Ipad Pro 12 9 2Nd Gen Home Button Replacement Repair Guide

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

                          1 - 3 hours

Sections

Display Assembly
31 steps
Home Button
9 steps

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Introduction

Note that the home button installed in your original screen is paired to the iPad’s logic board, and will need to be removed and transferred to a new screen to retain Touch ID functionality.

The home button attaches to the screen with an adhesive gasket. You’ll need some liquid adhesive to glue the home button to the display.

This guide is written for the Wi-Fi model. If you have the cellular model, you’ll need to do some additional disassembly (not noted in this guide).

You’ll need replacement adhesive to reattach components when reassembling the device.

What you need

Step 1

              Tape over a cracked screen

Before starting repairs, take your iPad off the charger and power it down.
If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.
Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.
Wear eye protection. The glass may break, sending pieces flying.

Before starting repairs, take your iPad off the charger and power it down.

If your display is badly cracked, covering it with a layer of clear packing tape may allow the suction cup to adhere. Alternatively, very strong tape may be used instead of the suction cup. If all else fails, you can superglue the suction cup to the broken screen.

Do your best to follow the rest of the guide as described. However, once the glass is broken, it will likely continue to crack as you work, and you may need to use a metal prying tool to scoop the glass out.

Wear eye protection. The glass may break, sending pieces flying.

1024

Step 2

              Adhesive tip

Removing the screen involves using an opening pick and/or halberd spudger to separate the adhesive securing the screen to the frame.
As you slice through the adhesive, note the following:
The adhesive on the long edges of the iPad is about 4 mm wide. Avoid slicing deeper than that, or you risk damaging the display panel.
The adhesive on the short edges of the iPad is about 2 mm wide. Avoid slicing deeper than that.
Take especially care when slicing near the home button and charging port to avoid damaging the flex cables.
Take extra care when you slice near the front facing camera, to avoid damaging or smearing it.

Removing the screen involves using an opening pick and/or halberd spudger to separate the adhesive securing the screen to the frame.

As you slice through the adhesive, note the following:

The adhesive on the long edges of the iPad is about 4 mm wide. Avoid slicing deeper than that, or you risk damaging the display panel.

The adhesive on the short edges of the iPad is about 2 mm wide. Avoid slicing deeper than that.

Take especially care when slicing near the home button and charging port to avoid damaging the flex cables.

Take extra care when you slice near the front facing camera, to avoid damaging or smearing it.

Step 3

              Heat the left edge

Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen to loosen the adhesive underneath. Apply the iOpener for at least 5 minutes.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the device.
The display adhesive of the iPad is strong and the glass breaks easily. You need to reheat and reapply the iOpener in each section several times during the display removal.

Apply a heated iOpener to the left edge of the screen to loosen the adhesive underneath. Apply the iOpener for at least 5 minutes.

A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the device.

The display adhesive of the iPad is strong and the glass breaks easily. You need to reheat and reapply the iOpener in each section several times during the display removal.

Step 4

              Apply a suction handle

Once the screen is warm to touch, apply a suction handle to the left edge of the iPad’s screen, above the Smart Connector port and as close to the edge as possible.

Once the screen is warm to touch, apply a suction handle to the left edge of the iPad’s screen, above the Smart Connector port and as close to the edge as possible.

Step 5

              Insert an opening pick

While holding down the corners of the iPad, repeatedly pull up on the screen, then ease it back down to weaken the adhesive. This will eventually create a small gap in the seam.
If the edge cools down during the pulling process, reheat the edge with an iOpener before proceeding.
Once you’ve created a small gap, insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.
Don’t insert your opening pick deeper than 3–4 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

While holding down the corners of the iPad, repeatedly pull up on the screen, then ease it back down to weaken the adhesive. This will eventually create a small gap in the seam.

If the edge cools down during the pulling process, reheat the edge with an iOpener before proceeding.

Once you’ve created a small gap, insert the tip of an opening pick into the gap.

Don’t insert your opening pick deeper than 3–4 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

Step 6

              Slice the adhesive

Reapply the iOpener to the bottom left corner of the iPad for at least 2 minutes, spanning from the opening pick to the home button.
After letting the adhesive soften, insert an opening pick or halberd spudger into the gap next to the opening pick.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 3–4 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.
Use an opening pick or halberd spudger to slice the adhesive along the bottom left side of the iPad. If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.

Reapply the iOpener to the bottom left corner of the iPad for at least 2 minutes, spanning from the opening pick to the home button.

After letting the adhesive soften, insert an opening pick or halberd spudger into the gap next to the opening pick.

Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 3–4 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

Use an opening pick or halberd spudger to slice the adhesive along the bottom left side of the iPad. If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.

Step 7

              Insert an opening pick

Insert an opening pick underneath the bottom left corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert an opening pick underneath the bottom left corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 8

              Slice the adhesive

Reapply the iOpener to the upper left corner of the iPad for at least 2 minutes, spanning from the opening pick to the front facing camera.
Use an opening pick or halberd spudger and slide along the upper left edge of the iPad to slice the adhesive.
If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 3–4 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

Reapply the iOpener to the upper left corner of the iPad for at least 2 minutes, spanning from the opening pick to the front facing camera.

Use an opening pick or halberd spudger and slide along the upper left edge of the iPad to slice the adhesive.

If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.

Step 9

              Insert an opening pick

Insert an opening pick underneath the top left corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert an opening pick underneath the top left corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 10

              Slice the adhesive

Reheat your iOpener and apply it the top edge of the device for at least 2 minutes.
Use an opening pick or halberd spudger and slide along the top edge of the iPad to slice the adhesive. Stop before you reach the front-facing camera.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.
If the slicing becomes difficult, reheat the edge and try again.

Reheat your iOpener and apply it the top edge of the device for at least 2 minutes.

Use an opening pick or halberd spudger and slide along the top edge of the iPad to slice the adhesive. Stop before you reach the front-facing camera.

Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

Step 11

              Insert an opening pick

Insert an opening pick underneath the screen just before the front-facing camera to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert an opening pick underneath the screen just before the front-facing camera to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 12

              Slice the adhesive

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the device for at least 2 minutes.
Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger just past the front-facing camera.
Use your cutting tool to slice the remaining adhesive underneath the top edge of your device.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.
If the slicing becomes hard, reheat the edge and try again.

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the top edge of the device for at least 2 minutes.

Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger just past the front-facing camera.

Use your cutting tool to slice the remaining adhesive underneath the top edge of your device.

If the slicing becomes hard, reheat the edge and try again.

Step 13

              Insert an opening pick

Insert an opening pick underneath the upper right corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert an opening pick underneath the upper right corner of the screen to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 14

              Slice the adhesive

Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for 5 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.
Use an opening pick or halberd spudger and slide along the right edge of the iPad to slice the adhesive.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 3–4 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.
Insert an opening pick underneath the center of the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Apply a heated iOpener to the right edge of the screen for 5 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath.

Use an opening pick or halberd spudger and slide along the right edge of the iPad to slice the adhesive.

Insert an opening pick underneath the center of the right edge to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 15

              Insert an opening pick

Insert an opening pick underneath the bottom right corner of the iPad to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Insert an opening pick underneath the bottom right corner of the iPad to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Step 16

              Slice the adhesive

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the device for at least 2 minutes.
Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger underneath the bottom right corner of the iPad.
Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge of the iPad, stopping short about 12 mm before reaching the home button.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the display panel.

Reheat your iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the device for at least 2 minutes.

Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger underneath the bottom right corner of the iPad.

Slide the opening pick along the bottom edge of the iPad, stopping short about 12 mm before reaching the home button.

Step 17

              Insert an opening pick

Insert an opening pick underneath the screen just before the home button to prevent the adhesive from resealing.
Use the tip of an opening pick or an halberd spudger to slice the adhesive beneath the home button.
Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the home button.

Insert an opening pick underneath the screen just before the home button to prevent the adhesive from resealing.

Use the tip of an opening pick or an halberd spudger to slice the adhesive beneath the home button.

Don’t insert your slicing tool deeper than 2 mm, or you risk permanently damaging the home button.

Step 18

              Slice the adhesive

Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger just past the home button.
Use your cutting tool to slice the remaining adhesive underneath the bottom edge of your device.

Insert an opening pick or a halberd spudger just past the home button.

Use your cutting tool to slice the remaining adhesive underneath the bottom edge of your device.

Step 19

              Loosen and slice any remaining adhesive

At this point, you’ve sliced through most of the screen adhesive. Use an opening pick to carefully slice any remaining adhesive along the edges until the screen is freed.
If some parts are stubborn, heat the area with an iOpener to loosen the adhesive.

At this point, you’ve sliced through most of the screen adhesive. Use an opening pick to carefully slice any remaining adhesive along the edges until the screen is freed.

If some parts are stubborn, heat the area with an iOpener to loosen the adhesive.

Step 20

              Lift the display

The iPad shown in the following two steps is the iPad Pro 12.9" 1st Generation. The internals look slightly different but the taping procedure is the same.
The display cables in this iPad are very short. Read the next two steps before you proceed.
Do not pivot the screen about the lower edge. The display cables don’t have enough slack to allow for this and will tear if you do not slide the screen towards the front-facing camera as you lift.
The display cables will tear if you raise the screen more than 90º.
Lift up the upper edge of the screen and slide the entire screen towards the front-facing camera to access the iPad’s internal components.
Use masking tape to tape the lower edge of the screen to the frame to prevent the screen from slipping.

The iPad shown in the following two steps is the iPad Pro 12.9" 1st Generation. The internals look slightly different but the taping procedure is the same.

The display cables in this iPad are very short. Read the next two steps before you proceed.

Do not pivot the screen about the lower edge. The display cables don’t have enough slack to allow for this and will tear if you do not slide the screen towards the front-facing camera as you lift.

The display cables will tear if you raise the screen more than 90º.

Lift up the upper edge of the screen and slide the entire screen towards the front-facing camera to access the iPad’s internal components.

Use masking tape to tape the lower edge of the screen to the frame to prevent the screen from slipping.

Step 21

              Prop up the screen

This step shows one way to support the screen using masking tape. You can also turn the iPad sideways. Make sure not to strain the display cables with whatever method you choose.
Attach a long strip of masking tape to the top edge of the screen. Fold the tape over the edge and make sure that the tape is attached securely.
Attach the other end of the strip to the bottom edge of the iPad frame to hold the screen at an angle. Make sure the tape attaches securely to the frame.

This step shows one way to support the screen using masking tape. You can also turn the iPad sideways. Make sure not to strain the display cables with whatever method you choose.

Attach a long strip of masking tape to the top edge of the screen. Fold the tape over the edge and make sure that the tape is attached securely.

Attach the other end of the strip to the bottom edge of the iPad frame to hold the screen at an angle. Make sure the tape attaches securely to the frame.

Step 22

              Unfasten the logic board EMI shield screws

It’s important to disconnect the battery before you proceed further. Detaching or connecting the display cables with the battery plugged in can cause a short that will destroy touchscreen functionality.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the logic board EMI shield:
Two 2.4 mm-long screws
Four 1.2 mm-long screws

It’s important to disconnect the battery before you proceed further. Detaching or connecting the display cables with the battery plugged in can cause a short that will destroy touchscreen functionality.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the logic board EMI shield:

Two 2.4 mm-long screws

Four 1.2 mm-long screws

Step 23

              Remove the logic board EMI shield

Lift the logic board EMI shield from the edge nearest the top of the iPad.
Peel up the EMI shield from the logic board.
This takes a bit of force due to the many tiny clips securing the shield, and the shield may deform slightly. That’s okay—try to keep the deformation to a minimum, and it will lay flat when you reinstall it and screw it down.
Remove the logic board EMI shield.

Lift the logic board EMI shield from the edge nearest the top of the iPad.

Peel up the EMI shield from the logic board.

This takes a bit of force due to the many tiny clips securing the shield, and the shield may deform slightly. That’s okay—try to keep the deformation to a minimum, and it will lay flat when you reinstall it and screw it down.

Remove the logic board EMI shield.

Step 24

              Unfasten the battery connector screw

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 1.6 mm-long screw securing the battery connector.

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the 1.6 mm-long screw securing the battery connector.

Step 25

              Battery connector information

These photos show what the battery connector looks like underneath the logic board. Use these photos as a reference while you safely disconnect the battery.
Notice that the battery connector has springs on the logic board that press down against the battery contact pads. You’ll need to slide something thin and flexible between the contact points to disconnect the battery.

These photos show what the battery connector looks like underneath the logic board. Use these photos as a reference while you safely disconnect the battery.

Notice that the battery connector has springs on the logic board that press down against the battery contact pads. You’ll need to slide something thin and flexible between the contact points to disconnect the battery.

Step 26

              Create a battery blocker

Use a piar of scissors to cut two 6 mm x 20 mm strips of a playing card to use as a battery blocker.

Use a piar of scissors to cut two 6 mm x 20 mm strips of a playing card to use as a battery blocker.

Step 27

              Insert the card strips

Gently insert the card strips on each side of the battery connector as far as they will go.
You can also use an iFixit battery blocker. Be very careful and don’t push the battery blocker underneath the connector with excessive force.

Gently insert the card strips on each side of the battery connector as far as they will go.

You can also use an iFixit battery blocker. Be very careful and don’t push the battery blocker underneath the connector with excessive force.

Step 28

              Unfasten the display connector bracket screws

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the display connector bracket:
Two 1.2 mm-long screws
Two 2.4 mm-long screws

Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws securing the display connector bracket:

Two 1.2 mm-long screws

Step 29

              Remove the display connector bracket

Remove the display connector bracket.

Remove the display connector bracket.

Step 30

              Disconnect the display cables

Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display and digitizer cables from their logic board sockets.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
These cables are very delicate, and the connectors can damage easily if they’re misaligned. When you reattach the cables to the logic board, try to have as much slack on the cables and gently press the connectors onto their sockets.

Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the display and digitizer cables from their logic board sockets.

To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

These cables are very delicate, and the connectors can damage easily if they’re misaligned. When you reattach the cables to the logic board, try to have as much slack on the cables and gently press the connectors onto their sockets.

Step 31

              Remove the screen assembly

Remove the screen assembly.

Remove the screen assembly.

Step 32

              Remove the tape

Use tweezers to peel off the tape covering the ZIF connector above the home button.

Use tweezers to peel off the tape covering the ZIF connector above the home button.

Step 33

              Release the ZIF connector

Use the point of a spudger to open the ZIF connector that secures the cable by bringing its flap in an upright position.

Use the point of a spudger to open the ZIF connector that secures the cable by bringing its flap in an upright position.

Step 34

              Disconnect the home button

Use tweezers to slide the cable out of the ZIF connector.

Use tweezers to slide the cable out of the ZIF connector.

Step 35

              Loosen the home button cable adhesive

The home button’s ribbon cable is very fragile. If it gets damaged, Touch ID will no longer function.
Apply a heated iOpener to the home button for 2 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath its cable.
A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the screen.

The home button’s ribbon cable is very fragile. If it gets damaged, Touch ID will no longer function.

Apply a heated iOpener to the home button for 2 minutes to loosen the adhesive underneath its cable.

A hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the screen.

Step 36

              Free the home button cable

Carefully slide an opening pick underneath the home button cable to separate it from the screen.

Carefully slide an opening pick underneath the home button cable to separate it from the screen.

Step 37

              Loosen the home button bracket adhesive.

The home button bracket is held in place with strong adhesive.
Apply a few drops of high concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol to the base of the home button bracket to loosen its adhesive.
A heated iOpener, a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the screen.

The home button bracket is held in place with strong adhesive.

Apply a few drops of high concentration (90% or higher) isopropyl alcohol to the base of the home button bracket to loosen its adhesive.

A heated iOpener, a hair dryer, heat gun, or hot plate may also be used, but be careful not to overheat the screen.

Step 38

              Pry up the home button bracket

Insert the edge of an opening tool under the home button bracket lip.
Carefully pry up with steady force to loosen the bracket.
If you want to transfer your home button to a new screen be especially careful not to damage the home button cable during this procedure.
The adhesive holding this bracket can be stubborn. Apply more isopropyl alcohol or heat if it doesn’t budge.

Insert the edge of an opening tool under the home button bracket lip.

Carefully pry up with steady force to loosen the bracket.

If you want to transfer your home button to a new screen be especially careful not to damage the home button cable during this procedure.

The adhesive holding this bracket can be stubborn. Apply more isopropyl alcohol or heat if it doesn’t budge.

Step 39

              Remove the home button bracket

Use tweezers to carefully pull the home button bracket from underneath the home button cable.
Remove the home button bracket.

Use tweezers to carefully pull the home button bracket from underneath the home button cable.

Remove the home button bracket.

Step 40

              Remove the home button

Gently push the home button from the front of the display inward using the tip of a finger.
Remove the home button.
The home button attaches to the screen with an adhesive gasket. When you transfer the home button to a new display, use some liquid adhesive to glue the button perimeter to the screen.

Gently push the home button from the front of the display inward using the tip of a finger.

Remove the home button.

The home button attaches to the screen with an adhesive gasket. When you transfer the home button to a new display, use some liquid adhesive to glue the button perimeter to the screen.

If possible, turn on your device and test your repair before installing new adhesive and resealing.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

During reassembly, apply new adhesive where it’s necessary after cleaning the relevant areas with isopropyl alcohol (>90%).

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

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Author

                    Dominik Schnabelrauch

Member since: 11/23/2016

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