Introduction
Follow this guide to remove or replace the magnetic sensor on an iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi. You may need to do this repair if the sleep and wake function is no longer working while using a Smart Cover.
This repair requires advanced soldering skills. The magnetic sensor cable is soldered to the screen. Make sure to follow soldering safety procedures such as wearing eye protection, working in a well-ventilated area, and washing your hands with soap and water after soldering.
For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your device. This reduces the risk of a dangerous thermal event if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.
Some photos in this guide are from a different model and may contain slight visual discrepancies, but they won't affect the guide procedure.
What you need
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
-
-
Leave the opening pick in the iPad slightly past the front-facing camera.
-
Take a second pick and insert it to the left of the camera, where the first pick just was. Slide it back to the corner to completely cut any remaining adhesive.
-
Leave the second pick in place to prevent the corner adhesive from re-sealing as it cools.
-
-
-
-
To avoid stressing any cables, hold the screen perpendicular to the frame.
-
-
Tool used on this step:Magnetic Project Mat$19.95
-
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 1.3 mm screws securing the display cable bracket.
-
-
-
Insert the flat end of a spudger under the display cable bracket and lift up to disconnect the battery press connector from the logic board.
-
-
Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
-
Use a pair of tweezers to pull the display cable bracket's clip out from under the frame's edge.
-
Rotate the display cable bracket toward the battery.
-
-
-
Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the digitizer press connector from the logic board.
-
-
-
Don't remove the black tape on the left, right, and upper edges of the display. These hold the display to the front glass.
-
-
Tool used on this step:Tweezers$4.99
-
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the sticker covering the magnetic sensor solder pads.
-
-
-
In the next steps, you'll desolder the six solder pads securing the magnetic sensor to the screen.
-
-
-
Apply polyimide tape to the area around the magnetic sensor solder pads to protect the components from heat.
-
-
-
Use a soldering iron or hot air gun to apply heat evenly to the six magnetic sensor solder pads.
-
-
-
When the solder on the solder pads is melted, use a pair of tweezers to separate the magnetic sensor from the screen.
-
When the area is cool enough to touch, remove the polyimide tape.
-
Use a pair of tweezers to remove the magnetic sensor cable.
-
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 mini 5 Answers community for help.
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 mini 5 Answers community for help.
