How to replace a broken iPad touch screen by DIY?

  If you happen to drop your iPad face down and crack the screen -- don't panic. Even if you don't want to replace it yourself, Apple will likely do it for you at your local Apple store. However, this service will generally set you back $250 - $350. This is why you may consider reading this guide and replacing the display yourself. You may be aware that there are multiple choices for you cracked iPad 2 touch screen. If you are a tech-savvy user, touch screen replacement is your priority. However, how to replace a broken iPad touch screen by yourself?

  In this guide, I'll walk you step-by-step through the process of replacing your broken iPad screen. We'll start by identifying which parts you need, which tools you need, taking the iPad apart and finally reinstalling the new iPad digitizer.

Step one: Identifying which parts you need replaced and which you can reuse is the first step in fixing your broken iPad screen. Knowing which parts you need is key because it will help you save money. Keep in mind that if you own an iPad 2, you will need to purchase a different screen because it has different dimensions. If you happen to own a 3G version of the iPad, you will also need to purchase a special display indicating 3G support. There are two different displays that connect together and are both part of the front assembly: the digitizer touch screen and LCD screen.

  This is the one thing that confused me at first when figuring out which parts to purchase. The digitizer is the screen you touch on your iPad for input and the one that you probably broke. You most likely won't need to replace both the digitizer and the LCD, but simply the digitizer. However, if you get no picture or a dark picture on your iPad, you may need to replace both. Also, if your touch inputs are not working, but you can see the display perfectly, you will need just a new digitizer. The digitizer sits right on the front of the panel and includes the home button and the side panel. The LCD screen sits underneath it, and is thicker, but smaller in perimeter. It also comes in a setup full of screws and ribbons that connect to the digitizer. The digitizer only comes with one ribbon that connects directly to the LCD.

Step two: Once you purchase the digitizer, you will need to purchase a few additional tools.

If you find a trustworthy third-party retailer for your iPad touch screen, they will offer a set of necessary tool to you.

Step three: To begin, take off the protective plastic from the digitizer's screen. Then lay down the digitizer next to your iPad with the cracked digitizer. You will need to grab the metallic prying tool and insert it at the wedge located near the edge of the front panel. The wedge is positioned between the black part of the panel and the aluminum. It can be difficult to do this at first and you may feel that you are forcing the metallic tool inside. However, the screen will be displayed anyway -- including the home button and black side panel. Don't worry too much about denting or scratching it as long as you don't damage any internal parts or the ribbon connectors. Once you secure the metal Spudger or prying tool inside the digitizer you will need to pull up slowly and turn it around counterclockwise. It will be very secure and hard to move due to the metal clips in place. I recommend grabbing the plastic prying tool or a separate screwdriver and leaving it on one side of the opening, prying up next to it to create widget room with the metal spudger.

Step four: The next step involves grabbing your brand new digitizer and putting it in place where the previous, broken one was. Start by placing the screen on a flat surface and place the LCD in-between the edges where the screws fit. Next I recommend putting back the metallic clips that you bought as a replacement. These are the clips that must be screwed in on the sides of the front assembly, and secure the iPad's two frames together. The next and final step, after you have connected all the cables back in place, involves securing the digitizer onto the rear panel with the metallic clips. You will need to push down each side carefully until the clips snap in place and the iPad is put back together as it was originally.

  Many of the instructional tutorials make this process look easy, but it is a lot harder than it looks. Don't be surprised if your digitizer keeps falling back into place onto the front panel, until you eventually start loosening or breaking the metal clips. Starting on one of the iPad's four corners may make it easier for you. As you may have noticed, fixing a broken iPad 2 screen digitizer by yourself is not as easy as it may look at first, but it is very doable. I would suggest having this guide with you and watching a few video tutorials of the process beforehand.