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iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement

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  1. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, iPad Pro 9.7" Opening Procedure: step 1, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, iPad Pro 9.7" Opening Procedure: step 1, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, iPad Pro 9.7" Opening Procedure: step 1, 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.

  2. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • The following steps involve using an iOpener to soften the adhesive holding the front panel assembly in place. When using the iOpener, be sure to heat it in the microwave for no more than 30 seconds.

    • Handling it by the tabs on either end, place a heated iOpener over the top edge of the iPad.

    • Let the iOpener sit on the iPad for two minutes to soften the adhesive securing the front panel to the rest of the iPad.

  3. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • While the iPad looks uniform from the outside, there are delicate components under certain portions of the front glass. To avoid damage, only heat and pry in the areas described in each step.

    • As you follow the directions, take special care to avoid prying in the following areas:

    • Home Button

    • Front Facing Camera

    • Main Camera

  4. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy
    • The next two 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 two steps for an alternate method.

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

    • Elevate the iPad enough for the Anti-Clamp's arms to rest above and below the screen.

    • Pull the blue handle towards the hinge to disengage opening mode.

    • Position the suction cups near the top edge of the iPad—one on the front, and one on the back.

    • Push down on the cups to apply suction to the desired area.

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

  5. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Push the blue handle away from the hinge to engage opening mode.

    • Turn the handle clockwise until you see the cups start to stretch.

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

    • Wait one minute to give the adhesive a chance to release and present an opening gap.

    • Insert an opening pick under the screen 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 two steps.

  6. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Place a suction cup over the iPad's front-facing camera 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.

  7. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Firmly pull up on the suction cup to create a small gap between the front panel and the rear case.

    • Do not pull too hard or you may shatter the glass.

    • Once you've opened a sufficient gap, insert an opening pick into the gap to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

  8. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the pick along the edge of the display, towards the headphone jack.

    • If there is still a considerable amount of resistance when sliding the opening pick, repeat the iOpener heating procedure and apply additional heat.

    • Don't insert the pick past the bezel into the display area, or you will damage it.

    • A good rule of thumb is to never insert the opening pick more than a quarter inch into the iPad.

  9. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a second opening pick by the front-facing camera.

  10. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the second pick along the top edge of the iPad, towards the Sleep/Wake Button.

  11. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Insert a third pick by the front-facing camera.

  12. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3
    • Bring the right opening pick down and around the top right corner of the iPad.

  13. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Bring the left opening pick around the top left corner of the tablet.

  14. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1
    • Reheat the iOpener and lay it over the right edge of the display to loosen the adhesive underneath.

  15. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the right opening pick roughly halfway down the display.

  16. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 1
    • Reheat the iOpener and apply heat to the left side of the iPad.

  17. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the left-hand opening pick about halfway down the edge of the display.

  18. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the opposite opening pick down to the bottom right corner of the iPad.

    • If necessary, reheat the adhesive on the right edge to loosen the display assembly.

  19. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the left-hand opening pick down the edge of the display until you reach the corner.

  20. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 1
    • Use the iOpener to apply heat to the bottom edge of the iPad.

  21. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Bring the right-hand opening pick around the bottom corner of the iPad.

  22. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat for the left-hand pick.

    • Reheat and reapply the iOpener as needed.

  23. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the right-hand opening pick at the bottom of the iPad.

  24. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 24, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 24, image 3 of 3
    • Slide the left-hand opening pick along the bottom edge of the display, then remove it from the bottom right corner of the iPad.

    • Be very careful to not insert the pick more than a quarter inch into the display to avoid damaging the Home Button and display cables underneath.

  25. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Slice through the remaining adhesive: step 25, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Slice through the remaining adhesive: step 25, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Slice through the remaining adhesive: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Use picks to ensure most of the adhesive has been cut through on the top, left, and bottom sides.

    • Twist the top and bottom picks to separate the display assembly from the rear case.

    • Do not attempt to remove the display—it is still attached to the rear case.

  26. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 26, image 3 of 3
    • Swing the display assembly towards the right of the case, using the right edge as a hinge.

    • As you move the display assembly, make sure that the display ribbon cable is not being stressed.

    • Continue swinging the display assembly until it lays flat next to the rear case.

  27. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the eleven 1.3 mm screws securing the EMI shield.

  28. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a heated iOpener to the EMI shield on the logic board for one minute.

  29. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the logic board EMI shield, starting at the edge nearest the top of the iPad.

    • Slowly peel the EMI shield up from the logic board.

    • This takes a bit of force due to the many tiny clips securing the shield, and the shield may deform slightly. That's okay—try to keep the deformation to a minimum, and it will lay flat when reinstalled and screwed down.

    • Remove the logic board EMI shield.

  30. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips driver to remove the 1.7 mm-long screw securing the battery connector.

  31. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • If the EMI shield has any sharp protrusions after removal, you should flatten them before reinstalling the shield.

    • Squeeze the sharp protrusion with a pair of pliers to flatten it.

    • Repeat the process for all sharp protrusions along the edges of the EMI shield.

  32. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Battery connector information: step 32, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Battery connector information: step 32, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Battery connector information: step 32, 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.

  33. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 33, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 33, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 33, image 3 of 3
    • Be careful when you isolate 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 left side of the logic board's battery connector at a 35 degree angle.

    • The battery blocker's right prong should slide between the left side of the logic board's battery connector and the battery's contact pads. The left prong should slide under the logic board.

    • Don't push the battery blocker underneath the connector or logic board with excessive force. If you're having trouble fitting the battery blocker underneath the logic board, refer to the next step for information on loosening the logic board. You can also try using a playing card to disconnect the battery instead.

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

    • Leave the battery blocker in place as you work.

  34. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Logic board adhesive information: step 34, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Logic board adhesive information: step 34, image 2 of 2
    • If the battery blocker doesn't easily slide under the logic board, follow these steps to partially loosen the logic board from the frame:

    • Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol under the logic board to the left and right of the battery connection.

    • Wait one minute for the isopropyl alcohol to weaken the adhesive under the logic board.

    • Try to insert the battery blocker. If the logic board doesn't easily lift up, apply a few more drops of isopropyl alcohol.

    • This doesn't apply when using the playing card method to disconnect the battery because the playing card is only inserted between the battery connector and the battery contact pads.

  35. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the display bracket screws: step 35, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three 1.3 mm Phillips screws securing the display cable bracket.

  36. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the bracket: step 36, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the bracket: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the display cable bracket.

  37. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the display assembly: step 37, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Disconnect the display assembly: step 37, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of the spudger to disconnect the display assembly connector from the motherboard socket.

  38. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2
    • Repeat the previous step for the two remaining connectors.

  39. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 39, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the display assembly: step 39, image 2 of 2
  40. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Detach the right ambient light sensor: step 40, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Detach the right ambient light sensor: step 40, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Detach the right ambient light sensor: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Slide an opening pick under the right ambient light sensor to loosen its adhesive.

    • There are two pegs on the shelf that position the ambient light sensor—one on the bottom edge and one near the top edge.

  41. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the four screws: step 41, image 1 of 1
    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four 1.9 mm-long screws securing the upper speaker to the frame.

  42. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol: step 42, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol: step 42, image 2 of 2
    • Strong adhesive secures the upper speaker to the frame.

    • Apply a few drops of high-concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol under the upper speaker.

    • Wait one minute for the isopropyl alcohol to weaken the adhesive under the upper speaker.

  43. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Pry up the upper speaker: step 43, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Pry up the upper speaker: step 43, image 2 of 2
    • Use an opening tool to pry up the left edge of the upper speaker.

    • Try to avoid bending the upper speaker while prying it up. Some bending will likely happen during this process, but excessive bending may damage the upper speaker.

    • If the upper speaker isn't detaching from the frame, apply a few more drops of isopropyl alcohol.

  44. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Move the left side of the upper speaker: step 44, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Move the left side of the upper speaker: step 44, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to push the left side of the upper speaker toward the battery just enough for the left speaker to slide out of its recess in the frame.

  45. iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the upper speaker: step 45, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 9.7" Upper Speaker Replacement, Remove the upper speaker: step 45, image 2 of 2
    • Lift and remove the upper speaker from the frame.

    • There are multiple cables under the upper speaker. Be careful not to damage them while removing it.

    • If any cables are still attached to the upper speaker while you lift it up, carefully peel them off of the upper speaker. You can apply more isopropyl alcohol if they don't easily peel away.

    • If the ZIF connector sticker near the front camera comes off while removing the upper speaker, reapply it to the ZIF connector.

    • If the ZIF connector near the front camera disconnects while removing the upper speaker, use the pointed end of a spudger to flip up the locking flap. Then, reinsert the ribbon cable and close the locking flap.

    • During reassembly, make sure the right ambient light sensor is on top of its shelf.

    • If there's any alcohol solution remaining in the device, carefully wipe it off or allow it to air dry before reinstalling the upper speaker.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

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 Pro 9.7" Answers community for help.

2 other people completed this guide.

Kyle Smith

Member since: 02/01/21

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