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iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement

What you need

  1. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the device for two minutes.

  2. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 3 of 3
    • While you're waiting for the adhesive to loosen, note the following areas that are sensitive to prying:

    • Front camera

    • Antennas

    • Display cables

  3. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next three steps demonstrate the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier. If you aren't using the Anti-Clamp, skip down three steps for an alternate method.

    • For complete instructions on how to use the Anti-Clamp, check out this guide.

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Place an object under your iPad so it rests level between the suction cups.

    • Position the suction cups near the middle of the left edge—one on the top, and one on the bottom.

    • Hold the bottom of the Anti-Clamp steady and firmly press down on the top cup to apply suction.

    • If you find that the surface of your iPad is too slippery for the Anti-Clamp to hold onto, use tape to create a grippier surface.

  4. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

    • Make sure the suction cups remain aligned with each other. If they begin to slip out of alignment, loosen the suction cups slightly and realign the arms.

  5. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2
    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • If your screen isn't getting hot enough, you can use a hair dryer to heat along the left edge of the iPad.

    • For complete instructions on how to use a hair dryer, check out this guide.

    • Insert an opening pick under the digitizer when the Anti-Clamp creates a large enough gap.

    • If the Anti-Clamp doesn't create a sufficient gap, apply more heat to the area and rotate the handle clockwise half a turn.

    • Don't crank more than a half a turn at a time, and wait one minute between turns. Let the Anti-Clamp and time do the work for you.

    • Skip the next step.

  6. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

    • Once the screen is warm to touch, apply a suction handle to the left edge of the screen and as close to the edge as possible.

    • Lift the screen with the suction handle to create a small gap between the digitizer and the frame.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap between the digitizer and the frame.

  7. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a second opening pick into the gap you just created.

    • Slide the pick toward the bottom-left corner of the device to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick in the bottom-left corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

    • Don't worry if you can see the opening pick through the digitizer—just pull the pick out. The LCD screen shouldn't be damaged, but you risk leaving behind hard-to-clean adhesive.

  8. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • If the opening pick gets stuck in the adhesive, "roll" the pick along the side of the iPad to continue separating the adhesive.

  9. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the first opening pick towards the top-left corner of the device to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick in the top-left corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

  10. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the device for two minutes.

  11. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Rotate the pick around the top-left corner of the device to separate the adhesive.

  12. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the device, stopping just before you reach the front camera.

    • Avoid sliding the pick over the front camera, as you may damage the lens. The following steps will show how to prevent this.

  13. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Pull the pick out until only the tip is between the digitizer and the frame.

    • Slide the pick above the front camera to separate the adhesive.

    • Leave the pick near the right side of the front camera before continuing.

  14. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert the pick and slide it towards the top-right corner of the device to completely separate the top adhesive.

    • Leave the pick in the top-right corner to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

  15. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the device for two minutes.

  16. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 16, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 16, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Rotate the pick around the top-right corner of the device to separate the adhesive.

  17. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a new opening pick and slide it to the middle of the iPad's right edge.

    • The display cables are located approximately halfway from the bottom of the iPad. Stop sliding once you reach three inches from the bottom of the iPad.

  18. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the device for two minutes.

  19. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the bottom-left pick to the bottom-left corner to separate the adhesive.

    • Don't fully rotate the pick around the corner, as you may damage the antenna.

    • Leave the pick in the bottom-left corner before moving to the next step.

  20. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 20, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 20, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a new opening pick into the gap you just created on the bottom edge of the iPad.

    • Slide the pick over the antenna, stopping just before the home button.

    • Only slide the pick towards the home button and not away from it, as you may damage the antenna.

    • If you need to slide the pick over this section again, remove and re-insert it at the bottom-left corner.

    • Leave the pick to the left of the home button before continuing.

  21. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Insert an opening pick into the gap you just created.

    • Slide the pick underneath the home button and towards the bottom-right corner, making sure only the tip is between the digitizer and the frame.

    • Only insert the pick up to 1 mm to avoid damaging the right antenna.

  22. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert the pick and slide it towards the home button to completely separate the bottom adhesive.

    • Only slide the pick towards the home button and not away from it, as you may damage the antenna.

    • If you need to slide the pick over this section again, remove and re-insert it at the bottom-right corner.

    • Leave the pick to the right of the home button before continuing.

  23. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 23, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the device for two minutes.

  24. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 2
    • Be very careful with this step. Take your time, ensure the adhesive is hot and soft, and make sure you separated all of the adhesive with a pick. Don't be afraid to stop and reheat.

    • Twist the two opening picks on the left corners of the iPad to lift the digitizer slightly, separating the the last of the adhesive in the process.

    • If there's a significant amount of resistance, reheat the edges and work along them with an opening pick.

  25. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Lift the left edge of the digitizer upwards to further separate the adhesive along the right edge of the iPad.

  26. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 26, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 26, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 26, image 3 of 3
    • While supporting the digitizer, slide an opening pick between the two display cables to separate the last of the adhesive.

  27. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Once all of the adhesive has been separated, open the digitizer like a book and rest it parallel to the iPad.

    • During reassembly, clean the remaining adhesive from the frame—and the digitizer if you're re-using it—with isopropyl alcohol. Replace the adhesive with our adhesive strips or pre-cut adhesive cards.

    • Be mindful of the display cables when reassembling the device. Make sure they are folded properly underneath the LCD screen to prevent any damage.

  28. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, LCD: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, LCD: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, LCD: step 28, image 3 of 3
    • Remove any tape obscuring the LCD screws.

  29. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following Phillips screws securing the LCD.

    • Three 4.0 mm screws

    • One 4.8 mm screw

  30. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Do not attempt to fully remove the LCD. It is still connected to the iPad by several cables at the home button end. Lift only from the front-facing camera end.

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the LCD out of its recess just enough to grab it with your fingers.

    • Flip the iPad LCD like a page in a book, lifting near the camera and turning it over the home button end of the rear case.

    • Be gentle and keep an eye on the LCD cables as you flip the display over.

    • Lay the LCD on its face to allow access to the display cables.

    • Set the LCD down on a soft, clean, lint-free surface.

  31. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Battery Blocker
    $3.99
    Buy
    • Remove the single 2.3 mm Phillips screw securing the battery connector to the logic board.

    • To reduce the risk of a short, you can insert a battery blocker or a modified opening pick to disconnect the battery.

    • Be very careful when you isolate the battery using a battery blocker. The battery contacts are easily damaged, resulting in irreversible damage.

    • Slide the battery blocker underneath the battery connector area of the logic board, and leave it in place while you work.

    • If you are having trouble fitting the battery blocker underneath the logic board, you can try using a playing card to disconnect the battery.

  32. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the three 1.4 mm Phillips screws from the display cable bracket.

  33. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to gently pry the display cable bracket straight up from the logic board.

    • The display cable connector is adhered to the underside of the bracket, so don’t push the spudger too far under the bracket, or you may damage the connector.

  34. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the LCD.

  35. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Front Panel Assembly: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Front Panel Assembly: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Remove any tape covering the home button ribbon cable connector.

  36. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 36, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to flip the tab on the home button ribbon cable ZIF connector upward.

    • Carefully pull the home button ribbon cable horizontally out of the ZIF connector.

  37. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 37, image 3 of 3
    • Use a the flat end of a spudger or a fingernail to carefully pop the two digitizer cable connectors straight up from their sockets.

    • To avoid damaging your iPad, pry only on the connectors themselves, not on the socket on the logic board.

  38. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully peel the home button ribbon cable up off of the adhesive holding it to the rear case.

  39. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Polyimide Tape
    $9.99
    Buy
    • Remove the front panel assembly.

    • During reassembly, wipe any dust or fingerprints off of the inside of the front panel assembly to ensure a clean display.

    • If you experience "ghost" or "phantom" touch input issues with your new display, this can be resolved by adding a layer of very thin insulating tape, such as Kapton (polyimide) tape, to the highlighted areas on the back of the panel. iFixit panels come with the proper insulation, and should not require the addition of any tape.

    • Without the proper insulation, these areas of the digitizer can ground out against other components, causing touch input malfunction.

    • The insulation is not visible to the naked eye, and is different from the foam dust barrier strips found on many iPads.

  40. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Home Button Assembly: step 40, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Home Button Assembly: step 40, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement, Home Button Assembly: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Gently begin peeling the home button cable off the back of the front panel.

    • Continue peeling until you reach the metal shield on the cable.

  41. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 41, image 2 of 2
    • Insert an opening pick between the metal shield and the front panel and gently pry it from the digitizer.

  42. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 2
    • Gently peel the metal contact from the home button bracket.

  43. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 2 of 3 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 43, image 3 of 3
    • Use a plastic opening tool to pry the home button bracket off the back of the front panel.

    • When reattaching the home button bracket, use a dab of adhesive or double-sided tape to secure the bracket in place.

    • Once you've separated one side of the home button bracket, firmly grasp the bracket and peel it off the front panel.

  44. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 2 iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 44, image 2 of 2
    • Press the home button from the external side of the digitizer to break up the adhesive holding it in place.

    • Apply pressure slowly. The adhesive is attached to a delicate gasket that will tear easily.

  45. iPad 5 Wi-Fi Front Panel Assembly Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the home button assembly.

Conclusion

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

194 other people completed this guide.

Evan Noronha

Member since: 02/05/15

223,163 Reputation

168 Guides authored

31 Comments

Why is the 1st Gen iPad being shown in a 5th Gen tear down? Is it exactly the same minus the Touch ID home button?

Tim - Reply

The 1st Gen iPad Air and iPad 5th Gen are virtually the same minus the touch ID

Trevor Brodie - Reply

Will the fifth generation of iPad liquid crystal cover the sixth generation?

cscs6938 - Reply

The 6th gen ipad has support for the Apple Pencil, whereas the 5th ipad doesn’t, so I don’t think that the 5th gen screen will work on a 6th gen ipad. iFixit sells a 6th gen screen for only a few bucks more than the 5th gen, so I would use that one.

Sarah Tomich -

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