Step-by-step

1. 1

   Power off the iPad

   1 min

   Press and hold the top button and either volume button, then slide to power off completely.

2. 2

   Heat the front display perimeter

   3 min

   Apply a heat gun set on low along all four edges for 2 to 3 minutes to soften the perimeter display adhesive.

3. 3

   Attach a suction cup

   2 min

   Place a suction cup near the bottom edge of the glass display and pull upward gently to create a small gap.

4. 4

   Insert an opening pick

   2 min

   Slide a thin plastic guitar pick into the gap created between the glass display and the aluminum enclosure.

5. 5

   Slice the bottom edge adhesive

   3 min

   Slide the pick carefully along the bottom edge of the screen to cut through the adhesive layer.

6. 6

   Slice the right edge adhesive

   3 min

   Guide the pick up the right side, keeping the tip shallow to avoid hitting internal components.

7. 7

   Slice the top edge adhesive

   3 min

   Slice through the top edge adhesive, taking extreme care around the TrueDepth camera sensors.

8. 8

   Slice the left edge adhesive

   3 min

   Move the pick down the left edge of the screen to finish separating the display adhesive.

9. 9

   Open the display assembly

   2 min

   Gently lift the top edge of the display and pivot it upward like a book cover to reveal the internal connectors.

10. 10

    Remove the display shield screws

    2 min

    Use a precision screwdriver to remove the screws securing the metal display cable bracket to the logic board.

11. 11

    Remove the display cable bracket

    1 min

    Use tweezers to lift the metal shield off the board and set it aside safely.

12. 12

    Disconnect the display flex cables

    2 min

    Use a plastic spudger to pry the display ribbon cable connectors straight up from their sockets on the logic board.

13. 13

    Remove the damaged display

    1 min

    Lift the entire display assembly off the frame and set it aside on a soft surface.

14. 14

    Clean old adhesive from the frame

    5 min

    Scrape away remaining adhesive from the aluminum enclosure using a plastic tool and isopropyl alcohol.

15. 15

    Transfer upper sensor array

    5 min

    Unseat the ambient light sensor and micro-ribbon cables from the old screen and carefully adhere them to the new screen.

16. 16

    Apply new frame adhesive

    5 min

    Apply fresh double-sided adhesive strips along the perimeter channel of the aluminum frame.

17. 17

    Connect the replacement screen cables

    3 min

    Align and gently press down on the replacement screen ribbon connectors until they snap into place on the logic board.

18. 18

    Reinstall the display cable bracket

    2 min

    Position the metal shield back over the connections and secure it using the saved screws.

19. 19

    Test display functionality

    3 min

    Turn on the iPad temporarily to verify touch response, TrueTone, and screen brightness before final installation.

20. 20

    Seal the screen into place

    3 min

    Peel the adhesive backing strips, align the screen with the frame, and press firmly around all edges to bond.