Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor 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 vibration motor in your Google Pixel Watch 2.

If your watch is making inconsistent or weak vibrations or isn't vibrating at all, it may be time to replace the vibration motor.

You'll need replacement adhesive glue to seal your watch during reassembly.

What you need

  1. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Prepare your watch for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Prepare your watch for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Before starting this repair, remove your watch from the charger and let its battery drain completely—the watch should shut down from low battery. A charged lithium‑ion battery may catch fire if damaged.

    • Letting the battery drain completely also prevents accidentally turning your watch back on when gripping it during repair.

    Edit

  2. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove both watch bands: step 2, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove both watch bands: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Remove both watch bands by pressing the release button and sliding the band out of its groove.

    Edit

  3. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Put your watch in the vise: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Inserting a tool between the screen and frame is very difficult. Using a vise to secure the frame makes it significantly easier.

    • Secure your watch with a small vise so the jaws go into the watch band grooves on the frame.

    • If your vice has sharp or metal jaws, consider wrapping the frame in a thin cloth to prevent scratching or damaging the frame.

    Edit

  4. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Safety precautions: step 4, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    iFlex Opening Tool
    $11.99
    Buy

    • The gap between the screen and frame is extremely small. You'll need a thin tool such as an iFlex to create an initial gap.

    • Don't grip the iFlex or similar metal tools by the edges—they're very sharp. Wear gloves to protect yourself.

    Edit

  5. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Heat the screen adhesive: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Very strong adhesive secures the screen to the frame. Heating the screen softens the adhesive, making it easier to separate.

    • Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the right edge of screen around the watch crown until it's slightly too hot to touch.

    • Be careful not to heat the screen more than this, as it may damage the screen and/or battery.

    Edit

  6. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Insert an iFlex: step 6, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Insert an iFlex: step 6, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Insert an iFlex: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the tip of an iFlex between the screen and frame just below the watch crown (opposite the side button).

    • This is very difficult and will take multiple attempts. If the screen cools down, apply more heat and try again.

    • Rotate the iFlex so its longer edge is between the screen and frame.

    Edit

  8. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Separate the screen adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Separate the screen adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Separate the screen adhesive: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Hold the iFlex at a slight upward angle and slide it clockwise around the perimeter of the watch to separate the adhesive. Stop when you reach the side button.

    • Don't slide farther than this or you'll damage the screen cable.

    Edit

  9. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove your watch from the vise: step 8, image 1 of 1

    • Remove your watch from the vise.

    Edit

  10. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Disassembly information: step 9, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Disassembly information: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Throughout the rest of your repair:

    • Consider placing your watch on something soft like a clean cloth to help stabilize it and prevent damage.

    • Attach and remove the watch bands as needed to get a better grip or stabilize your watch.

    Edit

  11. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 10, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 10, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Swing open the screen: step 10, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    E6000 Adhesive Glue
    $2.99
    Buy

    • Be careful not to strain the screen cable during the rest of your repair.

    • Swing open the screen and put it in an upright position next to the watch crown.

    • If the screen feels stuck, go back around the perimeter and carefully separate any remaining adhesive with the iFlex. Be very careful not to damage the screen cable near the crown.

    • During reassembly:

    • This is a good point to plug in and test your watch before sealing it up. Be sure to power it down completely before you continue working.

    • Use a spudger and tweezers to remove all the old screen adhesive from the frame and screen. Then, clean up any adhesive residue with high‑concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.

    • You'll need to seal your phone with strong adhesive glue. Apply the glue to the perimeter of the frame and firmly press the screen into place.

    • Most strong adhesive glues have a long curing time—read the instructions for proper use.

    Edit

  12. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Unfasten the vibration motor cover: step 11, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Unfasten the vibration motor cover: step 11, image 2 of 2
    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.

    • Use a 1IP Torx Plus screwdriver to remove the 2 mm‑long screw securing the vibration motor press connector cover.

    • While the Pixel Watch 2 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits will also work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    Edit

  13. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Peel up the vibration motor cable tape: step 12, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Peel up the vibration motor cable tape: step 12, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Peel up the vibration motor cable tape: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • Tape secures the vibration motor cable and its cover to the battery.

    • Be careful not to puncture the battery—it can leak dangerous chemicals and catch fire.

    • Use a pair of blunt nose tweezers to grip the vibration motor press connector cover.

    • Gently peel up the tape until the vibration motor cable is uncovered.

    • During reassembly, use the flat end of a spudger to push the black cover tape back into place.

    Edit

  14. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Disconnect the vibration motor: step 13, image 1 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Disconnect the vibration motor: step 13, image 2 of 3 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Disconnect the vibration motor: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the vibration motor press connector.

    • During reassembly, use the flat end of a spudger to reconnect the press connector.

    Edit

  15. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Unfasten the vibration motor: step 14, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Unfasten the vibration motor: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Use a 1IP Torx Plus screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the vibration motor:

    • One 2 mm‑long screw

    • One 3 mm‑long screw, also securing a grounding bracket

    Edit

  16. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove the grounding bracket: step 15, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove the grounding bracket: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Use blunt nose tweezers to lift the grounding bracket out of its recess and remove it.

    • During reassembly, use the smaller alignment cutout to orient the bracket.

    Edit

  17. Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove the vibration motor: step 16, image 1 of 2 Google Pixel Watch 2 Vibration Motor Replacement, Remove the vibration motor: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the vibration motor.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

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 Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

148,862 Reputation

995 Guides authored

Badges: 38

+35 more badges

Team

iFixit Member of iFixit

Staff

123 Members

23,589 Guides authored

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 3

Past 30 Days: 14

All Time: 147