Email: carsten@ifixit.com | Instagram: @cahsten
Technical Writer at iFixit, technically, since March 2020.
Modern personal technology is constantly changing—and I am so stoked to be on the forefront of its investigation! I write helpful repair guides and contribute to iFixit’s online ecosystem, making the tech world a better place one word/picture/sarcastic comment at a time.
About Me
I graduated in late 2019 from the best school in the entire world Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. During my stint there I gained an incredibly satisfyingly deep understanding of the way the world works, and how to explain it to others with thorough documentation and simplicity. I enjoyed this aspect (enter tech writing) and now I get to do it all day long!
Senior Project!
I’ve always loved fixing my own gadgets and the casual deep-dive into problem-solving rabbit holes, so I am truly excited to have an outlet!
When I’m not working (checking Craig’s How To Unclog A Toilet guide for spelling mistakes), I love exploring the beautiful central coast, taking photos, playing board games & poker, looking at cars I can’t afford on Craigslist, watching Vince Gilligan’s TV shows, and traveling the world with my gorgeous travel partner!
Favorite Technology Things
- Aluminum computers
- AirDrop
- Large trackpads
- High pixel density displays
- Wireless music (!)
- Manual transmissions
- Anything that’s not FaceID
Hey James! I'm not sure which screws you’re talking about. Are these screws in addition to the four already marked in Step 24?
The Pixel 4 XL’s layout requires the rear panel to be removed in order to disconnect the display connector, which is necessary to do prior to removing & replacing the display. This guide is that entire process, so no steps should be skipped. Happy fixing!
That’s the fingerprint sensor! Because it’s embedded in the screen, if you shine a light behind it, you can see it through the front glass.
You can follow this adhesive guide for installing new battery adhesive!
Hey! Here’s a link to the rear cover adhesive!
You’re totally right! I’ll add this clarification to the step. Thanks!
Hey Roger!
This drive is labeled as an SN530, as you can see on the photo of its backside, and Western Digital mentioned that it has a custom ASIC to support PCIe 4.0. Looks like a custom solution!
Hey Keith,
When putting the phone back together and reinstalling the back panel, we recommend removing the old adhesive and installing new adhesive. The Pixel 4’s back panel adhesive can be found here, and a guide on how to install it can be found here!
If you’d like to reuse your old adhesive, try removing any large uneven chunks, reheat the adhesive, and press the back panel back into place.
Because the front-facing camera module is partially embedded in the screen, it’s recommended that you remove it before attempting a screen repair. You won’t have to worry about damaging or realigning the module during reassembly!
Good eye! This is now fixed.