Fix Your Stuff Community Store

iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement

Introduction

Follow the steps in this guide to replace the screen in an iPad Pro 12.9", or to access other internal components for servicing.

Note that the home button installed in your original screen is paired to the iPad's logic board, and will need to be removed and transferred to the new screen to retain Touch ID functionality.

Before beginning, check to see if your replacement part has a daughterboard adhered to its back. If so, this guide will work for you. Otherwise, you will need to transfer the board from the old screen to the new one. Transferring the daughterboard from the original to replacement unit will require specialty microsoldering equipment and we recommend DIY users source a new part rather than attempt the procedure.

Parts of this guide were shot with a Wi-Fi model and as such the internals may look slightly different from the LTE model. The procedure is the same for both models except where noted.

The opening procedure for this iPad Pro is shown using a Halberd Spudger. If you don’t have one, you can use an opening pick instead—the process is the same.

What you need

  1. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Tape over a cracked screen: step 1, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Tape over a cracked screen: step 1, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Tape over a cracked screen: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Completely power down your iPad before you begin.

    • If your screen is cracked, lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape over the iPad's screen until the whole face is covered.

    • This will keep glass shards contained and provide structural integrity when prying and lifting the screen.

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Adhesive tip: step 2, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Adhesive tip: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Removing the screen involves using an opening pick or halberd spudger to separate the adhesive securing the screen to the frame.

    • As you slice through the adhesive, note the following:

    • The top has a large patch of thick adhesive. You'll need to slice 1/2" deep in order to cut the adhesive.

    • Don't slice deeper than 2 mm along the long edges of the iPad, or you risk damaging the display panel.

    • The lower edge also has thick patches of adhesive, but there are delicate flex cables in each corner. Don't slice deeper than 1/4" around the lower corners.

    • To help mark the iPad's orientation, you can apply a piece of tape to the top edge of the iPad screen.

    Edit

  3. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 3, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Heat the left edge: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Heat an iOpener and lay it over the left edge of the iPad to soften the adhesive holding the screen in place.

    • Alternatively, you can use a heat gun, hair dryer, or heat pad. Be careful not to overheat the iPad—the display and internal battery are both susceptible to heat damage.

    • Wait two minutes for the adhesive to soften before proceeding to the next step. The edge should be slightly too hot to the touch.

    Edit

  4. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Anti-Clamp instructions: step 4, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Clampy - Anti-Clamp
    $24.95
    Buy

    • The next three 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 three steps for an alternate method.

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

    • Pull the blue handle backwards to unlock the Anti-Clamp's arms.

    • Place an object under your iPad so it rests level between the suction cups.

    • Position the suction cups near the middle of the left edge—one on the top, and one on the bottom.

    • Hold the bottom of the Anti-Clamp steady and firmly press down on the top cup to apply suction.

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

    Edit

  5. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Pull the blue handle forward to lock the arms.

    • Turn the handle clockwise 360 degrees or until the cups start to stretch.

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

    Edit

  6. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2

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

    • If your screen isn't getting hot enough, you can use a hair dryer to heat along the left edge of the iPad.

    • For complete instructions on how to use a hair dryer, check out this guide.

    • 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.

    Edit

  7. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Loosen the screen adhesive: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Attach a suction cup to the left edge of the iPad's screen, above the Smart Connector port.

    Edit

  8. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • While holding down the corners of the iPad, repeatedly pull up on the screen, then ease it back down to weaken the adhesive. This will eventually create a small gap in the seam.

    • If the edge cools down during the pulling process, reheat the edge with an iOpener before proceeding.

    • Once you've created a small gap, insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

    • Don't insert the pick more than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

    Edit

  9. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 9, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Halberd Spudger
    $2.99
    Buy

    • Lay a hot iOpener along the bottom left corner of the iPad, spanning from the opening pick to the home button.

    • After letting the adhesive soften, insert an opening pick or halberd spudger into the gap next to the Smart Connector.

    • Be careful not to insert the halberd spudger more than 2 mm.

    • Use an opening pick or halberd spudger to slice the adhesive along the bottom left side of the iPad. If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.

    Edit

  10. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 1

    • Insert a pick in the bottom left corner of the iPad to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  11. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Lay a hot iOpener along the upper left corner of the iPad, spanning from the opening pick to the front-facing camera. Wait a minute to let the adhesive soften.

    • Use an opening pick to slice the adhesive along the upper left side of the iPad. If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.

    • Be careful not to insert the opening pick more than 2 mm as you slice along the left edge.

    Edit

  12. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Insert a pick in the upper left corner of the iPad to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  13. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Reheat your iOpener and lay it over the top edge of the device. Wait a couple minutes for the adhesive to soften.

    • Use an opening pick to slice through the top edge of the iPad, stopping before you reach the front-facing camera.

    • The adhesive is thicker along the top. You'll need to slice 1/2" deep—about the thickness of the top bezel.

    • If the slicing becomes hard, reheat the edge and try again.

    Edit

  14. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening pick just before the front-facing camera to keep the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  15. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Reheat your iOpener and lay it over the top edge of the device. Wait a couple minutes for the adhesive to soften.

    • Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger blade just past the front-facing camera.

    • Use the opening pick to slice through the adhesive in the upper right corner.

    • You'll need to slice 1/2" deep—about the thickness of the top bezel.

    • If the slicing becomes hard, reheat the edge and try again.

    Edit

  17. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening pick in the upper right corner to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  18. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3

    • Soften the adhesive by heating the right edge of the iPad using an iOpener.

    • Use an opening pick or halberd spudger to slice along the right edge of the iPad, till you reach the lower right corner.

    • Don't insert the pick more than 2 mm along the right edge.

    • Leave an opening pick in the middle of the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  19. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • Leave an opening pick in the lower right corner of the iPad to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

    Edit

  20. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 19, image 3 of 3

    • Use an iOpener to heat the lower edge of the iPad.

    • Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger blade 1/4" into the lower right corner of the iPad.

    • Slide the opening pick along the lower edge of the iPad, stopping short about 1/2" before reaching the home button.

    • Each lower corner has a thick patch of adhesive, but there is also a delicate flex cable. Don't slice deeper than 1/4" around the corner to prevent damaging the flex cable.

    Edit

  21. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the tip of an opening pick or a halberd spudger to cut the adhesive below the home button.

    Edit

  22. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • After you slice below the home button, reinsert the tip of an opening pick or a halberd spudger blade 1/4" into the lower edge.

    • Slice along the lower edge until you reach the opening pick.

    Edit

  23. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 1

    • At this point, you've sliced through most of the screen adhesive. Use an opening pick to carefully slice any remaining adhesive along the edges until the screen is freed. If some parts are stubborn, heat the area with an iOpener to loosen the adhesive.

    Edit

  24. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • The display cables in this iPad are very short. Read the next two steps before you proceed.

    • Do not tilt the screen about the lower edge. The display cables don't have enough slack to allow for this.

    • Lift up the upper edge of the screen and slide the entire screen towards the front-facing camera to access the iPad's internal components.

    • The display cables will tear if you raise the screen more than 80 degrees.

    • Use masking tape to tape the lower edge of the screen to the frame to prevent the screen from slipping.

    Edit

  25. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Prop up the screen: step 24, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Prop up the screen: step 24, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Prop up the screen: step 24, image 3 of 3

    • This step shows one way to support the screen using masking tape. You can also turn the iPad sideways. Make sure not to strain the display cables with whatever method you choose.

    • Attach a long strip of masking tape to the top edge of the screen. Fold the tape over the edge and make sure that the tape is attached securely.

    • Attach the other end of the strip to the bottom edge of the iPad frame to hold the screen at an angle. Make sure the tape attaches securely to the frame.

    Edit

  26. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 25, image 1 of 1

    • It's important to disconnect the battery before you proceed further. Detaching or connecting the display cables with the battery plugged in can cause a short that will destroy touchscreen functionality.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the nine screws securing the logic board EMI shield:

    • Eight 1.2 mm screws

    • One 2.4 mm screw

    Edit

  27. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 26, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the logic board EMI shield from the edge nearest the top of the iPad.

    • Peel up and remove the EMI shield 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 you reinstall it and screw it down.

    • Remove the logic board EMI shield.

    Edit

  28. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 1.8 mm screw securing the battery connector.

    Edit

  29. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Battery connector information: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Battery connector information: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Battery connector information: step 28, 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 springs on the logic board that press down against the battery contact pads. You'll need to slide something thin and flexible between the contact points to disconnect the battery.

    Edit

  30. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Make a battery blocker using a playing card and slide it underneath the logic board connector to disconnect the battery.

    • You can also use an iFixit battery blocker. Be very careful and don't push the battery blocker underneath the connector with excessive force.

    • Leave the blocker there to prevent the battery connector leads from making contact until you have completed your repairs.

    Edit

  31. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 30, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Disconnect the screen: step 30, image 2 of 2

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the three screws securing the display cable bracket:

    • Two 2.4 mm screws

    • One 1.2 mm screw

    • Remove the display cable bracket.

    Edit

  32. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display and digitizer cables from their logic board 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.

    • These cables are very delicate, and the connectors can damage easily if they're misaligned. When you reattach the cables to the logic board, try to have as much slack on the cables and gently press the connectors onto their sockets.

    Edit

  33. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 2
    Edit

  34. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Disconnect the home button: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Disconnect the home button: step 33, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use tweezers to remove the tape covering the ZIF connector above the home button.

    Edit

  35. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 2

    • Use the point of a spudger to lift the flap on the ZIF connector that secures the cable.

    Edit

  36. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Use tweezers to slide the cable out of the ZIF connector.

    Edit

  37. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Loosen the home button: step 36, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Loosen the home button: step 36, image 2 of 2

    • The home button's ribbon cable is very fragile. If it gets damaged, Touch ID will no longer function.

    • Use an iOpener, heat gun, or hair dryer to soften the adhesive under the cable before you pry it up.

    • Alternatively, apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to the cable and wait for a minute to let the adhesive soften.

    Edit

  38. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 37, image 3 of 3

    • Starting from the ZIF connector, use an opening pick to separate the home button cable from the adhesive holding it in place. Stop when you reach the home button.

    Edit

  39. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Remove the home button bracket: step 38, image 1 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Remove the home button bracket: step 38, image 2 of 3 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Remove the home button bracket: step 38, image 3 of 3

    • The home button bracket is held in place with strong adhesive.

    • Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol to the base of the home button bracket.

    • Alternatively, you can use a heated iOpener to loosen the adhesive.

    Edit

  40. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the edge of an opening tool under the home button bracket lip.

    • Pry up with steady force to loosen the bracket.

    • The adhesive holding this bracket can be stubborn. Apply more isopropyl alcohol or heat if it doesn't budge.

    Edit

  41. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    Buy

    • Remove the home button bracket.

    • Be careful when you remove the home button bracket. There may be a small plastic washer wedged between the bracket and the button. If there is, be sure to retain this washer for reinstallation.

    • During reassembly, after installing the home button, you'll need to glue this bracket into place to secure it.

    • Scrape off as much of the old adhesive residue as you can, then clean it with acetone or high concentration (>90%) isopropyl alcohol.

    • Secure the bracket with E6000 glue, superglue, or high-strength double-sided tape. Make sure the bracket is aligned correctly before allowing your adhesive to cure, or the home button will not click when pressed.

    Edit

  42. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Remove the home button: step 41, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Remove the home button: step 41, image 2 of 2

    • Gently push the home button from the front of the display inward using the tip of a finger.

    Edit

  43. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the home button.

    • The home button attaches to the screen with an adhesive gasket. When you transfer the home button to a new display, use some liquid adhesive to glue the button perimeter to the screen.

    Edit

  44. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Screen: step 43, image 1 of 1

    • Only the screen remains.

    Edit

  45. iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Installation tips: step 44, image 1 of 2 iPad Pro 12.9" Screen Replacement, Installation tips: step 44, image 2 of 2

    • When you install a replacement screen:

    • Remove all packing tape.

    • Peel any adhesive liners from the flex cables and press the cables in place onto the display panel.

    • Fold and connect the flex cable in the bottom left corner of the screen.

    • Don't peel and expose the perimeter adhesive until you've tested your repair and are ready to seal up the iPad.

    Edit
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 the above steps in reverse order.

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.

90 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 9 other contributors

Evan Noronha

Member since: 02/05/15

226,232 Reputation

168 Guides authored

Badges: 49

+46 more badges

24 Comments

Hello there OK so I have 2 screens with 2 different connectors one L shaped (which is on the new screen) and the old cracked screen has a rectangular type? I’m not sure rather it’s a 1gen/2nd gen type of problem? I’m about to grab my hot air gun to completely disassemble the cracked screen, as maybe I’m missing something? Any assistance is welcome… well actually please help me with this before I get a headache since this has totally frustrated me and i’ve had this sitting for nearly 2 1/2 months now but it’s about that time that I readdress this in attempt to fix it.

Matthew Newton - Reply

Hi, does your replacement screen have the home button assembly included? Otherwise there's need of soldering the assembly to it before it can be installed.

Dreetn -

hi

does anyone knows why there is a foam adhesive in thr back of the screen ? do i need to put back when i replaxe screen ?

thanks

screensguy - Reply

I suppose the foam adhesive is similar to the one on the back of the 6s screens. I guess it has more of a heat dissipation function or is meant to absorb any pointy pressure points from inside that may develop (loose screw, sand, dirt...)

Dreetn -

hi

hope someone can help . i tested couple of screens before fitting them in they were working but once tech close it there no touch or black lcd (backlight on but no image )

NB : they disconnect battery before connecting Screen

screensguy - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 30

Past 7 Days: 211

Past 30 Days: 779

All Time: 159,964