Introduction
Removing the display on the Late 2012 iMac requires cutting adhesive with a specialized iMac opening tool. After you've completed your repair, you'll need to follow our Adhesive Strip Guide to scrape off the old adhesive and replace it with new double-stick adhesive strips.
What you need
Video Overview
-
Tool used on this step:iMac Intel 27" Cardboard Service Wedge$4.99
-
With the hinge free to move, the iMac will be unbalanced and hard to work on. Repairs can be completed with the iMac laying down, but are faster and easier with an iMac service wedge.
-
If you are using the iFixit cardboard service wedge, follow these assembly directions to put it together.
-
-
-
Tool used on this step:Plastic Cards$2.99
-
Set the iMac face-up on a table.
-
Starting from the top right corner of the iMac, insert a plastic card between the display and frame.
-
-
-
With the cards inserted as shown near the corners, gently twist the cards to increase the gap between display and case.
-
If there are any sections that seem to stick and won't separate, stop twisting and use one of the cards to cut the adhesive in the problem area.
-
Begin to lift the top of the display up from the frame.
-
-
-
If there is a wire or cable underneath adhesive tape, always pull the tape off first.
-
If the cable is glued to the chassis, use a heated iOpener or a hair dryer to soften the adhesive first. You can then slide an opening pick underneath the cable to loosen it. Never pull directly on the delicate connectors.
-
Slide an opening pick underneath the foam cushion pieces to separate them from the display, and gently pull them off. You may need some double sided tape to re-attach them to the new display.
-
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse and use our Adhesive Strips Guide to reattach the display glass.
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 Answers community for help.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse and use our Adhesive Strips Guide to reattach the display glass.
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 Answers community for help.
Cancel: I did not complete this guide.
63 other people completed this guide.
20 Comments
…thanks, but i have a crack on the screen as i was lifting it up. after reconnecting, there where lines on the display. what should i do.?
Something you may want to include for anyone replacing their damaged screen with a new one:
The replacement screens from LG more often DO NOT come with the thermal sensor attached, which means if you replace the screen without transferring the thermal sensor from the old LCD module, the computer will go absolutely insane, rendering it unusable.
This means re-opening the iMac and destroying the brand new adhesive strips. Because I had no idea this sensor existed, much panic ensued before I was forced to rip everything apart again and ultimately securing it closed with packing tape while I waited for the new adhesive strips to arrive in the mail....Not to mention the computer belongs to a client who lives 3 hours outside of the city.
Sorry, could you help me? What thermal sensor?! Could you explain?
See the thin twisted black wire on the back of the display in this photo? The one that ends in a small piece of black tape:
https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/ig...
that piece of tape covers the tiny thermal sensor at the end of that wire. It is not included as part of the new display, and must be transferred from the old display or your computer will turn into a nightmare.
But this is for model emc2546 too? And how you can transfer thermal sensor? Thank You!!!!
