All smartphone batteries degrade over time—this is a chemical fact. If your phone’s battery life drops sharply, fails to charge, or shuts down unexpectedly, it may be time for a battery replacement.
Why You Might Need a Battery Replacement
Signs of a Failing Battery
Have you ever experienced a swollen battery? It often starts with shorter battery life, then sudden drops in charge, or even unexpected shutdowns when fully charged.
Battery Swelling and Safety Risks
If the phone’s side panels begin to separate, it could indicate battery swelling. The pressure from a swollen battery may even cause the screen to lift. This may require replacing both the battery and the screen, which significantly increases repair costs.
Safety First: If your battery is swollen, take immediate precautions.
Preparation and Safety Precautions
Step 1 – Power Off and Reduce Charge
Before starting, lower your phone’s battery to below 25% and turn it off completely. Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk when damaged, and a low charge reduces potential hazards.
Unplug all cables, ensure your workspace is clean and well-lit, and gather all necessary tools.
Step 2 – Prepare Your Tools
Before using a pry tool, mark a 3mm distance from the tip using a pen or tape with a coin. This prevents the tool from being inserted too deeply, thereby avoiding damage to delicate screen connectors and spring contacts.
Recommended tools:
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Pry tool
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Heat gun
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High-concentration (90%+) isopropyl alcohol
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Small container for screws
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Soft, lint-free cloth
We recommend using a specialized repair tool kit for the best results and to avoid damaging delicate components.
Removing the Screen
Step 3 – Soften Adhesive
Use a heat gun on medium heat to warm the bottom edge of the screen for ~2 minutes. The heat softens the adhesive, reducing the risk of cracking or damaging the display. Touch intermittently to ensure it’s warm, not hot.
Step 4 – Start Screen Separation
Insert the marked pry tool carefully into a small gap at the bottom. If it doesn’t go in, reheat briefly or try a different spot. Slowly slide from left to right along the edge. Leave the pry tool in place to prevent the adhesive from re-bonding.
Step 5 – Separate Adhesive Along Edges
Follow the order: right → left → top. Repeat heating, prying, and leaving a tool in each corner until the adhesive is fully separated.
Tips:
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Don’t insert the pry tool deeper than 3mm.
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The screen connector is located in the mid-left area; handle it carefully.
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Avoid bending spring contacts around the frame.
Step 6 – Safely Remove the Screen
Once the edges are free, lift the screen from the right side, as if opening a book. Support it with a small box or books to prevent strain on connectors. Place the screen face down on a soft, clean cloth.
If the screen feels stuck, carefully run the pry tool along the edges again to release any remaining adhesive.
Step 7 – Remove Screen Connector Cover
Unscrew or unclip the cover, then gently pry the screen connector to release it. The screen is now fully removable.
Step 8 – Test Before Reassembly
If installing a new screen, connect the cables temporarily and power on. Check the display, touch sensitivity, and earpiece sound. Turn off and disconnect if everything works.
Disassembling Internal Components
Step 9 – Remove Components Blocking the Battery
Locate the 5G mmWave antenna above the battery. Gently disconnect it from the mainboard. Slightly heat the area if glued, then carefully peel it away and move it to the top of the phone.
Step 10 – Remove Graphite Thermal Pad and Small Cushions
Carefully peel off the graphite thermal pad. It connects the battery’s upper area, mid-frame, and rear camera and helps dissipate heat. Replace it with a new one; do not reuse the old pad.
Remove any small plastic cushions above the bottom speaker using a pry tool or fingers.
Step 11 – Remove USB-C Port Bracket Screws
Track the location of all screws. Remove 2 screws from the USB-C bracket and 8 screws securing the metal mid-frame. Use a T3 Torx screwdriver.
Step 12 – Remove USB-C Port Bracket
Lift the metal mid-frame carefully. Replace any damaged thermal pads underneath.
Replacing the Battery
Step 13 – Disconnect Battery and Soften Adhesive
Disconnect the battery connector from the mainboard. Heat the back of the phone near the battery area for 1–2 minutes to soften the adhesive. Avoid overheating.
Step 14 – Use Isopropyl Alcohol to Assist Removal
Apply a few drops of high-concentration isopropyl alcohol along the edges of the battery. Tilt the phone to let it seep into the adhesive, wait ~1 minute to soften it.
Step 15 – Remove the Old Battery
Insert the pry tool at the battery’s right edge. Apply a steady upward force. Do not bend or puncture the battery. Repeat heating + alcohol steps if needed until the adhesive loosens.
Safety Warning: Never bend or puncture the battery. If it is damaged or leaking, stop immediately and place it in a fireproof container.
Step 16 – Clean and Install the New Battery
Clean residual adhesive and install the new battery according to instructions.
Reassembly and Final Testing
Reinstall components in reverse order: mid-frame, brackets, graphite pad, antenna, etc. Ensure screws are in the correct positions. Apply adhesive to the screen before reinstallation. Press edges firmly to secure, optionally applying even pressure to enhance bonding.
Finally, power on the phone and test all functions, including the fingerprint sensor calibration.
Scope of Applicability & Last Updated
The content of this article applies to the Google Pixel 8 (2023 model) smartphone and is primarily based on its standard hardware architecture and common repair procedures.
Please note that Google may adjust relevant details through system updates, hardware batch revisions, or changes to official repair policies. The steps and precautions described herein are for reference only.
Last Updated: 2026
It is recommended that you verify the steps against the actual state of your device and the latest official information before proceeding with any practical operations.
What If the Results Are Not Ideal?
If you encounter any of the following situations after replacing your Pixel 8 battery, it is advisable to stop using the device and take appropriate action:
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The device fails to power on normally or experiences frequent restarts.
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The battery does not charge, or the power level display is abnormal.
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The screen shows no display or experiences touch failure.
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The device overheats abnormally, or the battery swells.
Recommended Actions:
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Double-check that the battery and screen flex cables are correctly connected.
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Confirm all screws, brackets, and cushions have been reinstalled in their original positions.
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If the issue persists, it is recommended to contact a professional technician for inspection.
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If obvious safety risks arise (e.g., overheating, unusual odors), stop using the device immediately.
Self-repair always carries inherent risks. Seeking professional support is often the more reliable solution when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much does it typically cost to replace a Pixel 8 battery?
A: Costs vary by region and repair method.
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Official or authorized repairs are typically more expensive but include labor and warranty.
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Third-party repair or DIY replacement is relatively cheaper but requires you to assume the operational risks.
It is recommended to compare different options before proceeding and choose the one that best fits your situation.
Q: Will replacing the Pixel 8 battery myself affect its water resistance?
A: Yes, it is likely. The Pixel 8's dust and water resistance relies on the factory-sealed adhesive structure. After disassembly, even with re-gluing, it is very difficult to fully restore the original factory-level water resistance. After replacement, you should avoid exposing the device to water or high-humidity environments.
Q: Is battery calibration necessary after replacement?
A: It is generally recommended to perform a simple calibration process to help the system more accurately recognize the battery status:
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Charge the device to 100%.
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Use it normally until a low charge level (approximately 10%–15%).
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Charge it fully to 100% again.
This process can be repeated 1-2 times, which is usually sufficient for calibration.
Q: What should I do if battery life doesn't improve noticeably after replacement?
A: Potential reasons include:
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Power drain from background apps.
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System version or settings issues.
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The new battery is not fully stabilized yet (initial performance fluctuation).
It is recommended to check the system's battery usage, close unnecessary background processes, and observe over several complete charge/discharge cycles.
Q: Is Pixel 8 battery replacement suitable for beginners to perform themselves?
A: It is feasible for users with some experience in disassembling electronic devices. However, for users with absolutely no prior experience, there is a risk of damaging the screen, flex cables, or compromising water resistance. If you are unsure about your technical ability, considering a professional repair service is advised.
Q: What functional checks should be performed after a battery replacement?
A: It is recommended to focus on checking the following:
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Screen display and touch functionality.
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Normal battery charging and discharging.
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Availability of the fingerprint sensor.
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Presence of abnormal overheating or power drain.
Ensure the device performs stably during daily use before resuming normal usage habits.
If your Google Pixel 8 battery shows significant wear or performance issues, consider replacing it with a high-quality compatible battery from BatteryMall.com.
For more tips on Pixel 8 battery care, maintenance guides, and replacement tutorials, visit BatteryMall.com/blogs/support
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