Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power Off the iPad

   1 min

   Press and hold the top power button, then slide the power off switch on the screen to completely shut down the device. Do not attempt to charge a water-damaged iPad.

2. 2

   Heat the Display Edges

   4 min

   Use a heat gun on low setting to warm the outer glass edges for two to three minutes to soften the perimeter adhesive. Avoid concentrating heat over the home button or front camera.

3. 3

   Attach Suction Cup

   2 min

   Place a suction cup near the top edge of the front glass screen. Pull up gently on the ring to create a small gap between the glass and the aluminum frame.

4. 4

   Slice the Edge Adhesive

   8 min

   Insert a plastic guitar pick into the gap and slide it along the perimeter to cut through the adhesive. Keep the pick shallow on the bottom right side to avoid damaging the Wi-Fi antenna cable.

5. 5

   Open the Digitizer Assembly

   3 min

   Gently hinge the glass open from the right side like a book cover. Do not force the glass completely off yet, as the ribbon cables are still attached on the left side.

6. 6

   Unscrew the LCD Display

   4 min

   Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the four corner screws securing the LCD panel to the frame. Store the screws in a secure tray for reassembly.

7. 7

   Lift the LCD Panel

   2 min

   Insert a flat plastic spudger near the top edge of the LCD screen and lift it upward carefully. Pivot the LCD toward the left edge and rest it upside down over the digitizer.

8. 8

   Disconnect the LCD Cable

   3 min

   Use a spudger to flip up the thin retaining latch on the ZIF connector securing the LCD ribbon cable. Carefully slide the ribbon cable out and lift the LCD out of the frame.

9. 9

   Disconnect the Digitizer Cable

   3 min

   Flip up the two ZIF connector retaining latches holding the digitizer ribbon cables to the logic board. Gently slide both ribbon cables out and remove the digitizer glass completely.

10. 10

    Isolate the Battery

    3 min

    Remove the single T5 Torx screw securing the logic board contact tab to the battery terminals. Slide a plastic opening pick beneath the logic board corner to disconnect power.

11. 11

    Disconnect Logic Board Connectors

    5 min

    Disconnect the dock connector cable, speaker cable, headphone jack cable, and Wi-Fi antenna cable from the main board using the flat end of a spudger.

12. 12

    Remove Logic Board Screws

    4 min

    Unscrew all Phillips and standoff screws securing the main logic board to the aluminum rear enclosure. Track screw locations as they vary in length.

13. 13

    Extract the Logic Board

    3 min

    Carefully lift the logic board out from the rear case, ensuring no remaining flex cables catch on board components.

14. 14

    Scrub Corrosion from Board

    10 min

    Inspect the logic board under a magnifying glass for white or green corrosion spots. Dip a soft bristle brush into 99% isopropyl alcohol and scrub affected areas thoroughly to dissolve mineral deposits.

15. 15

    Clean Connectors and Chassis

    5 min

    Clean all internal flex connectors, board sockets, and the rear chassis interior using isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs. Use short bursts of compressed air to remove liquid residue and debris.

16. 16

    Dry Components Thoroughly

    15 min

    Allow the logic board and internal components to air dry in a well-ventilated area for at least 24 hours before reassembly.