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Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement

Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement

Carsten Frauenheim

crwdns2944107:0crwdnd2944107:0Carsten Frauenheimcrwdnd2944107:0crwdnd2944107:0crwdnd2944107:02crwdnd2944107:0crwdne2944107:0

crwdns2944111:0September 25, 2024crwdne2944111:0

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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 LDAF (laser detect auto focus) sensor and tethered flash cable together as one module in your Google Pixel 9.

You'll need replacement back glass and autofocus sensor adhesives to complete this repair.

Note: Any repair can compromise the water resistance of your phone. Retaining water resistance after the repair will depend on how well you reapply the rear cover adhesive.

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  1. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Prepare your Pixel for disassembly: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Let your Pixel's battery drain below 25% before starting this repair. A charged lithium‑ion battery may catch fire if damaged.

    • Unplug all cables from your phone.

    • Completely power off your phone.

    • Press the power and volume up buttons at the same time to bring up the shutdown menu.

  2. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Adhesive information: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Adhesive information: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Adhesive information: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Adhesive secures the perimeter of the back glass to the frame.

    • When separating the adhesive, don't insert your tool more than 3 mm under the back glass to avoid damaging the internal components.

    • To help, measure and mark 3 mm from the tip of an opening pick with a permanent marker.

    • If your screen or back glass is badly cracked, a suction cup may not perfectly adhere.

    • Lay overlapping strips of packing tape over the glass to protect yourself and make disassembly easier. Ensure there's a smooth area near the bottom edge that's large and smooth enough for a suction cup to stick to.

  3. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Apply a suction handle: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Apply a suction handle: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Place a suction handle at the bottom edge of the back glass, as close to the edge as possible.

    • Push down to attach the suction cup.

  4. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Insert an opening pick: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Insert an opening pick: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Insert an opening pick: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force to create a small gap under the back glass.

    • Insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

  5. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Separate the back glass adhesive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Separate the back glass adhesive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Separate the back glass adhesive: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Slide the opening pick back and forth along the bottom edge to separate the adhesive securing it.

    • Remember: don't insert the opening pick deeper than 3 mm.

  6. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Slide the opening pick around the perimeter of the phone, slicing the rest of the adhesive.

  7. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • With most of the adhesive separated, lightly twist the opening pick at the bottom edge to lift the back glass up until you can grip it with your fingers.

    • Use the opening pick to separate any remaining sections of adhesive securing the back glass.

  8. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the back glass: crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the back glass.

    • During reassembly:

    • Now is a good time to test your phone before sealing it up. Power it on and check that it works. Power it back down before you continue reassembly.

    • Follow this guide to apply new adhesive and install your back glass.

  9. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the upper board cover: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    crwdns2935267:0crwdne2935267:0
    FixMat
    $36.95
    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    • While the Pixel 9 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits also work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the single 5.4 mm‑long screw securing the upper board cover.

  10. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the upper board cover.

  11. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the midframe: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a 3IP Torx driver to remove the five screws securing the midframe and wireless charging coil:

    • Four 5.4 mm-long screws

    • One 2.2 mm-long screw

  12. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Peel up the flash cable: crwdns2935265:012crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Peel up the flash cable: crwdns2935265:012crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel the flash cable off of the metal midframe.

  13. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the midframe: crwdns2935265:013crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the midframe: crwdns2935265:013crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the midframe, wireless charging coil, and NFC assembly.

  14. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the battery: crwdns2935265:014crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the battery: crwdns2935265:014crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.

  15. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the antenna board cover: crwdns2935265:015crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the 5.4 mm-long screw securing the antenna board cover.

  16. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement: crwdns2935265:016crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the antenna board cover.

  17. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the autofocus cable: crwdns2935265:017crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the autofocus cable: crwdns2935265:017crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the autofocus connector from the motherboard.

  18. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the flash: crwdns2935265:018crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Disconnect the flash: crwdns2935265:018crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flash connector from the motherboard.

  19. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Heat the LDAF adhesive: crwdns2935265:019crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it over the LDAF and flash module for one minute to soften the adhesive securing it to the rear camera module.

  20. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the LDAF and flash module: crwdns2935265:020crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the LDAF and flash module: crwdns2935265:020crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Remove the LDAF and flash module: crwdns2935265:020crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • Peel up and remove the LDAF and flash module.

    • During reassembly, orient the module such that the longer cable is on the bottom edge.

    • Be very careful not to touch the rear camera lenses. If you accidentally do, wipe them with a clean microfiber cloth.

  21. Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Reassembly information: crwdns2935265:021crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Reassembly information: crwdns2935265:021crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0 Google Pixel 9 Autofocus and Flash Module Replacement, Reassembly information: crwdns2935265:021crwdnd2935265:03crwdnd2935265:03crwdne2935265:0
    • During reassembly:

    • Use a spudger and tweezers to remove the two pieces of adhesive from the bottom of the LDAF and flash module.

    • Remove the larger clear liners from one of the flash module adhesives.

    • Place the adhesive into place on the bottom of the module and press down firmly with the flat end of a spudger to secure the adhesive.

    • Repeat the process to apply the other piece of flash adhesive.

    • Remove the two remaining blue liners.

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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

To run a diagnostics test with the built-in Pixel Diagnostic tool, click here.

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 Pixel 9 Answers Community for help.

Carsten Frauenheim

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