Google Pixel 3 Back Glass Replacement
Complete guide to Google Pixel 3 back glass replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Back Glass Replacement is one of the most common repairs for Google Pixel 3. This repair involves replacing the damaged housing component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-3 hours and requires difficult skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
🔩 Replacement Parts
What You'll Need
- Replacement housing part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Weaken the back cover's adhesive
Step 2: Create a gap in the seam
Apply a suction cup to the heated bottom edge of the back cover.
Make sure you did not mistake the screen side for the back cover side.
If your back cover is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere.
Lift on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.
Depending on how aged your phone is, this may take significant force. If you are having trouble, apply more heat and try again.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.
Don't use metal tools to pry, or you'll mar or shatter the glass back cover. If the panel won't budge, apply more heat, either with a hair dryer or heat gun.
Step 3: Fingerprint cable information
When inserting an opening pick above the power button, be careful not to insert the pick too deeply, or you will damage the fingerprint sensor cable.
Step 4: Cut through the adhesive
Slice the adhesive along the bottom edge of the phone and around the right corner.
Leave a pick in the bottom edge to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.
Step 5:
Heat the right edge with an iOpener and continue slicing the adhesive with an opening pick.
The adhesive can be very gummy. Push the pick in and out in a sawing motion to help with slicing.
Step 6:
Continue heating and slicing through the rest of the phone perimeter. Leave a pick in each edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
When slicing above the power button, do not insert the pick more than halfway in to avoid damaging the fingerprint sensor cable.
Step 7: Lift the left edge of the back cover
Once you have sliced around the perimeter of the phone, carefully lift the '''left edge''' of the back cover.
Do not attempt to remove the back cover. It is still attached to the phone by the fingerprint sensor cable.
Flip the back cover along its long axis and rest it so that the fingerprint sensor cable is not strained.
Step 8: Remove the screws
Remove the two 4.1 mm-long Phillips screws securing the fingerprint connector bracket.
Throughout this repair, [https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Magnetic-Project-Mat/IF145-167-4|keep track of each screw|new_window=true] and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
During reassembly, be careful not to over-tighten these screws, or you may damage your display.
Step 9: Remove the fingerprint connector bracket
Use the point of a spudger to slide the fingerprint connector bracket out from under the NFC coil.
Remove the fingerprint connector bracket.
Step 10: Disconnect the fingerprint connector
Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the fingerprint connector from its socket.
When you disconnect connectors like these, be careful not to dislodge the small surface-mounted components surrounding the socket.
To re-attach [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s70308|press connectors|new_window=true] like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 11: Remove the back cover
Remove the back cover.
Before you install a replacement back cover, be sure to remove all adhesive residue from the phone frame. Use an opening tool to scrape and high concentration isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface.
If you are re-using the back cover, be sure to clean off any adhesive, and apply new back cover adhesive.
If you are installing a replacement back cover, be sure to compare it with the original part. Transfer any remaining parts (such as the flash diffuser) over to your replacement part.
Follow [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Google+Pixel+3+Back+Cover+Adhesive+Installation/155011|new_window=true|this guide] to correctly apply new back cover adhesive.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $42-$108)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($70-$180)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Google Pixel 3 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 54 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Google Pixel 3 generates 60 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 6 kg of CO₂. That's a 90% reduction in carbon emissions!
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