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Google Pixel 9a Front Camera 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.

Follow this guide to replace the front-facing selfie camera in your Google Pixel 9a.

If your front camera's image looks fuzzy or blurry, or if the camera has stopped working entirely, it may be time to replace it.

You'll need replacement front camera foil and rear cover adhesives to complete this repair.

Note: Any repair can compromise the water resistance of your phone. Retaining water resistance after the repair depends on how accurately the new adhesives are applied and how clean the mating surfaces are.

What you need

  1. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Safety precautions: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • 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 and completely power down your phone.

    Edit

  2. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Heat the rear cover: step 2, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Heat the rear cover: step 2, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Heat the rear cover: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Adhesive secures the rear cover to the frame. Heating the cover softens the adhesive, making it easier to separate.

    • Use a hair dryer to heat the entire rear cover.

    • Only heat your phone so it's just hot to the touch. Extreme heat can damage the rear cover, screen, or battery.

    Edit

  3. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply a suction handle: step 3, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply a suction handle: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Apply a suction handle near the center of the rear cover's right edge, as close to the edge as possible.

    Edit

  4. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force until a gap forms between the cover and frame.

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

    Edit

  5. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Adhesive information: step 5, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Adhesive information: step 5, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Adhesive information: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • The rear cover is secured with adhesive around the perimeter of the frame and near the cameras. Use this picture as a reference while you separate the adhesive.

    • When separating the left and right edge adhesive, don't insert your pick more than 3 mm to avoid damaging the wireless charging coil and its graphite film.

    Edit

  6. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Separate the rear cover adhesive: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Separate the rear cover adhesive: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Separate the rear cover adhesive: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • If you ever have trouble separating the adhesive, apply more heat and try again.

    • Slide the opening pick up the right edge, around the top right corner, and along the top edge to separate the adhesive securing the rear cover.

    Edit

  7. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Insert an opening pick in the initial gap you created near the center of the rear cover's right edge.

    • Slide the opening pick down the right edge, along the bottom edge, and up the left edge to separate the adhesive securing the cover.

    Edit

  8. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Separate the camera bezel adhesive: step 8, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Separate the camera bezel adhesive: step 8, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Separate the camera bezel adhesive: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the flat edge of an opening pick under the top of the rear cover's left edge, near the camera bezel.

    • Twist the pick and apply constant pressure to separate the adhesive around the camera bezel.

    Edit

  9. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the rear cover: step 9, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the rear cover: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the rear cover.

    • If you feel resistance, go back around the perimeter of the cover and use a pick to separate any remaining adhesive.

    Edit

  10. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the camera bezel: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the camera bezel: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the camera bezel: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • If the camera bezel detached from the rear cover and stayed stuck to your phone, follow this step to remove it. Otherwise, skip this step.

    • Slide an opening pick under the camera bezel and pry up to remove it.

    • Only insert the pick a few millimeters under the bezel, or you risk damaging the cameras.

    • If you're having trouble, lightly heat the camera bezel.

    Edit

  11. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the wireless charging assembly screws: step 11, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the wireless charging assembly screws: step 11, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $16.96
    Buy

    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the 16 screws securing the wireless charging assembly:

    • Thirteen 5.0 mm‑long screws

    • Three 2.2 mm‑long screws

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

    Edit

  12. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Unclip the wireless charging assembly: step 12, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Unclip the wireless charging assembly: step 12, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Unclip the wireless charging assembly: step 12, image 3 of 3
    Edit

  13. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the wireless charging assembly: step 13, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the wireless charging assembly: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the wireless charging assembly.

    Edit

  14. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the connector cover screw: step 14, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the connector cover screw: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Be careful not to damage the battery with your tools while disconnecting it.

    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the 1.7 mm‑long screw securing the battery connector cover.

    Edit

  15. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the battery connector cover: step 15, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the battery connector cover: step 15, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the battery connector cover: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers to lift and remove the battery connector cover.

    Edit

  16. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 16, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery cable press connector.

    Edit

  17. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the front camera: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the front camera: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Be very careful not to touch the camera lenses when removing the front camera. If you accidentally do, use a clean cloth to wipe them off.

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the front camera press connector, prying under the top left corner.

    Edit

  18. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 18, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 18, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers to grip the center of the front camera, between the press connector and the camera itself.

    • Flip the camera towards the right edge and gently peel it off the copper foil.

    Edit

  20. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 19, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your phone.

    Edit

  21. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove any lens caps or liners: step 20, image 1 of 1

    • Remove any caps or plastic liners from your replacement front camera lens.

    • Be careful not to grip or smudge the exposed lens.

    Edit

  22. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the front camera: step 21, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the front camera: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Place the front camera into its recess.

    • Use your finger to press down and reconnect the front camera press connector.

    Edit

  23. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply new copper foil: step 22, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply new copper foil: step 22, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply new copper foil: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the copper foil from its large clear liner and place it onto the front camera.

    • Don't remove any of the other liners yet.

    • Gently press down on the top section of the foil to secure it to the camera (the bottom section still has a plastic liner under it).

    Edit

  24. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Hold the top section of the copper foil in place with your finger, and use tweezers to slide the liner out from the bottom section of foil.

    • Gently press the bottom section of copper foil into place to secure it to the front camera press connector.

    Edit

  25. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers to remove the remaining liner from the top of the copper foil.

    Edit

  26. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old adhesive: step 25, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old adhesive: step 25, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to scrape up and remove the six small pieces of adhesive around the rear cameras.

    • Use high‑concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth (or coffee filter) to clean up and remove any residue from the adhesives that were removed.

    Edit

  27. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 26, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 26, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 26, image 3 of 3

    • Remove the larger, clear liner from the inner housing adhesive and lay it in place around the camera holes.

    • Use the cutouts for the small silver pads to help align the adhesive.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to firmly push down on each piece of adhesive, securing them in place.

    • Remove the colored liner using the pull tab on the top edge.

    • If the adhesive starts to pull up with the liner, lay it back in place and use your spudger to secure it again.

    Edit

  28. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 27, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 27, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 27, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to firmly press down on each of the six pieces of inner housing adhesive to secure them.

    • These pieces of adhesive can easily be pulled up when removing the final liners, so make sure they're firmly in place.

    Edit

  29. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Connect the battery press connector: step 28, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Connect the battery press connector: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • Use your finger to align the battery press connector over its socket and press down to connect it.

    • Don't try to force the connector into place. If you're having trouble, reposition it and try again.

    Edit

  30. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the battery connector cover: step 29, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the battery connector cover: step 29, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the battery connector cover: step 29, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers to hook the left edge of the battery connector cover into place, then lay the cover down flat.

    Edit

  31. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Use a 3IP Torx Plus screwdriver to install the 1.7 mm‑long screw securing the battery connector cover.

    Edit

  32. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the wireless charging assembly: step 31, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the wireless charging assembly: step 31, image 2 of 2

    • Place the wireless charging assembly onto the frame.

    Edit

  33. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to firmly press around the perimeter of the wireless charging assembly to re‑engage all of its clips.

    Edit

  34. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the wireless charging assembly screws: step 33, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the wireless charging assembly screws: step 33, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to install the 16 screws securing the wireless charging assembly:

    • Thirteen 5.0 mm‑long screws

    • Three 2.2 mm‑long screws

    Edit

  35. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old rear cover adhesive: step 34, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old rear cover adhesive: step 34, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old rear cover adhesive: step 34, image 3 of 3

    • Take your time during the next two steps. A clean frame allows replacement adhesive to lay evenly, ensuring a better bond.

    • Use a spudger and tweezers to scrape up and remove all the old rear cover adhesive from the perimeter of your phone.

    • If you scrape up a piece big enough to grip with your fingers, you can pull long sections of the adhesive up. Pull slowly and straight in the opposite direction of the adhesive.

    Edit

  36. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Clean the frame: step 35, image 1 of 1

    • Using some high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth (or coffee filter), clean the areas of the frame where the adhesive was.

    Edit

  37. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Find the adhesive orientation: step 36, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Find the adhesive orientation: step 36, image 2 of 2

    • Before applying the rear cover adhesive, make sure you know how it will sit on the frame. If you apply the adhesive incorrectly, you'll need to restart with new adhesive.

    • Hold the adhesive above the frame to find its orientation. Use the camera cutout in the liner to help visualize how it will lay on the frame.

    Edit

  38. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Peel the liner halfway down: step 37, image 1 of 1

    • Peel down the top half of the large, clear liner to expose the adhesive—don't fully remove the liner yet.

    Edit

  39. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 38, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 38, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 38, image 3 of 3

    • Take your time aligning the adhesive with the frame—it's very sticky and can't be moved once you apply it.

    • With the larger, clear liner folded towards the bottom of the phone, lay the exposed top edge of the adhesive onto the frame.

    • Use the lip of the frame to help align the adhesive.

    • Once the top edge is properly aligned, gently press down on the top corners with your fingers to secure the adhesive.

    Edit

  40. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 39, image 3 of 3

    • Slowly lay the rest of the adhesive onto the frame, pressing it into place and peeling away the larger liner as you go.

    Edit

  41. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the top liner: step 40, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the top liner: step 40, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the top liner: step 40, image 3 of 3

    • Use the pull tab to remove the large, colored liner.

    Edit

  42. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 41, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 41, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 41, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to press down firmly on the adhesive around the perimeter of your phone to secure it to the frame.

    Edit

  43. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old camera bezel adhesive: step 42, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old camera bezel adhesive: step 42, image 2 of 2

    • If the camera bezel detached when removing the rear cover, follow the next five steps to install it. Otherwise, skip down five steps.

    • Use a spudger to scrape up and remove any of the old adhesive from the camera bezel and its corresponding spot on the rear cover.

    Edit

  44. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the adhesive residue: step 43, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the adhesive residue: step 43, image 2 of 2

    • Use high-concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth (or coffee filter) to clean up and remove any adhesive residue from the camera bezel and its corresponding spot on the rear cover.

    Edit

  45. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 44, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 44, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the large, clear liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

    • Put the adhesive over the top of the camera bezel and set it in place.

    Edit

  46. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 45, image 3 of 3

    • Use a spudger to firmly press around the perimeter of the camera bezel to secure the adhesive.

    • Remove the second, colored liner from the camera bezel adhesive.

    Edit

  47. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the camera bezel: step 46, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the camera bezel: step 46, image 2 of 2

    • Align the camera bezel such that the square foam is closest to the edge.

    • Use your fingers to press the camera bezel into place on the rear cover, squeezing firmly around the perimeter to secure it with the adhesive.

    Edit

  48. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old rear cover adhesive: step 47, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the old rear cover adhesive: step 47, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape up and remove any all the old adhesive that stayed on the back cover, including the five pieces of small, oval‑shaped adhesive.

    • If you don't see all the oval adhesives, some might've stuck to the phone frame.

    Edit

  49. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 1

    • Use high‑concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint‑free cloth (or coffee filter) to clean up and remove any residue from the adhesives you removed.

    Edit

  50. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 49, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Apply the adhesive: step 49, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the larger, clear liner from the back cover inner adhesive.

    • Lay the adhesive onto the bottom of the back cover, making sure the cutout goes around the camera bezel.

    Edit

  51. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 50, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Secure the adhesive: step 50, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers or a spudger to firmly push down on the five small adhesives to secure them to the back cover.

    • Slowly peel up and remove the remaining liner.

    • If the adhesives start to peel up with the liner, lay it back down and use your spudger to secure the adhesive again.

    Edit

  52. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the remaining liners: step 51, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the remaining liners: step 51, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Remove the remaining liners: step 51, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of a spudger to lift and remove the plastic liners from the adhesive around the rear cameras.

    • If the adhesive starts to pull up with the liner, lay it back in place and use your spudger to secure it again.

    Edit

  53. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 52, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 52, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pull tabs to remove the final liner from the rear cover adhesive.

    Edit

  54. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the rear cover: step 53, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the rear cover: step 53, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement, Install the rear cover: step 53, image 3 of 3

    • Align the rear cover over the frame and press it into place.

    Edit

  55. Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 54, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 54, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel 9a Front Camera Replacement: step 54, image 3 of 3
    Edit
Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your repair!

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

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

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

One other person completed this guide.

Author

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Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

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1 Guide Comment

will this phone operate without a front camera installed at all? i plan on buying one but never want a camera facing me as i'm using it (and don't use the front-facing camera anyway)

sugarcane - Reply

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