Is Repairing an iPad Screen Possible?

Are you an iPad owner? Congratulations on having one of the most powerful gadgets to date.

It comes with different features that allow kids, parents, students, and employees to accomplish different things more efficiently. And because of these features, iPads rank as one of Apple’s best-selling devices. In 2019, the company sold nearly 50 million iPad units. 

But like any other gadget, the iPad requires proper care and maintenance—especially its screen. A cracked screen is one of the worst nightmares of iPad users.  

But the biggest concern is this: Is repairing an iPad screen possible? If so, how should you go about it? And what are the first steps to take in case you break your iPad’s screen?

Continue reading below as we discuss the different approaches to fixing an iPad screen.

Repairing an iPad Screen: The Apple Way

Is repairing an iPad screen possible? The short answer is “yes.” And the best place to get your iPad screen fixed is in an Apple service center. 

Head on to Apple’s official website and request their repair services. But first, make sure you have AppleCare if you wish to enjoy cheaper rates.

AppleCare coverage will shoulder a total of two incidents involving accidental damage. You will only need to pay $49 for the service fee. Generally, you can purchase AppleCare coverage upon purchasing your iPad.

In case you don’t have AppleCare, then repairing an iPad screen becomes expensive. The amount of fixing an iPad screen will cost you roughly the same amount as buying a new but refurbished iPad unit.

This means you should be ready to shell out anywhere between $200 and $600 depending on the iPad model that you have.

Generally, Apple will not charge you anything if your device is still under warranty. But if you damage your iPad screen accidentally, the warranty will not cover it. 

The same thing goes if you performed unauthorized modifications on your device which led to the screen damage.

Third-Party Repairs

If you don’t have AppleCare and you cannot afford Apple’s repair services, your next best bet is to go to third-party repair shops. But once they open up your device, the warranty becomes void.

The good thing about this route is that you will never run out of options. There are plenty of third-party repair centers that offer iPad screen repair. But the key is not to go with the first repair center that you see.

You want to find the right people who can do a great job of fixing your device. Furthermore, there are important questions you need to ask when searching for the right repair center.

First, you want to inquire about the fees. Ask how much the repair will cost and see if it fits your budget.

Next, you want to ask how long the repairs will take. This is crucial especially if you depend heavily on your iPad in work or school. 

Compare the turnaround times of each repair center you visit. Also, find out where they get their replacement parts. Do they get the parts from reputable sources?

Last but not least, inquire about the warranty of their work. How long will the service warranty be? Do they even offer one in the first place?

These questions are essential because you want the repair center to stand by their work. You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on shoddy repairs. 

The DIY Route

If you happen to be the type that loves to fix and assemble stuff, then you may want to consider going DIY on your iPad. Since this is a DIY route, there are many bases you need to cover.

First, you need to find a good DIY repair kit. When choosing a repair kit, make sure to get one that is compatible with your device. Not all kits will work across all iPad models.

Furthermore, determine exactly the nature and location of the damage. Does the crack only involve the topmost layer of the glass? Or did it affect the LCD or touch mechanism too?

Keep in mind that repairing your iPad is a tall order. You need to have the right tools and replacement parts to ensure its success. You also need to have sharp eyes and steady hands.

It is trickier compared to replacing an entire touchscreen. It requires separating the glass from the touchscreen. Thereafter, you need to glue the replacement glass into the old touchscreen.

Additionally, you need to keep yourself safe during the repair. Make sure to wear protective glasses, as shards of glass may fly into the air during the repair.

Things to Do When You Crack the Screen

As an iPad owner, it is paramount that you learn the steps to take if you accidentally break your device’s screen.

The first thing to do is to assess the extent of the damage. Do you see only a minor crack or did the enter iPad screen shatter? Is your device still operational or did it stop responding?

If the damage is too severe, it is best to let a professional take over.

Also, examine the device to see if there are any sharp pieces of glass sticking out. If there are, get some packing tape or a plastic bag and cover up the screen.

If your device is still responsive, perform a data back up. This tip is crucial, as anything can happen during the repair. There is a chance of losing all your data if things go south.

Get your Lightning cable and connect your iPad to your computer. Open your iTunes and hit the iPad button. You will see this on the upper-left-hand corner. Hit “Back Up Now” to begin the process.

Increase Your Knowledge of Proper Device Care

Repairing an iPad screen is something you should take seriously.

It may cost a lot of money and require the right people to pull off the job. But if you decide on taking the task yourself, do so with ample preparation and caution.

And if you wish to learn more about proper device care, we invite you to check our other articles. We discuss different topics that will help extend the life of your devices and improve their performance.