Replacing my iPad Screen

My iPad had an accident 3 weeks ago.  I couldn't believe it.  It was my fault, no child was involved.

After debating all of my options, I decided I wanted to replace my iPad screen myself.

What I Ordered

I ordered my replacement kit before doing my homework. I am not recommending this product, just sharing that I decided to take a chance with the Zeetron iPad 3 Digitizer Glass Screen Kit from Amazon.  Prices varied, I took the time to read reviews and made my decision based on that alone.  I'm sure I will discover the quality of the screen over time. I hope I made a good choice.

If I would have watched the YouTube videos I list below before ordering, I probably would have ordered from DirectFix or iRepair Fast.  They have additional parts (that can be damaged during the repair) that I didn't consider ordering before this project.  Both companies also have a mail-in iPad repair service.

Doing my Homework

These are the videos that I watched to teach myself how to repair my iPad.  Each video has something different to offer. In my opinion, the first two, make the repair look much easier than it is, but offer good tips and share important information about what to look out for. The third video leaves nothing out. It is 1hour and 20 minutes long, because you see the entire repair of an iPad with a cracked screen and a damaged corner.  

iPad3 Screen Repair & Glass Repair Directions by DirectFix.com

How to: Fix a broken front panel on your iPad2 or iPad3 by CNET

iPad 3rd & 4th Gen Screen Replacement (Nothing Left Out!) by iRepair Fast

My Experience

Cracked iPad Screen

It takes time.  I had to wait two weeks before I could find the time to work on my iPad without any distractions. I didn't expect the glass to break more when removing it.  If I had to do it again, I would use more heat, take more time, and have a set of gloves that fit snug.  I was careful around the camera, wifi antenna, home button and digitizer.  I made sure not to touch the LCD screen with my fingers and used a can of air to keep it dust free.  Before sealing the iPad up, I powered it on and made sure that my camera, wifi, home button, and touch screen were working properly.  Upon success, I smiled.  Accomplishment! Yay!

Tape was used to hold broken
glass together and guitar picks
to help keep the adhesive
 sepearated from the glass

Honestly, now that I've done it, I am going to be even more careful with my iPad.  I don't want to repair an iPad screen again. 

New screen installed