Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the iPad

   1 min

   Press and hold the top power button and either volume button until the power slider appears. Slide to completely switch off the device before beginning.

2. 2

   Soften the screen adhesive

   3 min

   Use a heat gun or hairdryer around the outer glass edges for two to three minutes. Warm the frame until it is slightly hot to the touch to loosen the glue.

3. 3

   Attach a suction cup

   1 min

   Place a heavy-duty suction cup near the top center edge of the screen glass. Press down firmly to create a strong seal.

4. 4

   Slice the top edge adhesive

   2 min

   Pull up on the suction cup to create a small gap between glass and aluminum frame. Insert a thin plastic opening pick into the seam and slide it across the top.

5. 5

   Slice side glass adhesive

   3 min

   Slide additional opening picks down the left and right edges of the iPad. Keep picks shallow to avoid damaging internal antenna cables along the bottom sides.

6. 6

   Open the digitizer glass

   2 min

   Gently swing the top edge of the front glass open like a book page toward the right side. Rest the glass flat next to the iPad without straining the bottom flex cables.

7. 7

   Unscrew the LCD panel

   2 min

   Locate the four corner screws securing the LCD display panel. Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove all four screws and set them aside.

8. 8

   Lift the LCD panel

   2 min

   Insert a plastic spudger under the top edge of the LCD panel and gently pry up. Flip the LCD panel down toward the bottom of the device to reveal the shield plate underneath.

9. 9

   Remove the connector shield plate

   2 min

   Unscrew the three Phillips screws securing the metal battery and display connector cover plate. Lift the shield plate off the logic board using tweezers.

10. 10

    Disconnect the battery

    1 min

    Insert a plastic pick or battery blocker pick directly into the battery connector gap to cut power. Ensure the battery remains disconnected to avoid short-circuiting components.

11. 11

    Disconnect and remove the LCD

    2 min

    Use a plastic spudger to pop the LCD display cable off its socket on the logic board. Carefully lift the LCD panel clear of the device frame and store it in a safe place.

12. 12

    Disconnect the digitizer flex cables

    2 min

    Disconnect the two digitizer display ribbon cables from the logic board using the tip of your spudger. Lift away the original broken glass assembly.

13. 13

    Heat the home button bracket

    2 min

    Apply mild heat from a heat gun to the lower front edge of the old glass to soften the glue holding the Home button bracket. Do not overheat the Home button cable.

14. 14

    Transfer original home button

    4 min

    Pry up the metal retaining bracket and gently remove the original Touch ID home button flex assembly. Transfer and align it onto the replacement digitizer glass.

15. 15

    Clean old frame adhesive

    5 min

    Scrape away remaining glue and glass pieces from the aluminum rear case perimeter using a flat plastic tool. Wipe the frame edge clean using isopropyl alcohol.

16. 16

    Apply new adhesive strips

    3 min

    Lay pre-cut double-sided adhesive strips along the top, bottom, and side recess channels of the aluminum frame. Press firmly down on the tape backing.

17. 17

    Connect the replacement digitizer

    3 min

    Plug the new digitizer's flex cables into their corresponding board connectors until they snap into place. Reconnect the LCD display cable in the same manner.

18. 18

    Reinstall connector shield and LCD

    3 min

    Remove the battery blocker, replace the metal connector cover plate, and tighten its screws. Lower the LCD panel back into place and re-install the four corner screws.

19. 19

    Test touch and display functions

    2 min

    Temporarily turn on the iPad to verify touchscreen responsiveness and home button functionality. Turn off the iPad once verified before final closing.

20. 20

    Seal the screen assembly

    2 min

    Peel off the protective adhesive film backings on the iPad frame. Carefully align the top glass edges and press firmly around the entire perimeter to seal.