How to change Fix Repair WiFi cable on a iPad2

[@Shellyline0]

I JUST cut my wifi antenna in half while replacing my digitizer! I am so happy to see that I do not have to remove 5 different things including motherboard to replace it. THANK YOU!

[@densiltobas]

Fixed!!!!! For those who changed out the wifi cable and still having connection issues... this worked for me....my ipad2 only picked up the 2.4ghz signal at about 1-2 feet away from the router....and the 5ghz signal from about 10 feet away...(not sure why)....so i reopened the ipad.... i found that the cable works...its just that the case is used as a big antenna just like a laptop and the cable was not making proper contact to the aluminium outer case....so i removed the cable that connected to the case which is the area with the 3 screws to the outer part of the shell....using a scalpel is scrapped off some of the plastic coating near the three screws so that it would make contact better with the case...and low and behold..i walked outside with my ipad open and it pick up all the wifi signals just fine!..... at 5:21 in the video you can clearly see the three screws i'm talking about...they are two small one and one long one to the left of the screen........also you can try cleaning the fourth screw contact also.......again the main problem is contact with the ipad shell.....so cleaning off anything that would hamper that connection would solve this problem..hope this works for you because i searched high and low but found no solution ...just thought that i would share mine...

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Densil, glad to hear it and thanks for sharing your experience! Kind regards, Laura

[@kgarnett2426]

OMG! Thanks for posting this video, AND Thanks Densil Tobas, I was about to give up and I tried what you posted and... YES! it is working perfectly now!!!!!! Thank you both, y'all are lifesavers I felt lost without my IPAD. :)

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi K Garnett, glad to hear you have solved the problem :)

[@densiltobas]

Glad to help

[@metrocaptain]

Clear, concise, realistic as to the difficulty in snapping the connector in place. Thanks for the video! Cam needs a little help with focus, but it works.

[@freakydrummer03]

Fantastic video Neill! And your "Tearing Down the iPad 2" video was awesome as well. I wish I would have seen that one before my dad and I tore his iPad apart due to a cracked digitizer.

[@kevinkeryk]

Thanks, this video helped me replace my wifi antenna during a screen repair job. Not for the faint of heart but I had great success! Thank you!

[@Shellyline0]

First, thank you so much for the wifi cable directions - easy! On the broken plastic on the cable socket - I just left it. I tested the screen before glueing, and it worked fine. So I closed it up and so far so good. I hope it stays that way. Thank you so much for your great videos, they were a huge help. I used the adhesive video too.

[@Iamu4ea]

HelloThere! Thank you for this video. I was also wondering if you had videos of How to replace the home button & How to replace the front facing camera on the ipad 2? Thank you

[@fmzghazi]

Hello... Thank you for the video. I was wondering if you have any video for Ipad 2 power/volume cable replacement. thank you in advance

[@SWwebmaster]

Hey that's great news, really glad you fixed it, and thanks for commenting, kind regards, Neill.

[@byronrafnson5856]

This is the best, easiest way to replace the wi fi antenna!!! THANK YOU!!!

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi thank you for your kind comments, and I'm really glad i could help, I will try to get the on/off cable video done asap, I have been really busy at sw-box lately with the new ipad coming out I have had so many product reviews to do, there has been no time for tutorials, but I will get it done, Thanks again, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, yes just let it snap on then put it back together, as for the bluetooth, the little motherboard you connect the wifi cable to is where the signal from the bluetooth comes from, I hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@07robersonj]

My husband ripped off the wi-fi antenna while he was trying to fix our iPad because of an almost completely shattered screen (he probably should've watched your other video I guess). When we get ours in, I will definitely come back to this video to have him install it this way. Thanks!

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, they put a PTFE tape on the screws to hold them in place, the only thing you can do is apply more downward pressure as you unscrew them, if you are worried about stripping them maybe you can try a longer screw driver or the next size up screw driver, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@VinAero58]

Great video, it will be well used when the replacement arrives. Unfortunately, I also got the power/volume cable when I was removing the digitizer. I was hoping you had another great video for that replacement coming soon. Thank you so much for your great videos.

[@cpn1gdo]

Hi, Thanks alot!!! after i replaced the cracked screen i was so happy until i realized i cut the wifi cable. i ordered a new on for $2.98 replaced it in 10 mins and it worked. thanks again George

[@wiihomefree]

Just wanted to say thank for the video, it was a big help. And I would also like to know if the cable has to be 2g or 3g? thanks GB

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, That is a common problem, try to follow the creases in the cable, I hope you can get it back down properly, oh and I really glad this video helped you, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, really glad you like it, as for your problems, I can't see that missing screws are the problem, or that the digitizer enhances the signal, but one thing i do know is ipads are really strange, it maybe a combination of both, or you may have just purchased a bad cable, that can happen some times, if you have an iphone then take a couple of screws out of that and try them in the ipad, they will fit, anyway i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@arielsdv]

First of all, thank you for taking time to make this very useful video. I need help however. I was initially getting a very weak wifi signal and had a cracked digitizer so I decided to tackle both. I was successfull in removing replacing both items but now, my wifi signal is so weak that it barely registers a signal when stading next to the wifi router. What else can I possibly be missing and should be looking at in order to fix this issue?? Your help/input would be greatly appreciated!

[@samuelvalencia6687]

Great video man. I'm having some issues with my installation. It clipped in to the motherboard fine and the adhesive set fine. However, I am missing a couple of screws. I decided to test anyway and it doesn't detect a signal. Or sometimes a very weak signal. Would the missing screws complete a connection? Or is there a downside to testing while still open? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, other than updating the softwear i'm not really sure what else it could be, unless when you purchased the new wifi cable it was also damaged, that is possible because they are so fragile, is the signal stronger with the new one or the old one, let me know how you get on, kind regards, Neill.

[@donm315]

are these wifi cables between iPad models the same antenna's? Have repaired all model iPads, they all look the same or are they specific to the model. Thank you

[@QuinnyCheeks]

Thank you so much for replying and helping me,Im going nuts over here I finally got the screws out after applying some heat I replaced the wifi with ease from that point but then I turned my screen back on before re installing the lcd and i heard noise come from the ipad but the screen obviously didnt light up as it was not plugged in so when i tried to plug the lcd back im getting nothing ,did i damage my lcd by turning the ipad on without having it plugged in .....

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Dave, Sorry for the late reply. I didn't have this situation before. I just googled it and someone recommended you to do a restart by holding the home button and the wake/sleep button together till the Apple logo appears. Hope it helps. kind regards, Sunny

[@latoyaajohnson]

You are very helpful! I like the fact that you said don't be afraid to do this. You made it so easy, and I will use sw-box in the near future. Thanks again.

[@SWwebmaster]

@Musiccproducer Hi, i don't have the 3G version but i would imagine it to be the same, the ipads are very compact inside so i can't see they would move or redesign the wifi cable, and Apple would not want to pay for two design molds for one ipad, that would not be smart business so i would say yes, the video will work for your CDMA version, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

You're welcome. It's my pleasure to help you : ) Kind regards Neill

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, the cable is for both 2G and 3G, and i'm really glad I could help you, if you need anything else just ask, kind regards, Neill.

[@5pack1234]

Thanks for the Video.. One thing that can be a trap for this.. When ordering this part , I could only find this listed as a bluetooth / WIFI flex cable. Many part suppliers have a WIFI Cable that does not seem to be the right part - Is this your experience as well? Thanks again

[@SWwebmaster]

@jasongrassby1 Hi, i'm really glad my video was helpful, and thanks a lot for taking the time to comment, kind regards, Neill.

[@alaskaaksala123]

Thank you! thank you! thank you!!..very fast! it didnt take you 40 minutes to explaind the process and I appreciate that!..fast and simple!

[@SWwebmaster]

Glad to hear that. Thanks for your comment. Kind regards, Sunny

[@AaronCorcoran]

Thanks for this tutorial. I successfully replaced the wireless antenna today on an ipad2. My biggest problem is trying to get my digitizer to lay flat, as the cable seems to fold over.

[@fmzghazi]

Hello SW webmaster... Thank you for this video. I have changed the wifi antenna and now it working fine. I am yet to change the power cable as the power button and the volume buttons are not working. I would appreciate if you can upload at the earliest convenience. Thanks again

[@SWwebmaster]

@Nick45211 Hi, yes you do have to bend it when you screw it down, I hate saying this but the only thing you can do is change it again and see if it's better, if not take it to a repair center and see what they think, sorry, kind regards, Neill.

[@timschultz1653]

I'm getting ready to change out the wifi antenna. Everything looks straight forward but I do have one question. The antenna I purchased looks just like the one in the video and has the blue membrane to peel of before you seal up with the digitizer. My question is there is also a white cover on the bottom of the antenna with a 1/2 inch long tab sticking out, is that to be left on or is it to be removed like the blue one on top?

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Sebastian, thanks for your suggestion. We are sorry that currently do not have Spanish language for it. But, we will make it in the future. Kind regards, Laura.

[@SWwebmaster]

We are happy to hear that : ) Thanks for your comment Kind regards Neill

[@SWwebmaster]

@MultiRicky1997 Hi, it does sound like you could do with changing the cable, it is very easy to damage when you take the ipad apart, even you do not cut it, when you open the glue can tear the cable as you lift the touch screen off, there so fragile, anyway i would advise you change it, and if you need the spare part let me know and i will give you the link for the product you need, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

@jasongrassby1 Hi, it sounds like the cable connecting the LCD is not connected properly to the mother board, if I was you that would be the first thing to check, The only other thing it could be is you have damaged the digitizer cable, ( it is very easy to do as I have damage one before) check to see if you have cut the digitizer cable, that will also cause that problem, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, what are you struggling with? I can tell you it takes a while to get the new wire to plug onto the little motherboard, just be patient and take your time, let me know if you need any advice? kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

@cjodor Hi, yes you can remove the stickers, more so the white one, blue one is not really important, you can just leave it on, with the white one, it only sticks the cable down to the base, it has 4 screws holding it in place anyway so its up to you really, if you don't take your ipad 2 apart much then take the stickers off, if you do then don't bother, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@fmscw1]

hi, do you have a tutorial to replace a iPad 2 3g Cable, Ribbon Flex Antenna? Many thanks Simon

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, sorry I don't have A Asus to take apart and look, so I have know knowledge on how to repair them, is there a repair center near you that can help you? kind regards, Neill.

[@mirsso]

Hi, thank you for this great tutorial. I have an iPad 3 WiFi, but I think it's the same as iPad 2. My problem: I have only weak WiFi signal; only about 1 m or less away from router. I bought it damaged. Display and digitizer was broken and it was replaced from former owner. But it has only weak WiFi signal, speaker barely comprensible (actually without function) and all button except home button does not work. Sound over headphone is OK. Which cable or part I have to replace??? Regards, Mirso

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, yes they are all taped down, just gently peel the tape away, then follow the steps on the video to replace it, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@johnwarren7162]

Excellent shortcut to avoid having to remove the logic board. Thanks!

[@ey8002]

Hi SWwebmaster When I opened the screen i cut the cable connecting the two screws you show 4:45 minutes Does it affect the antenna? Do I need to replace an antenna because of this? Many thanks Eitan

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, sorry what laptop do you have and is the connector still attached to the motherboard or do you mean you ripped it off? kind regards, Neill.

[@fmzghazi]

Hi Neil.... I have changed the wifi antenna and now it working fine. The power button and the volume buttons are not working. You said in a response 4 weeks back that you would be uploading in a week. I have not seen it yet. Please let me know if you have done it. Thank you in advance.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, no problem, also try plugging it into itunes and doing a software update, that could solve it too, kind regards, Neill.

[@TheJamesBeaumont]

Hi. Is this fix likely to resolve a greyed-out wifi option? Or is there an additional chip etc that would need replacing, as well as or instead of this wifi cable? I've tried all software solutions, so now I'm moving to hardware... Thanks

[@irishgoat123]

Hi SW ' just one question ' I also damaged my wifi cable but it's only pulled away from the screws ' the cable itself is perfect ( as in where it's soldered ) Should it still work if it's simply just stuck down ? Do the screw areas affected the wifi service ? Hope you understand what I mean .

[@italiankeeper1]

im changing my digitizer and i think i might have screwed up the wifi cable but i dot know forsure. it ripped by the 2 screws in the bottom right of the ipad. is the wifi still going to work or do i need a new part?

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, Try doing an itunes update, also close the application of Settings and reopen it, That is the first thing you can try, it should fix it, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@markusnoren6882]

After replacing my antenna I get almost no reception at all :( does that mean the antenna does not work at all or does it mean its working poorly? Do you have any idea of why that might be? Thanks for an awsome guide though!

[@QuinnyCheeks]

Im still really struggling with the screws,I even went out and bought a new screwdriver kit and still no luck... would applying heat help because up til now I have not apllied any heat ...

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Shelly, really glad I could help you, if you need anything else just ask, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, there is a good chance the antenna you purchased is faulty as the are so fragile, If I was you I would order a new one and try again, as the wires inside the antenna are easily broken, just by slightly bending it can cause a weak signal, I doubt there is anything else wrong with your ipad so don't worry too much. I hope this helps, kind regards, Neil.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hey that's great news my friend, and I'm so glad this tutorial was helpful, if you need anything else just ask, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Glad to hear that you fixed your ipad and thanks for your kind note. Regards, Sunny

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Don, although they look very similar af far as I am aware they are not compatible, I hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@tcpangan1]

I have a question, i had my touchscreen replaced at a local repair shop.. Is it possible that it caused the damage in the wifi cable? Or is this a different situation?

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, with the home button, make sure it is in the right place, in the base of your ipad, on each side of your charging port there are two gold pins, your home button plate must push both of the pins down to make the connection, if it is not perfectly seated on the two pins then it will not work, this will also affect the charging problem, you can test this by manually pushing both pins down and ask someone to test your home button, do this before you put the ipad back together, I hope it helps

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, should be fine, as long as you didn't damage the cable then it's not a problem, I hope your wifi works now, kind regards, Neill.

[@bluekirty]

Unfortunately, I watched another video and have already removed my motherboard. But now I'm at the part where I'm trying to attach the wifi cable to it (or I guess the bluetooth according to this video). Do you just push it in until it does like a snap or something? I don't want to damage the motherboard, so would appreciate your help.

[@AceMassacre]

I bought a new wi-fi antenna and connected it following your instructions. i removed the little white tag near the part that you connect to the motherboard. is that important? i was able to connect the new antenna but my wifi isn't working. any help would be greatly appreciated

[@MrWishiwas18again]

Hey Neil. I switched out the screen and the WIFI cable after I cut it. Now when I turn it on, I can;t get an internet connection or turn it off. Any suggestions as to what I have done wrong?

[@Shellyline0]

OK, here's a question. I broke a tiny piece of plastic off the top of one of my digitizer cable sockets. Maybe I could glue or tape it back? What might its effects be? Am I in trouble?

[@SWwebmaster]

@alaskaaksala123 Hi, really glad i could help you, and thanks for such a nice comment, it really means a lot, if you need anything else just ask, have a great week, kind regards, Neill.

[@prettyphlinerd]

Thank you this was soooo much easier than the instructions on iFixit where it told u to remove the mother board.

[@Nick45211]

i just replaced the wifi cable in my ipad 2. the signal is not as great anymore. im always running between 1 and 2 bars when i used to run full bars be4 i replaced my digitizer abd my wifi cable. do you think i might have damaged the new wifi cable while replaceing the old one? my iphone will get full bars and pick up other wifi signals while my ipad will only pick up my wifi when its close to my router.

[@Geceski29]

And I have the same problem I wonder if you can damage the screen Digitizer Glass Touch Screen In changing Wifi Antenata?

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, this does seem to happen from time to time, first make sure it is connected to the motherboard correctly, failing that it maybe your new cable is slightly damaged so the signal is weaker, I hope this helps, Kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, before you stick the Digitizer Back down you can test the wifi signal, just turn the ipad on and look where you should touch the digitizer to open your ipad, you can look on the LCD and guess where to touch the digitizer, then you will see if you have to replace it or not, I hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@MultiRicky1997]

@MultiRicky1997 thank u for advises and can you me the link to buy wifi antenna of the ipad 2 and my model is 3g

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, no it should be fine, if your signal is still ok then don't worry about it, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, yes using metal is not the best idea so try to use a plastic pry tool, as for damaging the motherboard, it is a very low risk so don’t worry about it, I hope this heps, Kind regards, Neill.

[@jakebaptista63]

whats the white tab at the wifi cable edge (furtherest away from the bluetooth)?

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, it is the sticker that keeps the glue from drying up before you use it, just remover it before you install the cable, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@hitmanhite]

Thanks, this video was very helpful. At the very end though, I removed the white sticker before installing the three screws. Maybe it was wrong, but that's what I did.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, I never saw this issue before so I'm not sure whether it's a hardware problem or software one. I Googled it for you and there is an article referring that how to set wifi for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz network. I'll send you a personal message about it. Regards, Laura

[@SWwebmaster]

ok, thanks for your comment. Kind regards Neill

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, if you are happy that it is connected properly then it could be a faulty cable, there very fragile and easy to damage, or you could of just been unlucky and purchased a faulty one, my advice would be to send it back and ask for a replacement, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi, I have not had a chance to make a video on how to change it yet, but I am planning to do one, the best thing you can do is change it for a new one, just take your time, and you should be fine, i hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@Nick45211]

i did that. like what kind of damage am i suppost to look for? there is a small indent in the cable an thats te only thing other than bending you have to force to screw it down

[@NoChillMan]

Is every screw required for it to work? I lost the screw that goes on the cord to the blue tooth. :/

[@diegofotuche]

I subscribed, I understand everything. I fix my digitizer then before putting it on the ipad I notice I cut the wireless cable, So I'm going to buy it pretty confident after watching your great video. Please keep doing quality videos like this one. There is a black plate near audio zone, it says U2 C3, do you know something about it? I just wondering, but anyway great video man! Thank you a lot!

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Mary, Have you removed the LCD, if you have then yes use a heat gun or a good hair dryer, it would be better if you have a heat gun like mine, if you haven't got the LCD out yet then take real care how you direct the heat to the screws, the other thing you can do is use a hammer and tap the screw driver into the screw head, that often loosens screws up, but I would only do that if your LCD is already out, I hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@JenaEyles]

Sorry my spelling wasn't to great on that last comment I made sunny .... I replaced my wifi cable but its still not working is there n e thing else I can do to make it go???

[@SWwebmaster]

@AceMassacre Hi, that should be okay to remove the white sticker as long as you did not damage the cable, the cables are very weak and easy to damage, if your sure you did'nt damage it, the only advise i can give is try reconnecting it to the mother board, it may not be fully clipped on, i really hope this helps, kind regards, Neill.

[@znasdaimamsos]

I have one question: when I was removing wifi white cable from wifi card in my laptop i accidentally pull it down and "golden" connector remained in wifi card and there was only white wire in my hand! Do I need to buy new antena or I can put it back togetner and how? please help me

[@MultiRicky1997]

Hey I have problem with my wifi after tear down the iPad 2 for fixing. The wifi bar is never full and it can't search another wifi that far away . Even when I stay near the wifi router, the bar is not full so do I need to changer the wifi cable? wifi router

[@SWwebmaster]

@07robersonj Hi, Thank you, i'm really glad you found my video, that wifi cable is another way for apple to stop you from opening your ipad and saving your self a lot of money, i'm so glad i could help you, if you need anything else just ask, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Latoya Johnson. Thanks for your compliment and you're most welcome :) If there is any inquiry please feel free to contact us. Kind regards, Laura.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi Marry, I don't believe you have done anything wrong, and what do you mean by your battery is saying 50%, does that mean the LCD is now working? but the touch screen is not responding? Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Hi that's great, glad my video helped you, kind regards, Neill.

[@SWwebmaster]

Nice! Thanks for your comment bro Kind regards Neill

[@markusnoren6882]

New antenna on the way! Thanks alot for helping out.