Two of the most frustrating things about owning an iPad are the facts that it is very fragile and that the screen is prone to breaking easily. If you are in a pinch and not willing to hand over your device to the professionals, you can fix the screen yourself. It is a very delicate process and will require a few tools, but it could save you close to $300 depending on where you take the tablet.
Necessary Tools
As mentioned above, there are a few tools that are necessary to fixing the iPad. It is important to use the proper tools so you do not damage your mobile device in the process. You will need the following items:
- Digitizer for your make and model (if your iPad does not respond to touch)
- LCD screen for your make and model
- electronic screwdriver
- metal prying tool
- plastic prying tool
- T4 Torx screwdriver
- electronic tape
- replacement metal clips
Most companies sell the digitizer and screen in the same package, and it is generally less than $50 for each part. However, another option is to purchase a digitizer and screen that have already been assembled together, making the installation easier. These assemblies will be costlier, but should still be less than $100.
Taking it Apart
Obviously, you will need to take the iPad apart before you can repair the screen. This is the part of the process that must be done slowly and with great care. You do not want to damage any of the internal parts or the ribbon connectors. Thankfully, the first step to taking the iPad apart is to remove the protective plastic around the digitizer, which can be removed with a prying tool. You will require the plastic prying tool to remove the digitizer from the case. It offers a stronger lever and the screen will be replaced anyway.
After you have pried the protective case off, you will need to remove the digitizer, depending on the severity of the cracked screen. This is where the metal prying tool comes into play. You will need to turn it counter clockwise, and as you create an opening, use separate prying tools and screwdrivers to keep a gap open. If you do not do that step, your digitizer will fall back into place because the metal clips pull it back..
As you slowly remove the digitizer, carefully disconnect the ribbon connectors that are holding the screen to the back panel. Then start disconnecting the remaining connectors and unlock the metal clips. All of the connectors will be simple snap connections, so while you need to be gentle, the connection should be easy to separate.
Finally, to finish disassembling your iPad, you will need to take the Torx screwdriver and remove the screws connecting the screen to the digitizer. You will need to remove the electronic tape and use the prying tool again to disconnect the two. This is why many people purchase the new digitizer and screen as an already assembled package.
The reassembly of the iPad is the same procedure in reverse. However, you will need new metal clips, because they will help ensure that the parts are secure. The electronic tape you purchased will go over the connectors to make sure they are protected as well. This entire process will take you a few hours to do and can be stressful. While you may save over $200, the amount of time and energy you put into the procedure definitely makes sending it to a professional a viable option. Contact a service like Wynn Win IT Solutions if you need professional help.
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