Phone · Google · Pixel 3a XL
Google Pixel 3a XL Titan Security Chip Repair
Titan Security Chip Repair guide for the Google Pixel 3a XL
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision screwdriver set
- Plastic opening tools
- Tweezers
- Microscope
- Hot air station
- Multimeter
- PCB holder
- Soldering iron
- Solder wick
Parts / materials
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Rosin flux
- Lead-free solder paste
- Replacement Titan M security chip
- Display adhesive strips
Safety
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap connected to ground to prevent electrostatic discharge.
- Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume extractor when heating solder and flux.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves and protective eye safety glasses during micro-soldering.
- Avoid touching high-temperature tool tips or melted solder directly with bare skin.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Eject the SIM card tray
1 minInsert a SIM eject tool into the hole next to the tray on the left edge of the phone. Push firmly to pop the tray out, then remove it.
- 2
Heat the display glass
3 minUse a hot air station set to 80°C to heat the perimeter of the screen for two minutes. This softens the adhesive securing the display assemble to the frame.
- 3
Slice the display adhesive
5 minApply a suction cup to the lower display edge and pull up slightly to create a gap. Insert an opening pick and slide it around the perimeter to slice through the adhesive.
- 4
Unscrew the display connector shield
3 minSwing the screen open carefully from the left edge like a book. Remove the T3 Torx screw securing the metal cable shield near the bottom of the board.
- 5
Disconnect the display cable
2 minUse a plastic spudger to detach the display flex connector from the motherboard socket. Set the display assembly aside in a safe location.
- 6
Unscrew the midframe array
4 minRemove the T3 Torx screws holding the midframe assembly to the phone chassis. Keep track of each screw position for accurate reassembly.
- 7
Remove the midframe cover
3 minGently pry up the plastic midframe shield using a plastic opening tool. Lift it away from the device chassis to reveal the motherboard and battery.
- 8
Disconnect the battery cable
2 minLocate the battery flex cable on the lower section of the motherboard. Use a plastic opening tool to pop the connector straight up from its socket.
- 9
Disconnect the motherboard ribbon cables
4 minPry up the remaining interconnect flex cables and the coaxial antenna cables connected to the logic board. Move the loose cables aside to prevent damage.
- 10
Remove the motherboard screws
3 minUnscrew the T3 Torx screws securing the motherboard assembly to the aluminum housing. Ensure no grounding clips or brackets are caught before lifting.
- 11
Lift out the motherboard
2 minCarefully pry the top edge of the motherboard out of the chassis. Remove the board completely and transfer it to an ESD-safe workspace.
- 12
Secure the motherboard in a PCB fixture
3 minMount the motherboard securely in a PCB holder under your microscope. Position the board so the Titan M security chip is clearly visible and accessible.
- 13
Apply rosin flux to the Titan chip
2 minApply a generous layer of liquid or gel flux around the perimeter of the Titan security IC. The flux will facilitate even heat distribution and solder flow.
- 14
Desolder the Titan security chip
5 minHeat the Titan chip evenly using a hot air station set to 350°C. Once the solder liquefies, lift the chip off the board using fine-tipped tweezers.
- 15
Clean the surface pads
4 minApply fresh flux and run solder wick over the contact pads with a soldering iron to remove residual solder. Clean the area using 99% isopropyl alcohol.
- 16
Solder the replacement Titan chip
6 minAlign the replacement Titan M IC precisely with pin 1 orientation on the cleaned pads. Apply hot air at 330°C until the chip reflows and settles into position.
- 17
Reinstall the motherboard
5 minAllow the board to cool completely, then reinstall it into the chassis. Reconnect all flex cables and screws in reverse order of disassembly.
After your Google Pixel 3a XL titan security chip repair
Power the Pixel 3a XL back on and test the titan security chip 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 3a XL 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 3a XL repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
