Phone · Google · Pixel 4a
Google Pixel 4a Titan Security Chip Repair
Titan Security Chip Repair guide for the Google Pixel 4a
Before you begin
Tools
- Precision T3 Torx screwdriver
- Plastic opening picks
- Plastic spudger
- Hot air station
- Microscope
- Soldering iron
- Fine tweezers
- PCB holder
Parts / materials
- Tacky flux
- Desoldering wick
- 99% Isopropyl alcohol
- Replacement Titan M IC chip
- Display pre-cut adhesive strips
Safety
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap connected to a grounded surface to prevent ESD damage.
- Work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume extractor when heating flux and solder.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental solder splatter.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Power off the Pixel 4a
1 minPress and hold the power button, then tap Power Off on the screen. Ensure the phone is completely shut down before proceeding.
- 2
Eject the SIM card tray
1 minInsert a SIM eject tool into the pinhole on the left side of the frame. Push firmly until the tray pops out, then remove it.
- 3
Heat the screen assembly
2 minApply heat evenly around the display edges using a hot air station set to 80°C for about two minutes. This softens the display adhesive.
- 4
Slice the display adhesive
4 minInsert a plastic opening pick under the glass along the bottom edge. Carefully slide the pick around the perimeter to sever the adhesive.
- 5
Disconnect the screen cable
3 minGently fold open the display from the left side. Remove the metal shield plate, then use a plastic spudger to detach the screen ribbon press connector.
- 6
Unscrew the midframe panel
4 minRemove the T3 Torx screws securing the plastic midframe to the phone chassis. Store the screws in a organized tray.
- 7
Detach the midframe
2 minUse a plastic opening tool to release the retaining clips around the inner bezel. Lift the midframe away to access the main motherboard.
- 8
Disconnect the battery cable
1 minPry up the battery connector from its socket on the motherboard using a plastic spudger. Disconnecting power prevents short circuits during board service.
- 9
Unplug board flex cables
3 minDisconnect the rear camera, front camera, and lower sub-board interconnect flex cables from the mainboard using plastic tweezers.
- 10
Extract the motherboard
3 minRemove the remaining motherboard retaining screws using your T3 screwdriver. Gently lift the motherboard out of the housing and place it on an anti-static surface.
- 11
Mount motherboard in holder
2 minSecure the motherboard into a PCB fixture under a microscope. Locate the Titan M security chip near the center of the board.
- 12
Apply flux to Titan chip
2 minDispense a small amount of liquid or tacky flux along the perimeter of the Titan M IC chip using a fine applicator.
- 13
Desolder the Titan chip
5 minSet the hot air station to 350°C and heat the Titan IC evenly. Once the solder liquefies, lift the chip straight off the board with fine tweezers.
- 14
Clean the motherboard pads
4 minApply solder wick and your soldering iron tip to remove old solder from the board pads. Wipe the area clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol.
- 15
Solder the replacement chip
6 minAlign the replacement Titan M IC onto the pads, matching the pin 1 orientation. Apply hot air until the chip reflows and self-aligns on the solder pads.
- 16
Reinstall motherboard and test
5 minReinsert the motherboard into the phone body, reconnect all flex cables and battery, attach the screen, and power on the phone to verify functionality.
After your Google Pixel 4a titan security chip repair
Power the Pixel 4a 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 4a 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 4a repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
