Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display cable from its connector.
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.
For comprehensive instructions on how to reinstall the Pixel XL display, follow this guide.
If your replacement display did not come with a speaker grille, use tweezers to gently peel the adhesive grille from your old display, and transfer it to the replacement.
Before installing a new display, be sure to remove all traces of adhesive from the frame. Use a spudger or an opening tool to scrape it off, and use high-concentration isopropyl alcohol to remove any residue.
If you are reinstalling the same display assembly, be sure to remove all adhesive residue from the panel and the frame before applying new adhesive.
Be sure to turn on your phone and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing the phone.
During the boot-up process after reassembly, the screen will go through a calibration sequence. Do not touch the screen during this process, as it could result in improper touch calibration and create touch issues.
Insert a separate opening pick into the right edge of the phone, near the bottom.
Slowly push the pick upwards along the seam until the first clip pops free.
Due to the tight tolerances, this may be difficult, requiring a substantial amount of force. If you are having trouble, try inserting and sliding a playing card.
Once you've released the clip, leave the opening pick in place to prevent the midframe from resealing.
Grasp the right edge of the midframe by the corners and slowly hinge the edge up.
When the left edge feels loose, stop hinging and lift the midframe upwards.
Remove the midframe.
To reinstall the midframe, align it to the case, then squeeze around the perimeter until all the clips snap back into position. When properly done, the midframe should lie flat.
I applied the heat with the iOpener multiple times around the edges (reheating it as needed to where it could barely handle it), and they refused to lift up with the suction cup.
Eventually the screen cracked as I was attempting to pry up an edge out of desperation. First attempt at fixing my own phone = fail whale :(
Sorry to hear about the unsuccessful repair, John!
Our Support team is here to assist in the event you need to find additional parts to complete your repairs, or if you decide you wish to return the kit that you ordered. Feel free to reach out to us via help.ifixit.com and we’ll do our best to assist you.
How much deeper do I need to cut with the picks/etc top and bottom. The ~1.5mm of my picks isn’t deep enough to cut all the glue on the bottom (haven’t tried on the top yet); my sides were ‘easy’ to free in that my bad battery already lifed them free leaving the screen secured only top and bottom. I can probe deeper with a card or spudger, but how much farther should I be going.