Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the iPad

   1 min

   Ensure the iPad is completely powered down and disconnect any charging cables immediately. Do not attempt to plug in or turn on a wet device.

2. 2

   Heat the screen edges

   3 min

   Use a heat gun on low setting to warm the outer edges of the display for 2-3 minutes. This softens the adhesive bond beneath the glass.

3. 3

   Attach suction cup

   1 min

   Place a suction cup near the bottom edge of the glass display. Press down firmly to establish a secure suction seal.

4. 4

   Insert opening pick

   2 min

   Pull up gently on the suction cup handle to create a thin gap between the glass and metal frame. Slide a plastic opening pick straight into the seam.

5. 5

   Slice screen adhesive

   5 min

   Slide the pick along all four sides of the iPad frame to cut through the perimeter adhesive. Reheat edges if you feel strong resistance.

6. 6

   Open the display

   2 min

   Gently lift the screen from the right edge like opening the cover of a book. Do not pull the screen away fully because fragile cables remain connected.

7. 7

   Unscrew display bracket

   3 min

   Locate the metal EMI shield covering the display flex cables on the logic board. Remove the precision screws securing the shield and set it aside.

8. 8

   Disconnect the battery

   2 min

   Insert a plastic spudger beneath the battery connector to disconnect power from the board. Isolating power prevents short circuits during cleaning.

9. 9

   Detach display assembly

   2 min

   Pry up the display and digitizer flex cables from their sockets using a plastic spudger. Lift the display glass completely off the device.

10. 10

    Remove logic board screws

    4 min

    Remove all screws holding down the logic board and internal brackets using a precision screwdriver. Keep track of screw locations.

11. 11

    Disconnect internal flex cables

    3 min

    Unplug the camera, speaker, antenna, and button flex cables connected to the logic board. Handle delicate connectors carefully with a spudger.

12. 12

    Extract the logic board

    3 min

    Gently pry under the logic board to release it from adhesive or thermal pads underneath. Lift the logic board out of the chassis.

13. 13

    Clean corrosion with alcohol

    10 min

    Clean all visible corrosion, mineral deposits, and liquid spots on the logic board using 99% isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush. Scrub thoroughly around chips and connectors.

14. 14

    Dry board with compressed air

    15 min

    Blow remaining liquid and alcohol off the board using short bursts of compressed air. Allow the board to air-dry completely in a dry area.

15. 15

    Reinstall the logic board

    4 min

    Place the fully dried logic board back into the enclosure, aligning it with screw posts. Fasten the board with its original screws.

16. 16

    Reconnect internal cables

    5 min

    Reconnect all internal ribbons, antennas, and display cables back to their logic board sockets. Reattach the battery connector last.

17. 17

    Test device functionality

    3 min

    Temporarily power on the device to verify that touch response, display output, and charging operate properly before final closure.

18. 18

    Seal the screen

    5 min

    Apply new pre-cut display adhesive strips along the perimeter of the frame. Press the display firmly into position until completely flush.