Google Pixel 2 XL Battery Replacement

Written By: Adam O'Camb

Comments: 45

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

This repair guide was authored by the iFixit staff and hasn’t been endorsed by Google. Learn more about our repair guides here.

Use this guide to replace the worn-out battery in your Google Pixel 2 XL.

Before disassembling your phone, discharge the battery below 25%. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire and/or explode if accidentally punctured.

If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions. Do not heat your phone. If needed, you can use a dropper or syringe to inject isopropyl alcohol (90+%) around the edges of the back cover to weaken the adhesive. Swollen batteries can be very dangerous, so wear eye protection and exercise due caution, or take it to a professional if you’re not sure how to proceed.

Tools

Parts

Google Pixel 2 XL Battery - Genuine

Step 1

If your display glass is cracked, tape over the glass to prevent bodily harm and further breakage. This also makes a smooth surface allowing the suction cup to bond.
Apply a suction cup as close to the SIM slot edge of the phone as you can while avoiding the curved edge.
The suction cup will not make a good seal on the curved portion of the glass.

Shouldn’t this be “As close as possible to the volume rocker”?

Mihai Turdean - 12/05/21

Forget about the tiny toy suction cup they provide to battery replacement kits. I used a dent puller from an automotive shop. The smallest they had was just small enough for the Pixel's screen. I still needed to heat the edges with a heat gun.

Tamás Polgár -

I wish someone tell me in advance that if I doing this replacement after using phone for a few years it better to have spare "display adhesive" and be ready to follow Google Pixel 2 XL Display Adhesive Replacement

Original adhesive become dirty with time and fat chances it will be damaged during opening phase. In my case I replaced battery but can't use the phone, as still waiting for adhesive to be delivered

Maxim Vorontsov -

Step 2

Pull up on the suction cup with firm, constant pressure and insert an opening pick between the front panel and rear case.
This requires a significant amount of force and patience. If you have trouble, rock the suction cup and screen to weaken the adhesive, or apply heat with an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer.

Whatever happened to “Do not heat your phone. If needed, you can use a dropper or syringe to inject isopropyl alcohol (90+%) around the edges of the back cover to weaken the adhesive.”?

Mike Trieu - 08/02/20

It is in concern with swollen batteries.

Fernando Granco - 19/05/21

I spent an hour trying to get the glass screen apart from the body. I tried the hairdryer etc but made no progress. However, when I used a sucker to gently pull on the glass it was easy.

Ronald Morrison - 11/06/20

I used a heat gun, and the metal spatula in the iFixit kit. I broke the screen. Then, continuing with a blue plastic triangle, the screen continued to break. It seems to be quite brittle.

Rolf Kirby - 25/01/21

Never use metal tools on glass component

p43j77 -

Just broke the screen as well. I’d say heat gun is a must, otherwise it’s really hard to slide pick at the top and bottom without breaking the screen. It’s a very thin line of glass over there.

Vitaliy Kurokhtin -

I thought I did this perfectly. I used the iOpener to heat the glue, and the picks to slide around the screen to release the adhesive. I preformed the rest of the repair (charging assembly and the battery) with little issue. Just reassembled and the volume rocker side of the screen is white. I took less care on this side since the instructions said that you didn’t need to worry about how far the pick went in. NOT TRUE! There is a curvature to that edge that will push your pick up into the back of the unprotected display. It clearly doesn’t take much to damage it. I was so careful! F&CK!! I should have just created the e-waste and bought a new device. So mad!

Eric Marcot -

Step 3

In the following steps, extra caution is required in certain areas to avoid damage to the phone:
Do not insert the pick more than 0.25 inches (6 mm) into the bottom edge of the phone. If the pick contacts the folded portion of the OLED panel, it can damage the display.
Do not cut along the left edge; there are delicate display cables that can be damaged.
Only make very shallow cuts in the upper left corner; prying deeply can damage the front-facing camera.

Step 4

Slide the opening pick down the right side of the phone to separate the display adhesive.

Step 5

In the following steps, use the flat edge of the opening pick, rather than a corner, to cut. This will help prevent inserting the pick too deeply.
Slide the opening pick around the lower-right corner and along the bottom edge of the phone.

Step 6

Reinsert the flat edge of the pick at the top-right corner of the phone, and slide it around the corner and the top edge of the phone.

Step 7

Gently lift the display from the right side of the phone, opening it like a book.
If the display doesn't readily lift, do some extra prying to separate the last of the adhesive.
Don't try to fully separate the display yet, as fragile ribbon cables still connect it to the phone's motherboard.
Carefully lay the display flat on the table next to the rest of the phone, keeping it close to the phone to avoid straining the display and digitizer cables.

Step 8

Use the corner of an opening tool to pry up and unclip on the lower edge of the digitizer cable connector cover.
The clip securing this cover is along the bottom edge.
Pry carefully to avoid damaging the cable underneath, or losing the cover itself.
Remove the connector cover.
Make sure to keep this component so you can reinstall it during reassembly.

when it comes out, it can pop with some force and go flying. Ensure you have a clear desk/floor so you can find it after it flies away

hamiltont - 29/02/20

Lol mine shot off and Ricocheted off the ceiling! Then landed on my shoulder haha

john murfin - 19/08/20

It literally popped me right in the middle of the forehead. My wife is still making fun of me.

Jordan Toews - 05/10/20

Mine flew off while I was laughing you guys, never too be seen again: (

Shane Hadley - 31/03/21

I decided to work outdoors, didn't read any comments first, so when mine flew off I found it five cursing minutes later in a crack on the driveway. Should have read the comments first! Thanks hamiltont. Will now read every comment BEFORE attempting step.

Loose Drag -

Confirmed, this $@$* can fly!

Tamás Polgár -

These instructions are not 100% correct. There is little groove on this cover. Located close to proximity sensor. You can see it on picture. If you pry carefully with something sharp in there it won't fly off but will detach quite well. This is where clip is located.

Tom Baker -

Step 9

Use the point of a spudger to lift the digitizer cable connector up and out of its socket on the motherboard.
To re-attach press connectors 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.
If any part of your screen doesn't respond to touch after your repair, re-seat this connector, making sure it clicks fully into place and that there's no dust or other obstruction in the socket.

This small connector gave me fits getting it located correctly, is there a trick to getting it aligned since it’s difficult to see around edge of the connector?

Dennis Whitsitt - 06/02/21

Step 10

Use tweezers to remove any tape from the display connector cover.

Step 11

Insert the point of a spudger into the small hole on the edge of the display connector cover.
Use the spudger to pry the cover out of its recess.
Remove the connector cover.
Make sure to keep this component so you can reinstall it during reassembly.

Step 12

Use the flat edge of a spudger to lift the display cable connector up from its socket.
Remove the display.
During reassembly, pause here if you wish to replace the adhesive around the edges of the display.

BE EXTRA CAREFUL HERE, and during reassembly! There are 2 itty bitty parts directly under this ribbon cable connector that, if damaged, will render your loudspeaker unusable. The only sure way to fix it if you break it is to replace the motherboard. There are some reports of people being able to solder the spots and shorting it to make it work, and that worked for me for a time, but they’re really tiny (about 0.5 mm) and if you don’t get a secure solder, or if you bleed over, it will also mess up your top speaker.

Joshua Parnell - 02/12/19

Saw this comment after I’ve done replacing and sure enough, the loud speaker was broken. The resistor was knocked over but still hanging in place so I just stuck it back and it works for now.

They are 2 black resistors at the end of the cable’s connector. So follow the above photo exactly and pry the connector from the side, not from the end of the connector like I did

Tri Nguyễn - 23/10/21

What wasn't clear to me here (because I didn't put Step 13 together with Step 12, I suppose?) is that if your replacement part came with speaker grills and camera gasket, Step 12 is your final step. You are done, except for replacing the cables and covers, then placing the adhesive strips onto the replacement part and sticking the phone back together.

I ordered my screen from iFixit and it came with new grills and camera gasket already installed. I was able to use the thinnest strips on the supplied Tesa patch to line the entire screen perimeter piecemeal, then stick it back together like new.

Loose Drag -

Step 13

Remove eleven 3.8 mm Phillips screws securing the midframe.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

Step 14

Insert an opening tool into the notch in the midframe near the volume buttons and pry the midframe up and away from the rest of the phone.
Remove the midframe.

How do I reattach the midframe? it seems like there are a lot of tabs that need to be reinserted carefully

Evan G -

Slide in the bottom part at an angle in first since it has some tabs. Otherwise it will get stuck halfway on top

Tri Nguyễn -

Step 15

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the battery connector.

Step 16

If available, apply some isopropyl alcohol under each corner of the battery and allow it to penetrate for several minutes to help weaken the adhesive.
Alternatively, apply a heated iOpener to the back of the phone over the battery for at least two minutes. Reheat and reapply the iOpener as needed until the battery adhesive is sufficiently weakened.

NEVER use a pointed metal tool as shown in the picture in this guide. You can damage the battery, which can cause fire and further damage the device. It is also very easy to damage the mainboard.

JaL - 07/08/18

Step 17

Insert a couple of opening picks or a plastic card along the right edge of the battery.
Apply steady, even pressure to slowly lever the battery up and out of the phone.
Try your best not to deform the battery during this process. Soft-shell lithium-ion batteries can leak dangerous chemicals, catch fire, or even explode if damaged. Do not use excessive force or pry at the battery with metal tools.

Step 18

Remove the battery.
Do not reuse the battery after it has been removed, as doing so is a potential safety hazard. Replace it with a new battery.
If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the phone, carefully wipe it off with a lint-free cloth or allow it to air dry before installing your battery.
To install a new battery:
Use tweezers to peel away any remaining adhesive from the phone, and clean the glued areas with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
Secure the new battery with pre-cut adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape. In order to position it correctly, apply the new adhesive into the phone, not directly onto the battery. The adhesive should not touch any of the cables under the battery.
Press the battery firmly into place for 20-30 seconds.

Wie versiegelt man das Gerät wider?

aponteignacio - 01/10/20

Mit Tesa 61395 tape.

Arthur Shi - 02/10/20

I ran into an issue when reapplying the double sided sticky tape and closing everything back up. I forgot that the 2XL has "active edges," where you can squeeze the sides of the phone to activate Google Assistant. I apparently put the glue strips too near the sensors, and they always thought I was squeezing the phone. I had to disable the active edges. I could have opened the phone again, removed the glue, and tried reapplying it, but I don't use the feature much so it was easier to turn it off. But if this is a feature you like, I'd recommend doing more research than I did!

Jay Hutfles -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

For optimal performance, after completing this guide, calibrate your newly installed battery.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

Author

Adam O'Camb

Member since: 11/04/15

195421 Reputation

18 comments

Just completed this last night. They weren't kidding when they all say the battery is no fun.

I managed to get it, but doesn't mean the old one wasn't bent like crazy when I was done. I was planning on keeping it as a backup since it wasn't bad, but I don't think I would risk it at this rate. Getting a thin stiff plastic to push through the adhesive along with the spudger helped.

There are a lot of components and boards along the edge of the battery. It's hard to pry without touching them. I saw a guide recommend taking the guts out to remove the battery.

One thing I would recommend while you're in there is to replace the thermal paste. Mine wasn't too bad after a year, but I'm sure it won't make a solid and effective cover on the processor to the heat pipe.

Gage Cook - 18/10/18

Can I just use Artic silver MX4 for thermal paste? Or is there a paste specifically for it?

DheerajR - 26/09/20

Arctic Silver should be fine!

Arthur Shi - 29/09/20

Its pretty easy to do if you use the iPhone battery tool/pryer thing!

Warren Binder - 21/05/19

Never again, a nightmare to get it changed out.

Jamal Hussain - 19/01/20

What is the recommended adhesive when putting the screen back on?

Aleksey Khivrenko - 22/08/20

Batteries wear out, that’s a fact of life and should be as easy to replace in a phone like they are in a flashlight. The phone manufacturers just want to sell replacement phones not batteries. They all suck!

Neil Horowitz - 29/01/21

Thanks iFixit team. Can you please sell the battery replacement kit for this phone, as you do for the Pixel XL

Michael Porter -

Hi Michael, we do sell a Pixel 2 XL battery replacement kit! Good luck with the repair!

Adam O'Camb -

Hello

Completed this last night and after reassembly my screen presents horizontal lines all over the right part from top to bottom.

Do you think the screen get damaged during opening ? Or it could be the connector ?

Olivier Maréchal -

Looks like Google made sure that we break the screen if battery replacement is attempted.

Sanjay Babu -

Tip: Be super patient with the battery. Put ~5-10 drops of alcohol on each side of the battery, then wait 5 minutes. Put the opening picks on the right side of the battery and very gently pry up as shown. If the battery starts bending, wait some more. Once you have the picks underneath the right side of the battery, pour another 10 drops of alcohol where the picks and battery meet, and slightly tilt the phone in all directions to allow alcohol to flow under the battery. Wait another 5 minutes. Gradually work the picks underneath and around the sides of the battery, reapplying alcohol and waiting often.

To avoid applying too much alcohol, gently tilt the phone and check the sides of the battery tray. I was able to change the original battery with no damage to the adhesive or bending the battery this way

Patrick -

It went relatively easily, but with patience.

Tamás Polgár -

This repair went a lot easier than I expected. I was very patient when doing it, and honestly felt like I was being slow. My biggest suggestion would be to use lots of heat on the screen. I actually used a hot compress (instead of an iOpener or heat gun) before using the suction to pull up the screen, and it came up very easily. And the plastic picks made separating the screen a cinch. At no point in the process did I feel like the screen would break. But then again, I used a lot of heat and patience because I'd seed that several people had broken their screens.

The funny thing is that I've already replaced the phone with a Pixel 5a, so now, I have a refreshed phone that I don't really have a need for lol. I guess gaining the confidence that I can fix a modern smartphone is plenty

Niels Klassen -

Getting the screen off is scary, managed to do it without breaking the screen, but I recommend buy a screen with your battery replacement xP.

Nick Roy -

For me the hardest part was to remove the glass. If I can give one piece of advice, it is to use plenty of alcohol and heat, while the plastic pick must enter little so as not to damage the display. Following the instructions and with a lot of patience I was able to replace the battery.

Iacopo Mandatelli -

The phone is really easy to repair (as long you manage to open it without breaking the screen). Turns out the screen is really, really fragile. Be careful with the top, that's where i cracked it. Otherwise the repair was easy but the screen is TOTALLED! The top part's touchscreen doesn't work anymore and there are strips all over the screen. I damaged the screen because of iFixIt's INACCURATE instructions. They say put the sucker as close to the sim slot as possible but on the picture they pry it open on the other side with the power buttons. Also you should put the heated iOpener on the edges so that it loosenes the adheisive. Now i have to spend extra money on unnesecary parts. Also after I installed the new battery, it was draining in seconds. I put it on the charger and I hope that the battery calibration actually does the job because otherwise I would have spent money on new battery and new screen for nothing...

Ventsi -

It's often said it's so hard to replace the battery on the Pixel series that's because they have thin vesels and super duper fragile.

To prevent this problem, we have to heat the display properly and using picks applied little amount of IPA and pry it over with them not to touch the LC part. After that you can put older display and replace it. It does take so much effort.

That solution is all my personal opinion.

Anyway I hope your battery is good

MU-TON -