Phone · Google · Pixel 1
Google Pixel 1 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Google Pixel 1
Before you begin
Tools
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Suction cup tool
- Plastic prying tools
- Precision screwdriver set (T5 Torx)
- Spudger tool
- Soft brush
- Compressed air
Parts / materials
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
- Replacement display adhesive strip
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
Safety
- Disconnect the battery cable immediately to prevent short-circuiting electrical components.
- Wear eye protection when using compressed air and handling solvents.
- Perform cleaning in a well-ventilated area away from open flames.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off Phone
1 minPress and hold the power button to completely turn off the device. Do not attempt to charge a water-damaged phone under any circumstances.
- 2
Eject SIM Card Tray
1 minInsert a SIM eject tool or small paperclip into the hole on the left edge of the frame. Push firmly until the tray ejects, then remove it.
- 3
Heat Display Edges
3 minApply heat to the front perimeter of the phone using a heat gun set to low for 2–3 minutes. This softens the strong screen adhesive underneath.
- 4
Slice Display Adhesive
5 minAttach a suction cup near the top screen edge and lift slightly to create a gap. Insert a plastic opening pick and carefully slide it around the perimeter to cut through the display adhesive.
- 5
Disconnect Display Flex Cable
3 minPivot the display carefully from the top edge like a book. Use a spudger to pop off the metal shield and disconnect the display flex cable from the mainboard.
- 6
Unscrew Midframe Assembly
4 minRemove the nine T5 Torx screws securing the internal midframe to the rear aluminum enclosure.
- 7
Remove Midframe
2 minInsert a flat plastic spudger into the notch on the side of the midframe and gently pry it out of the chassis.
- 8
Disconnect Battery Flex Cable
2 minUse a plastic spudger to pry the battery press connector straight up from its motherboard socket. Disconnecting power prevents further electrical shorts.
- 9
Disconnect Motherboard Cables
3 minUnplug the daughterboard interconnect cable, front and rear camera connectors, and side-button flex cable from the mainboard.
- 10
Remove Mainboard
3 minRemove the remaining T5 Torx screws holding the motherboard, then carefully lift the board out of the phone housing.
- 11
Scrub Board Corrosion
6 minDip a soft brush into 99% isopropyl alcohol and gently scrub away corrosion or mineral deposits on all circuit components and connectors.
- 12
Soak Board in Alcohol Bath
10 minPlace the motherboard in a small container filled with 99% isopropyl alcohol and let it submerge for 10 minutes to displace residual trapped water.
- 13
Dry Board with Compressed Air
5 minBlow away excess isopropyl alcohol from under metal EMI shields using compressed air. Allow the board to air-dry completely on a lint-free cloth for at least 30 minutes.
- 14
Reassemble Mainboard and Frame
8 minReinstall the mainboard into the housing, reconnect all flex cables, seat the battery cable, and secure the midframe with the T5 Torx screws.
- 15
Reattach Display Assembly
5 minApply new pre-cut adhesive to the phone frame, reconnect the display flex cable with its shield bracket, and press the glass screen firmly into place.
After your Google Pixel 1 water damage repair
Power the Pixel 1 back on and test the water damage repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Google Pixel 1 job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Google Pixel 1 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
