iPad 3 Digitizer Replacement Process
Welcome to another behind-the-scenes look at a repair from Disc Depot in St Andrews.
Today we’ll be fixing a third-generation Apple iPad 3 (WiFi version, model A1416). The problem in this case is a common one- a broken digitizer. (The digitizer is the touch-sensitive glass panel on the front of a tablet or smartphone over the LCD display itself, responding to finger presses and movement.)
Unlike the iPhone and some newer iPads, the iPad 3 doesn’t have the digitizer bonded to the screen itself, so we’re able to retain the existing undamaged LCD display. As with most common repairs, we keep replacement iPad digitizers in stock, so our customers don’t have to wait days– or even weeks- for them to come in before we can get started!
As with our previous iPhone 5S screen and digitizer replacement, this looks a bit easier than it is because our technician has a lot of experience with tablet repairs like this, and we haven’t given away all our repair secrets!
The broken iPad awaits repair.
Removal of the main digitizer glass with a professional temperature-controlled heat gun.
Only a few bits of glass now remain, stuck to the bottom of the iPad.
Everything has now been cleaned up; note the replacement digitizer glass to the left.
With the screen in place, all that remains is to attach the new digitizer.
Done! The iPad is up and running, and has been thoroughly tested to ensure that it’s now in full working order. (Note the temporary adhesive cover, which helps protect the screen until the customer gets it home.)
