Google Pixel Watch Vibration Motor Replacement

Written By: Dominik Schnabelrauch

Comments: 0

Google Pixel Watch Vibration Motor Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace the vibration motor in your Google Pixel Watch.

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your device. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach the screen when reassembling the device.

Retaining water resistance after the repair will depend on how precisely the adhesive is reapplied, but your device will lose its IP (Ingress Protection) rating.

Note: This guide was written using a GBZ4S LTE model. If you have the non-LTE version, you can still use this guide—but there might be slight visual discrepancies.

Tools

Step 1

Before starting repairs, turn off your watch and take it off the charger.
Remove the watch band by pressing the band release button and sliding the band over the button while pulling it away from the watch.
Repeat for the other watch band.

Step 2

Heat an iOpener and apply it to the screen for about two minutes to soften the adhesive securing the screen.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the watch—the screen and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

Step 3

The thin seam between the frame and screen requires a thin metal tool—take your time and work carefully to avoid scraping or gouging the watch body or glass.
Insert an iFlex into the thin gap between the screen and frame, left of the digital crown.

Step 4

When slicing the screen adhesive, insert the iFlex no deeper than 3 mm to prevent damaging internal components.
Slide the iFlex around the entire perimeter of the watch to slice all of the screen adhesive.

Step 5

Remove the iFlex and reinsert it under the screen, to the right of the speaker grille.
Twist the iFlex to pry the screen up.
Don't try to fully remove the screen just yet, as it‘s still connected to the watch assembly by a delicate cable.

Step 6

Be careful not to strain the screen assembly cable when you open the display.
Swing the screen open to an upright position.
During reassembly, this is a good point to power on your device and test all functions before sealing it up. Be sure to power it back down completely before you continue working.

Step 7

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Use a Torx T2 screwdriver to remove the 2.1 mm-long screw securing the speaker bracket.

Step 8

Take care not to puncture or bend the battery with sharp tools—it can leak dangerous chemicals or catch fire.
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the speaker bracket.

Step 9

Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the vibration motor‘s press 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 in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.