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Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module 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 LDAF (laser detect auto focus) sensor and tethered flash cable together as one module in your Google Pixel 9.

You'll need replacement back glass and autofocus sensor adhesives to complete this repair.

Note: Any repair can compromise the water resistance of your phone. Retaining water resistance after the repair will depend on how well you reapply the rear cover adhesive.

What you need

  1. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Let your Pixel's battery drain below 25% before starting this repair. A charged lithium‑ion battery may catch fire if damaged.

    • Unplug all cables from your phone.

    • Completely power off your phone.

    • Press the power and volume up buttons at the same time to bring up the shutdown menu.

    Edit

  2. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Adhesive information: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Adhesive information: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Adhesive information: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Adhesive secures the perimeter of the back glass to the frame.

    • When separating the adhesive, don't insert your tool more than 3 mm under the back glass to avoid damaging the internal components.

    • To help, measure and mark 3 mm from the tip of an opening pick with a permanent marker.

    • If your screen or back glass is badly cracked, a suction cup may not perfectly adhere.

    • Lay overlapping strips of packing tape over the glass to protect yourself and make disassembly easier. Ensure there's a smooth area near the bottom edge that's large and smooth enough for a suction cup to stick to.

    Edit

  3. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Apply a suction handle: step 3, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Apply a suction handle: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Place a suction handle at the bottom edge of the back glass, as close to the edge as possible.

    • Push down to attach the suction cup.

    Edit

  4. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force to create a small gap under the back glass.

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

    Edit

  5. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Separate the back glass adhesive: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Separate the back glass adhesive: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Separate the back glass adhesive: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the opening pick back and forth along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive securing it.

    • Remember: don't insert the opening pick deeper than 3 mm.

    Edit

  6. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the opening pick around the perimeter of the phone, slicing the rest of the adhesive.

    Edit

  7. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • With most of the adhesive separated, lightly twist the opening pick at the bottom edge to lift the back glass up until you can grip it with your fingers.

    • Use the opening pick to separate any remaining sections of adhesive securing the back glass.

    Edit

  9. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the back glass: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the back glass.

    • During reassembly:

    • Now is a good time to test your phone before sealing it up. Power it on and check that it works. Power it back down before you continue reassembly.

    • Follow this guide to apply new adhesive and install your back glass.

    Edit

  10. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the upper board cover: step 9, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $31.41
    Buy

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

    • While the Pixel 9 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits also work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the single 5.4 mm‑long screw securing the upper board cover.

    Edit

  11. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the upper board cover.

    Edit

  12. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Use a 3IP Torx driver to remove the five screws securing the midframe and wireless charging coil:

    • Four 5.4 mm-long screws

    • One 2.2 mm-long screw

    Edit

  13. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Peel up the flash cable: step 12, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Peel up the flash cable: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel the flash cable off of the metal midframe.

    Edit

  14. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 13, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the midframe, wireless charging coil, and NFC assembly.

    Edit

  15. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 14, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.

    Edit

  16. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the antenna board cover: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the 5.4 mm-long screw securing the antenna board cover.

    Edit

  17. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the antenna board cover.

    Edit

  18. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the autofocus cable: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the autofocus cable: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the autofocus connector from the motherboard.

    Edit

  19. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the flash: step 18, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the flash: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flash connector from the motherboard.

    Edit

  20. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Heat the LDAF adhesive: step 19, image 1 of 1

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it over the LDAF and flash module for one minute to soften the adhesive securing it to the rear camera module.

    Edit

  21. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the LDAF and flash module: step 20, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the LDAF and flash module: step 20, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the LDAF and flash module: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • Peel up and remove the LDAF and flash module.

    • During reassembly, orient the module such that the longer cable is on the bottom edge.

    • Be very careful not to touch the rear camera lenses. If you accidentally do, wipe them with a clean microfiber cloth.

    Edit

  22. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Reassembly information: step 21, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Reassembly information: step 21, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Reassembly information: step 21, image 3 of 3

    • During reassembly:

    • Use a spudger and tweezers to remove the two pieces of adhesive from the bottom of the LDAF and flash module.

    • Remove the larger clear liners from one of the flash module adhesives.

    • Place the adhesive into place on the bottom of the module and press down firmly with the flat end of a spudger to secure the adhesive.

    • Repeat the process to apply the other piece of flash adhesive.

    • Remove the two remaining blue liners.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

To run a diagnostics test with the built-in Pixel Diagnostic tool, click here.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Pixel 9 Answers Community for help.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 03/10/20

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