The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have emerged as cutting-edge smartphones, seamlessly blending innovative features with sleek design. However, even the most advanced devices can encounter glitches or malfunctions, and when it comes to the heart of your Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, the motherboard plays a crucial role.
This article explores all the details of Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro motherboard replacement, explaining the process, considerations, and potential benefits of undertaking this repair. Whether you're facing technical challenges or simply eager to unveil the inner workings of your device, this guide to motherboard replacement promises to be an enlightening adventure into the heart of Pixel perfection. Carefully follow each step in the guide to replace the motherboard of your Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smoothly.
Step 1: Get your Pixel Ready to Take it Apart
Google is different from the other Android smartphone manufacturers these days. Instead of opening up their phones from the back, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro get opened up from the front screen side. Replacing the motherboard involves taking out the battery, and that part can be a bit tricky.
If the battery gets bent, creased, or damaged while you're removing it, you'll have to go ahead and replace it with a new one. It's a delicate step, but with careful handling, you can ensure a smooth motherboard replacement process. Before you open the open, ensure to get your Pixel ready for disassembly by following these steps:
- Ensure your Pixel's battery is below 25% before initiating the repair process. A damaged, charged lithium-ion battery poses a fire risk.
- Disconnect all cables attached to your phone.
- Ensure backing up all crucial data to prevent any loss during the process.
- Purchase an authentic Samsung replacement screen from authorised dealers or reputable online stores, ensuring compatibility with the Google Pixel 8 or 8 Pro model you are repairing.
- Gather essential tools such as prying tools, small screwdrivers, and tweezers to remove the old screen and install the new one safely.
- Remove the sim tray from your Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro.
- Turn off your phone entirely.
- Simultaneously press the power and volume up buttons to access the shutdown menu.
Step 2: Heat the Corners of Your Pixel Using Heat Gun
Heating softens the adhesive that secures the phone’s components, helping in safe and effective disassembly. To do this step, carefully direct the heat gun towards the corners of the Pixel, maintaining a consistent but controlled temperature. This gentle heating helps prevent potential damage to the device while ensuring that the adhesive becomes pliable, allowing for easier separation of components during the repair.
Alternatively, You can use a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate, but be cautious to prevent potential screen or battery damage due to excessive heat. Exercise care and attention when employing heat sources for this purpose.
Step 3: Apply Suction Pump and Use Opening Pick
After heating the sides of the screen, apply a suction pump. Pull the suction pump until the suction cups begin to stretch. Allow one minute for a gap to emerge between the screen and frame; then, insert an opening pick or prying tool into the gap, not exceeding 3 mm, to prevent damage to the spring contacts.
Utilize a metal pry tool to detach the back cover, and consider spraying Isopropyl on the tool to facilitate easier removal of the cover. Be careful in the areas surrounding the phone's perimeter, as there are numerous spring contacts; avoid any actions that may lead to bending these contacts.
Step 4: Take off the Cover for the Screen Cable.
Employ an opening tool to lift the upper edge of the screen cable cover gently, and then proceed to remove the cover.
Step 5: Disconnect the Screen
Insert the spudger's tip beneath the top right corner of the screen's press connector, carefully pry up, and disconnect the cable. When reconnecting a press connector, align it with the socket, gently press down on one side until it clicks, and then repeat on the other. Avoid pressing down in the middle to prevent potential damage from misalignment. Now your screen can be easily removed.
Step 6: Detach the 5G mmWave Antenna
The following steps guide you on how to disconnect and remove the 5G mmWave antenna cable. If your phone doesn't have this antenna, you can skip the next four steps. It's crucial to be cautious to avoid scraping or damaging any components on the surface. Using a spudger, gently lift the top edge of the 5G mmWave antenna's press connector and disconnect the cable.
Step 7: Lift the 5G mmWave Antenna Gently
Three strong adhesive pieces hold the 5G mmWave antenna cable to the midframe.
Apply heat to the 5G mmWave antenna cable using a hair dryer for two minutes to make the adhesive softer. Alternatively, you can use a heat gun or hot plate, but be cautious as too much heat can harm the battery. Insert the flat end of a spudger between the bottom of the 5G mmWave antenna cable and the midframe, just above the press connector.
Twist the spudger to separate the cable's bottom from the midframe. Hold the bottom of the 5G mmWave antenna cable and gently peel it off the midframe. When putting things back together, press the cable onto the midframe to secure it with the existing adhesive. If it doesn't stick well, use thin double-sided tape for extra support.
Step 8: Take off the Graphite Tape
To finish this repair, you need to remove and replace a large graphite sheet. This sheet connects the upper part of the battery, midframe, and the rear cameras. Using a spudger, gently lift different parts of the graphite sheet until you can grab it with your fingers.
The sections of the graphite sheet between the rear cameras and the battery might tear, and if they do, hold onto the broken part and remove that section. Lift and take away the entire graphite sheet.
When putting things back together, avoid reusing the old graphite sheet; use a new one for reassembly.
Step 9: Remove the Tape Covering the USB-C Port
Carefully use the spudger's tip to lift the plastic shim located on the top of the USB-C port cover. Take out the shim and set it aside or move it to create space for accessing the screws on the USB-C port cover.
Step 10: Reassembly Information
When putting things back together, pay attention to these steps for the midframe and loudspeaker:
- Shim Replacement: If you have a new one, replace the plastic shim running along the bottom of the midframe and loudspeaker. If not, you can use the old one by pressing it back into place.
- Rectangular Liner: Take off the larger rectangular liner from the shim.
- Shim Positioning: Set the shim so that the smaller foam part aligns with the bottom of the USB-C port cover.
- Securing the Shim: Use the flat end of a spudger to gently but firmly press down across the entire shim to make sure it's securely in place.
- Liner Removal: Take off the remaining liner.
Following these steps during reassembly ensures a proper fit and functioning for the midframe and loudspeaker.
Step 11: Unfasten and Remove the Midframe
As you go through this repair, keep a close eye on each screw and ensure it goes back to its original spot. While the Pixel 8 Pro typically uses Torx Plus screws, regular Torx bits can also do the job. Remember to press down consistently to avoid stripping.
To begin, use a T3 Torx screwdriver to take out the two 5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screws holding the USB-C port cover. Once the cover is off, use the same T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the seven 5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screws securing the midframe. Take off the midframe.
When putting things back together, check the thermal pad's condition. If it's damaged, remove it, clean the area with high-concentration (over 90%) isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth, and then apply a new thermal pad.
Step 12: Disconnect the Battery
Use the pointed end of a spudger to gently lift and disconnect the press connector of the battery cable.
Step 13: Disconnect and Remove the Front Camera
Utilize the pointed end of a spudger to carefully lift and disconnect the press connector for the front camera. Remove the front camera.
Step 14: Disconnect, Unfasten and Remove the Rear Camera Assembly
Take the pointed end of a spudger and gently lift to disconnect all three rear camera press connectors from the top edge of the logic board.
While taking out the screws holding the rear camera assembly, you might need to keep the 5G mmWave antenna cable out of the way.
Using a T3 Torx screwdriver, remove two screws securing the rear camera assembly:
- One 3.5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screw at the top left corner
- One 5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screw at the top right corner
Insert a spudger between the right edge of the rear camera assembly and the frame, then carefully lift and remove the rear camera assembly.
Step 15: Unfasten and Remove the 5G mmWave Antenna Bracket
With a T3 Torx screwdriver, take out the two 5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screws securing the 5G mmWave antenna bracket. Insert the spudger's tip into one of the bracket's screw holes. Lift and dislodge the bracket by prying up gently with the spudger. Remove the bracket.
When putting things back together, insert the bracket at a downward angle. This ensures the spring contacts and foam pads make proper contact with the 5G mmWave antenna. Press the bracket down securely to secure it in place.
Step 16: Take Out the 5G mmWave Antenna
Hold the 5G mmWave antenna cable and lift the antenna gently from its slot. If the cable comes off from the antenna, no need to panic! Use your fingers to take out the antenna. Remember to reconnect the antenna cable when putting things back together.
Step 17: Unplug the Antenna Cable
Slide one arm of angled tweezers under the metal neck of the black antenna cable coaxial connector positioned at the top left corner of the logic board. Lift it gently in a straight upward motion to disconnect the cable.
For reconnection, align the cable over its socket and use the flat end of a spudger to press down—it should snap into place. Avoid forcing the connector; if it doesn't fit, reposition and try again.
Step 18: Detach the Antenna Cable
Carefully remove the white antenna cable from its clip on the left side of your phone.
Step 19: Separate the Motherboard
Utilize the pointed end of a spudger to gently lift and disconnect the interconnect and ultra-wideband press connectors located at the top left corner of the motherboard.
Step 20: Unfasten and Remove the Loudspeaker
With a T3 Torx screwdriver, take out the 5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screw securing the loudspeaker. Insert the spudger's point between the bottom right edge of the loudspeaker and the frame.
Lift and dislodge the loudspeaker from its slot using the spudger. Remove the loudspeaker. When putting things back together, insert the edge of the loudspeaker with an orange gasket at a downward angle into its slot. Then press the loudspeaker firmly into place.
Step 21: Apply Heat to Loosen the Battery Adhesive
The battery is held in place by adhesive on the frame. To make it easier to remove, heat the back cover. Gently turn your phone over and place it on your work surface.
Use a hairdryer or heat gun on the left side of the back cover, focusing on the area where the battery is. Make sure it becomes slightly too hot to touch. Be cautious not to overheat the phone, as excessive heat can harm the battery.
Step 22: Use Isopropyl Alcohol
Turn your phone over and place it on your work surface. Put a few drops of concentrated isopropyl alcohol along the right edge of the battery. Tilt your phone to guide the alcohol toward the adhesive on the top and bottom edges of the battery. Wait for one minute to let the alcohol dissolve the adhesive.
Step 23: Use an Opening Pick, Separate Battery Adhesive & Remove Battery
Insert the flat side of an opening pick between the right edge of the battery and the frame.
Be cautious not to crease or bend the battery, as it can leak hazardous chemicals or catch fire. The adhesive holding the battery is robust. It takes time and sustained pressure to separate it. You may need multiple rounds of heat and isopropyl alcohol.
Secure your phone firmly with one hand. With your free hand, use the pick to pry the battery up. Maintain consistent pressure until the battery detaches from the frame. If, after two minutes of constant pressure, the battery remains stuck, apply more heat and isopropyl alcohol before trying again. Utilize the opening pick to raise the battery and detach any remaining adhesive. Take out the battery.
When reassembling:
If the battery is creased, bent, or deformed, do not reinstall it as it poses a fire hazard. Instead, replace it with a new battery. Refer to this guide for removing the old adhesive and installing your new battery.
Step 24: Take off the Grounding Bracket
With a T3 Torx screwdriver, unscrew the 2.5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screw that secures the grounding bracket to the bottom right edge of your phone. Take away the grounding bracket.
Step 25: Unfasten and Remove the Motherboard
Using a T3 Torx screwdriver, take out the 3.5 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screw securing the logic board. Before lifting the logic board, ensure the SIM card tray is removed. Raise the top edge of the logic board and remove it, being careful not to snag any cables.
When reassembling:
Ensure the interconnect, ultra-wideband, and black antenna cables are clear of the board's path before placing it. Insert the board at a downward angle, aligning the USB-C port with its recess at the bottom of the frame. Lower the top of the board and push it into its designated spot.
Step 26: Place the Logic Board Down
Turn the logic board over and place it on a soft, clean surface like a towel to prevent any damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, replacing the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro motherboard involves careful steps and attention to detail. Each step plays a crucial role in achieving a successful repair, from preparing the device for disassembly to heating the corners, disconnecting the screen, and applying new adhesive.
It's important to use genuine replacement parts, follow the recommended tools, and exercise caution throughout the process. By adhering to the outlined steps and guidelines, you can maintain your smartphones in peak condition, whether addressing accidental damage or opting for an upgrade. Remember to back up essential data before starting the repair and prioritize safety to ensure a seamless and effective motherboard replacement for your Google Pixel 8 or 8 Pro.