Installing iPad Wi-Fi Metal Display Clips

Replace broken metal retaining clips on your iPad Wi-Fi's front panel assembly.

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Use this guide to replace any clips broken during removal of the display assembly.

Sections
Tools
Relevant parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Display Assembly  ¶ 

  • Insert a metal spudger between the top edge of the display assembly and the rear panel assembly.

  • Rotate the spudger away from you to release the tabs along the top edge of the display.

  • Insert a second metal spudger between the top edge of the display assembly and the rear panel assembly to keep the tabs from snapping back into place.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • With one spudger, work your way along the right edge of the iPad.

  • The front panel is held to the aluminum back by metal clips on the top, bottom, and left sides. The right side has plastic tabs which slide into recesses in the backplate.

  • Once the clips are released, lift the left side of the front panel up and slide it to the left to clear the tabs from the aluminum backplate.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Lift the display assembly away from the rear panel assembly by its bottom edge.

  • Do not attempt to remove the display at this time, as it is attached to the rear panel assembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • In the following steps, you will disconnect the three cables attaching the display assembly to the logic board. The cables are for the following components:

    • Digitizer

    • Ambient Light Sensor

    • Display Data Cable

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Use the edge of a plastic opening tool to flip up the retaining flaps holding the digitizer ribbon cables in their sockets on the logic board.

  • Be sure you are flipping up the retaining flap, not the socket itself.

  • Pull the digitizer ribbon cables straight out of their sockets.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Use a plastic opening tool to remove the ambient light sensor connector from its socket by gently prying upward.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Disconnect the display data cable from the main board by flipping up the metal retainer by its black plastic pull tab.

  • Pull the cable connector away from its socket.

  • Pull the connector parallel to the face of the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Remove the display assembly from the rear panel assembly.

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Add Note Edit Step 9 — Metal Display Clips  ¶ 

  • During the display assembly removal process, it is highly likely that the metal clips around the perimeter of the of the display assembly will break.

  • To replace a broken clip, first remove the T5 Torx screw securing the broken base of the clip to the display assembly.

  • Place a new clip on the positioning pins molded into the display frame, and reinstall the T5 Torx screw to secure the two pieces together.

  • Repeat this process for any other broken clips around your display assembly.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the iPad Wi-Fi device page.

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