black silicone pad: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with your tool in the following steps—a punctured or bent battery may leak dangerous chemicals or cause a fire.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel the black silicone pad off the battery and midframe.

  19. Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Peel off the upper graphite foil: step 19, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Peel off the upper graphite foil: step 19, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 7 Graphite Foils Replacement, Peel off the upper graphite foil: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Use a pair of tweezers to carefully peel the upper graphite foil off the battery and midframe.

    • If you're having a hard time peeling off the foil, apply a heated iOpener to the foil for two minutes to loosen its adhesive.

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 7 answers community for help.

One other person completed this guide.

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/16

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