Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power Off the Pixel 5a

   1 min

   Press and hold the power button, then select Power Off on the screen. Ensure the device is completely powered down before starting.

2. 2

   Heat the Display Edges

   2 min

   Apply heat around the perimeter of the screen using a heat gun on low for two minutes. This softens the adhesive sealing the display assembly.

3. 3

   Attach Suction Cup

   1 min

   Press a suction cup onto the lower third of the display glass. Pull upward firmly to create a slight gap between the glass and frame.

4. 4

   Insert Opening Pick

   2 min

   Insert a plastic opening pick into the gap created at the bottom edge. Keep the pick depth under 3 mm to avoid damaging display components.

5. 5

   Slice Perimeter Adhesive

   4 min

   Slide the opening pick around the bottom, left, right, and top edges of the glass. Carefully slice through all perimeter screen adhesive.

6. 6

   Pivot Display Open

   2 min

   Gently lift the right side of the screen panel and pivot it open like a book. Do not pull the screen off, as fragile ribbon cables remain attached.

7. 7

   Unscrew Display Cable Shield

   2 min

   Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the single screw securing the metal display cable shield. Remove the shield with tweezers.

8. 8

   Disconnect the Display Cable

   2 min

   Pry the display cable press-connector straight up from the motherboard using the flat end of a spudger. Lift the display away.

9. 9

   Disconnect the Battery Cable

   1 min

   Locate the battery flex connector on the board. Pry it straight up with a plastic spudger to cut power to the device.

10. 10

    Remove Button Shield Screws

    3 min

    Remove the T3 Torx screws securing the metal power and volume button bracket along the inner right frame.

11. 11

    Remove Metal Retention Bracket

    1 min

    Use fine tweezers to lift the metal button bracket off the internal frame wall.

12. 12

    Disconnect Power Button Connector

    2 min

    Use the pointed tip of a spudger to disconnect the power button ribbon cable connector from the motherboard.

13. 13

    Peel Up Damaged Flex Cable

    2 min

    Gently slide a flat opening tool under the power button flex assembly. Lift the sticky flex cable away from the internal side wall.

14. 14

    Install New Power Button Cable

    3 min

    Align the replacement power button flex cable with the alignment pins inside the chassis. Press it firmly into place against the inner wall.

15. 15

    Reattach Metal Bracket

    2 min

    Place the metal retention bracket back over the new button flex cable. Tighten the T3 Torx screws to secure it.

16. 16

    Reconnect Connectors

    3 min

    Snap the power button connector, battery flex cable, and display ribbon cable back into their motherboard sockets.

17. 17

    Test Power Button Action

    2 min

    Press the physical power button to verify tactile click response and confirm the device boots properly before sealing.

18. 18

    Apply Adhesive and Reseal Display

    5 min

    Apply new pre-cut adhesive strips around the frame perimeter. Lower the display into alignment and press firmly along the edges to seal.