Step-by-step

1. 1

   Discharge the battery

   5 min

   Drain the iPad battery below 25% before beginning disassembly. A charged lithium-ion battery can catch fire if accidentally punctured.

2. 2

   Heat the display edges

   3 min

   Apply a heat gun around the outer perimeter of the screen for 2-3 minutes. This softens the strong adhesive holding the display assembly to the aluminum frame.

3. 3

   Apply the suction cup

   1 min

   Place a heavy-duty suction cup near the bottom edge of the display screen. Press firmly to create a secure seal on the glass.

4. 4

   Insert an opening pick

   2 min

   Pull up on the suction cup to create a small gap between the glass and the frame. Insert a guitar pick into the gap.

5. 5

   Slice bottom adhesive

   3 min

   Slide the guitar pick along the bottom edge of the display. Keep the pick shallow to avoid damaging internal flex cables.

6. 6

   Heat the left edge

   2 min

   Warm the left edge of the iPad display with the heat gun. Maintain moderate heat to prevent damaging the LCD panel.

7. 7

   Slice left adhesive

   3 min

   Guide the opening pick along the left side to separate the adhesive. Leave a pick in place to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

8. 8

   Slice right adhesive

   3 min

   Slice carefully along the right edge of the screen using another pick. Take extra care near the smart connector area.

9. 9

   Slice top adhesive

   3 min

   Slice through the adhesive along the top edge near the camera array. Insert the pick no deeper than 2 mm to protect the Face ID sensors.

10. 10

    Open the display

    2 min

    Gently lift the right edge of the display assembly and swing it open like a book. Support the panel so it does not strain the connected cables.

11. 11

    Unscrew the bracket

    3 min

    Remove the Phillips screws securing the metal display cable shield to the logic board. Store the screws in a magnetic mat.

12. 12

    Remove the shield

    1 min

    Use precision tweezers to lift the metal shield off the logic board connectors. Set the shield aside.

13. 13

    Disconnect the battery

    2 min

    Pry up the battery contact flex using the flat end of a plastic spudger. Disconnecting power prevents short circuits during internal repair.

14. 14

    Disconnect display cables

    3 min

    Pry the display data cables straight up from their sockets on the logic board using a spudger. Remove the display assembly completely.

15. 15

    Disconnect sensor cable

    2 min

    Disconnect the top button and front sensor assembly flex cable from the upper corner of the logic board. Work carefully around the tiny surface components.

16. 16

    Remove sensor assembly

    4 min

    Apply light heat to the top edge frame and peel up the upper button flex cable. Remove the module from the iPad housing.

17. 17

    Install new sensor module

    3 min

    Align the replacement sensor and top control flex assembly into the upper housing. Press down firmly to adhere it to the frame.

18. 18

    Reconnect cable connectors

    5 min

    Snap the sensor flex cable and display connectors back onto their logic board sockets. Reattach the battery contact before securing the shield.