How to replace a broken front panel on your iPad

If you crack the front panel on your iPad, you can either live with it, buy a new one, or fix it.

For those with an AppleCare+ or other warranty that covers accidental damage, the choice is obvious. Get the unit fixed or replaced. If your iPad isn't under warranty, you don't want to buy a new one, and you're ready to tackle a challenging, but satisfying do-it-yourself fix, here's a guide for replacing the front panel.

Getting replacement parts and tools
Before you begin, you'll need to get the necessary replacement parts and tools. For this fix, we're just replacing the front panel--not the LCD. We'll be reusing the Home button and camera bracket from the old panel, as they aren't damaged.

You can buy replacement panels online for between $50 and $150. Just be sure that you buy the right one for your iPad. And depending on where you buy the panel, it may come with pre-cut adhesive strips. If it doesn't, you'll need to buy them or cut your own strips from double-sided tape.

As for tools, you'll need a hair dryer or heat gun, a few thin metal blades, several plastic spudgers, guitar picks, or plastic case opening tools, and a Phillips #00 screwdriver. Again, you can pick these up online if you don't have them.

Lastly, I'm using an iPad 2 as the guinea pig in this article. But the same basic steps can also be used to replace the front panel on the iPad 3.

1. Back up your data

Just in case anything goes wrong during the fix, you should back up all the iPad's data using iCloud or iTunes.

2. Remove the broken panel

With your data safe, heat the panel's edges with the hair dryer or heat gun. This loosens the adhesive that holds the panel to the iPad's metal case. Heat a small area until you can easily insert a thin tool between the panel and case. Gently pry them apart. If the panel doesn't easily come away from the case, keep heating the area. Also, take care not to insert the tool too far into the iPad as this can damage the LCD and other internal components.

Once you've created a small gap in one area, work your way around the edge--heating and prying as you go. You'll need to leave spaceholders (like a plastic spudger or guitar pick) in the separated sections, to prevent the panel and case from sticking back together.

You'll also need to be very careful when working to the right of the home button. The Wi-Fi antenna is attached to the panel here, and you'll need to gently pry it loose without damaging it.

Take care around the panel's bottom left corner. The panel's digitizer cable is located here and you don't want to damage any other internal components by carelessly yanking it loose.

Once you've completely separated the panel from the case, you must disconnect it from the iPad's main system board. Unfortunately, the connector is located under the LCD. So, remove the display's four Phillips screws and lift it away from the case--holding it along the right edge and folding it over along the left edge.

Then disconnect the LCD connector from the main board and set the display somewhere safe.

You can now disconnect the broken panel. First, carefully flip up the two locking levers on the digitizer cable connector. As you remove the ribbon cable from the connector, you'll also need to gently peel it away from the main board's metal shielding.

3. Remove the home button and camera plate

With the broken panel completely detached, you can remove the home button contact using the Phillips screwdriver. Then using the hair dryer again, heat and remove the bracket and button. Likewise, heat the metal camera plate and pry it loose with a thin blade.

4. Install the home button and camera plate on the new front panel

Using the pre-cut adhesive strips or double-sided tape, attach the camera plate to the new panel. Do the same for the home button and the button bracket. Then reattach the home button contact with the screwdriver.

5. Install the new front panel

Before reconnecting the panel, you should remove any pieces of adhesive or broken glass that are still stuck to the metal case.

With the case prepared, reconnect the new panel's digitizer cable to the main board connector and flip down the locking levers. Reconnect the LCD and secure it to the frame with its screws. Fold the front cover over and into place, being extremely careful not to damage its cable.

At this point, we're just testing the panel's fit and functionality, so we've haven't applied any of the adhesive strips. Turn the iPad on and verify everything works. If it does, turn the unit off, lift open the panel and apply the adhesive strips.

Before closing the panel for the last time, carefully inspect the LCD and inside of the panel for dust. If you see any, gently remove it using a microfiber cloth or puff of air. Avoid touching the inside of the panel's viewing area or the LCD with your fingers or anything else that might damage these surfaces. Once you're sure both surfaces are clean, fold the front panel back onto the metal case and press firmly, but gently along the edges. After removing the panel's protective film (if it has one), your fix is complete.

This is a tough fix. But when done successfully, it can breathe new life into a broken iPad.