Welcome back to another iDop UK video! In this episode, I’m going to walk you through the step-by-step process of professionally replacing the front glass on the iPad 9th generation, also known as the iPad 10.2. This guide will ensure that your iPad screen replacement is not only successful but also done with the utmost care, maintaining the integrity and functionality of your device.

Important Note: Before starting the repair, it’s crucial to inspect the LCD to ensure it’s not damaged. A damaged LCD would mean a more costly repair, so check for any lines, discoloration, or black spots on the display. In this case, we’re lucky—the LCD is intact, and only the glass needs replacing.

Safety First

Safety should always be your top priority when working with broken glass. Start by putting on a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying shards. The glass on the iPad screen is very sharp when broken, so handling it with care is essential to avoid injury.

Tools and Materials Needed

For this repair, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

  1. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: To soften the adhesive holding the glass.
  2. Heat Mat or Hot Plate: Set to 85°C to evenly warm the iPad.
  3. Metal and Plastic Prying Tools: For separating the glass from the chassis.
  4. Isopropyl Alcohol (90% or higher): To clean and soften adhesive residue.
  5. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: To clean the LCD and iPad frame.
  6. Fine Point Tweezers: For handling small parts and screws.
  7. Razor Blade or X-Acto Knife: To carefully remove stubborn adhesive and glass fragments.
  8. Double-Sided Adhesive Tape (2mm and 3mm): For securing the new screen.
  9. Super Glue: Specifically for securing the home button bracket if needed.
  10. Cross-Headed Screwdriver: For removing and securing screws.
  11. Replacement Screen: I recommend the X07 screens, designed for the iPad 7th, 8th, and 9th generations. These come with pre-applied adhesive and include a gasket for the home button.

You can find all these tools and the replacement screen online, and I’ve included links in the video description to make it easier for you to source everything you need.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Power Off the iPad

Begin by powering off your iPad. Press and hold the top power button, then slide to power off. This ensures you won’t accidentally short-circuit any components during the repair.

2. Heat the Screen

Next, you need to soften the adhesive that holds the broken glass to the iPad’s frame. Place the iPad face-up on a heat mat or hot plate set to 85°C. If you don’t have a heat mat, a heat gun or hair dryer can work as well, but be sure to move the heat source continuously to avoid overheating any one spot. The goal is to make the glass hot to the touch, which will make it easier to remove.

3. Remove the Broken Screen

Once the screen is heated, it’s time to remove the broken glass. Start by inserting a razor blade into the gap between the metal chassis and the glass. You only need to insert the blade a couple of millimeters to create an opening. Then, insert a plastic prying tool (like a guitar pick) into the gap and begin sliding it down the edge of the iPad. The aim is to lift the glass away from the adhesive without damaging the LCD underneath.

Pro Tip: When working near the bottom edge where the home button is located, be extremely careful not to insert the tool too far. The flex cable for the home button is delicate and easily damaged. If cut, the Touch ID functionality will be permanently disabled.

4. Detach the Home Button

Once you’ve loosened the glass on the sides and top, you’ll need to detach the home button from the glass. This is a critical step, as the home button houses the Touch ID sensor. Carefully lift the home button’s cable, ensuring it isn’t damaged. You may need to use a bit of heat or isopropyl alcohol to soften the adhesive before gently prying it free.

5. Cut the Flex Cable

To make the removal process cleaner and easier, you can cut the flex cable of the broken screen. This allows you to remove the glass without worrying about damaging other components. Just be sure you’re cutting the cable for the digitizer, not the LCD or home button.

6. Remove the LCD

With the glass removed, you now have access to the screws that hold the LCD in place. There are four screws, one in each corner, hidden under small pieces of black tape. Use your cross-headed screwdriver to remove these screws. Be careful not to touch the LCD itself, as fingerprints or scratches can be difficult to remove later.

Once the screws are removed, gently lift the LCD to a 90-degree angle. You’ll see the connectors at the bottom. Remove the three screws securing the LCD bracket, then carefully disconnect the LCD cable.

7. Clean the Surface

Now that the LCD is out of the way, it’s time to clean the frame of the iPad. Remove any remaining adhesive and glass fragments from the edges using your razor blade or X-Acto knife. Be meticulous in this step—any leftover debris can prevent the new glass from adhering properly.

After scraping off the bulk of the adhesive, apply some isopropyl alcohol to a microfiber cloth and wipe down the edges. This will remove any remaining residue and ensure a smooth, clean surface for the new adhesive.

8. Apply Double-Sided Adhesive Tape

Now, apply double-sided adhesive tape to the edges of the iPad frame. Use 2mm tape along the sides and 3mm tape at the top and bottom. This tape will hold the new glass securely in place. Make sure the tape is applied evenly and without gaps.

9. Install the Home Button

Transfer the original home button to the new screen. Start by carefully placing the button in the same position as it was on the old glass. If the adhesive is no longer sticky, use a small amount of super glue to secure the home button bracket. Once the button is in place, make sure it clicks properly when pressed.

10. Connect the New Screen

Reconnect the digitizer cable and the LCD screen cable to their respective connectors on the iPad. These should snap into place without the need for excessive force. Double-check that all connections are secure to avoid any issues once the screen is installed.

11. Reattach the LCD

Reinstall the LCD by carefully aligning it with the chassis and securing it with the screws and brackets you removed earlier. Make sure the LCD is seated properly before tightening the screws.

12. Test the iPad

Before sealing the new glass, power on the iPad to test the functionality of the touch screen and home button. Ensure that everything works correctly—better to catch any issues now rather than after the device is fully reassembled.

13. Seal the New Screen

If everything is functioning properly, peel off the protective film from the adhesive tape on the new screen. Align the screen with the iPad frame and press down gently to secure it in place. Make sure the screen is evenly aligned and that no flex cables are pinched.

14. Final Checks

Finally, press down firmly along the edges of the screen to ensure a good seal. Give the iPad one last test to confirm that the screen and home button are working as they should. Once satisfied, your iPad is ready to be returned to its owner, good as new.

Conclusion

Replacing the front glass on an iPad 9th generation is a challenging but rewarding process. By following this guide carefully, you can restore your device to full functionality without the need for an expensive professional repair. If you found this guide helpful, please like the video and subscribe to the channel for more detailed repair tutorials. If you have any questions or run into any issues during your repair, feel free to leave a comment below. And don’t forget to check the links in the description for tools and replacement parts.

No More Broken iPad Screens: An Easy Guide to Replace Your iPad 9th Gen Front Glass ensures that your repair is done right, saving you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with a cracked screen.

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