Step-by-step

1. 1

   Heat the screen edges

   3 min

   Use a heat gun or iOpener to warm the outer glass edges of the iPad for two minutes. This softens the strong adhesive holding the display assembly to the frame.

2. 2

   Attach the suction cup

   2 min

   Place a suction cup onto the top edge of the display glass near the front camera. Pull up firmly to create a tiny gap between the glass and the aluminum enclosure.

3. 3

   Insert opening picks

   4 min

   Slide a thin plastic opening pick into the seam created by the suction cup. Slice carefully around the glass perimeter to cut through the adhesive seal.

4. 4

   Open the display assembly

   2 min

   Gently lift the screen up like a book, swinging it open from the right edge. Do not pull the screen away entirely because delicate flex cables remain attached.

5. 5

   Unscrew the display bracket

   3 min

   Use a precision Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the metal display cable shield. Set the shield aside in a small tray.

6. 6

   Disconnect the display cables

   2 min

   Pry up the display and digitizer connectors from the logic board using a plastic spudger. Lift the display panel completely off the chassis.

7. 7

   Disconnect the battery

   2 min

   Unscrew the battery blocker screw and slide a plastic isolation card under the battery connector contact. This cuts power to the system to prevent electrical short circuits.

8. 8

   Remove the logic board covers

   4 min

   Remove the retaining screws holding the main metal EMI shields over the logic board. Lift the shields off using ESD-safe tweezers.

9. 9

   Disconnect peripheral flex cables

   4 min

   Carefully detach the camera, speaker, microphone, and antenna flex connectors from the logic board. Use a plastic spudger to avoid scratching delicate traces.

10. 10

    Disconnect the USB-C port cable

    2 min

    Remove the bracket securing the charging port connector to the logic board. Pop the connector straight up from its socket.

11. 11

    Unscrew the logic board

    4 min

    Remove all remaining mounting screws securing the logic board to the aluminum housing. Keep track of each screw position as sizes vary.

12. 12

    Pry up the logic board

    3 min

    Apply a few drops of 99% isopropyl alcohol under the logic board to loosen remaining adhesive. Gently lever the board out using a flat spudger.

13. 13

    Solder board components

    12 min

    Inspect the board under magnification and apply flux paste to damaged components. Perform micro-soldering repairs or chip replacements with your soldering iron.

14. 14

    Clean the logic board

    3 min

    Clean off remaining flux residue using isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. Inspect solder joints to ensure no short circuits or solder bridges remain.

15. 15

    Reinstall the logic board

    4 min

    Position the repaired logic board back into the chassis and press it gently into place. Reinstall all logic board mounting screws securely.

16. 16

    Reconnect all flex cables

    5 min

    Snap the camera, antenna, charging port, and battery connectors back onto their sockets. Replace and tighten their protective metal brackets.

17. 17

    Reattach and seal display

    5 min

    Connect the display cables, reattach the metal shield, apply fresh perimeter adhesive, and press the glass firmly down into the chassis.