Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
33
Time Required
45 minutes - 1 hour
Sections
10
- SIM Card Tray
- 1 step
- Screen Removal
- 12 steps
- Screen
- 1 step
- Midframe
- 6 steps
- Battery Disconnection
- 2 steps
- 5G mmWave Antenna
- 4 steps
- Rear Cameras
- 2 steps
- Motherboard Removal
- 3 steps
- Front Camera
- 1 step
- Motherboard
- 1 step
Flags
1
Provided Hardware
A manufacturer provided iFixit with this device or component.
BackGoogle Pixel 6a
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Introduction
Use this guide to replace the motherboard in your Google Pixel 6a.
For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your phone. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.
Note: this guide was made using the Verizon GB62Z model, which features a 5G mmWave antenna. Ignore the steps that include the 5G mmWave antenna if you have a different model, as the procedure is identical.
You’ll need replacement adhesive in order to complete this repair.
What you need
Step 1
Remove the SIM card tray
- Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the SIM card tray hole.
- Press the SIM eject tool into the SIM card tray hole to eject the SIM card tray.
- Remove the SIM card tray.
Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or straightened paper clip into the SIM card tray hole.
Press the SIM eject tool into the SIM card tray hole to eject the SIM card tray.
Remove the SIM card tray.
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Step 2
Heat the right edge
- Completely power off your phone before you begin.
- Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.
- A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.
Completely power off your phone before you begin.
Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the screen for two minutes.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.
Step 3
Screen removal information
- While you’re waiting for the adhesive to loosen, take note of the following:
- Screen seam: This seam separates the screen from the rest of the phone. Do not pry at this seam.
- Bezel seam: This is where the plastic bezel designed to protect the screen meets the frame. It’s held in place by plastic clips. This is where you should pry.
While you’re waiting for the adhesive to loosen, take note of the following:
Screen seam: This seam separates the screen from the rest of the phone. Do not pry at this seam.
Bezel seam: This is where the plastic bezel designed to protect the screen meets the frame. It’s held in place by plastic clips. This is where you should pry.
Step 4
Insert an opening pick
- Apply a suction cup to the screen, as close to the center of the right edge as possible.
- Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the bezel 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 display 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 screen.
Apply a suction cup to the screen, as close to the center of the right edge as possible.
Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the bezel 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 display 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 screen.
Step 5
Reposition the opening pick
- While still applying suction, pivot the pick upwards to a steep angle.
- Carefully push the pick in while prying to reposition the opening pick into the bezel seam.
- Only insert the pick up to 3.5 mm to avoid damaging the internals.
While still applying suction, pivot the pick upwards to a steep angle.
Carefully push the pick in while prying to reposition the opening pick into the bezel seam.
Only insert the pick up to 3.5 mm to avoid damaging the internals.
Step 6
Release the right clips
- Slide the pick along the right edge to release the plastic clips securing the bezel to the frame.
- Position the pick at the top-right edge before moving to the next step.
Slide the pick along the right edge to release the plastic clips securing the bezel to the frame.
Position the pick at the top-right edge before moving to the next step.
Step 7
Release the top right clips
- Rotate the opening pick around the top-right corner of the phone to release the clips.
- Leave the opening pick in the top-right corner to prevent the clips from re-locking.
- Only insert the pick up to 4 mm to avoid damaging the internals.
Rotate the opening pick around the top-right corner of the phone to release the clips.
Leave the opening pick in the top-right corner to prevent the clips from re-locking.
Only insert the pick up to 4 mm to avoid damaging the internals.
Step 8
Release the top clips
- Insert a new opening pick into the gap you just created.
- Slide the pick along the top edge to release the clips.
- When slicing around the front camera, only insert the pick up to 3 mm to avoid damaging the lens.
Insert a new opening pick into the gap you just created.
Slide the pick along the top edge to release the clips.
When slicing around the front camera, only insert the pick up to 3 mm to avoid damaging the lens.
Step 9
Release the top left clips
- Rotate the opening pick around the top-left corner of the phone to release the clips.
- Leave the opening pick in the top-left corner to prevent the clips from re-locking.
Rotate the opening pick around the top-left corner of the phone to release the clips.
Leave the opening pick in the top-left corner to prevent the clips from re-locking.
Step 10
Release the left clips
- Insert a new opening pick into the gap you just created.
- Slide the pick along the left edge to release the clips.
- Only insert the pick up to 3 mm to avoid damaging the internals.
- Repeat the rotating and sliding procedure for the remaining edge.
- At this point, the screen should be separated from the frame. If there’s still resistance around the edges of the screen, use an opening pick to release any remaining clips.
Slide the pick along the left edge to release the clips.
Only insert the pick up to 3 mm to avoid damaging the internals.
Repeat the rotating and sliding procedure for the remaining edge.
At this point, the screen should be separated from the frame. If there’s still resistance around the edges of the screen, use an opening pick to release any remaining clips.
Step 11
Reposition the screen
- Don’t try to remove the screen all the way yet. It’s still connected to the frame by a flex cable.
- Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side of the device, like opening a book.
- Rest the screen upside down and parallel to the frame before continuing.
- Don’t twist the screen or move it too far away from the frame to avoid damaging the flex cable.
Don’t try to remove the screen all the way yet. It’s still connected to the frame by a flex cable.
Lift the right edge of the screen up and towards the left side of the device, like opening a book.
Rest the screen upside down and parallel to the frame before continuing.
Don’t twist the screen or move it too far away from the frame to avoid damaging the flex cable.
Step 12
Remove the display cable bracket
- The display cable bracket is secured with metal clips.
- Use tweezers to bend the left side of the bracket upwards, releasing the metal clip.
- Remove the display cable bracket.
The display cable bracket is secured with metal clips.
Use tweezers to bend the left side of the bracket upwards, releasing the metal clip.
Remove the display cable bracket.
Step 13
Disconnect the display cable
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable’s press connector.
- 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. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable’s press connector.
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. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 14
Reassembly information
- If you’re reusing your screen, follow this guide to reapply adhesive to the screen.
- If you’re replacing the screen, follow these instructions:
- Follow this guide to reapply adhesive to the screen
- Be sure to remove all adhesive liners from your replacement screen, including the front-facing camera recess
- Perform a fingerprint sensor calibration
- If you’re having trouble performing the calibration, you might need to download the Google USB Driver
If you’re reusing your screen, follow this guide to reapply adhesive to the screen.
If you’re replacing the screen, follow these instructions:
Follow this guide to reapply adhesive to the screen
Be sure to remove all adhesive liners from your replacement screen, including the front-facing camera recess
Perform a fingerprint sensor calibration
If you’re having trouble performing the calibration, you might need to download the Google USB Driver
Step 15
Remove the silver tape
- Use tweezers to peel back the silver tape connecting the midframe and the top speaker.
- Don’t completely remove the tape. You only need to remove the bridge between the midframe and the top speaker.
Use tweezers to peel back the silver tape connecting the midframe and the top speaker.
Don’t completely remove the tape. You only need to remove the bridge between the midframe and the top speaker.
Step 16
- Use tweezers to peel back the tape covering the two screws on both sides of the USB-C port.
Use tweezers to peel back the tape covering the two screws on both sides of the USB-C port.
Step 17
Unfasten the midframe
- Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 16 screws securing the midframe to the frame:
- Nine 4.3 mm screws
- Four 2.9 mm screws
- Two 4.9 mm screws
- One 4.6 mm screw
Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 16 screws securing the midframe to the frame:
Nine 4.3 mm screws
Four 2.9 mm screws
Two 4.9 mm screws
One 4.6 mm screw
Step 18
Release the midframe clips
- Insert a spudger between the top of the midframe and the frame, near the front camera.
- Pry up with the spudger to release the top of the midframe from its clips.
Insert a spudger between the top of the midframe and the frame, near the front camera.
Pry up with the spudger to release the top of the midframe from its clips.
Step 19
- Insert a spudger between the bottom left of the midframe and the frame.
- Pry up with the spudger to release the bottom of the midframe from its clips.
Insert a spudger between the bottom left of the midframe and the frame.
Pry up with the spudger to release the bottom of the midframe from its clips.
Step 20
Remove the midframe
- Remove the midframe.
- You may feel a bit of resistance. This is normal, since the midframe is slightly bonded to the heat sink with thermal paste.
- During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
Remove the midframe.
You may feel a bit of resistance. This is normal, since the midframe is slightly bonded to the heat sink with thermal paste.
During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
Step 21
Remove the thermal paste
- Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off the thermal paste.
- Clean any remaining thermal paste with isopropyl alcohol and either a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth.
- Repeat the cleaning process for the thermal paste on the midframe.
- During reassembly, follow this guide for reapplying thermal paste to your device.
Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off the thermal paste.
Clean any remaining thermal paste with isopropyl alcohol and either a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth.
Repeat the cleaning process for the thermal paste on the midframe.
During reassembly, follow this guide for reapplying thermal paste to your device.
Step 22
Disconnect the battery
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery’s press connector.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery’s press connector.
Step 23
Unfasten the 5G mmWave antenna bracket
- If your device doesn’t have a 5G mmWave antenna, skip the next four steps.
- Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm screw securing the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
If your device doesn’t have a 5G mmWave antenna, skip the next four steps.
Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm screw securing the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
Step 24
Remove the 5G mmWave antenna bracket
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the bracket towards the right edge of the phone and disconnect its clip.
- Remove the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the bracket towards the right edge of the phone and disconnect its clip.
Remove the 5G mmWave antenna bracket.
Step 25
Disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna’s press connector.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the 5G mmWave antenna’s press connector.
Step 26
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the 5G mmWave antenna.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the 5G mmWave antenna.
Step 27
Remove the ultrawide rear camera
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the ultrawide rear camera’s press connector.
- Remove the ultrawide rear camera.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the ultrawide rear camera’s press connector.
Remove the ultrawide rear camera.
Step 28
Remove the wide rear camera
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the wide rear camera’s press connector.
- Remove the wide rear camera.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the wide rear camera’s press connector.
Remove the wide rear camera.
Step 29
Unfasten the motherboard
- Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm screw securing the motherboard.
Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 2.9 mm screw securing the motherboard.
Step 30
Remove the motherboard
- Insert a spudger between the top of the motherboard and the frame, near the front camera.
- Pry up to lift the motherboard until you can grip it with your fingers.
Insert a spudger between the top of the motherboard and the frame, near the front camera.
Pry up to lift the motherboard until you can grip it with your fingers.
Step 31
- Tilt the top of the motherboard upwards to release its plastic clips.
- Remove the motherboard.
Tilt the top of the motherboard upwards to release its plastic clips.
Remove the motherboard.
Step 32
Remove the front camera
- Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the front camera’s press connector located on the bottom of the logic board.
- Remove the front camera.
Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the front camera’s press connector located on the bottom of the logic board.
Remove the front camera.
Step 33
Only the motherboard remains
- You’re now left with only the motherboard.
You’re now left with only the motherboard.
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.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Google Pixel 6a Answers community for help.
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Alex Diaz-Kokaisl
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