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USB-C Port Bracket Removal

Prerequisite Only
This guide is only intended to be used as a prerequisite for other guides. It's incomplete by itself.

What you need

  1. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, 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.

  2. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Mark your opening picks: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • You'll be using opening picks to separate the screen from the frame. If inserted too far, a pick can damage your device. Follow this step to mark your pick and prevent damage.

    • Measure 3 mm from the tip and mark the opening pick with a permanent marker.

    • Alternatively, tape a coin to a pick 3 mm from the tip.

  3. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Heat the bottom edge adhesive: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • Adhesive and clips secure the screen to the frame. Heating the screen softens the adhesive, making it easier to separate.

    • Heat an iOpener and lay it on the bottom edge of the screen for two minutes to soften the adhesive.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but be careful as extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.

  4. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Secure the Anti-Clamp: step 4, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Secure the Anti-Clamp: step 4, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Secure the Anti-Clamp: step 4, 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.

    • Place your phone screen side up on an object so it will rest level between the Anti-Clamp's arms—the bottom edge should be hanging off.

    • Slide the arms over the left edge of your phone, so you have access to the bottom edge.

    • Position the suction cups as close to the center of the bottom edge as possible.

    • Squeeze the cups together to create suction.

  5. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Twist the handle: step 5, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Twist the handle: step 5, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Twist the handle: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise one full turn (360 degrees), or until the suction cups begin to stretch.

    • As the cups stretch, make sure they stay aligned with each other. If they keep slipping, remove the Anti-Clamp and apply tape for the cups to stick to.

  6. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Wait one minute for a gap to form between the screen and frame.

    • If the adhesive doesn't separate, twist the handle clockwise one quarter turn and wait another minute. Apply more heat if the screen cools down.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

    • Don't insert your opening pick more than 3 mm to avoid damaging the spring contacts.

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the arms and remove the Anti-Clamp using the pull tabs on the suction cups.

    • Skip the next two steps

  7. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Apply a suction cup: step 7, image 1 of 2 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Apply a suction cup: step 7, image 2 of 2
    • Apply a suction handle to the center of the screen's bottom edge.

  8. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Insert an opening pick: step 8, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Insert an opening pick: step 8, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Insert an opening pick: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force until a gap forms between the screen and frame.

    • If you're having trouble creating a gap, apply more heat and try again.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

  9. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Prevent damage to your phone: step 9, image 1 of 2 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Prevent damage to your phone: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • To avoid damaging your phone, don't insert your pick more than 3 mm as you separate the screen adhesive. Note the following areas:

    • The screen cable is a little less than halfway up the left edge of the phone. Be very careful here to avoid tearing the cable.

    • There are many spring contacts around the perimeter of the phone. Be very careful in these areas to avoid bending the contacts.

  10. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 10, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 10, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the bottom edge adhesive: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive securing it.

    • Leave the pick in the bottom right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  11. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Heat the right edge adhesive: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but be careful as extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.

  12. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the right edge adhesive: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a second opening pick under the bottom right corner of the screen.

    • Slide the new pick to the top right corner to separate the adhesive securing the screen's right edge.

    • Leave the pick in the top right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  13. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Leave a pick in the bottom left corner: step 13, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Leave a pick in the bottom left corner: step 13, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Leave a pick in the bottom left corner: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a third opening pick under the bottom edge of the screen.

    • Slide the new pick to the bottom left corner.

    • Leave the pick in the bottom left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  14. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Heat the left edge adhesive: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but be careful as extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.

  15. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 15, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 15, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the left edge adhesive: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a fourth opening pick under the bottom left corner of the screen.

    • Slide the new pick to the top left corner to separate the adhesive securing the screen's left edge.

    • Leave the pick in the top left corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  16. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Heat the top edge adhesive: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the top edge of the screen for two minutes.

    • Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate—but be careful as extreme heat can damage the screen and/or battery.

  17. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 17, image 1 of 2 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Separate the top edge adhesive: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a fifth opening pick under the top edge of the screen, near the left corner.

    • Slide the opening pick to the top right corner to separate the adhesive securing the screen's top edge.

  18. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Prop up the screen: step 18, image 1 of 2 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Prop up the screen: step 18, image 2 of 2
    • Place a small box or stack of books to the left of your phone so you can prop up the screen while disconnecting its cable.

    • Swing up the right edge of the screen like the front cover of a book.

    • Be careful not to strain the screen cable.

    • If the screen feels stuck, go back around the perimeter with an opening pick to separate any remaining adhesive.

    • Prop up the screen so you can access the screen cable.

  19. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the screen cable cover: step 19, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the screen cable cover: step 19, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the screen cable cover: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Use an opening pick to pry up the upper edge of the screen cable cover.

    • Remove the cover.

  20. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Disconnect the screen: step 20, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Disconnect the screen: step 20, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Disconnect the screen: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the point of a spudger under the top left corner of the screen's press connector.

    • Gently pry up and disconnect the cable.

    • Remove the screen.

    • To reconnect a press connector, align it over its socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place, then press down on the other side. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

  21. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Reassembly information: step 21, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Reassembly information: step 21, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Reassembly information: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • If you're installing a new screen with pre-installed adhesive, follow this step during reassembly. Otherwise, follow this guide to apply adhesive to your old screen.

    • Use the pull tabs to remove the liners covering the front camera cutout, the rear camera pad, the back of the screen, and the perimeter adhesive.

    • Reconnect the screen cable and reinstall its cover.

    • This is a good point to test your phone before sealing it up. Temporarily power on your phone and make sure it works as expected. Power it down before continuing.

    • Firmly press the screen into place on the frame. You should feel the clips "pop" into place.

    • Press firmly around the perimeter of the screen to secure it with the new adhesive.

    • Optionally, you can strengthen the adhesive bond by applying pressure evenly to the phone.

    • Follow this guide to calibrate the fingerprint sensor.

  22. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the plastic buffer: step 22, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the plastic buffer: step 22, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the plastic buffer: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • A plastic buffer is lightly adhered to the midframe and bottom speaker.

    • Slide the tip of an opening pick under the plastic buffer until you can grip it with tweezers or your fingers.

  23. USB-C Port Bracket Removal: step 23, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal: step 23, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal: step 23, image 3 of 3
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to peel off and remove the plastic buffer from the midframe and the bottom speaker.

  24. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Unfasten the USB-C port bracket: step 24, image 1 of 2 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Unfasten the USB-C port bracket: step 24, image 2 of 2
    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 8 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits will also work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 5 mm‑long 3IP Torx Plus screws securing the USB‑C port bracket.

  25. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the USB-C port bracket: step 25, image 1 of 2 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Remove the USB-C port bracket: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the USB-C port bracket.

  26. USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Reassembly information: step 26, image 1 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Reassembly information: step 26, image 2 of 3 USB-C Port Bracket Removal, Reassembly information: step 26, image 3 of 3
    • During reassembly, follow this step to replace the plastic shim that runs across the bottom of the midframe and loudspeaker. If you don't have a replacement, press the old one back into place.

    • Remove the clear liner from the shim.

    • Use the markings on the midframe to align the left side of the shim and press it into place.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to firmly press down along the whole shim to secure it.

    • Remove the blue liner.

Conclusion

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

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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