When you crack or smash the screen on your iPad, your first thought may be to leave it that way. But cracks get worse over time, and damaged portions of a smashed screen can be unusable. Your second thought may be to fix it yourself, but the repair process can be tedious and time-consuming for amateurs. Professionals have the parts, tools and expertise to do the job right. Here’s a simple overview of the professional iPad screen replacement process.
Choose the Right Parts
The first step in repairing an iPad screen is determining what needs to be replaced. In many cases, it’s only the digitizer, which sits on top of the LCD screen to receive your touch input, that’s broken. If there are picture problems or dark spots, the screen may also need to be replaced. While a new digitizer comes with a ribbon to connect it, a new screen comes with a complete set of connectors. The professional must choose which pieces need to be replaced and make sure they choose the right models too.
Open the Case
Opening an iPad case and removing the damaged parts can be a complex process involving several specialized tools. The repair professional you select may use an ordinary small screwdriver, a special T4 or T5 Torx screwdriver, a metal or plastic prying tool and other tools. Completing the repair may also require electronic tape, iPad replacement clips and replacement parts in addition to the digitizer or screen. Opening the case can create more damage if done incorrectly.
Install the New Parts
If an iPad screen repair job isn’t done precisely on a clean, flat, dry surface, the new parts can be damaged. Installing a new digitizer or screen starts with test-fitting the pieces to make sure they’re the right model. Next, the iPad screen repair specialist may use electronic tape for securing some parts as they work. All connections that have been taken apart during the repair process must be reconnected before the case is closed.
Test for Quality
A crucial part of any phone or tablet repair is testing it to make sure the repair has been successful. Repair professionals know the right tests to make sure the replacement digitizer or screen works well. Replacement parts can be faulty or inferior to the original, so picture quality and all touch functions must be checked before the repair can be considered complete.
You can repair an iPad screen yourself, but it can cost you a lot of time. Plus, you can waste a lot of money on the wrong parts, extra parts you don’t need and special tools you might never use again. That’s why many people decide that iPad repair is a job best left to professionals.
