Here we have iPad mini with broken screen came in for repair so I figured it is a good opportunity to show you how to take this down.

We use hot plate with controlled temperature but I know most of you do not have that, thus we used hot air gun to remove the glass to show you that it can be done.

Make sure NOT to OVERHEAT as you may damage LCD.

Here are couple keys when using heatgun;

  • Do not heat over 3 seconds on one area.
  • Do not put heat gun closer than 3 inch from the surface.
  • Correct temperature to loosen the adhesive is 160 Celsius.

Starting from most damaged area, using suction cup to lift up the glass to make a room to slide thru tool under the glass. Start lifting glass along the edge, but IF YOU FEEL ANY RESISTANCE, STOP! apply more heat, then start again.

OK, we got the glass off from the frame. Time to remove LCD.

There are four screws holding LCD down, two screws on the right side is hidden under the cushion. You don’t have to remove the cushion, when removing the screws.

Again, DO NOT FORCE WHEN LIFTING LCD! When you have top part of LCD lifted, do not open all the way as the LCD is taped down at the bottom side. You also have to remove the metal shield to gain the access to the connector.

Remove 15 screws, lift metal plate.

as you slowly lift the LCD, you will see the tape holding the LCD down. You will have to cut those tape in order to remove the LCD.

Remove three screws to remove connector cover.

OK, we got it removed!

Here comes the challenge. Unlike regular iPad or iPhone, home button and digitizer connector has to be de-soldered. Remove the tape (red circled area) to reveal the connectors.

remove the IC chip and home button. You can see the brand new unit with solder points.

Home button module, IC chip removed. REMEMBER, THIS HAS TO BE DE-SOLDERED, DO YOU NOT RIP OR PULL, YOU WILL DAMAGED THE FLEX!

Once you got to here, you just have to reverse the step starting from soldering home button, IC chip. It is good idea to test before assembly as the connectors MUST match to work.

It works!

Should have any questions or comment, please post here or you can drop me an email. Thank you for reading.