How to Fix an iPad Mini Screen

The other day my awesome wife stepped on our daughters’ iPad. She didn’t do a lot of damage, but it was enough. In her defense, my daughter did leave it laying in the middle of the floor. So after a little searching, I found a replacement digitizer (screen) on Amazon for $25.99.

So my daughter J and I sat down to replace the screen. Here is how we did it, and some of the things you will need to fix an iPad mini screen by yourself.

Things you will need:

An iPad repair kit, I got mine off of Amazon.

A hair dryer or heat gun.

Nerves of steel. (You can’t buy these)

Step by step instructions:

First, you will need to use the heat gun to loosen the glue around the screen. I like to start by inserting the plastic separating tool and working my way around.

Once the screen is separated from the frame, lift it up and fold it back. Be careful not to break the small cable at the bottom right of the screen.

Now unscrew the four screws on the LCD and lift it, folding it back, as well.

Then, remove the metal protection plate that sits behind the LCD.

You now have to remove the small metal plate, in order to disconnect the screen. I unhooked both the LCD and the screen so that I could clean the old glue off the frame without damaging the connectors.

After the glue is cleaned off, re-attach the LCD and the new screen cables and replace the metal plate. Then, replace the metal back and LCD screen.

You now have to remove the plastic that covers the glue strips on the back of the new screen. It is there, even if you can’t see it. Once that is done, set the screen gently on the iPad frame. Once you have it in place, use the heat gun to heat the new glue and press firmly to set the screen.

Your iPad is now fully repaired and ready to go. This is the same basic setup to use for your iPhone and iPod as well. Congratulations, you now have geek skills!