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iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement

What you need

  1. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, iOpener Heating: step 1, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, iOpener Heating: step 1, image 2 of 2
    • We recommend that you clean your microwave before proceeding, as any nasty gunk on the bottom may end up stuck to the iOpener.

    • Place the iOpener in the center of the microwave.

    • For carousel microwaves: Make sure the plate spins freely. If your iOpener gets stuck, it may overheat and burn.

  2. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Heat the iOpener for thirty seconds.

    • Throughout the repair procedure, as the iOpener cools, reheat it in the microwave for an additional thirty seconds at a time.

    • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair. Overheating may cause the iOpener to burst. Do not attempt to heat over 100˚C (212˚F).

    • Never touch the iOpener if it appears swollen.

    • If the iOpener is still too hot in the middle to touch, continue using it while waiting for it to cool down some more before reheating. A properly heated iOpener should stay warm for up to 10 minutes.

  3. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the iOpener from the microwave, holding it by one of the two flat ends to avoid the hot center.

    • The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful when handling it. Use an oven mitt if necessary.

  4. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Alternate iOpener heating method: step 4, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Alternate iOpener heating method: step 4, image 2 of 2
    • If you don't have a microwave, follow this step to heat your iOpener in boiling water.

    • Fill a pot or pan with enough water to fully submerge an iOpener.

    • Heat the water to a boil. Turn off the heat.

    • Place an iOpener into the hot water for 2-3 minutes. Make sure the iOpener is fully submerged in the water.

    • Use tongs to extract the heated iOpener from the hot water.

    • Thoroughly dry the iOpener with a towel.

    • The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful to hold it only by the end tabs.

    • Your iOpener is ready for use! If you need to reheat the iOpener, heat the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and place the iOpener in the water for 2-3 minutes.

  5. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • If your display glass is cracked, keep further breakage contained and prevent bodily harm during your repair by taping the glass.

    • Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPad's display until the whole face is covered.

    • This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

    • Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.

    • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and be careful not to damage the LCD screen.

  6. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Safety Glasses
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    • Again, as you may find yourself working with broken glass during this procedure, we strongly recommend wearing safety glasses for protection from flying shards.

    • Lay the iOpener flat on the right edge of the iPad, smoothing it out so that there is good contact between the surface of the iPad and the iOpener.

    • Let the bag sit on the iPad for approximately 90 seconds before attempting to open the front panel.

  7. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • There is a small gap in the iPad's adhesive ring in the upper right corner of the iPad, approximately 2.0 inches (~5 cm) from the top of the iPad. You are going to exploit this weakness.

    • Align the tool with the mute button. Insert the tip of a plastic opening tool into the gap between the front glass and the plastic bezel. Just insert the very tip of the opening tool, just enough to widen the crack.

    • It may require some force to get the wedged tip of the opening tool between the glass and plastic. Work patiently and carefully, wiggling the plastic opening tool back and forth as necessary.

  8. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 1
    • Make sure you place the tool in the proper spot—between the plastic display bezel and the front panel glass.

  9. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Keeping the tip of the plastic opening tool wedged between the front glass and plastic bezel, slide a plastic opening pick in the gap, right next to the plastic opening tool.

  10. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the plastic opening tool from the iPad, and push the opening pick further underneath the front glass to a depth of ~0.5 inches.

  11. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 1
    • While you work on releasing the adhesive on the right side of the iPad, reheat the iOpener, and replace it on the bottom edge of the iPad.

  12. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • While the bottom edge is being heated by the iOpener, begin releasing the adhesive from the right edge of the iPad.

    • Slide the opening pick down along the edge of the iPad, releasing the adhesive as you go.

    • The adhesive is very strong, and some serious force may be required. Work carefully.

    • If you can see the tip of the opening pick underneath the front glass, pull the pick out just a little bit. While using the opening pick this deep won't damage anything, it may get adhesive residue all over the LCD.

  13. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • It may be necessary to move the heated iOpener back onto the right edge of the iPad as you release the adhesive. This depends on how long the iPad has been able to cool while you were working on it.

    • If the opening pick gets stuck in the adhesive, "roll" the pick along the side of the iPad, continuing to release the adhesive.

  14. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Before removing the first opening pick from the bottom corner of the iPad, insert a second pick under the right edge of the front glass to keep the adhesive from re-adhering.

    • Re-heat the iOpener, and move it to the top edge of the iPad.

  15. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • The next few steps require extreme caution.

    • The Wi-Fi antenna is attached to the bottom right edge of the rear case of the iPad via screws and a cable. Because of the orientation of the Wi-Fi antenna, it is imperative to proceed with caution otherwise irreversible damage to the Wi-Fi antenna may result.

    • You will have to release the adhesive securing the antenna to the front panel without damaging the delicate parts attaching the antenna to the bottom of the iPad. Follow the next steps carefully.

  16. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner of the iPad, releasing the adhesive there.

    • Do not slide the pick further than the bottom right corner. You may damage the Wi-Fi antenna by doing so.

  17. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • This step requires you to move the opening pick along the bottom right edge of the front panel. The Wi-Fi antenna is very close to the corner and is easily severed if the adhesive is released improperly.

    • Do not completely remove the pick from under the front glass, but pull it out just a little bit so that ~1/8" (3 mm) of the tip is still under the front glass.

    • Slide the tip of the opening pick along the bottom edge of the iPad, releasing the adhesive over the Wi-Fi antenna.

  18. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2
    • Once you have moved past the Wi-FI antenna (approximately 3" (75 mm) from the right edge, or right next to the home button) re-insert the opening pick to its full depth.

    • Slide the pick to the right, releasing the adhesive securing the Wi-Fi antenna to the front glass.

    • The antenna is attached to the bottom of the iPad via screws and a cable. This step detaches the antenna from the front panel, ensuring that when you remove the panel, the antenna will not be damaged.

  19. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Continue releasing the adhesive along the bottom of the iPad, pulling the opening pick out far enough to go around the home button, and re-inserting it to a depth of 1/2 inch (10 mm) once the pick is past the home button.

    • If the adhesive has cooled too much along the bottom edge, reheat the iOpener to warm the adhesive where you are working.

    • Do not heat the iOpener more than a minute at a time, and always allow at least two minutes before reheating it.

  20. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Continue releasing the adhesive all the way along the bottom edge of the iPad.

    • On iPad 4 models, insert the pick to a maximum depth of 1/2 inch (10 mm) in this area, to avoid damaging the home button ribbon cable.

    • Leave the opening pick wedged underneath the front glass near the home button.

  21. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 1
    • Reheat the iOpener in the microwave and set it on the left edge of the iPad to start warming the adhesive in that section.

  22. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the iPad, pulling it out slightly to go around the front-facing camera bracket.

    • The adhesive along this section is very thick, and a fair amount of force may be required. Work carefully and slowly, making sure to not slip and damage yourself or your iPad.

    • If the adhesive has cooled too much, replace the iOpener along the top edge and continue working. If the iOpener has cooled too much, reheat it.

    • If the opening pick is getting stuck in the adhesive, "roll" the pick as shown in step 9.

  23. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Continue releasing the adhesive along the top edge of the iPad, and slide the opening pick around the top left corner.

    • If the adhesive is warm enough, remove the iOpener from the iPad for convenience. However, if the adhesive is still quite sticky, re-heat the iOpener and lay it on the left edge while you work.

  24. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 24, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the left edge of the iPad, releasing the adhesive as you go. The adhesive is thin here due to the digitizer along the whole left side. Make sure the pick is not too deep (max 1/2 inch) 10 mm to prevent damaging the digitizer.

    • The digitizer cable is located approximately 2" (50 mm) from the bottom of the iPad. Stop sliding the pick when you get ~2.25" (60 mm) from the bottom of the iPad.

  25. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Using the opening pick that is still underneath the bottom edge of the iPad, release the adhesive along the bottom left corner.

    • The bottom of the digitizer cable is only ~1" (25 mm) from the bottom of the iPad. Work carefully and slowly, making sure to not sever this cable.

  26. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Using one of the opening picks, pry up the bottom right corner of the iPad and grab it with your fingers.

    • Some of the adhesive along the perimeter of the iPad may have stuck back down again. If this is the case, slide a pick underneath the edge of the iPad where the front glass is still stuck and "cut" the adhesive.

  27. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
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    • Holding the iPad by the top and bottom right corners, rotate the front glass away from the iPad.

    • Be careful of any adhesive that may still be attached, and use an opening pick to cut any adhesive that may still be holding the front panel down.

    • During reassembly use a microfiber cloth and compressed air to clean any dust or fingerprints off the LCD before reinstalling the glass.

  28. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel Assembly: step 28, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel Assembly: step 28, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the four 2 mm Phillips #00 screws securing the LCD to the aluminum frame.

    • The bottom left screw is obscured by the home button ribbon cable connector. Carefully move the home button ribbon cable aside to remove the bottom left screw.

  29. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Using a plastic opening tool or a spudger, lift the right edge of the LCD out of the iPad.

    • Rotate the LCD along its left edge and lay it down on top of the front glass panel.

    • Be careful as you move the LCD. The ribbon cable is fragile and may break if it is flexed too much.

  30. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, LCD: step 30, image 1 of 1
    • Using the tip of a spudger, peel back the piece of tape covering the LCD ribbon cable connector.

  31. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • Flip up the retaining flap on the LCD ribbon cable ZIF connector.

    • Using your fingers or a pair of tweezers, pull the LCD ribbon cable from its socket on the logic board.

  32. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1
    • Without touching the front of the LCD, lift the LCD off the front panel.

  33. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel Assembly: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel Assembly: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • If present, remove the piece of electrical tape covering the Wi-Fi antenna, speaker cable, and home button ribbon cable.

  34. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • Flip up the retaining flap on the home button ribbon cable ZIF connector.

  35. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to pull the home button ribbon cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

  36. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 1
    • De-route the home button ribbon cable from its recess in the rear case.

  37. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 1
    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel back the piece of tape that secures the digitizer ribbon cable to the logic board.

  38. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 38, image 3 of 3
    • Flip up the retaining flap on both of the digitizer ribbon cable ZIF connectors.

  39. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to loosen the adhesive underneath the digitizer ribbon cable.

    • Pull the digitizer ribbon cable straight out of its sockets on the logic board.

  40. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 2
    • Peel back the digitizer ribbon cable and use the flat end of a spudger to release the adhesive securing the cable to the rear aluminum case.

  41. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 1
    • Using your fingers, pull the digitizer ribbon cable out of its recess in the aluminum frame.

    • Remove the front panel from the iPad.

  42. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Home Button Assembly: step 42, image 1 of 1
    • The home button assembly is attached to the front panel with some adhesive. The use of an iOpener to soften the adhesive is highly recommended.

    • Place the iOpener in the microwave and microwave it for one minute on the highest power setting (or just thirty seconds if you're using the newer gel-filled iOpener).

    • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair procedure. We recommend waiting at least two minutes before reheating the iOpener.

    • Place the iOpener over the home button on the front edge of the display.

  43. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 1
    • Carefully peel the home button ribbon cable from the front panel.

  44. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 44, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge the plastic opening tool under the right side of the home button assembly and pry upwards, releasing the adhesive on that side.

    • Using the technique above, release the adhesive on the left side of the home button.

    • Lift the home button mount up off the front panel.

  45. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 3 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 45, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the edge of plastic opening tool underneath the edge of the home button mounting bracket.

    • Slide the plastic opening tool along the retaining spring bracket, releasing the adhesive.

    • Remove the home button with mounting bracket from the front panel.

  46. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Camera Bracket: step 46, image 1 of 1
    • The camera bracket is attached to the front panel by adhesive. The use of an iOpener to soften the adhesive is highly recommended.

    • Follow the iOpener heating instructions described in the iOpener heating section at the beginning of this guide.

    • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair procedure. We recommend waiting at least two minutes before reheating the iOpener.

    • Place the iOpener over the front facing camera on the front edge of the top of the display.

  47. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 2 iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 47, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to push the camera bracket off the adhesive securing it to the front panel.

    • The camera bracket will move about 2 mm to the right or left depending which way you push the camera bracket.

  48. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement: step 48, image 1 of 1
    • Lift and remove the camera bracket up off the front panel.

  49. iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Replacement, Front Panel: step 49, image 1 of 1
    • Front panel remains.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these directions in reverse and use our iPad 4 Wi-Fi Front Panel Adhesive strips guide to reattach the front panel.

335 other people completed this guide.

25 Comments

Step 27. Reassembly. Test the connections by dry fitting the front glass to the chassis prior to removing the white adhesive strip protection. Power on the unit to ensure the LCD panel powers on and that the digitizer functions. Power the unit down. Remove the clear front glass protector from the rear of the glass. Then proceed to perform the final install by removing the white adhesive protection. Seat the front glass. Remove the protective cover from the front of the front glass.

danhieux - Reply

upon following these in direct order to put my ipad back together i have done a dry test and the screen boots to a series of lines, how far in does the connector go? should i be able to see the white line near the connector? can anyone help?

bystand3r - Reply

what does the bit at the start mean : "Note: this is a complete guide for replacing a plain front panel. If you have a Front Panel Assembly replacement part, stop before removing the home button from your old front panel, and reverse the steps to install your new front panel assembly."

sorry for being a noob do i have to do the guide diffrently or what

thanks

manazir hussain - Reply

The front panel assembly will come with the HB attached to the glass already. So you would not have to remove the HB from your original screen, only disconnect it from the socket

nicole shih -

Step 37:

My logic board is damaged. http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b447...

Too much force was used to remove the connector. Is there a way to repair this or does the logic board need to be replaced.

Calvin Newton - Reply

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