How to Replace the Back Panel Adhesive on Your Google Pixel 4 XL

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the back panel adhesive on your Google Pixel 4 XL.

Note: This guide was written using a Google Pixel 4. Some visual discrepancies are present, but the procedure is identical.

This repair guide was authored by the iFixit staff and hasn’t been endorsed by Google. Learn more about our repair guides here.

When scraping the frame and back panel, take care not to damage the spring contacts and graphite film.
Use the flat end of a spudger or your fingernail to scrape off the old adhesive from the frame and back panel.

Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol to any remaining adhesive.
Use a microfiber cloth to remove the remaining adhesive.
If you're still having trouble removing the adhesive, apply a few drops of alcohol to the adhesive and scrape it with a spudger.

Before peeling off any liners, lay the new adhesive down on the back panel and use the camera cutout to find its proper orientation.

Be very careful during this step! The adhesive is very sticky, and once it touches the back panel you won't be able to reposition it. Misaligned adhesive can lead to an improper seal.
When laying down the adhesive, make sure the back panel connector cable is threaded through the camera cutout. If the adhesive sticks to the cable, you'll have to restart the repair with new adhesive.
With the adhesive in its proper orientation, lay it sticky side down on the back panel.
Press down firmly around the perimeter of the back panel, ensuring all the adhesive is secured.

Return to your phone's repair guide and continue reassembly.
Be very careful when reassembling your device, as the adhesive is exposed and very sticky. Take special care to prevent the back panel cable from touching the adhesive.
Return to this guide before securing the back panel to the phone.