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iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement

What you need

  1. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Be sure to power off your iPad before you begin your repair.

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the left edge of the iPad for two minutes.

  2. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Screen removal information: step 2, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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

    • Ambient light sensors

  3. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • This step shows how to open the iPad using a suction handle.

    • 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the left adhesive: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 towards the bottom-left corner of the iPad 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the first opening pick towards the top-left corner of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

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

  10. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the top edge: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the iPad for two minutes.

  11. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top left adhesive: step 11, image 3 of 3
    • Rotate the pick around the top-left corner of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

  12. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top adhesive: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the iPad, 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Re-insert the pick and slide it towards the top-right corner of the iPad to completely separate the top adhesive.

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

  15. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 15, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the iPad for two minutes.

  16. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 16, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 16, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the top right adhesive: step 16, image 3 of 3
    • Rotate the pick around the top-right corner of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

  17. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 3 inches from the bottom of the iPad.

  18. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the bottom edge: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the iPad for two minutes.

  19. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom left adhesive: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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.

    • The third image shows the bottom-left antenna underneath the digitizer.

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

  20. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 20, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the bottom adhesive: step 20, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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.

  22. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the right edge: step 23, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the right edge of the iPad for two minutes.

  24. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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.

    • Throughout the remaining steps, try not to touch the back side of the glass or the surface of the LCD with your fingers—any fingerprints can be tough to clean off.

  26. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 26, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 26, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Separate the right adhesive: step 26, image 3 of 3
  27. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera 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 iPad. Make sure they are folded properly underneath the LCD screen to prevent any damage.

  28. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the LCD: step 28, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the LCD: step 28, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 4.2 mm-long screws securing the LCD to the frame.

    • Remove any tape obscuring the LCD screws.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your iPad.

  29. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Flip the LCD over: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Flip the LCD over: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Flip the LCD over: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Don't attempt to fully remove the LCD during this step, as it's still connected by several cables at the home button end.

    • Only lift the LCD 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 frame.

    • Lay the LCD down onto a clean, soft, lint-free surface to allow access to the display cables.

  30. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 30, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 30, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2.3 mm-long screw securing the battery connector to the logic board.

  31. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Battery connector information: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Battery connector information: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Battery connector information: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • These photos show what the battery connector looks like underneath the logic board. Use these photos as a reference while you safely disconnect the battery.

    • Notice that the battery connector has cantilever springs on the logic board that press against the battery contact pads. Since both the logic board and battery are glued down, you'll need to slide something thin and flexible between the contact points to disconnect the battery.

  32. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 32, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 32, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • Follow the instructions carefully if you're isolating the battery using a battery blocker. The battery contacts are easily bent or broken, resulting in irreversible damage.

    • Ensure that the iFixit logo on the battery blocker is facing up.

    • Slide the battery blocker underneath the logic board's battery connector at a 35 degree angle.

    • Don't push the battery blocker underneath the connector with excessive force. If you're having trouble fitting the battery blocker underneath the logic board, you can try using a playing card to disconnect the battery instead.

    • The battery blocker or playing card ideally should slide under the logic board without encountering any blockages. After insertion, it should rest at about a 15 degree angle.

    • Leave the battery blocker in place as you work.

  33. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the display cable bracket: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the display cable bracket: step 33, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 1.4 mm-long screws securing the display cable bracket.

  34. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 34, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the display cable bracket.

  35. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the LCD: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the LCD: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the LCD cable press connector.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

  36. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the LCD: step 36, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the LCD: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the LCD completely and rest it face down on a clean, soft, lint-free surface.

  37. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the home button: step 37, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the home button: step 37, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel off the tape covering the home button cable ZIF connector.

  38. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger, an opening tool, or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the home button cable ZIF connector.

  39. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to pull the home button ribbon cable straight out of the ZIF connector.

  40. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 40, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 40, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the display cables: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the two digitizer cable press connectors.

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

  41. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the buffer block: step 41, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the buffer block: step 41, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the buffer block: step 41, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the buffer block near the bottom-right corner of the iPad.

    • Take care not to puncture or tear the home button ribbon cable.

    • Remove the buffer block.

  42. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 2
    • The home button cable is secured with some light adhesive.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to peel the home button cable away from the frame.

  43. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the front panel assembly: step 43, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the front panel assembly: step 43, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the front panel assembly: step 43, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Polyimide Tape
    $9.99
    Buy
    • Remove the front panel assembly.

    • Use an opening pick to cut away any residual adhesive that may still be connecting the front panel assembly to the frame.

    • 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 replacement digitizers 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.

    • During reassembly, before installing a display, remove any remaining adhesive from the iPad, and clean the glued areas with high concentration isopropyl alcohol (90% or greater) and a lint-free cloth. This helps prep the iPad for fresh adhesive and ensures that it will bond properly.

    • Test your iPad's functions and install pre-cut adhesive strips to the back of the display using our display adhesive application guide before sealing it up.

  44. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the upper component bracket: step 44, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Unfasten the upper component bracket: step 44, image 2 of 2
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 1.4 mm-long screws securing the upper component bracket.

  45. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the upper component bracket: step 45, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the upper component bracket: step 45, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the upper component bracket from the frame.

  46. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the rear camera: step 46, image 1 of 2 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Disconnect the rear camera: step 46, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the rear camera press connector.

  47. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Heat the rear camera: step 47, image 1 of 1
    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the rear camera for thirty seconds.

  48. iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera: step 48, image 1 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera: step 48, image 2 of 3 iPad 9 Rear Camera Replacement, Remove the rear camera: step 48, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to pry the rear camera out of the frame.

    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the rear camera.

Conclusion

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our iPad 9 Answers community for help.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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549 Guides authored

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