Table of content
Published on: 16.08.2023 | updated on: 09.04.2024
So, you have shattered the front screen of your iPad and don’t want to pay outrageous repair costs to fix it. The display of the iPad has two different layers. The top glass layer acts as a sacrificial protective layer for the sensitive LCD screen beneath.
If your iPad glass is scattered but the screen is still giving display and responding to touch, you are in luck! You can fix the display by replacing only the top glass panel which is a much cheaper repair than replacing the whole display.
The following is a DIY iPad glass replacement guide by Simply Fixable to help you save money by completing the repair yourself.
The DIY price for an iPad glass replacement is between $100 to $400.
Professional assistance is available via Apple or Simply Fixable
DIY repairs can void insurance and warranties you may have
DIY repairs should only be conducted by those with the confidence and experience
It takes 2-3 hours for the glass replacement but longer for beginners
Apple offer DIY repair kits to rent
The DIY iPad glass repair cost is from $100 to $400. It will depend on the model of iPad you have, which replacement you need, and the final price. You must allow between $20 and $50 for the tool kit to do the job yourself. You will need specialized tools to complete these types of jobs. You can hire a tool kit from Apple if you prefer not to buy one.
You can go to a local repair store for assistance. If you are not confident in conducting a DIY replacement of your iPad glass then you can seek advice from a professional iPad repairer. Apple is one option that uses genuine parts, although the cost can be higher. You may get the repair price discounted if you have Applecare+ or another type of insurance.
The other option is a third-party repair. Simply Fixable is a platform that partners with various highly skilled and experienced technicians who fix iPads, iPhones, and other electronics.
The average cost to replace your iPad glass is below. For a comparison, you can check out the cost article.
Service Provider |
Description |
Average Repair Cost |
Local repair service |
$113.00 |
Apple launched a self-repair program in April 2022 which allows you to rent the parts, tools, and repair manuals to conduct your own repairs at home. You can rent tool kits for most iPhone, MacBook, and iPad models. It is perfect for those who don’t want to purchase everything outright but wish to try their hand at DIY iPad repairs. Check out how to use it here.
The warranty and insurance are important to familiarise yourself with before starting any repairs. To ensure that you have all the necessary information about your iPad, take some time to review its warranty and insurance policies. Keep in mind that if you decide to fix any issues yourself, you might invalidate your warranty and impact your insurance coverage.
Using the wrong tools is quite common in DIY repairs, and that is because many people just try a tool that they think may fit. The problem with this is pushing down on a screw with a knife or a screwdriver not designed for that part can damage it. If you damage the notch in the screw, you will not be able to get it out. Ensure you are using the specialized tools for the model of iPad that you have.
Damaging components is easy to do without following the right steps. Reading over the step-by-step guide and being familiar with the steps can seem boring, but it is an important thing to do. If you attempt to do the repair without reading and following the steps, you can damage the internal parts. Every part has a spot where it belongs and needs to return to that spot for the iPad to function correctly.
There are some things that are important to achieve a successful iPad repair check them out below:
In order to tackle the issue with your iPad, you need to identify the specific problem. You'll find that certain issues, such as a cracked screen or charger port that isn't working, can be easily repaired through DIY repairs. However, if the problem is more complex and requires expert attention, you will need to explore options for professional repair.
What is your expertise level? Before fixing your electronics, ensure you know what you're doing. Taking everything apart and putting it back together can be tricky, so if you're not feeling too confident or you don't have much experience, it's probably best to call in the experts. They can help you out and make sure you don't break anything.
You need to source parts and the right tools first. Make sure you have all the necessary stuff before starting the iPad repair. Some fixes require special tools and the right parts for the iPad model you have. So, it's essential to check if you can get these things before you begin the repair work.
It's crucial to conduct thorough research, educate yourself, and find reliable repair manuals and tutorials that are specifically tailored to your iPad model. You can start your search by visiting the official Apple website or other reputable technology websites that specialize in iPad repairs, like Simply Fixable. These websites typically provide detailed step-by-step instructions with accompanying images or videos to guide you through the repair process.
A dedicated workspace is important if you're going to fix something. Make sure you choose a spot that's clean, bright, and has some airflow. Keeping things tidy will help avoid losing any of the tiny pieces and boost your chances of a successful repair job.
Perform a comprehensive backup of your iPad’s data before initiating any repairs. This ensures that your important information is safeguarded in case of unexpected complications.
Prior to starting the repair process, it is important that you take into account all the potential risks that can come with it. It is essential that you fully understand the possible consequences that could occur from any errors made during the repair process. These errors may lead to further damage being inflicted upon your iPad, which may require more repairs, and in turn, lead to extra expenses.
If you're new to repairing electronics, it's important to take the time to understand the steps involved. When repairing an iPad you may need to acquire specific tools or replacement parts. Once you have everything you need, set aside a sufficient amount of time to complete the repair from start to finish. Rushing through the process can cause you to overlook important details or make mistakes that could cause further damage. Patience is key, so take breaks as needed and double-check your work to ensure that the repair is completed correctly and safely.
Beginners should consider starting with easy repairs like replacing buttons, so they can gain more experience and confidence before moving on to more complicated tasks.
There is plenty of support out there for iPad repairs. If you're planning on repairing the glass of your iPad, it's worth considering engaging with online forums and communities that are dedicated to DIY iPad glass repairs. This can be an excellent opportunity to gain insights from experienced individuals who have successfully completed similar repairs themselves.
Ask for help if you need it. It is essential to be aware of your limitations regarding repairs. If you come across any challenges or realize that the repair requires skills beyond your expertise, it is highly recommended to seek the assistance of a professional. Continuing with a complex repair that is beyond your ability might permanently damage the iPad.
To test if the glass is installed correctly, touch the screen and see if the iPad reacts to your touch. Click on a few apps, swipe the screen, and push the side buttons, and if done correctly, it should be reacting as normal. If the screen isn't responding or isn't displaying the picture properly, you have made a mistake or left something out. At this point, it might be wise to check with a local repair store.
If your iPad screen is scattered, safety goggles are a must. During the removal process, small bits of glass can bounce off and hit the eye or imbed in the finger causing injury. So, ensuring safety and following proper protocols is a must.
You can get the parts for your self-repair through Apple. You simply go to the website where you can access the repair manual to find out what you need. Then you can go and order the parts and tools that you need for the repair. Once you have received the package from Apple, you can start your repair. You then, when done, simply return everything to the store, including the used parts Apple will recycle them.
Removing the old glass panel and replacing it with a new one takes 2-3 hours depending on the level of expertise of the individual. Familiarity with the tools is a big plus. Individuals that are familiar with the above-mentioned tools can complete the repair faster than the ones that are not very well versed. However, replacing the iPad glass panel takes 3 hours on average.
Repairing the iPad glass panel and replacing it with a new one is not difficult. This process can be easily attempted by individuals that have no prior experience repairing the iPad. Since there is no special technique or complex processes involved in this repair, it gets a rating of 4 on the 1-10 difficulty scale.
You can replace just the glass on iPads that contain LCD displays. These iPad include the regular series iPads, iPad Mini and iPad Air 1 and Air 2. iPads with LED displays require the replacement of the entire display. They cannot be repaired by replacing only the glass panel.
The signs of damaged screen glass may be visible cracks or discoloration. In most cases, you can easily determine whether you need a new glass screen by the symptoms below.
Visible cracks
Discoloration on the screen
Lines or dots on the screen
The screen may be white or darkened
No response to your touch
A good way to protect your glass is to avoid dropping your phone and use a wrap-around cover if possible. A screen protector can add another layer of protection for the glass, and the wrap-around cover can help take the force when the phone is dropped. If you don't use a screen protector, wipe the screen with a soft cloth to avoid scratching the glass.
It is worth fixing a cracked screen in most cases. The price via DIY or through a professional are both more affordable than the price tag of a new device. If the iPad is running great and is not outdated, then it is certainly worth repairing the device. If the iPad has water damage or several other problems, it may be worth looking into the cost of repairing that and comparing that to the cost of buying a new device.
DIY repair for replacing new glass on an iPad can be complex, but it can be done with the right tools and parts and a simple step-by-step guide. Familiarise yourself with each step to ensure you understand each one before starting. Ensure you work in a clean and clutter-free area and try to dedicate a few hours to the job to avoid rushing and making a mistake. If you lack the confidence to carry out the repairs yourself seek professional assistance.
Repairing iPads and other devices should only be attempted by those with the skills, the right equipment, and the experience. If, after reading the guide, you would prefer to get a professional technician to do the job for you, they will be more than happy to assist. Sometimes professional repair is the logical approach to avoid further damage to the device as this only adds to the cost. Paying for the toolkit, and the parts and then paying for professional assistance can add up.
There are newer models of iPads coming out all the time. If you have had your device for a long time and it’s starting to decline in performance it may be a good idea to buy a new device. If you are unsure you can ask the repair store if there is anything that can be done to improve the function and opt for the repair instead. If not, then buying a new device is the next step. You can buy brand new ones or a refurbished one to keep the cost lower.
The common iPad glass problems are as follows:
Your screen may be over-sensitive
The screen freezes
Dark ink-like substance under the glass
The Screen does not respond to your touch
After reading the steps, it can seem daunting to repair the glass screen yourself, but if you take your time and follow the steps with the right tools it can be a success. It’s important to avoid rushing and just concentrate on the task at hand. If you feel overwhelmed, take the device to the repair store and a professional can assist in replacing the glass screen.
Professional Content Creator
LinkedIn: Hollie Spooner
Hollie is a technical writer with over 15 years of experience specializing in creating content to help keep the rest of the world informed and updated on all tech-related subjects. Hollie has created content for many writing platforms in the tech and IT industry, and her passion for turning words into helpful articles is still growing. Hollie holds several certifications, like "Professional Article and Blog Writing", "Writing Editing and Publishing", "Creative Writing" and "Technology Digital Solutions" by Open Education and Thompsons Education Direct. When she isn’t creating content for the web, she is enjoying a crazy life with her family and friends.
State
Discover a stores nearby
Search by a zip code|city|state
Search in 12 partners, 7 state