Is your Google Pixel 8 rear-facing camera not capturing clear and sharp images? If your photos are blurry or distorted or the camera is not working as it should this guide will help. In this Google Pixel 8 Rear-facing Camera Replacement tutorial you will learn step-by-step instructions on how to swap out the faulty camera. By following this guide you will be able to restore your phone’s camera functionality. So let’s start quickly!

How to Start Google Pixel 8 Rear-facing Camera Replacement

When disassembling the Google Pixel 8 to replace the Rear-facing Cameras you will need some important tools and equipment. These tools will make your work easier and let you change the rear-facing cameras smoothly.

Step #1. Gathering Essential Tools

Here is a list of those important tools.

• Google Pixel 8 Wide and Ultra Rear-facing Cameras Genuine
• Opening Picks
• Suction Handle
• Heat Gun/Hair Dryer
• Spudger
• Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or Greater)
• Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• T3 Torx Screwdriver
• Torx Plus 3IP Screwdriver
• Genuine Google Pixel 8 Screen Adhesive
• Google Pixel 8 Graphite Sheet
• Google Pixel 8 Shim Genuine
• Genuine Google Pixel 8 Thermal Pad

Step #2. Preparing Proper Place For Rear-facing Camera Replacement

Now let’s find a proper place for the replacement of the Google Pixel 8 rear-facing camera.

• It’s important to set up a clean and organized workspace. To make the process easier find a flat and stable surface with good lighting.
• Make sure you have all the necessary tools within reach according to the list we mentioned in the first step.
• To avoid losing any small parts use a magnetic mat or a small tray to organise screws and components.
• Also be sure to power off your phone completely to avoid accidental damage during the repair.

Once your workspace is ready you can begin the replacement process smoothly.

Switch Off Google Pixel 8 And Remove All The Wires And Cables

• Press and hold both the power button and the volume up button at the same time.
• A menu will appear on the screen.
• Swipe or tap “Power off” to fully switch off your Pixel.

Unplug All Cables

• Disconnect any chargers, headphones, or USB cables from your phone. This will prevent interference during the repair.

Battery Safety Tip

• Before replacing the rear camera let your Google Pixel 8’s battery drain below 25%. This is important because a charged battery can be dangerous if damaged. It might catch fire or leak harmful chemicals.

Make sure your phone is fully powered down and unplugged before moving on with the repair.

Step #3. Heat The Screen of the Google Pixel 8

• At this third step we will heat the screen of the Google Pixel 8. This action will help you melt the adhesive that secures the screen to the frame.
• You can use a heat gun, hot plate, hair dryer or a hair straightener for heating.
• Don’t apply heat too long as it can damage the battery and other small components.
• You can check with your hands by touching the screen and feel how hot it has got.
• Stop heating the screen if you notice it has got too hot to touch.

Step #4. Apply Suction Handle

• After heating we will apply a suction handle to lift the screen’s bottom edge and create a line gap.
• In this gap we can easily insert the opening pick to separate the entire screen smoothly.
• Apply the suction handle at the centre of the screen’s bottom edge.
• Pull it with a steady force and create a line gap.

Step #5. Insert Opening Pick

It’s time to insert the first opening pick into the bottom of the screen.

After inserting the pick remove the suction handle.

Now slide the opening pick back and forth to cut the adhesive and separate the screen from the frame.

Precautions

Don’t insert the opening pick more than 3 mm long at the bottom of the screen. It can damage the spring contacts.

Marking Opening Pick

• You will need to use opening picks to remove the screen from the frame. If you push the pick in too far, it could damage your phone. So here are a few steps to mark your opening pick to avoid insertion too far.
• First you need to measure 3 mm from the tip of the pick.
• Use a permanent marker to clearly mark the 3 mm point. The pick is ready!
• Otherwise you can tape a small coin to the pick. Please make sure it’s 3 mm from the tip. This will prevent the pick from going too deep and damaging anything inside your phone.

Step #6. Leave The Pick At The Bottom Edge Of The Screen

• After cutting the adhesive from the bottom edge, you can leave the pick here to prevent the adhesive from sticking again. But this is optional.
• Basically if you notice that the phone’s adhesive needs more heat to cut easily you will apply more heat to all the edges of the phone’s screen. Meanwhile the inserted pick will stop the screen from being stuck in place again.

Important Information About Screen

Be careful when using your opening pick to separate the screen adhesive.

• To protect your phone from damage, don’t insert the pick more than 3 mm.
• One key area to watch out for is the screen cable, located just under halfway up on the phone’s left side. Take extra care here as pushing too far could tear the cable, which would cause further issues.
• Also keep in mind that several small spring contacts are along the edges of the phone. These contacts are fragile and can easily bend if the pick is too deep. Make sure to work slowly and carefully in these areas to avoid causing any damage.

Step #7. Insert Second Opening Pick

• You will insert the second opening pick to the screen’s bottom edge just after the first one.
• Move the pick along the edges and corners to separate the screen from the screen.
• As the adhesive has melted you can quickly cut through the adhesive from all sides of the screen.
• If you need to apply more heat, you can do so.
• Make sure the screen is separated from all edges.

Step #8. Prop Up The Screen

• You can prop up the screen like a book cover with your hand. Open it from the right to the left.
• If you feel the screen is still stuck pick an opening pick and cut the adhesive.
• Please don’t strain the screen as it is still attached to the screen cable.
• Place a stack of books or a box on the phone’s left side. This will help the phone rest in the swing position.

Step #9. Access the Screen Cable

• Now we have to disconnect the screen cables. To do this there is a need to remove the cable cover.
• Pick an opening pick and pry the upper edge of the screen cover. With a steady and gentle push release the cable cover.
• The screen cable will appear.
• Insert a pointed tip of the spudger from the left corner of the screen cable to pry it up.
• Disconnect the screen press connector from the main board.
• And then remove the screen.

Step #10. Disconnect And Reposition The 5G mmWave Antenna

• My Google Pixel Set has a 5g Mmwave Antenna. If it is unavailable on your phone, you can skip this step.
• First you have to disconnect the 5G mmWave Antenna.
• With a pointed-tip spudger pry up the 5G mmWave Antenna press cable connector and disconnect it from the logic board.
• Now apply heat to the antenna to melt the adhesive that secures the antenna with the midframe.
• Saperate it using an opening pick. Insert it from the connection side and slide the pick upward.
• Do the same when you reach the upper side of the antenna.
• Position the 5G mmWave antenna to the upper side to keep it away from the other components.
• Be very careful not to crease or fold the antenna.

Step #11. Remove The Graphite Sheet

• You need to remove and replace a large graphite sheet to fix your phone. This sheet connects the top of the battery the middle frame and the back cameras.
• Use the tip of a spudger to lift the top right corner of the graphite sheet. Once it’s lifted, use your fingers to grab it.
• Gently pull and peel off the entire graphite sheet.
• Suppose the sheet tears. Don’t worry! Just hold the ripped parts and remove them piece by piece until they are all gone.

Step #12. Remove the Plastic Buffer

• The plastic buffer is gently stuck to the midframe and bottom speaker.
• Slide the tip of an opening pick underneath the plastic buffer until you can grab it with tweezers or your fingers.
• Carefully use tweezers or fingers to peel off and remove the plastic buffer from the midframe and bottom speaker.

Step #13. Open The USB-C Port Bracket and Remove It

• During this repair please keep all screws organised and make sure each one is returned to its original spot.
• Although the Pixel 8 uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits will work too. Apply steady downward pressure to avoid stripping the screws.
• Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 5 mm long 3IP Torx Plus screws holding the USB-C port bracket in place.
• Use tweezers or your fingers to take off the USB-C port bracket.

Step #14. Open the Midframe Screws and Remove the Midframe

• Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to take out the eight 5.1 mm long 3IP Torx Plus screws that hold the midframe in place.
• The middle part of the midframe is lightly stuck to a thermal pad.
• Slide the flat end of a spudger under the bottom right corner of the midframe to help lift it off the thermal pad.
• Once you separate the midframe from the pad you will feel it loosen.
• Carefully lift the midframe off the phone and set it aside.

Step #15. Disconnect The Battery

• After removing the midframe you see the battery connection.
• As we know battery disconnect while repairing is on priority.
• Well we get the point of battery disconnect in Google Pixel 8 at this stage.
• Use a flat tip spudger to pry up the battery and disconnect its press connector to the logic board.

Step #16. Disconnect Wide and Ultrawide Rear Cameras and Remove Them

• Place the tip of a spudger under the bottom half of the wide rear camera press connector. Position it between the nearby components on the board.
• Avoid inserting the spudger in other areas to prevent damaging the logic board.
• Gently pry upwards to disconnect the wide rear camera.
• Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 5.1 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screws holding the wide rear camera in place.
• Insert the tip of a spudger under one of the screw hole cutouts of the wide rear camera.
• Gently lift the wide rear camera out of its recess using the spudger.
• Remove the wide rear camera.
• When you remove the wide rear camera you will see the cable connection to the ultra-wide rear camera.
• Use the spudger to carefully disconnect the ultrawide rear camera press connector from the logic board.
• Insert the tip of the spudger under the top screw cutout of the ultrawide rear camera.
• Lift the ultrawide rear camera out of its recess.
• Remove the ultrawide rear camera.

Step #17. Replacement of Google Pixel 8 Rear Camera

• Now we will prepare the replacement rear cameras.
• Adjust the ultrawide rear camera into its recess.
• Check the cutout and screw holes.
• Connect the ultrawide rear camera press cable connector to the logic board.
• Now it’s time to align the wide rear camera over its recess in the frame. The wide rear camera connector will go over the ultrawide rear camera.
• Make sure the screw holes line up correctly.
• Place the camera into its recess, ensuring it sits flat without pressure.
• Reconnect the press connector by aligning it with the socket on the logic board. Press down on one side, then the other, until it clicks into place.
• Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to reinstall the two 5.1 mm-long 3IP Torx Plus screws to secure the camera in place.
• Before proceeding to the next step, double-check the camera’s alignment and make sure everything is securely attached.

Step #18. Reassemble the Midframe

• Before reassembling the thermal pad don’t forget to connect the battery press connector to the logic board.
• Align the midframe with the phone. Make sure it matches up with the screw holes and edges.
• Check the thermal pad for damage. If it is damaged, carefully remove it and clean the area using high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (above 90%) and a lint-free cloth. Then apply a new thermal pad if necessary.
• Press the midframe down into place. Start from one corner and make sure it is seated properly against the thermal pad.
• Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to reinstall the eight 5.1 mm 3IP Torx Plus screws to secure the midframe.
• Double-check that the midframe sits flat and secure and properly contacts the thermal pad to ensure effective heat management.

Step #19. Reassemble the USB-C Port Cover

• Align the USB-C port cover over the port. Make sure it is appropriately positioned.
• Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to insert and tighten the two five mm‑long 3 IP Torx Plus screws securing the USB-C port cover in place.
• Make sure the cover sits flat and snug over the USB-C port without any gaps.
• Check to ensure the USB-C port is aligned correctly and that no components are obstructing it.
• Once everything is positioned correctly double-check the screws to make sure they are tightened securely.

Step #20. Replace The Plastic Shim

• Place the plastic shim back across the bottom of the midframe and loudspeaker. If you don’t have a new shimp reuse the old one.
• If applying new plastic shrimp, please check the cutout and peel the protective liner.
• Peel off the clear protective liner from the shim.
• Align the left side of the shim with the markings on the midframe and press it gently into place.
• Use the flat end of a spudger to press down on the entire shim to ensure proper security.
• Finally remove the blue liner from the shim.

Step #21. Apply New Graphite Sheet in Your Google Pixel 8

• You can not reuse the graphite sheet on your Google Pixel 8.
• Before peeling the protective sheet on the graphite sheet you should check its orientation and cutouts to get an idea.
• Now remove the protective sheet and place it on the frame.
• Please be careful while applying the graphite sheet. If it sticks to the frame incorrectly, you can correct it. Otherwise, you will have to start again with a new graphite sheet.
• Press down gently on the top of the graphite sheer so that it can be perfectly secured.
• Remove the blue liner.
• If any part of the graphite sheet starts to come out gently lay it back on the frame.

Step #22. Correctly Position the 5G mmWave Antenna

• Gently take the 5G mmWave antenna in its place.
• The adhesive stuck to the antenna so you should also apply adhesive to secure the antenna to the frame.
• Connect the press cable of the 5G mmWave Antenna to the logic board.

Step #23. Apply New Screen Adhesive in Your Google Pixel 8

• First of all if you see any remaining old adhesive on the frame or rear cover remove it.
• For this you can use a flat-tip spudger to clear the edges. If necessary, you can also apply isopropyl alcohol drums for cleaning.
• Align the custom-cut adhesive on the frame before peeling the protective liner.
• Now remove the clear plastic liner to expose the adhesive. And then apply it to the frame.
• Use a cutout and bottom speaker to get an idea about the correct alignment.
• Gently press to secure the adhesive properly.
• Please take care of the spring cables during this process.

Step #24. Reassemble the Google Pixel 8 Screen

• Reconnect the screen cable press connector.
• Reinstall the screen cable cover.
• Now remove the inner liner in two parts.
• Grab one of the pull tabs on the right edge of the adhesive and peel off one side of the inner liner.
• Do the same for the other side of the inner liner.
• If any adhesive lifts with the liner gently press it back onto the frame and use the flat end of a spudger to smooth it down.
• Before attaching the screen make sure the front-facing camera is sitting correctly in its spot.
• Firmly press the screen onto the frame until you feel the clips “snap” into place.

Step #25. Switch On Google Pixel 8 and Check The New  Rear-facing Cameras

Once you have reassembled your Google Pixel 8 it is time to turn it on.

• Press and hold the power button on the phone’s right side until the screen lights up.
• Wait for the phone to boot up and reach the home screen fully.
• Open the camera app and switch to the rear camera mode.
• Test all camera functions like taking photos, zooming, and switching between lenses.
• Check for any issues such as blurry images or camera errors.

Final Words

If everything is working well on the phone, congratulations! The replacement of the Google Pixel 8 rear-facing cameras has been completed. We hope that everything has gone well on your side too. This step-by-step guide will help you in every way with your rear camera replacement. But if you have any queries feel free to ask us. Best of luck!