Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the Pixel 2 XL

   1 min

   Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears. Tap Power Off and wait for the screen to turn completely dark.

2. 2

   Heat the screen edges

   2 min

   Apply a heated iOpener or heat gun to the front edges of the display for two minutes. This softens the strong adhesive securing the OLED panel.

3. 3

   Attach suction cup

   1 min

   Place a suction handle near the bottom center of the display panel. Press firmly to create a secure vacuum seal against the glass.

4. 4

   Create an opening gap

   2 min

   Pull up on the suction handle to create a tiny gap between the display bezel and the aluminum frame. Insert an opening pick into the gap.

5. 5

   Slice display adhesive

   4 min

   Slide the opening pick around all four edges of the screen to cut through the perimeter tape. Do not insert the pick deeper than 3 mm on the right edge to avoid damaging flex cables.

6. 6

   Pivot open display

   2 min

   Gently lift the right edge of the screen and swing it open like a book toward the left side. Take care not to strain the display cable attached near the top left.

7. 7

   Remove display connector bracket

   2 min

   Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the single screw securing the metal display cable cover. Lift the metal bracket out of the chassis with tweezers.

8. 8

   Disconnect display flex cable

   1 min

   Pry the display cable connector straight up from its motherboard socket using a spudger. Set the display assembly aside in a safe location.

9. 9

   Remove midframe screws

   3 min

   Unscrew all T5 Torx screws holding the midframe shield to the body. Keep track of each screw for proper reassembly.

10. 10

    Pry off midframe shield

    2 min

    Insert a spudger under the top lip of the metal midframe. Carefully pry upward to release it from the phone body and remove it.

11. 11

    Disconnect battery cable

    1 min

    Use the flat end of a spudger to detach the battery press connector from the motherboard. This prevents short circuits during component replacement.

12. 12

    Remove daughterboard bracket

    2 min

    Remove the T5 Torx screws securing the bottom speaker module and lower daughterboard bracket. Lift the bracket clear of the housing.

13. 13

    Disconnect lower interconnect cables

    2 min

    Pry up the coaxial antenna cables and main flex cable from the lower daughterboard. Carefully unroute the antenna wires from their side channels.

14. 14

    Remove lower daughterboard

    2 min

    Pry up the bottom daughterboard containing the primary microphone using a spudger. Lift the board out of the phone frame.

15. 15

    Install new microphone board

    2 min

    Position the replacement daughterboard into the bottom well of the frame. Press gently until it sits flat against the alignment pins.

16. 16

    Reconnect lower cables

    2 min

    Snap the antenna coaxial cables and main flex connector securely onto the new daughterboard. Ensure the wires fit into their perimeter routing channels.

17. 17

    Reinstall daughterboard bracket

    2 min

    Set the lower bracket back into place over the daughterboard. Install and tighten the T5 Torx screws to hold it in place.

18. 18

    Reconnect battery connector

    1 min

    Align the battery press connector over its motherboard socket and press down firmly until it snaps into place.

19. 19

    Reinstall midframe shield

    3 min

    Lower the midframe shield onto the chassis and press it flat. Thread and tighten all T5 Torx midframe screws securely.

20. 20

    Clean old adhesive

    3 min

    Scrape away remaining display adhesive from the frame edges using a plastic spudger. Wipe the frame perimeter clean with isopropyl alcohol.

21. 21

    Apply display adhesive

    3 min

    Place new pre-cut adhesive strips along the perimeter edges of the phone frame. Peel away the protective backing tape.

22. 22

    Connect and seal display

    3 min

    Reconnect the screen cable, reinstall its metal bracket, and press the display firmly down into the adhesive-lined frame.