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Google Pixel Fold Base 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.

Use this guide to replace the front camera for the foldable screen in your Google Pixel Fold.

Note: Some photos in this guide were taken at different states of disassembly. Any visual discrepancies won't affect the guide procedure.

What you need

  1. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Safety Precautions: step 1, image 1 of 1

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Lay the phone down on a clean, smooth surface so the back glass is facing up.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the back glass for two minutes.

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

    Edit

  3. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera 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.

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

    • Unfold your phone completely and slide the Anti-Clamp arms over the left edge of the back glass, below the Google "G" logo.

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

    • Make sure the suction cup on the inner screen isn't touching the bezel, as it won't stick properly.

    • Squeeze the cups together to apply suction to the desired area.

    • 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. If the glass if cracked, use packing tape to help the suction cups adhere.

    Edit

  4. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Place an object under your phone, like a box or a stack of books, so it rests level while between the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • 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, detach the suction cups and realign the arms.

    Edit

  5. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap under the back glass.

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

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

    • Skip the next step.

    Edit

  6. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup to the back glass, as close to the center of the bottom edge as possible.

    • Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back glass 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 back glass 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 back glass.

    Edit

  7. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Don’t insert the opening pick deeper than 3.5 mm when separating the back glass adhesive, as you risk damaging internal components.

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

    • Leave the opening pick in the bottom left corner before continuing.

    Edit

  8. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the back glass for two minutes.

    Edit

  9. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 9, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Rotate the opening pick around the bottom left corner to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  10. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a second opening pick at the bottom left corner.

    • Slide the opening pick toward the top left corner to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave the opening pick in the top left corner before continuing.

    Edit

  11. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 11, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the top edge of the back glass for two minutes.

    Edit

  12. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Rotate the opening pick around the top left corner to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  13. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 13, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a third opening pick in the top left corner.

    • Slide the opening pick toward the top right corner to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  15. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the back glass for two minutes.

    Edit

  16. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • This sharp corner is very fragile. Use plenty of heat and be very gentle around the corner during this step.

    • Angle your pick so it's as flat as possible to the back glass.

    • Rotate the opening pick around the top right corner to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  17. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 16, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 16, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a fourth opening pick in the top right corner.

    • Slide the opening pick toward the bottom right corner to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  18. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom right adhesive: step 17, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom right adhesive: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • This sharp corner is very fragile. Use plenty of heat and be very gentle around the corner during this step.

    • Angle your pick so it's as flat as possible to the back glass.

    • Rotate the opening pick around the bottom right corner to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  19. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reposition the back glass: step 18, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reposition the back glass: step 18, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reposition the back glass: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Don't fully remove the back glass yet, as it's still connected to the phone by a cable.

    • At this point, the back glass should be separated from the frame. If there's still resistance around the edges, use an opening pick to separate any remaining adhesive.

    • Swing the left edge of the back glass up and over the right edge of the phone.

    • Lay the back glass to the right side of the phone before continuing.

    Edit

  20. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Unfasten the middle bracket: step 19, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

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

    • While the Pixel Fold uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits also work. Use the same size or one size larger (T3 or T4 Torx bits with 3IP Torx Plus screws) and apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the two 2.8 mm‑long screws securing the middle bracket.

    Edit

  21. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the middle bracket: step 20, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the middle bracket: step 20, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the middle bracket: step 20, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the middle bracket toward the left edge of the phone and release its clip.

    • Remove the middle bracket.

    • During reassembly, reinsert the middle bracket clip under its slot in the frame before aligning the screw holes.

    Edit

  22. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the back glass cable: step 21, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the back glass cable: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the back glass cable from the motherboard.

    • 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. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

    Edit

  23. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the back glass: step 22, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the back glass.

    Edit

  24. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reassembly information: step 23, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reassembly information: step 23, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Buy

    • During reassembly:

    • If you're reusing your back glass, use tweezers to remove big chunks of adhesive from the perimeter of the back glass.

    • Repeat for any adhesive on the frame.

    • Use isopropyl alcohol (>90%) and a lint-free cloth to remove any remaining adhesive residue.

    • Follow this guide to replace the back glass adhesive with custom cut strips.

    • If you don't have custom cut adhesive strips, use double-sided tape, like Tesa Tape, to secure the back glass to the frame.

    Edit

  25. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reposition the graphite sheet: step 24, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reposition the graphite sheet: step 24, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reposition the graphite sheet: step 24, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Buy

    • The graphite sheet is very fragile. Be gentle peeling the graphite sheet in this step, especially if you're reusing it.

    • The graphite sheet is lightly adhered to the logic board.

    • Peel the bottom of the graphite sheet toward the top of the phone until you can access the bottom bracket.

    • Use your hands, or tape with light adhesive, to keep the graphite sheet out of the way.

    • During reassembly:

    • If you completely removed your graphite sheet, follow this guide to replace it.

    • If you don't have custom cut adhesive strips for the antenna, use double-sided tape, like Tesa Tape, to secure the graphite sheet to the logic board.

    Edit

  26. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the screw cover: step 25, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the screw cover: step 25, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the screw cover: step 25, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy
    Edit

  27. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Unfasten the bottom bracket: step 26, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the five 3.1 mm‑long screws securing the bottom bracket.

    Edit

  28. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the bottom bracket: step 27, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the bottom bracket: step 27, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the bottom bracket: step 27, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the bottom bracket toward the bottom edge of the phone and release its clip.

    • Remove the bottom bracket.

    • During reassembly, reinsert the bottom bracket clip under its slot in the logic board before aligning its screw holes.

    Edit

  29. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the base battery: step 28, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the base battery: step 28, image 2 of 2

    • There are two batteries you need to disconnect, one for each half of the phone.

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

    Edit

  30. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the tape: step 29, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the tape: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Peel the grey conductive tape off the bottom interconnect cable.

    Edit

  31. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the flip battery: step 30, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the flip battery: step 30, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the flip battery: step 30, image 3 of 3

    • Use a point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flip battery and bottom interconnect press connectors.

    • You have to disconnect both cables to keep the battery connector from accidentally touching the logic board.

    Edit

  32. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reassembly information: step 31, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reassembly information: step 31, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Reassembly information: step 31, image 3 of 3

    • During reassembly, the next two steps demonstrate how to replace the flip battery and bottom interconnect cable conductive tape.

    • Peel off the new conductive tape from its liner and apply the sticky side to the bottom interconnect connector, making sure to bridge the logic board.

    Edit

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

    • Use a spudger, or your fingers, to press down the conductive tape and adhere it.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull on the tab and expose the tape.

    Edit

  34. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Unfasten the top bracket: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two 2.8 mm‑long screws securing the top bracket.

    Edit

  35. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the top bracket: step 34, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the top bracket: step 34, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the top bracket: step 34, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the top bracket toward the left edge of the phone to release its clips.

    • Remove the top bracket.

    • During reassembly, insert the top bracket clips under their slots in the frame before aligning the screw holes.

    Edit

  36. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the front camera: step 35, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Disconnect the front camera: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the point of a spudger under the bottom right corner of the front camera press connector.

    • Don't insert the spudger anywhere else, as you risk breaking surface-mounted components.

    • Pry up and disconnect the front camera press connector.

    Edit

  37. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Heat the front camera: step 36, image 1 of 1

    • The front camera is mildly adhered to the frame.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the front camera for two minutes.

    Edit

  38. Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 37, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 37, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Fold Base Front Camera Replacement, Remove the front camera: step 37, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Buy

    • Grab the front camera by the neck of its connector, as close to the camera body as possible.

    • Don't press down on the press connector's pins, as you may bend them.

    • Pull straight up to separate the adhesive and remove the front camera.

    • During reassembly, if your adhesive is still sticky and intact, you can reuse it. Otherwise, follow this guide to replace it with custom cut strips.

    • If you don't have custom cut adhesive strips, use double-sided tape, like Tesa Tape, to secure the front camera to the frame.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

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.

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 Google Pixel Fold Answers Community for help.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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