Phone · Google · Pixel 2
Google Pixel 2 Water Damage Repair
Water Damage Repair guide for the Google Pixel 2
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision Torx T3 screwdriver
- Plastic opening tools
- Suction cup
- Tweezers
- Heat gun or iOpener
- Soft-bristled antistatic brush
- Spudger
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Replacement display adhesive strips
- Lint-free microfiber cloth
- Cotton swabs
Safety
- Disconnect the battery immediately after opening the display to prevent electrical short circuits.
- Wear protective safety glasses when handling alcohol spray and heated glass panels.
- Work in a well-ventilated space away from open flames when using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power Off and Eject SIM Tray
2 minPower down the Pixel 2 completely and push a SIM eject tool into the tray hole to remove the SIM card and holder.
- 2
Heat Front Display Edges
3 minUse a heat gun or iOpener around the perimeter of the screen for two minutes to soften the display adhesive.
- 3
Attach Suction Cup to Glass
2 minPlace a suction cup on the lower portion of the screen glass and pull upward gently to create a small gap.
- 4
Slice Display Adhesive
5 minInsert a plastic opening pick into the gap and slice along the screen edges to free the perimeter adhesive.
- 5
Lift Display Assembly
2 minGently pivot the display panel up from the top edge, taking care not to strain the ribbon cable below.
- 6
Unscrew Display Cable Shield
3 minUse a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the metal display cable bracket.
- 7
Disconnect Display Cable
2 minUse the flat end of a spudger to pry the display connector straight up from the motherboard.
- 8
Remove Midframe Screws
5 minUnscrew the perimeter T3 Torx screws holding the internal midframe assembly to the phone body.
- 9
Pry Out Midframe Plate
3 minInsert a spudger under the midframe edge and lift the metal midframe plate out of the rear enclosure.
- 10
Disconnect Battery Cable
2 minPry the press-fit battery connector off the motherboard to cut power to the board immediately.
- 11
Remove Motherboard Screws
4 minUnscrew all remaining Torx fasteners securing the main logic board to the casing.
- 12
Disconnect Sub-Board Flex Cables
4 minUse fine tweezers or a spudger to detach the camera cables, charging port flex, and antenna coax connectors.
- 13
Lift Motherboard Out
3 minCarefully pry up the motherboard from its edges and lift it out of the chassis.
- 14
Soak Motherboard in Isopropyl Alcohol
10 minSubmerge the logic board in a shallow container filled with high-purity 99% isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes.
- 15
Scrub Corrosion with Soft Brush
8 minGently brush away visible liquid corrosion and mineral deposits around chips and connectors using a soft brush.
- 16
Dry Motherboard Completely
15 minWipe off excess alcohol with a microfiber cloth and let the board air-dry in a warm area for at least two hours.
- 17
Clean Internal Case Contacts
5 minDampen a cotton swab with alcohol and clean remaining corrosion off the charging port and inside housing.
- 18
Reassemble Device and Apply Adhesive
12 minReinstall the dried motherboard, reconnect all flex cables, apply fresh display adhesive, and press the screen back into place.
After your Google Pixel 2 water damage repair
Power the Pixel 2 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 2 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 2 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
