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iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the screen on an iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi. You may need to do this if the screen is cracked or has stopped working.

This guide also shows how to transfer the original home button and magnetic sensor to the replacement part.

Note that only the iPad’s original home button assembly will be capable of Touch ID functionality. If you would like to maintain Touch ID functionality, you’ll need to transfer your original home button assembly to the new screen.

Some replacement screens don't come with a magnetic sensor installed. Without a magnetic sensor, the iPad won’t be able to sleep and wake when using a Smart Cover. It may also cause the power button to not be able to sleep and wake the iPad. AssistiveTouch may also lose its sleep and wake functionality. Without a magnetic sensor, holding down the power button to prompt the power off slider will still wake the screen. The home button will also still wake the screen.

Transferring the magnetic sensor 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

  1. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply tape to a cracked screen: step 1, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply tape to a cracked screen: step 1, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply tape to a cracked screen: 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.

    Edit

  2. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Opening Procedure: step 2, image 1 of 1
    Edit

  3. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Apply a suction cup halfway up the heated side.

    • Be sure the cup is completely flat on the screen to get a tight seal.

    • While holding the iPad down with one hand, pull up on the suction cup with strong, steady force to create a gap.

    • Depending on the age of your device, this may be difficult. If you have trouble, apply more heat and try again.

    • Be careful to only lift the glass enough to insert an opening pick—any more and you risk cracking the glass.

    Edit

  4. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 2

    • While holding the glass up with the suction cup, insert the point of an opening pick into the gap between the glass and body of the iPad.

    • Don't insert the opening pick any deeper than 2 mm into the side of the display. Inserting the pick deeper than 2 mm could damage the backlight assembly, LCD display, or touchscreen.

    Edit

  5. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1

    • Reheat and reapply the iOpener to the left edge for a few minutes.

    • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair procedure. Always wait at least ten minutes before reheating the iOpener.

    Edit

  6. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a second opening pick alongside the first and slide the pick down along the edge of the iPad, releasing the adhesive as you go.

    • Throughout the rest of the procedure, if you encounter significant resistance while sliding the pick, stop and reheat the section you're working on. Applying too much pressure with the pick can crack the glass.

    Edit

  7. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 7, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • Continue moving the opening pick down the side of the display to release the adhesive.

    • If the opening pick gets stuck in the adhesive, "roll" the pick along the side of the iPad, continuing to release the adhesive.

    Edit

  8. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Take the first pick you inserted and slide it up toward the top corner of the iPad.

    Edit

  9. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Reheat the iOpener and place it on the top edge of the iPad, over the front-facing camera.

    • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair procedure. Wait at least ten minutes before reheating the iOpener.

    • If you have a flexible iOpener, you can bend it to heat both the upper left corner and the upper edge at the same time.

    Edit

  10. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the opening pick around the top left corner of the iPad to separate the adhesive.

    Edit

  11. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 11, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the opening pick along the top edge of the iPad, stopping just before you reach the camera.

    • As you reach the front-facing camera, pull the pick out slightly and continue sliding it across the top edge.

    • Avoid sliding the opening pick over the front-facing camera, as you may smear adhesive onto the lens or damage the camera. The following steps will detail how to best avoid disturbing the front-facing camera.

    Edit

  12. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 12, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  13. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the previous pick deeper into the iPad and slide it away from the camera toward the corner.

    Edit

  14. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 1

    • Leave the three picks in the corners of the iPad to prevent re-adhering of the front panel adhesive.

    • Reheat the iOpener and place it on the remaining long side of the iPad—along the volume and lock buttons.

    Edit

  15. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a new opening pick and slide it down the right edge of the iPad, releasing the adhesive as you go.

    Edit

  16. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Continue sliding the opening pick down the right edge of the iPad, reheating the edge using an iOpener if necessary.

    • Be careful not to slice too deep near the bottom right corner, or you risk damaging the display cable.

    Edit

  18. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Leave the opening picks in place and reheat the iOpener.

    • Remember not to overheat the iOpener—no more than once every ten minutes.

    • Set the reheated iOpener on the home button end of the iPad and let it rest for a few minutes to soften the adhesive beneath the glass.

    Edit

  19. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • Insert a new opening pick at the bottom right corner of the display, below the last opening pick you used to slice down the right edge.

    • Rotate the new pick around the lower right corner of the device.

    Edit

  20. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the pick from the bottom right corner along the lower edge of the device. Stop about half an inch shy of the home button.

    Edit

  21. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2

    • Insert a final opening pick at the lower left corner of the iPad, directly below the existing one.

    Edit

  22. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the pick around the lower left edge of the iPad.

    Edit

  23. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • Continue sliding the pick at the lower left edge of the display toward the center of the iPad, until it is roughly half an inch from the home button.

    Edit

  24. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 23, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 23, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 23, image 3 of 3

    • Twist the two picks at the top edge of the iPad to break up the last of the adhesive holding the display assembly in place.

    • Lift the display from the top edge to open the device.

    Edit

  25. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Hold the screen perpendicular: step 24, image 1 of 1

    • To avoid stressing any cables, hold the screen perpendicular to the frame.

    Edit

  26. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the display cable bracket: step 25, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy

    • Continue to hold the screen perpendicular during this step.

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two 1.3 mm screws securing the display cable bracket.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    Edit

  27. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Reposition the screen: step 26, image 1 of 1

    • You'll need to reposition the screen to access the bottom side of the display cable bracket.

    • Lower the screen to about 30 degrees above the frame.

    Edit

  28. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 27, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • The battery press connector is attached to the underside of the display cable bracket on the screw hole side.

    • 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.

    • Take care to pry only under the edge of the connector to prevent damaging the socket itself and surrounding components.

    • 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.

    • Don't try to remove the display cable bracket as it's attached to the battery by the battery cable.

    Edit

  29. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Rotate the display cable bracket: step 28, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Rotate the display cable bracket: step 28, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Rotate the display cable bracket: step 28, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • The display cable bracket is secured by a clip under the edge of the frame.

    • 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.

    • Don't bend the battery cable too much past vertical to avoid damaging it. You only need enough space to disconnect the display press connectors and prevent the battery connector from making contact with its socket during the repair.

    Edit

  30. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display press connectors: step 29, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Disconnect the display press connectors: step 29, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the digitizer press connector from the logic board.

    Edit

  31. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to disconnect the second and third display press connectors.

    Edit

  32. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the screen: step 31, image 1 of 1

    • Lift and remove the screen.

    Edit

  33. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Screen reassembly information: step 32, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Screen reassembly information: step 32, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Screen reassembly information: step 32, image 3 of 3

    • During reassembly, remove any remaining adhesive and residue from the perimeters of the frame and the screen. Then, apply new adhesive to secure the screen to the frame.

    • Don't remove the black tape on the left, right, and upper edges of the display. These hold the display to the front glass.

    • Follow this guide if you are using a pre-cut adhesive card. Follow this guide if you are using custom-cut adhesives.

    Edit

  34. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the ZIF connector sticker: step 33, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the ZIF connector sticker: step 33, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the sticker covering the home button assembly ZIF connector.

    Edit

  35. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Unlock the ZIF connector: step 34, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Unlock the ZIF connector: step 34, image 2 of 2

    • Use the pointed end of a spudger, an opening tool, or your fingernail to flip up the small, hinged locking flap on the home button assembly ZIF connector.

    Edit

  36. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Unplug the home button assembly ZIF connector: step 35, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Unplug the home button assembly ZIF connector: step 35, image 2 of 2

    • Use a pair of tweezers to pull the home button assembly cable out of the ZIF connector.

    Edit

  37. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Separate the home button assembly cable: step 36, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Separate the home button assembly cable: step 36, image 2 of 2

    • The home button assembly cable is secured to the screen with light adhesive.

    • Use an opening pick to separate the home button assembly cable from the screen.

    Edit

  38. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 37, image 3 of 3

    • Use an opening pick to continue separating the home button assembly cable from the screen.

    Edit

  39. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Pry off the home button bracket: step 38, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Pry off the home button bracket: step 38, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Pry off the home button bracket: step 38, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    E6000 Adhesive Glue
    $2.99
    Buy

    • Use a plastic opening tool to pry the home button bracket off of the screen.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to lift and remove the home button bracket.

    • When reinstalling this bracket, use high bond glue such as E6000 to secure it to the screen.

    • Use a small clamp to hold the bracket to the screen during the curing duration.

    • Make sure to support the other edges of the screen while clamping the bracket to avoid breaking the screen.

    Edit

  40. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Heat the bottom of the screen: step 39, image 1 of 1

    • Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom of the screen for two minutes to weaken the adhesive holding the home button in place.

    • A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the display—it is susceptible to heat damage.

    Edit

  41. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the home button assembly: step 40, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the home button assembly: step 40, image 2 of 2

    • The home button is held in place by a thin, delicate rubber gasket that is lightly adhered to the screen.

    • Slowly push the home button up and out through the back of the screen.

    • The home button will be hot. Wait until it's cool enough to touch before pushing it up.

    • Be careful to not push the gasket past its tearing point. If the adhesive is adequately heated, it will separate with gentle pressure.

    Edit

  42. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 41, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement: step 41, image 3 of 3

    • Lift and remove the home button assembly.

    • You can reuse the home button gasket if it's sufficiently tacky. Otherwise, replace the black rubber gasket:

    • Peel the gasket off of the home button. Then, thread it past the cable to remove it.

    • Apply a replacement gasket to the home button.

    • The iPad mini 4's replacement gasket fits on the iPad mini 5, but it is slightly larger. Make sure it doesn't overlap the screen's adhesive so that the screen can be properly adhered to the frame.

    • To install the home button:

    • Rotate the home button so that the home button cable sits where it was before disassembly. Make sure the home button cable can be inserted into its ZIF connector.

    • Center the home button so that it fits into its slot in the screen. Then, press down firmly on the gasket to adhere it to the screen.

    Edit

  43. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the magnetic sensor sticker: step 42, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the magnetic sensor sticker: step 42, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    Tweezers
    $4.99
    Buy

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the sticker covering the magnetic sensor solder pads.

    Edit

  44. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Desolder information: step 43, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Desolder information: step 43, image 2 of 2

    • In the next steps, you'll desolder the six solder pads securing the magnetic sensor to the screen.

    Edit

  45. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply polyimide tape: step 44, image 1 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply polyimide tape: step 44, image 2 of 3 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply polyimide tape: step 44, image 3 of 3

    • Apply polyimide tape to the area around the magnetic sensor solder pads to protect the components from heat.

    Edit

  46. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Apply heat: step 45, image 1 of 1

    • Use a soldering iron or hot air gun to apply heat evenly to the six magnetic sensor solder pads.

    Edit

  47. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the magnetic sensor cable: step 46, image 1 of 2 iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Remove the magnetic sensor cable: step 46, image 2 of 2

    • When the solder on the solder pads is melted, use a pair of tweezers to separate the magnetic sensor from the screen.

    • If the solder isn't melted, apply more heat and try again.

    • When the area is cool enough to touch, remove the polyimide tape.

    • Use a pair of tweezers to remove the magnetic sensor cable.

    • The magnetic sensor cable is secured to the screen with light adhesive. Remove the magenetic sensor cable slowly to avoid damaging the cable under it.

    • During reassembly, apply a piece of polyimide tape under the solder pads while soldering the magnetic sensor to avoid damaging the screen.

    Edit

  48. iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi Screen Replacement, Only the screen remains: step 47, image 1 of 1

    • After removing the home button and magnetic sensor, only the screen remains.

    • Note that this image shows the magnetic sensor still installed.

    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 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.

12 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Kyle Smith

Member since: 02/01/21

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4 Comments

is it possible to buy the screen with the magnetic sensor already on it?

Mushfik ali - Reply

Yes, if it is in stock.

Ethan Queen -

hello sir

I want to replace my ipad with another apple products

its possible or no ?

Yama Yamini - Reply

Thanks so much for this. I had a variable response touch screen issue following a Tech repair (2 blown capacitors) and I suspected that the screen connectors had not been firmly reseated during reassembly.

Using this excellent tutorial I was easily able to remove the screen and carefully reseat the connectors.

I’ve been using it for a while now with no further issues.

Thanks again, great service!

Mike Floutier - Reply

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