Google Pixel 4 Loudspeaker Replacement

Written By: Carsten Frauenheim

Comments: 7

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

15 - 30 minutes

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 remove or replace the loudspeaker module on your Google Pixel 4.

The loudspeaker is sealed against the frame with an adhesive gasket. If you remove the loudspeaker, the Pixel will no longer retain its water resistance.

Caution: Google warns that disassembly of the front laser assembly could result in hazardous exposure to invisible infrared laser emissions. Read their safety warnings here.

Tools

Step 1

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

Prepare an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the back panel for one minute.
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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

At this point I suggest taking a photo of what you're seeing in there. This way you can make sure you put it all back the way it was when you're done.

Brian Wood -

Step 14

Remove the five T3 Torx screws securing the battery connector shield:
Four 4.0 mm screws
One 2.1 mm screw
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement T3 - 2.1mm screw (the one circled in orange)? I lost this screw during the battery replacement. Had it, dogs fought, had to get up to break it up, and couldn’t find it. I swore I put it on the mat, but I couldn’t find it when I got back to the table. :(

Nikki Chan -

Step 15

Use a pair of 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 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.

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

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.
During reassembly, follow this guide to install custom-cut adhesives for your device.
Follow this guide if you are using a pre-cut adhesive card.

Why does the kit not come with the back panel adhesive?

It's not cheap to get the full kit, and it seems like it's such a small thing to include.

I ended up re-using the existing back panel adhesive and now a bit worried that it's not as strong and I will have issues with water or moisture getting into the device more easily.

Mike Y -

Step 22

Remove the two T3 Torx screws securing the loudspeaker:
One 4.2 mm screw
One 4.4 mm shouldered screw

Step 23

Use the pointed end of a spudger to push the loudspeaker towards the battery, creating a small gap between the loudspeaker and the phone's frame.
The loudspeaker is held in place by a small retaining clip hidden underneath the left edge of the frame.

Step 24

Use a pair of tweezers to remove the loudspeaker, pivoting it up and out of the phone.
If the loudspeaker doesn't want to pivot up, try pushing it closer to the battery.
Before you install a replacement loudspeaker, check the adhesive gasket:
If it is in good condition, you can re-use the gasket. Make sure that the gasket does not cover the exit hole.
If the gasket is pulled out of place, remove it and replace the adhesive with a pre-cut strip or Tesa tape.

what and where in the picture and the phone is the gasket you are talking about in step 24, i can't find one or where one would be if there was one to begin with?

Anthony Morin -

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

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

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 10/03/20

110978 Reputation

3 comments

I have had customer with his pixel 4 loud speaker not working so i replaced it with other one which did not work for 30 second after installation but suddenly started working, its been 2 week’s and customer is back with same issue, no sound in loud speaker, it look like a board issue, Would be happy if someone can put sone light on it.

Its not a settings issue and resetting does not resolve it.

Jashpal Jadav -

I do also have the same issue with bottom speaker of Pixel 4. It works and stops working periodically and it seems not speaker issue and even software reset doesn't help...

Kamran Jafarzade -

Where can i buy the loudspeaker?

Juan Carlos Jacome -