Google Pixel 3a XL USB-C Port Replacement Guide: DIY Step-by-Step

– Alright, check out the back of your phone in this step. You’re gonna see some seams, and we’re gonna focus on one in particular.

– There are two different seams going on here, so let’s make sure we’re on the same page:

– There’s a tiny gap between the edge of the screen and the OLED panel underneath. It’s like a secret hiding place for the screen’s soul. If you’re planning on using your original screen again, be sure to pay attention to the next few steps.

– We’re gonna be working with the screen seam, where the screen meets the rest of the phone. That’s where you’ll want to gently pry. Think of it like a good friend giving you a little push.

– The other seam, the midframe seam, is where the midframe meets the body of the phone. That’s held down by screws, so we’re gonna leave it alone. It’s the part that keeps everything in its place.

– Alright, let’s get this screen party started! Place a suction cup on the right edge of the screen, right below the volume button. You got this!

– Hey, be careful! This plastic tool is pretty strong, so we want to make sure we don’t accidentally damage the OLED display underneath the glass.

– To keep your phone’s screen looking sharp, aim your pick downwards just like in the photo. This will help you slide it under the panel without ruining the screen.

– If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– Let’s get this screen separation party started! Pull up on the suction cup with some good old-fashioned strength to create a gap between the screen and your phone. It’s like a little dance, but with more suction.

– Now, slide that opening pick into the gap you just created. We’re getting closer!

– Oops! If you feel the pick bumping into something, don’t worry. It might be hitting the edge of the OLED panel. Just angle the pick downwards and give it another try. You got this!

– After you pop that pick in, gently glide it up and down the right edge of your phone, slicing through the adhesive that’s holding your screen snugly in place.

– Before you start, take a minute to prep your phone’s top edge. Use an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to loosen the adhesive. This will make the repair process smoother. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair

– Gently guide your opening pick around the upper-right corner of the screen, like you’re tracing a treasure map!

– If you’re aiming to keep that screen intact, be extra cautious here! Make sure your pick stays deep beneath the OLED display (just like in the photos), or only go about 5 mm into the device to steer clear of the display lurking under the glass.

– Keep on peeling away the adhesive at the top edge of the display like a pro!

– Shimmy your opening pick along the left side of the phone to loosen up the adhesive there. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– Before you start, take a minute to prep your phone’s screen. If you’re planning to reuse it, warm up the bottom edge with a heat gun, hair dryer, or iOpener to loosen the adhesive. This will make the repair process a whole lot smoother. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair

– Now it’s time to carefully slide your opening pick along the bottom edge of the phone to loosen the last bits of adhesive holding the screen in place.

– Not so fast! Don’t try to remove the screen just yet – it’s still connected to the phone by a display cable, so let’s take it one step at a time.

– If you’re planning to reuse your screen, be extra careful here. To avoid damaging the display, keep your pick deep under the OLED display, or only insert it about 5 mm into the device. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair with Salvation Repair.

– Grab the top edge of the screen (where you see the front-facing camera) and give it a gentle lift. Then, carefully flip it over so that the screen is laying face-down on the phone. You got this!

– Grab those tweezers and gently pluck away the black sticker that’s guarding the display cable bracket. Don’t worry, it’s just playing peek-a-boo!

– If the sticker looks good as new, give it a second chance during reassembly. If it’s seen better days, no problem! You can swap it out for a piece of trusty electrical tape.

– Let’s kick things off by carefully unscrewing those two 4.3mm T3 screws that are keeping the display cable bracket secure. You’ve got this!

– As you dive into this repair adventure, be sure to keep an eye on each screw and remember where they belong. It’ll make putting everything back a piece of cake!

– Alright, let’s pop off that display cable bracket. Easy peasy.

– Now, use the pointy end of your trusty spudger to gently pry up on the cable connector and disconnect the screen. No need to be rough, just a little encouragement.

– To reconnect, make sure everything is lined up perfectly. Then, press down on one side of the connector until you hear a satisfying click. Repeat on the other side. Avoid pressing in the middle, as that could bend the pins and cause some serious drama. If you’re feeling a little unsure, you can always schedule a repair with us.

– Gently detach the screen from your phone, like peeling a banana—easy does it!

– Take a moment to compare your shiny new replacement part with the original. If you spot any components like the speaker grille or camera bracket that need to hitch a ride to the new part, go ahead and transfer them over!

– Let’s get that screen back in action:

– As your device powers up after putting it all back together, the screen will undergo a calibration dance. Hands off during this time, please! Touching the screen could throw off the calibration and lead to some touchy issues.

– Grab your trusty tweezers or an opening tool and gently clear away any leftover adhesive from the phone frame. A little high concentration isopropyl alcohol can work wonders for a squeaky clean finish.

– If you’re planning to give the screen a second chance, make sure to wipe off all adhesive residue. Be gentle with metal tools to keep that screen scratch-free.

– Now, it’s time to stick that screen back on! Use some pre-cut adhesive or double-sided tape (like Tesa tape) to secure it to the frame.

– Let’s get started by removing the following 4.3mm screws – it’s time to take your device apart!

– As you work through this repair, be sure to keep track of each screw and where it came from, so everything goes back together smoothly.

– You’ll need to remove 14 silver T3 Torx screws – they’re holding things together tight!

– And don’t forget the 2 black T3 Torx screws – they’re easy to miss, but important to remove. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair

– Gently slide an opening pick into the groove at the bottom of your phone.

– Carefully glide that pick along the seam to pop open the clips that hold the midframe snugly in place.

– Now it’s time to get this phone open – slide the opening pick along the left and right edges to release those midframe clips.

– Carefully lift the bottom edge of the midframe, but don’t pull it all the way off just yet. It’s still connected by a delicate cable, so be gentle. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair

– Time to get up close and personal with the motherboard. Use a spudger to carefully pry up and detach the proximity sensor cable – it’s like a little liberation for your device. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair

– Alright, let’s pop that midframe off the phone. It’s time to get a little hands-on! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair

– Okay, time to put things back together! Line up the top edge of that midframe with the top of your phone. Now, use a spudger (that handy little tool) to gently press the proximity sensor cable connector onto its socket. Take your time, it might take a little bit of wiggling. Once that connector is aligned, you can even use a finger to give it a little extra push to make sure it’s snug. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– Grab your trusty spudger and gently pry up to disconnect that battery connector. You’ve got this!

– Alright, let’s get those USB-C port screws out of the way. There are two T3 screws holding it in place. Just give them a little twist and they’ll be ready to come out. No worries if you’re a little rusty (pun intended!), we’ve all been there. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

– Alright, let’s give that USB-C port a little wiggle room! Grab your trusty spudger (the pointy end, of course) and gently pry up the port to disconnect it from the lower board. Take it slow and steady, you got this!

– Let’s get started by carefully removing the USB-C port from your phone. Take your time and make sure it’s completely detached before moving on to the next step. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair