iPad Pro 12.9" Home Button Replacement

Step 1 iOpener Heating

Image 1/2: Place the iOpener in the center of the microwave.

Image 2/2: For carousel microwaves: Make sure the plate spins freely. If your iOpener gets stuck, it may overheat and burn.

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.

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which temperature must be used for heating? Thx

fbarletta - 06/02/2015 Reply

I found you need to be very patient when using the iOpener. It's worth taking your time, giving the heat time to work on the glue. When I finally got the battery out, there were some strips of glue left behind that I just cleaned off with some isopropanol before installing the new battery.

By the way, I had to run the iOpener for longer in my microwave for it to get hot enough. When it was too hot to touch, I figured it was hot enough for the batteries.

hello - 08/10/2016

I didn't find this to be as hard as I had built it up in my mind to be; HOWEVER, saying that I need to say years ago I was the local Nokia service center in my town. But many years ago right after they got rid of analog times. Yeah. A classic installer/repairer mistake when starting something they haven't fixed or installed before is picking up the instructions, flipping through them; maybe even reading a section that is new-then tossing the instructions over the shoulder. "I got this." This usually comes right before something major gets broke. And I can tell you when you try to do it yourself and then mess it up horribly then take it to the repair shop. Well we called that "I can do it myself" syndrome and charged extra to put back together what they brought in in the box. Now knowing all this - I can't stress this enough because I am stupid, stupid, stupid. COVER YOUR SCREEN IN CLEAR BOXING TAPE AND READ ALL THE INSTRUCTION BELOW THROUGH TO THE END BEFORE EVEN ATTEMPTING THIS FIX. Take my advise.

windizy - 12/06/2016 Reply

I didn't have an iOpener, so I used a wheat type heat bag. If you do this though, make sure you put a layer of plastic between your Mac and the bag, or you'll get condensation in places you don't want it.

Martin Gray - 12/28/2016 Reply

I started out using the iOpener but switched to my wife's hairdryer. A heat gun or hair dryer proved to be much more convenient and is a time saviour. You can heat more and the glue becomes more fluid make the next steps with the opening picks much easier

Jan Van Puymbroeck - January 30 Reply

Use a hair dryer! Watch this vid: https://youtu.be/16GkvjVyOJA It is much easier to do if you heat it from the other side.

Fletcher Carpenter - April 10 Reply

I wonder how many people actually wrapped in their iPhone into iOpener and put this "sandwich" into microwave??

putinaspiliponis - June 29 Reply

I know this is obvious, but backup your iPad with iTunes before you start. I'd also turn off your passcode if you have one.

Laurie Higgins - July 19 Reply

Step 2

Image 1/1: Throughout the repair procedure, as the iOpener cools, reheat it in the microwave for an additional thirty seconds at a time.

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.
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.

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May I know the temperate limit about heating iOpener? (maximum 150 degrees Celsius?) thx so much.

yamayhuang - 12/16/2015 Reply

I had to heat mine up for more than 30 seconds. After 30 seconds on high it was only warm. It had to keep trying different times and checking it until it got hot. I think the initial time that I put it in for was over a minute.

whale13 - 12/21/2016 Reply

DO NOT USE IN NON ROTATING MICROWAVE! It will pop a hole. I had it in for 45 seconds the first time. It wasn't very hot inside and I saw it started to leak on the paper towel I put under it. Just a fair bit of advice. I think I will just stick with the heat gun. Loud but useful.

Alex Jackson - January 13 Reply

I don't own a microwave.

mdanihy - February 7 Reply

Its again waterproof when you change iphone 7 battery?

Jon - April 13 Reply

I don't have a microwave???

Joe Blow - April 27 Reply

30 sec at which equivalent watts setting and what temperature does iOpener heats up to for 30 secs. Only just bought it so needs info before using it. Thanks

Sam Stieg - April 28 Reply

can i use just ordinary microwave???

juneseok kwon - May 3 Reply

If I don't have a microwave then I try to use hot air gun so how many munuts i want to heat ?

Mohideen Rifay - June 11 Reply

I heated mine up for 30 seconds, tested, then again for 30 seconds. It felt adequately hot. Leaving it on the left side, per the instruction, for a minute did not loosen the adhesive. I ended up pulling the suction cup hard enough to shadder the old screen. Moral of the story, I don't think it gets hot enough safely to have an affect.

Travis Dixon - July 14 Reply

Step 3

Image 1/1: The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful when handling it. Use an oven mitt if necessary.

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.

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Step 4 Display Assembly

Image 1/3: Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPad's display until the whole face is covered.

Image 2/3: This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the display.

Image 3/3: 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.

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.

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Step 5

Image 1/3: Use the photos in this step to know the locations of the adhesive and where it is the thickest.

Image 2/3: Refer to these images while following the guide to see where the adhesive is thickest and where to cut the deepest with your opening tool.

Image 3/3: Refer to these images while following the guide to see where the adhesive is thickest and where to cut the deepest with your opening tool.

Removing the display assembly involves using a halberd spudger or opening pick to separate the adhesive securing the display to the rear case.
Use the photos in this step to know the locations of the adhesive and where it is the thickest.
- Refer to these images while following the guide to see where the adhesive is thickest and where to cut the deepest with your opening tool.

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Step 6

Image 1/1: If you don't have an iOpener, you can use a hairdryer on it's lowest setting to heat the device.

Lay the warm iOpener over the left edge of the iPad to soften the adhesive holding it in place.
- If you don't have an iOpener, you can use a hairdryer on it's lowest setting to heat the device.
Wait about two minutes for the adhesive to soften before proceeding to the next step.

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Step 7

Attach a suction handle to the left edge of the iPad's display, equidistant from the top and bottom corners.

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Step 8

Image 1/3: Once you've opened a small gap between the front panel and the rear case, insert the blade of a halberd spudger or an opening pick in the gap you've created.

Image 2/3: Do not insert the pick more than 2 millimeters. Going any farther will permanently damage the display assembly. If using a halberd spudger, slice with the shortest part of the blade.

Image 3/3: Do not insert the pick more than 2 millimeters. Going any farther will permanently damage the display assembly. If using a halberd spudger, slice with the shortest part of the blade.

While holding down the corners of the device, repeatedly pull up on the display then ease it back down to weaken the adhesive.
Once you've opened a small gap between the front panel and the rear case, insert the blade of a halberd spudger or an opening pick in the gap you've created.
- Do not insert the pick more than 2 millimeters. Going any farther will permanently damage the display assembly. If using a halberd spudger, slice with the shortest part of the blade.

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Step 9

Image 1/3: After letting the adhesive soften, insert a halberd spudger into the iPad next to the opening pick.

Image 2/3: An opening pick can be used in place of the halberd spudger. Use caution if using an opening pick, as inserting the pick too far can damage the display assembly.

Image 3/3: Cut the adhesive along the bottom left side of the iPad using the halberd spudger. This may require reheating the edge of the iPad.

Lay a warm iOpener along the bottom left corner of the iPad, spanning from the opening pick to the home button.
After letting the adhesive soften, insert a halberd spudger into the iPad next to the opening pick.
- An opening pick can be used in place of the halberd spudger. Use caution if using an opening pick, as inserting the pick too far can damage the display assembly.
Cut the adhesive along the bottom left side of the iPad using the halberd spudger. This may require reheating the edge of the iPad.
Continue to slide the halberd spudger back and forth to ensure most of the adhesive is separated.

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Step 10

Insert a pick in the bottom left corner of the iPad to ensure that the adhesive doesn't completely reset.
Remove the halberd spudger.

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Step 11

Image 1/3: After letting the adhesive soften, insert the blade of your halberd spudger into the iPad above the opening pick.

Image 2/3: Cut the adhesive along the upper left side of the iPad towards the front-facing camera using the halberd spudger. This may require reheating the edge of the iPad.

Image 3/3: Cut the adhesive along the upper left side of the iPad towards the front-facing camera using the halberd spudger. This may require reheating the edge of the iPad.

Lay a warm iOpener along the upper left corner of the iPad, spanning from the opening pick to the front-facing camera.
After letting the adhesive soften, insert the blade of your halberd spudger into the iPad above the opening pick.
Cut the adhesive along the upper left side of the iPad towards the front-facing camera using the halberd spudger. This may require reheating the edge of the iPad.

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Step 12

Insert a pick in the upper left corner of the iPad.
Remove the halberd spudger.

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Step 13

Image 1/3: Once the front panel is adequately heated, insert the blade of a halberd spudger next to the opening pick from the previous step.

Image 2/3: Slide the blade along the top edge of the iPad, stopping before reaching the front-facing camera.

Image 3/3: Slide the blade along the top edge of the iPad, stopping before reaching the front-facing camera.

Reheat your iOpener and lay it over the top edge of the device. Wait a couple minutes for the adhesive to soften.
Once the front panel is adequately heated, insert the blade of a halberd spudger next to the opening pick from the previous step.
Slide the blade along the top edge of the iPad, stopping before reaching the front-facing camera.

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Step 14

Insert an opening pick just before the front-facing camera.

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Step 15

Image 1/3: Insert the blade of the halberd spudger just past the front-facing camera, on the opposite side of the opening pick.

Image 2/3: Continue to slide the blade of the halberd spudger to the upper right corner of the iPad.

Image 3/3: Continue to slide the blade of the halberd spudger to the upper right corner of the iPad.

If necessary, reheat your iOpener and lay it over the top edge of the device. Wait a couple minutes for the adhesive to soften before reinserting the blade of the halberd spudger.
Insert the blade of the halberd spudger just past the front-facing camera, on the opposite side of the opening pick.
Continue to slide the blade of the halberd spudger to the upper right corner of the iPad.

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Step 16

Bring the halberd spudger around the corner of the iPad and insert an opening pick in the upper right corner to prevent the adhesive from resettling.

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Step 17

Image 1/2: Continue using the halberd spudger to cut away the adhesive holding the display assembly in place, stopping at the middle of the right edge.

Image 2/2: Continue using the halberd spudger to cut away the adhesive holding the display assembly in place, stopping at the middle of the right edge.

Soften the adhesive by heating the right edge of the iPad using an iOpener.
Continue using the halberd spudger to cut away the adhesive holding the display assembly in place, stopping at the middle of the right edge.

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Step 18

Image 1/3: If you have extra opening picks or similar tools you do not need to remove this one.

Image 2/3: Insert that pick in the middle of the right edge of the iPad.

Image 3/3: Insert that pick in the middle of the right edge of the iPad.

Remove the pick that was placed in the middle of the top edge of the iPad, next to the front-facing camera.
- If you have extra opening picks or similar tools you do not need to remove this one.
Insert that pick in the middle of the right edge of the iPad.

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Step 19

Image 1/2: Slide the halberd spudger down the side of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

Image 2/2: Slide the halberd spudger down the side of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

Insert the halberd spudger between the display and rear case, along the right edge of the device.
Slide the halberd spudger down the side of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

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Step 20

Image 1/2: Insert a pick in the lower right corner of the iPad where you slid the blade through.

Bring the blade of your opening tool around the lower right corner of the device.
Insert a pick in the lower right corner of the iPad where you slid the blade through.
Remove the halberd spudger.

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Step 21

Image 1/3: Insert the blade of a halberd spudger to the left of the opening pick on the bottom right corner of the iPad.

Image 2/3: Slide the halberd spudger along the lower edge of the iPad stopping short about 1 centimeter before reaching the home button.

Image 3/3: Slide the halberd spudger along the lower edge of the iPad stopping short about 1 centimeter before reaching the home button.

Use an iOpener to heat the bottom of the iPad.
Insert the blade of a halberd spudger to the left of the opening pick on the bottom right corner of the iPad.
Slide the halberd spudger along the lower edge of the iPad stopping short about 1 centimeter before reaching the home button.

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Step 22

Image 2/3: Insert the pick to the right of home button.

Image 3/3: Insert the pick to the right of home button.

Remove the pick in the middle of the left side of the iPad.
- If you have extra opening picks or similar tools you do not need to remove this one.
Insert the pick to the right of home button.

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Step 23

Image 1/2: Slide the halberd spudger to cut the adhesive below the home button.

Image 2/2: Slide the halberd spudger to cut the adhesive below the home button.

Pivot the halberd spudger so that you are slicing with the shortest portion of the blade.
Slide the halberd spudger to cut the adhesive below the home button.

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Step 24

Image 1/2: Continue sliding the blade along the edge until you reach the first opening pick you inserted.

Image 2/2: Continue sliding the blade along the edge until you reach the first opening pick you inserted.

Reinsert the blade of the halberd spudger as deep as it will go.
Continue sliding the blade along the edge until you reach the first opening pick you inserted.

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Step 25

Image 1/2: The display cables in this iPad are shorter than some users may be comfortable with. Read the following warnings before proceeding:

Image 2/2: '''Do not pivot the display about the lower edge.''' The display cables do not have enough slack to allow for this and will tear if you do not slide the display towards the front-facing camera as you lift.

Return to step 5 of this guide and ensure the thick portions of adhesive are adequately separated from the display assembly. If they are, continue with this step. Otherwise, slice the adhesive to break it up until the display assembly is freed.
The display cables in this iPad are shorter than some users may be comfortable with. Read the following warnings before proceeding:
- Do not pivot the display about the lower edge. The display cables do not have enough slack to allow for this and will tear if you do not slide the display towards the front-facing camera as you lift.
- The display cables will tear if you raise the display more than 80º.
Lift up the upper edge of the display and slide it towards the front-facing camera to access the iPads internal components.

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Step 26

Image 3/3: Remove the display cable bracket.

While supporting the display assembly, remove the following three Phillips screws over the display cable bracket.
- 2.4 mm Phillips screw
- 1.2 mm Phillips screw
Remove the display cable bracket.

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Step 27

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the two display data and digitizer cables from their respective sockets on the motherboard.

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Step 28

Remove the display assembly.

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Step 29 Home Button

Remove the tape covering the ZIF connector above the home button.

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Step 30

Use a spudger to lift the flap on the connector that secures the cable.

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Step 31

Pull the cable out of the ZIF connector.

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Step 32

Use tweezers to remove the tape that covers the home button cable.

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Step 33

Starting from the ZIF connector, use the blade on a halberd spudger or the edge of an opening pick to remove the adhesive holding the home button cable in place. Stop when reaching the home button.

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Step 34

Gently pry off the home button cover by inserting the hook of a halberd spudger or the flat edge of a regular spudger between the cover and the LCD, and gently prying towards the bottom edge of the iPad.

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