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iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement

What you need

  1. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Prepare an iOpener: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Strong adhesive holds the screen in place. In order to separate it, you'll first need to heat and soften the adhesive using an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun.

    • You may need to reapply heat repeatedly throughout this process to prevent the adhesive from cooling and hardening.

    • Prepare an iOpener and place it on the bottom edge of the iPad's screen for about two minutes.

  2. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Create an opening gap: step 2, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • If your iPad's screen is badly cracked, wear skin and eye protection. Cover the screen with a smooth layer of clear packing tape to contain glass shards and help the suction cup adhere. Alternatively, use a strong piece of tape (such as duct tape) and fold it into a handle.

    • Place a suction cup next to the iPad's home button and press down to create a seal.

    • To get the most leverage, place the suction cup as close to the edge as possible without going past the edge of the display.

    • If you want to use the Anti-Clamp, a tool we designed to make the opening procedure easier, follow this guide.

    • Firmly pull up on the suction cup to create a small gap between the front panel and the rear case.

    • Don't pull too hard, or you may shatter the glass. If necessary, apply more heat to further soften the adhesive.

    • Once you've opened a sufficient gap, insert an opening pick into the gap.

  3. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Slice through the bottom adhesive: step 3, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Slice through the bottom adhesive: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Slice through the adhesive under the screen by sliding the pick along the edge of the display, towards the bottom left corner.

    • Leave the pick in place temporarily to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

  4. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Slice through the left adhesive: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Slice through the left adhesive: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Slice through the left adhesive: step 4, image 3 of 3
    • Apply heat to the left edge of the iPad for about two minutes, or until it's slightly too hot to touch comfortably.

    • If necessary, re-heat your iOpener for a few seconds or until it's a bit too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the iOpener, or it may burst.

    • Insert a second opening pick at the bottom left corner of the iPad.

    • Slide the second opening pick along the left side of the display to separate the adhesive underneath.

    • Leave the opening pick inserted near the top left corner of the iPad to prevent the adhesive from re-sealing.

  5. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Apply heat to the top edge of the iPad for about two minutes, or until it's slightly too hot to touch comfortably.

  6. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Insert a third opening pick at the top left corner of the iPad.

    • Use the opening pick to cut the adhesive under the top edge of the iPad by sliding it to the top right corner.

    • The front-facing camera is located right in the center of the iPad's top edge and can be damaged if the pick is inserted too far. Only insert the tip of the opening pick when cutting near the camera.

  7. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Apply heat to the final, right edge of the iPad for about two minutes, or until it's slightly too hot to touch comfortably.

    • Insert a fourth opening pick at the top right corner of the iPad.

    • Slide the opening pick down to the bottom right corner to cut the adhesive.

    • Slide the opening pick around the bottom right corner—pausing to apply more heat if needed—and cut the remaining adhesive on the bottom edge, but stop before you reach the home button.

  8. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a fifth opening pick at the top of the iPad near (but not directly on) the front-facing camera.

    • Gently twist the pick to separate the display assembly from the iPad.

    • Don't try to remove the display all the way yet! It is still connected to the iPad's motherboard.

    • If needed, apply more heat and/or cut any remaining adhesive that prevents the display from separating.

  9. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the display assembly from its top edge and carefully slide it up (towards the front-facing camera and headphone jack), until the screw that secures the battery power connector is revealed at the bottom.

    • Don't lift the display more than 70° or you may damage the attached ribbon cables.

  10. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove the 1.9 mm Phillips screw that secures the battery power connector.

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

  11. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Battery connector information: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Battery connector information: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Battery connector information: step 11, 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.

  12. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Be careful when you isolate the battery using a battery blocker. The battery contacts are easily bent or broken, resulting in irreversible damage.

    • To disconnect the battery, slide one prong of a battery blocker or the tip of an opening pick under the battery power connector to ensure the power circuit is interrupted.

    • 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.

    • Leave the battery blocker in place as you work.

  13. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Slowly lift the display from its top edge, being careful not to strain the attached ribbon cables.

    • Remove the two 1.3 mm Phillips screws securing the display connector cover bracket.

    • You may need to angle the driver slightly in order to avoid straining the ribbon cables.

    • Remove the display connector cover bracket.

  14. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 14, image 3 of 3
    • Use a spudger to disconnect the two visible display flex connectors by gently prying them straight up from their sockets.

    • 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.

  15. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Underneath, you'll find two additional display cable connectors.

    • Use your spudger to gently pry them up and disconnect them.

  16. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the display assembly.

    • 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.

    • If you plan to reinstall your existing display, remove any remaining adhesive from the back and clean the adhered areas with isopropyl alcohol.

    • 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.

  17. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement, Front-Facing Camera: step 17, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the ten screws securing the EMI shield:

    • Eight 1.3 mm screws

    • Two slightly longer screws

  18. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the EMI shield to loosen the adhesive beneath. Apply the iOpener for at least two minutes.

  19. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Use flat end of a spudger to pry up the EMI shield, starting from the top edge near the front-facing camera.

    • In addition to screws and mild adhesive, the shield is also secured with clips along the outer edges. Try to bend the shield as little as possible when removing it, so you can bend it back to its original shape and re-use it. During reassembly, it should snap back into place once the screws are tightened.

    • Continue carefully prying up the EMI shield until you can remove it.

  20. iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 10.5" Front-Facing Camera Replacement: step 20, image 3 of 3
    • Use the edge of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the flex cable for the front-facing camera.

    • Remove the front-facing camera.

Conclusion

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

If possible, turn on your iPad and test your repair before resealing the tablet.

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

One other person completed this guide.

Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/16

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