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Google Pixel 3 Back Glass Replacement

Complete guide to Google Pixel 3 back glass replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.

💰 Cost:$70 - $180
⏱️ Time:1-3 hours
🌍 CO₂ Saved:54 kg

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💰 Cost Breakdown

Parts$42 - $108
Labor$28 - $72
Total Estimated Cost$70 - $180

💡 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: Heat the edge of the back cover

Step 1 - Image 1
Step 1 - Image 2

A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the phone—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

While you wait, note the following areas on the back cover:

Strong adhesive—there are large patches of adhesive near the bottom of the phone.

Fingerprint sensor cable—be careful not to slice through the cable as you pry

Step 2: Create a gap under the back cover

Step 2 - Image 1
Step 2 - Image 2

Apply a suction cup to the heated edge of the back cover, as close to the edge as possible.

Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.

Depending on the age of your phone, this may be difficult. If you are having trouble, apply heat to the edge and try again.

Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.

Step 3: Loosen the right edge adhesives

Step 3 - Image 1
Step 3 - Image 2

Slide the opening pick along the right edge to slice through the adhesive.

The adhesive gums up and becomes hard to slice once it cools. If that happens, re-apply heat to the edge to make slicing easier.

Once you have sliced through the edge, leave an opening pick in the seam to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

Step 4: Heat the bottom edge of the back cover

Step 4 - Image 1

Apply a heated iOpener to the bottom of the back cover for a minute.

Step 5: Slice through the bottom adhesives

Step 5 - Image 1
Step 5 - Image 2

Use an opening pick to slice around the bottom right corner and continue along the bottom edge of the phone.

Work slowly as you slice around the corner to prevent the panel from cracking. If the slicing becomes hard, re-apply heat.

Leave a pick in the edge to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

Step 6: Slice through the remaining edges

Step 6 - Image 1
Step 6 - Image 2

Continue heating and slicing the remaining edges of the phone.

Be careful as you slice along the left edge of the phone. If your pick feels like it's stuck near the top, you may have snagged the fingerprint sensor. Retract the pick out of the seam slightly and try again.

Be sure to cut through the thick portions of adhesive near the bottom and right edge of the phone.

Step 7: Slice through the leftover adhesive

Step 7 - Image 1

Gently pry up the right edge of the back cover.

Use an opening pick to slice through any remaining adhesive along the edges.

Step 8: Swing open the back cover

Step 8 - Image 1
Step 8 - Image 2

Swing the right edge of the back cover upwards and rest the flipped panel along the left side of the phone.

Be sure to maintain slack on the fingerprint sensor cable and prevent it from being pinched.

During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.

During reassembly, [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Apply+Custom-cut+Adhesive+Strips/126585|follow this guide|new_window=true] to install custom-cut adhesives for your back cover.

If you replaced the fingerprint sensor, you'll need to use [link|https://pixelrepair.withgoogle.com/udfps|new_window=true|this software tool] to make the phone recognize the new sensor.

Step 9: Remove the fingerprint sensor tape

Step 9 - Image 1

User [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to carefully peel up the yellow tape over the fingerprint sensor connector.

Step 10: Disconnect the fingerprint sensor

Step 10 - Image 1
Step 10 - Image 2

Use the point of a spudger to carefully flip up the black lock bar on the fingerprint sensor's ZIF socket.

Grasp the cable's tab with your fingers or tweezers and gently walk the flex cable out of the socket.

To prevent shorting, be careful not to touch the metal contacts on the flex cable with your tweezers.

Step 11: Remove the back cover

Step 11 - Image 1

Remove the back cover.

Follow [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Google+Pixel+3+XL+Back+Cover+Adhesive+Installation/154645|new_window=true|this guide] to correctly apply new back cover adhesive.

Step 12: Heat the fingerprint sensor

Step 12 - Image 1

Apply a heated iOpener over the fingerprint sensor for a minute.

Step 13: Pry up the fingerprint sensor

Step 13 - Image 1
Step 13 - Image 2

Insert the edge of an opening tool underneath the square portion of the fingerprint sensor and slowly pry up to loosen the sensor.

Continue prying around the perimeter of the fingerprint sensor until it is loosened.

Step 14: Loosen the fingerprint sensor

Step 14 - Image 1

From the outer side of the back cover, use your finger to push the fingerprint sensor out of its cutout.

Step 15: Remove the fingerprint sensor

Step 15 - Image 1

Remove the fingerprint sensor.

If you are transferring the fingerprint sensor to a new back cover, use some double-sided tape such as [https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Tesa-61395-Tape/IF317-072?o=5|Tesa tape] to affix it to the new panel.

Step 16: Remove the flash diffuser

Step 16 - Image 1

Insert the edge of an opening tool underneath the plastic flash diffuser and slowly pry up to loosen the diffuser.

Remove the diffuser.

Step 17: Remove the rear camera bracket

Step 17 - Image 1

Insert the edge of an opening tool underneath the camera bracket and pry up to loosen it.

Remove and transfer the camera bracket to your replacement part.

Compare your new replacement back cover to the original part. You may need to transfer additional components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

📖 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!

Get a Personalized Repair Estimate

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