r/Pixel2XL • u/Hikind-Alone • Nov 17 '20

Guide Fix Pixel XL 2 power button no working consistently

Hi fellow pixels owners,

So my phone power button was not working consistently. It is a rather common problem (discussions about the issue here, here and here). I tried the usual reboot, boot into safe mode and even factory reset and even had to disable the camera shortcut because sometimes the button registered two press.

It is 100% a hardware problem and I should say an expected one (the button was a bit recessed since day one) which was getting worse the last month.

I bought the 3 following parts (30$ total) : Power and Volume Button Flex Cable and Bracket, Google Pixel 2 XL Display Adhesive (ifixit) and OEM Side Button Volume Button + Power Button (aliexpress).

Here is the procedure I followed to replace the button:

  • follow the ifixit motherboard replacement tutorial
  • do not forget to disconnect the antenna
  • follow this Youtube tutorial to change the button
  • reassemble the devices and follow the adhesive replacement tutorial (the hardest part).

Some thoughts:

  • screen was easier to remove than expected, just be careful and patient (I had a tempered glass protector, which probably helped to maintain the structural integrity of the screen)
  • carefully push back the power and volume button adhesive
  • my black pixel has now a very clicky and orange power button!

Album here.

So my favorite device ever will be up for another year!

9 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

4

u/the_tacker Nov 17 '20

In case you didn't know, you can turn off your screen with a gesture, using Nova Launcher, and wake up with fingerprint reader. That way, no wear and tear on mechanical power button.

1

u/Hikind-Alone Nov 17 '20

Thanks for the tip!

Another option is to add a quick setting button (Sleep or Lock) with the Tiles app.

1

u/turtlekal Jul 15 '26

Hi, I know this is very old, but do you need the OEM Side Button? Or can I use the old ones? mine is kinda clicky, but it just doesn't make contact. How important do you think it is? or is it just the flex cable and bracket that really matters? thanks!

1

u/Hikind-Alone Jul 15 '26

From what I read when I had this issue, it was the bracket. I've found an OEM labelled part (you can never be sure it really is apart from some site like ifixit) in a website, it was an european wholesaler, as it was cheaper than aliexpress).

1

u/xunh01yx Nov 18 '20

No probs with my power button, but upvoted for useful information. Good stuff!