Google Pixel 4 Camera Repair
Complete guide to Google Pixel 4 camera repair. 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
Camera Repair is one of the most common repairs for Google Pixel 4. This repair involves replacing the damaged optics component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30 min - 1 hour and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement optics 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: Remove the SIM card tray
Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or a straightened paper clip into the small hole on the SIM card tray on the left edge of the phone.
Press firmly to eject the tray.
Remove the SIM card tray.
Step 2: Heat the back panel glass
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.
Step 3: Apply a suction cup
Apply a suction cup to the heated edge of the back panel by pressing down on it to create suction, as close to the edge as possible.
If your back glass is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken panel.
Step 4: Insert an opening pick
Pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap between the back panel and the frame.
Depending on the age of your phone, this may be difficult. If you are having trouble, apply more heat to the edge and try again.
Insert the point of an opening pick into the gap.
Step 5: Begin to slice the adhesive
Slide the opening pick across the bottom towards the left corner to slice the adhesive.
With the pick still inserted, slide it from the bottom left corner over to the bottom right corner to completely slice the bottom side adhesive.
Leave the pick inserted in the bottom right corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.
Step 6: Slice the lefthand-side adhesive
Prepare an iOpener and apply it on the left edge of the phone for one minute.
Step 7:
Insert a second opening pick underneath the back panel directly over the charge port.
Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner of the phone.
Step 8:
Slide the opening pick around the bottom left corner and across the left side of the phone to slice the adhesive.
The adhesive can be very gummy. Push the pick in and out in a sawing motion to help with slicing.
Stop when you reach the top left corner, near the camera, and leave the pick inserted.
Step 9: Slice righthand-side adhesive
Prepare an iOpener and apply it on the right edge of the phone for one minute.
Step 10:
With the first two opening picks still in place, insert a third pick on the lower part of the righthand side.
Slide the opening pick up towards the top of the phone, slicing the right side's adhesive.
Stop when you reach the top right corner, and leave the pick inserted.
Step 11: Slice the top-side adhesive
Slide the third opening pick around the top right corner and across the top side of the phone, slicing the final strip of adhesive.
Step 12: Lift up the back panel
Once you have sliced around the perimeter of the phone, carefully lift the '''right edge '''of the back cover, opening it like a book.
Do not try to pull the panel all the way off yet, as it is still connected to the phone.
Step 13:
Continue swinging open the back panel until you can rest it on the left edge the phone, being careful not to put any stress on the attached ribbon cable.
During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your phone and test all functions before re-sealing the back panel. Be sure to power your phone back down completely before you continue working.
Step 14: Disconnect the battery
Remove the five T3 Torx screws securing the battery connector shield:
Four 4.0 mm screws
One 2.1 mm screw
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.
Step 15:
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to remove the battery connector shield.
Step 16:
Whenever you use the spudger near the battery, be very careful not to puncture the battery.
Using the pointed end of a spudger, pry the battery connector straight up from the motherboard to disconnect the battery.
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 17:
Using the flat end of a spudger, gently fold the battery cable over so it doesn't accidentally make contact during the rest of your repairs.
Step 18: Disconnect the back panel connector
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 4 mm screws securing the back panel connector cover.
Step 19:
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the back panel connector cover.
Step 20:
Using the pointed end of a spudger, pry up and disconnect the back panel connector.
Step 21: Remove the back panel
Remove the back panel.
During reassembly, [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Replace+the+Back+Panel+Adhesive+on+Your+Google+Pixel+4/154763|follow this guide|new_window=true] to install custom-cut adhesives for your device.
Step 22:
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 4 mm screws securing the camera connector cover.
Step 23:
Using a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers], tilt the camera cover up and slide it out of the retaining slot on the upper right corner of the phone to remove.
Step 24: Disconnect the camera and sensor connectors
Using the pointed end of a spudger, pry the camera and sensor connectors straight up from the motherboard.
Step 25:
Disconnect the laser module connector.
Step 26: Remove the front camera and sensor assembly
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.4 mm screws securing the front camera and sensor assembly.
Step 27:
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the front camera and sensor assembly.
Step 28:
Remove the two T3 Torx screws securing the vibration motor shield:
One 4.2 mm screw
One 4.4 mm shouldered screw
Step 29:
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to remove the vibration motor shield.
Step 30: Disconnect the motherboard press connectors
Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the two rear-facing camera connectors from the motherboard.
Step 31:
Disconnect the side buttons connector from the motherboard.
Disconnect the earpiece speaker connector from the motherboard.
Step 32:
Disconnect the left grip sensor connector from the motherboard.
Disconnect the charge port connector from the motherboard.
Step 33:
Disconnect the display connector from the motherboard.
Disconnect the right grip sensor connector from the motherboard.
Step 34: Disconnect the antennas
Use a pair of tweezers to grip the metal clip and pull the connector straight up off of the motherboard
You can also a spudger and pry up gently to unclip the bottom antenna connector from the motherboard.
Step 35:
Disconnect the bottom microphone connector from the motherboard.
Step 36:
Gently pry back—but don't remove—the two battery adhesive pull tabs lightly adhered to the motherboard.
Step 37: Remove the motherboard
Using a spudger, pivot the top end of the motherboard up and out of the phone's frame.
Step 38:
Slowly lift out the motherboard, being careful not to snag any ribbon cable connectors.
The rear-facing camera module connectors loop around the motherboard, and the camera module is not secured to the phone, so it may lift out with the motherboard during this step.
Completely remove the motherboard.
When removing the motherboard, [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Google+Pixel+4+Bottom+Microphone+Replacement/136216#s270771|the small rubber bottom microphone cover] may fall off. Don't lose it.
When reinstalling the motherboard, check that no ribbon cable connectors are caught underneath.
Step 39: Remove the rear cameras
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to remove the rear-facing camera module.
📖 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: $36-$150)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($60-$250)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Google Pixel 4 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 56 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Google Pixel 4 generates 60 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 4 kg of CO₂. That's a 93% reduction in carbon emissions!
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