DigiExpress - iPad 2 LCD / Digitizer Repair

[@MinecraftMineturtle]

This is a lifesaver! I have thousands of photos I cannot access do to not being able to use the screen to trust computers. Thank you so much!

[@bullnasdaq]

This worked perfectly! I just fixed my son's Ipad 2!!!!! only cost the price of the screen - 40 bucks on ebay! i am stoked - Geek squad wanted 199.99 and Apple wanted me to buy a whole new Ipad at a 50% discount. thanks for posting this video!

[@A-Doug]

After 2 hours of stressful determination i finally fixed my ipad. Taking off the digitizer is harder when your adhesive has a tight bond. Thanks digi express

[@amsantosp]

I just replaced my iPad 2 digitizer following your instructions. Very accurate. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this video. A+!!!!!

[@brorober]

One of the best tutorials I've found online for this! I took my time and followed these instructions and it went smoother than I anticipated. I did end up cutting the digitizer cable but I'm not worried about that since I'm replacing my digitizer screen. Are the top antennas for the Cellular option? I didn't notice these on my iPad. Also, I wanted to note that people should be very careful of glass fragments that may get on the LCD screen while doing this. Don't wipe them off or it will scratch!

[@Devils666Wrath]

Thanks for an easy to understand video that wasn't an excessive length.

[@rlhaben]

As to the antenna "patch", I used ordinary scotch tape with a few tiny copper fibers from an electrical cord. I put tape beneath the antenna to hold it in place then put tape on top, pulled it back to expose the small circle of conductive material (which had been ripped in half), laid down a few of the tiny wires with some tweezers, then laid the tape back down and sealed it. The antenna seems to work as well as ever, as does everything else.

[@DigiExpress]

The black trim is basically the mid-frame, we replace them all the time so getting one off without damage is incredibly difficult. You need to take off the glass first, then clean the remaining glass bits out of the device. Then run a razor knife down the backplate, behind the mid-frame. Since it is very thin you may cut the frame, but at least the razor knife will leave a clean break that is almost not noticeable. We do sell the replacement frames in black or white for iPad 2/3.

[@DigiExpress]

No, you have the correct part. The cable is in the lower left. Near the 3-minute mark of the video, it explains that the digitizer cable is in that area, but it's not directly on the edge of the iPad, therefore you do not want to insert your tool too far or it will cause damage. Also, be sure you take a little extra caution when you perform this, as Apple devices tend to be more sensitive than regular PC's. Don't be afraid to take your time. Good luck!

[@DigiExpress]

@RichardBronosky The adhesive you are referring to was actually the plastic mid-frame that is attached to the backplate. If you have a black colored iPad then your mid-frame is black, if you have a white colored iPad then your mid-frame is white. The adhesive that is used to secure the glass to the mid-frame and thus backplate, is clear to yellow (yellowing if not cured properly from the factory). This repair was done live and not a pre-repaired unit.

[@ScottCraft13]

After 2-3 hrs I finally replaced my digitizer, (including the digitizer ribbon problem) Thank you!!!!!

[@DigiExpress]

Yes. Some of the digitizers occasionally do come with grease on the inside. It does need to be cleaned off. The best way to do that is to make sure you have a clean, lint-free rag. Simply use your breath to heat the grease a little and then wipe with the rag.

[@DigiExpress]

@chi3x10 the only drawback of using a hairdryer is that the air is not "shaped", when the heat gun is used the hot air is channeled into the shape of a cylinder and thus can be focused on one area (i.e. the outside rim of the iPad screen). If you use a hairdryer, then you are shooting hot air in more of a cone shape, this may damage the LCD screen if it gets too hot or is left in one spot for too long.

[@DigiExpress]

@deoman16 The heat gun we are using is a 1200w and can reach temperatures up to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is adjustable and the hot air is funneled in a cylinder shape to focus heat on the appropriate area. A hairdryer will produce a conical shaped air flow and will not be able to provide the proper control. In doing this you'll not want to overheat the glass, as it will "wash-out" the color on the LCD screen below.

[@J-Eagan]

i love the right handed green light saber it looks so cool

[@DigiExpress]

It all depends on your comfort with repairing electronics devices. Most of our technicians here can have the repair performed within a half hour to 45 minutes. For novices, we do tell them to take their time and be extremely cautious when performing repairs, because one wrong move will damage the logic board. Once you have the device apart, it is actually like 5-to 10 minutes. The cable just clips in. The hard part is removing the glass without breaking it or damaging anything else.

[@DigiExpress]

@affinitycomputers11 the adhesive comes with the screen assembly when you purchase it from us. As for where you can get it from a retailer, I don't think that is possible. There is a double sided tape from 3M that you may be able to use, it is 3M VHB tape in a roll or 3M 200MP; the 200MP is a pre-cut outline of the iPod frame.

[@Donboogieidment]

Your videos have helped me out so much. Subscribed a long time ago! Liking every video too.

[@DigiExpress]

We're sorry to hear that. When you say you tore into the LCD strip, are you talking about the cable that connects it to the logic board?

[@DigiExpress]

@TheBryceallen No, we use a 1500 watt 120 volt heat gun. The temperature is set to 800-950 degrees Fahrenheit. Since we keep moving the heat gun around, the device never gets too hot to damage or work with.

[@rlhaben]

I followed these instructions yesterday and successfully (almost) replaced my digitizer. I did damage the wi-fi antenna. It may have been the way the glass had shattered, but there was just no way to get the glass loose without prying. However, my wi-fi still works because of a little McGyver-ing. The main problem with a video like this is that they are demonstrating with fully intact digitizer glass. It ain't nearly that easy when the glass has shattered.

[@SuperBasszilla]

Beast vid!!!! It a lil more difficult when the glass is shattered! Same concept though...

[@DigiExpress]

The processes are the same idea, but I understand what you're saying. This way you can see the broken glass being removed. We are about to begin the process of redoing the videos, and we will definitely take that into consideration.

[@Lmdgraf]

Thanks for the encouragement. The new LCD did the trick but now the very bottom of the new digitizer is not responding. I guess I'll get another one. Ipads seem much more finicky than Itouches!

[@ksan71]

Very accurate, the only snag I had was that one of the corners does not stay glued.. Any suggestions? I also had a preinstalled adhesive on the digitizer. What type of double sided tape are you using there?

[@DigiExpress]

We use 3M adhesive. And occasionally we do run into a similar issue. One of the things to try, is very carefully, clamp the corners. Be sure to put a towel or some kind of cloth between the glass and clamp, and do not use too much pressure as the glass will break.

[@30mmRebel]

great answer. Now I'm going to watch your video and see what I can do about my broken glass on my ipad 2.

[@DigiExpress]

It actually connects the the buttons with a bracket. Near the power and volume buttons, there is a metal bracket with tiny screws. Once the bracket cover is unscrewed, you slide the cable into the bracket and tighten it back down to make the connections. The buttons don't actually get connected or soldered to the cable itself.

[@josemuro9632]

very helpful video but i have a question, the new digitizer came covered with some grease on the inside, do I need to clean it before installing or is it necessary for it to work?

[@DigiExpress]

Use a heat gun or a blow dryer to heat the edges of the device to loosen the adhesive. Don't use it too long, as the heat can damage the device. Once you've heated it up, take a putty knife and insert it along the edge of the screen, near the metal frame. Gently pry it up and do not insert the knife in too far, there are cables that can be damaged and they are shown in the video. Just work the knife around the screen prying it up until it is completely loose. The digitizer comes up with screen.

[@DigiExpress]

@PastorPaperfist It is not stocked throughout the US as packing tape or Duct/Duck tape would be. You would start with Lowe's, Home Depot, ACE hardware or your local electronics hobby shops. From there if you cannot source it locally, a search on Amazon or the like will get you results. The rolls themselves can be expensive, and currently there is no precut adhesives for the iPad 2. Hope this helps, thanks for the comments!

[@dyasluke2]

Hi there. Great video!! Is it safe to use a standard hair dryer to heat the adhesive rather than a heat gun? I'm not sure of the output temperate, any advice would be appreciated

[@danieleiland1]

Great! Everything works perfectly except the double-sided tape doesn't seems strong enough. Do you sell ipad 2 adhesive kits?

[@sexdevil12]

Oh nice. I just found out a shop downtown and they add different colors to the ipad. Thanks for your advice bro

[@DigiExpress]

@lumpyren Cover the screen in packing tape, going horizontally or vertically. Overlap 1/4 inch on each strip, then continue as the video shows it. The packing tape will keep the glass shards as in-place as possible. Though as soon as possible you'll want to get something to protect the LCD screen from the glass shards, a cloth or plastic will do.

[@daffiism]

my ipad 2 has a problem. it doesn´t show me any screen, it lightens up a little bit but screen is black. do you know if it´s a cabling issue and would it be fixed by replacing the display as it´s shown in your video? great tutorial by the way.

[@DigiExpress]

@sturfam The mid-frame may need to be replaced if you damage it while removing it. Though if you can remove the frame without damage, obviously it is not needed. Generally I recommend purchasing a new mid-frame, as it is better to have more than you need; rather than less.

[@TheBrucero]

great video!!! thank you! one question, if you dont mind, where can I buy that roll of tape you show in the film?? i need that!!!

[@suikerblok]

Hi, the best vid i`ve seen so far..but can u pls tell me the temp for using the heat gun...if possible in celcius since i live in Europe...THX!

[@DigiExpress]

The home button coming up with the screen is normal. That just needs to be placed into the new screen. However, it is the WiFi cable that you did break. That cable can be replaced, and we do carry the part. But the installation is very difficult and very time consuming. The cable gets connected under the logic or mother board. There are screws in there that hold it down. There is a dock connection for the cable underneath. But it's very easy to damage the board. That'll ruin the device entirely.

[@EndlessCreationsENT1]

what kind of double sided tape are you using what brand? and what other type of tape are similar to that one and you recommend? thanks

[@DePetru44o]

@RichardBronosky did you hurt wifi antena? you used this tools or just knifes or something? i already bought digitizer but not shure i can make this kind of work without special tools,

[@themcw11]

@DigiExpress Sweet. Do you have a video of what you do if you drop it in water? I did with my iPhone, but we fixed it using rice and a blow-drier

[@omaraldabagh]

@DigiExpress do i need a white mid-frame for a white iPad , or this part is not showing anyway? as i got mine cracked and now I'm going to perform the digitizer replacement.... thanks,

[@DigiExpress]

@IrelandInfiniti the white or black color is the same for either model (wi-fi or 3G)

[@glendalf81]

great video, clear and concise, but just a suggestion, could you not use a suction pad to ease the corners up first then go around the outer edge, seems less risky than a putty knife where cables are concerned

[@moregamerdudesrock]

Hi, is it alright to use a hair dryer for the heat application?

[@RossBarnett02]

I have a quick question. When replacing the LCD, I accidentally used a metal screw driver to the part where the LCD pluggs in. A quick apart went off and now I have no brightness in the screen at all, (can still see very faded image) is there a breaker switch? Or is the whole LCD blown?

[@DigiExpress]

@spontaneousmixx Thanks for the notes, we can add that at the beginning for those who would not instantly assume a heat gun is necessary. Though if you do watch the video the whole way through it is quite obvious that you would need a heat gun.

[@DigiExpress]

Thank you for you compliments and subscribing. It's greatly appreciated.

[@DigiExpress]

I just double checked with a tech, if you're getting power and the digitizer is just not responding well, be sure there is no grease or anything on the inside of it. Occasionally the manufacturers don't clean all of the grease. Also, try a hard reset. Hold the power and home button until it powers off and the apple logo appears. Once the logo appears, let go. It may then recognize it better.

[@DigiExpress]

There could still be glass or remnants from the original screen. Be sure that area is completely free of debris and old glass, including glue or anything else that could cause it to raise. Also try using a little extra adhesive and carefully clamp that corner for an extended period of time. If using a clamp, try using a plastic clamp with a cloth between the clamp and the device.

[@RHJ-ThankfulBoz]

Thank you MBstrada21! That was exactly the info I needed to know. Was thinking I just wasted $100 in parts. Just replaced the screen, digitizer and bezel. Works Great now :)

[@danieleiland1]

I dropped my iPad 2 cracking the digitizer, and causing part of the LCD to black out and 3/4 of the touch screen unresponsive. Everything else is fine. Is it likely that only the LCD and digitizer need replacing? Thank you, and thank you for this informative video.

[@Yehosei]

if one were to accidentally cut the wifi ribbon and the little ribbon to the hold button would there be any workarounds to fix it or would they have to order those two new ribbons as well?

[@DigiExpress]

@MrDsean1 3M 300 LSE doulbe sided tape, available at home improvement stores or hobby shops. You can also try 3M VHB and 200MP; but the 300 LSE is the best.

[@rubantin]

Thanks, but isn't the cable integrated in the power and volume switches?

[@DigiExpress]

@TheInjuredKnee at 8:13 to 8:20 we show how to remove the LCD ribbon cable from the logic board. The cable is not permanently attached to either the LCD or logic board. The LCD ribbon cable is replaceable. There is nothing wrong with the way we show the removal of the LCD screen, it will not cause any damage.

[@DigiExpress]

@zuhair2012 they are close, but they are latex power free anti-static fingercots. They are the best to protect your fingers from glass as well as the device from static electricity.

[@DigiExpress]

@sturfam We use an OEM quality replacement part from a US distributor. Our parts are comparable in both fitment and performance.

[@sturfam]

Does the midi frame have to be replaced at the same time on the ipad 2? It is not mentioned in this video.

[@DigiExpress]

First thing to do is to check and make sure all of your connections are tight. If they are, then try to hard reset the device by holding the power and home buttons down together and don't let go until you see the Apple logo when the device is powering on. If that doesn't do it, there may be some other underlying issue. Possibly a main board problem or a there's a chance it's a defective screen.

[@DigiExpress]

@DePetru44o Yes, the 0.05mm thickness is what you need. We use 3M 300LSE or 3M VHB, but they are incredibly expensive.

[@TheMusiclover500]

Is the internal structure different fit the wifi model?

[@DigiExpress]

Depending on where you purchased it, you may have only received the front screen. Typically, it's recommended that you buy the assembly with the digitizer already attached. But, if it isn't sitting right, then the problem could very well be the mid frame.

[@Evrenthewrencher]

i was wondering what i broke off :) its the antenna .do u think it still works properly or i need to weld it ?

[@DigiExpress]

It depends on which antenna you broke. In most cases, just the antenna can be replaced without having to solder or weld anything. Attempting that could cause potential permanent damage. I would recommend looking at digiexpress.us and determining which antenna you broke and installing a new one.

[@Evrenthewrencher]

DigiExpress the antenna on the right side of the camera as its mentioned on this video .seems like there is a tiny wire broke off .

[@DigiExpress]

***** If it's the front camera, it's the 3G antenna. If it's the back camera, it's the on/off cable. So if you're saying it's an antenna, then you would need a right 3g antenna. You can get one here: digiexpress.us/iPad-2-3G-Antenna-Right_p_376.html

[@deshar]

thanks, i just successfully replaced mine. Much easier than i thought.

[@DigiExpress]

You can. It's going to take a little longer to loosen the adhesive, but it will work. And continue to move it. Leaving it in one spot too long can damage other components. But in most cases, a hair dryer does work.

[@tastytechaddictsmtb]

If it doesn't turn on you have probably cut into the power flex cable for the power switch, they are about £3-£4 off Ebay. Try plugging your Ipad into the charger as it will usually turn on when you do that. Once its on press the power button and I will put money on that's it doesn't do anything. This happens quite a bit with people when taking off the old bezel as the cable in the top right of the Ipad is very thin and easily damaged.

[@MALL02]

I have an question, there are many digitizers out there and ive read on most reviews that these knock off digitizers suck. which would be recommended to use?

[@Yehosei]

If one were to accidentally cut the ribbon cables for the wifi and the hold button would they have to order entirely new ones or is there some sort of workaround they could do to fix it?

[@tuningshark]

@DigiExpress Perfectly done! Very professional! ;) Gonna have a repair this evening on an iPad 2.. Hope this's gonna be as easy as in this film. ;) Cheers!

[@21betox]

would you mind telling me where did you got your digitizer?

[@IrelandInfiniti]

Is there a difference for the white and black ipad 2 glass repair? What happens if the wifi does not work after a glass replacement?

[@DigiExpress]

To get you putty knife in there to remove the front screen and the digitizer, you need to heat the edges of the device with a heat gun or blow dryer to soften the glue. You don't need a lot of heat for an extended period of time. Next, insert the putty knife along the edge of the screen. This process is show around the 2:40 mark of the video.

[@CharlieKae]

@DigiExpress Can this tape be bought locally? Where would I go to buy this?

[@SeanDonnellyFromSpace]

What type of 3M tape is used? Could you send a website link? Thanks

[@greekchicksrock]

@joshs3492 i used this video as a reference to replace mine and it was fine. NOTE that you need to take your time. do not try and rush through it. I watched the video 3 times before attempting.

[@redcircle100]

Does the mid frame stay on the actual iPad when you remove the digitizer?

[@DigiExpress]

@brunoboy98 A new one is $500-$800 dollars, the replacement glass digitizer is only $159. It's just a cost-effective solution when the only other option is to purchase a new device.

[@TheBryceallen]

is the heat gun a blow drier?

[@DigiExpress]

@djcountry1985 There is enough space between the LCD and glass digitizer that you should do no harm to the glass or LCD. However you may severe or displace other components for the Wi-Fi, Cellular antenna , but should do no real damage to any parts. It should also not be so hard to insert the metal tool, if you find that you need to push hard enough to do damage if you loose your grip, that is pushing too hard. Use the heat gun to do the work for you, keep the heat moving over the glass.

[@emonneil0912]

hi just got Q, i try to replace my ipad2 screen and which i did nd when im trying to press the power bottong not showing anything, any advise what it could be, 1 more thing i broke a cable that is on the lower right, you think that would be the coz

[@LouSierra]

The "home button" is attached to my screen when i took it off. And whatever the cable is attached to the right of the home button is broken as well. is that the wifi connector? will i need to replace that as well?

[@Newsschn]

Does this also Work with a hairdryer

[@MrJosh055]

hey umm i accidently ripped the wifi flex cable at the bottom right next to the home button...would this cause the sleep button to not work or would it be hard to replace? please reply asap

[@sturfam]

also apple does not sell parts, what brand digitizer are you using?

[@DigiExpress]

@nicholi3387 Nope, they are Anti-Static finger cots to protect the technician from any broken glass shards as well as protect the internals from static electricity.

[@Lmdgraf]

Any idea why I would get a blank screen with just a green block on it after replacing digitizer? I have checked all connections, did not break anything and powered device down before working. It will power on and touch screen will respond by shutting down when a red stripe appears you can swipe it. Ipad shows no launch, words or icons though. Does it need a new LCD? Could I have damaged it inadvertently? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@DigiExpress]

They are actually used so that there is no static electricity that would be transferred to any components when he's working within the device. It also keeps all fingerprints off of the inside of the glass and off the LCD.

[@stevenjanowski9]

I been fixing an ipad 2, i bought the replace glass screen but its not fitting right. i think im missing the Digitizer Screen Plastic Middle Frame. does that sound about right?

[@danieleiland1]

Thanks! I have replaced both parts, but the digitizer doesn't work. Other than a faulty digitizer, what could cause this?

[@affinitycomputers11]

were did you get the adheisive from

[@DigiExpress]

Not necessarily...You can use a blow dryer if you have one laying around or have access to one. It just takes a little longer to heat the edges.

[@wits_end]

I've had my digitizer replaced by 2 different places, and each time, it begins to separate at the lower left corner. I've fully separated the digitizer myself this time, and found a broken bezel that I'm going to replace. Any other reasons that it would be continually separating here? Thanks.

[@DePetru44o]

Is 3M Scotch 924 (2mil 0,05mm) ok for this?

[@DigiExpress]

+GILLAOBOY I believe that you have damaged the LCD screen from the drop. That's why you can hear your notifications, but not see the screen. You can purchase a new one here, and add the repair option if you would like us to do the repair: digiexpress.us/Replacement-LCD-screen-for-iPad-2_p_302.html

[@rahulchawla4415]

can I replace my iPad 2 lcd with iPad 3 high resolution Lcd display. as the screen size is same so can I do it or anyone has tried doing it if it works ??

[@DigiExpress]

Rahul Chawla You can not replace an iPad 2 LCD with an iPad 3 LCD. The connections are different, as are the screw locations. They are not compatible.

[@rahulchawla4415]

DigiExpress thanks man. bit sad, iPad 2 has terrible resolution, don't have snuff money to spend lol.

[@AlvaysClever68]

Does this also apply for Ipad mini 3g?

[@rlhaben]

Also, I think DigiExpress needs to include the mid frame and add that to the cost. They really, REALLY need to include the tape also. I could not find that scotch tape in the video anywhere local. I ended up using flooring tape form Home Depot which actually works well -- it's just messy if you happen to touch it. The hardest part of all was keeping the glass clean long enough to put the digitizer in place.

[@JosephCollins7778]

I just finished my repair!!!! Thank you!

[@DigiExpress]

@savshouse17 A surprising amount of repairs we do are for the iPad 2, we also have done multiple iPhone 4S models.