Google Pixel 6 goes pop

Pulled out the phone a few days ago, and something felt off, like the case was pushed over the corner. I lightly squeezed the corner to pop the case back on, nope. Looked. Oh boy. The screen is getting pushed out by the battery. You could have given me SIX MORE WEEKS to get the Pixel 10 and you could have rested, but no, you gotta be like this!

I have an iFixIt battery repair kit on the way; hopefully, the phone doesn't explode before it arrives, and everything goes smoothly. I will add some comments on the process here, although honestly, the swollen battery ejecting the screen has probably made the repair significantly easier. Until then, I'm charging it slowly during the day so I can keep an eye on it, not carrying it around, and keeping it in Extreme Battery Saver mode to reduce the amount of charging it needs.

Something, something, /r/spicypillows

iFixIt to the rescue

I got the entire kit; which comes with everything you need to take the phone apart. Granted my screen was already coming apart so I'm not convinced that the suction cup that came with the kit would be all that useful, but, everything else is included, well laid out, and all useful and functional. The website also gave excellent instructions on how to detach the screen and remove the battery, but unfortunately, the instructions ended there. It did not explain the use of the four sets of 'stickers' that come with the kit. Two are obvious, ish. One replaces some clear plastic stickers that were on the back of the original battery (but I have no idea what function they serve!). One replaces the stickers that surrounded the battery, taping various things; I'm unclear if these are designed to secure, insulate, ground, or shield components. One sticker replaces the gasket around the phone, and one, I have no idea what it is. The whole process, including me moving quite slowly and delicately, took about an hour.

After everything is checked and reassembled, the kit even suggests how to make sure the new battery is properly calibrated by charging to 100%, leaving the phone charging for at least two more hours, and then letting the phone discharge to empty. After this, use the phone normally.

Removing the battery was slightly terrifying, but once it was removed, I put it in a metal box I have and will figure out what to do with it later. I'm not sure if battery recycling places will accept a swollen battery.

I will post updates after using the replacement battery for a while, but I'm hoping that there is nothing to report except that it just works. iFixIt calibration instructions are pretty simple; charge the new battery to 100% and then leave it on the charger for at least 2 hours hours. Then, unplug the phone and use it normally until it powers down on its own due to low battery. Afterward, the battery is calibrated and ready for normal use. It took 43 hours for the phone to power off, which is pretty decent. Hopefully, this battery lasts for a few more years, but I plan on replacing the phone at some point.