iPad 3G Dock Connector Cable Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 17 Steps
Ready to swap out your iPad's connector cable? Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions and get your device back in action. Let's make this repair a breeze!
Step 1
Pop on those safety glasses to keep your eyes safe, and take care around the LCD screen—no need for extra drama!
This keeps those sneaky glass shards from flying everywhere and gives your screen some extra muscle while you’re prying and lifting the display.
- Got a cracked screen? Let's keep those shards in check and protect your fingers by covering the glass with tape.
- Layer strips of clear packing tape across the iPad’s display, overlapping until the entire surface is sealed up.
- Follow the rest of the guide step-by-step, but heads up—broken glass likes to keep cracking. If needed, grab a metal prying tool to carefully scoop out any stubborn pieces.
Step 2
Your iPad might not match the one in the pictures exactly, but don’t worry—the steps are the same, so you’re totally good to go!
- Slide a metal spudger gently between the right side of the display assembly and the back panel.
- Twist the spudger away from you to pop loose the tabs along the top edge of the display.
Tools Used
Step 3
- Slide in a second metal spudger between the top edge of your display assembly and the rear panel assembly to keep those tabs from springing back into place.
- Gently pry the display assembly away from the rear panel.
Tools Used
Step 4
Handle with care as you get close to the top edge of the iPad! The digitizer ribbon cable is hiding just near the rear panel's edge, and it’s super easy to accidentally mess it up.
- Keep gently working the display assembly free from the rear panel, focusing on the bottom and left edges of your iPad. You've got this!
Step 5
Careful now! Don’t yank the display assembly too far from the iPad — there’s a delicate antenna cable with barely any wiggle room still holding things together.
- Gently peel the display assembly away from the rear panel by grabbing it at the bottom edge and lifting it up.
Step 6
- Gently slide the flat end of your spudger under the antenna connector near the bottom of the iPad and carefully lift it off its spot on the communications board.
Step 7
- Next up, we’re going to unplug the three cables that connect the display assembly to the logic board. These cables handle:
- Digitizer
- Ambient Light Sensor
- Display Data Cable
Step 8
Heads up—make sure you're lifting the tiny retaining flap and not prying up the whole socket!
- Gently slide the edge of an opening tool under the retaining flaps that keep the digitizer ribbon cables snug in their sockets on the logic board, and flip them up.
- Carefully pull the digitizer ribbon cables straight out from their sockets.
Step 9
- Grab your iPod opening tool and carefully pry upward to unplug the ambient light sensor connector from its spot without breaking a sweat.
Step 10
Gently slide the connector straight out, keeping it flat against the logic board’s surface.
- Gently lift the metal retainer by the black plastic pull tab to free the display data cable from the main board.
- Carefully pull the cable connector away from its socket. You've got this!
Step 11
- Gently pry the display assembly away from the rear panel assembly to separate them.
Step 12
- Unscrew the two 4.56 mm T5 Torx screws holding the dock connector cable to the main board. Keep track of these little guys—they’re key to getting things apart!
Step 13
- Unscrew that lone 2.84 mm T5 Torx screw that's holding the dock connector cable to the rear case assembly. You've got this!
Step 14
- Unscrew those two 2.84 mm T5 Torx screws holding down the dock connector cable to the back panel. A little twist and they’re out!
Step 15
- Gently pop off that plastic shield covering the WiFi/Bluetooth board and dock connector cable using your trusty iPod opening tool. Take it slow, like you’re opening a treasure chest!
Step 16
- Carefully lift the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antennas off their spots on the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth board, giving those connections a gentle nudge.
Step 17
- Now, just backtrack those steps like a pro and put your device together again. If you hit a snag, no worries! Just schedule a repair and we’ll help you out.
