iPad 4 Wi-Fi Adhesive Strips (Existing Panel) Replacement
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 15 Steps
Heads up! This part is meant to be used only with front panel assemblies you already have on hand.
Follow this guide to swap out those old adhesive strips and get your iPad 4 sealed up like new after a repair. This is for use with your existing front panel assembly only. Need a hand? Feel free to schedule a repair if things get tricky!
Step 1
- Unscrew the two 2.1 mm Phillips #00 screws holding the home button control board onto its mounting bracket. Keep these little guys safe!
Step 2
- Slide the flat edge of a plastic opening tool gently between the right side of the home button control board and its mounting bracket.
- Press the plastic opening tool downward to carefully lift and loosen the adhesive holding the home button control board to the mounting bracket.
- Do the same on the left side to free up the adhesive beneath the home button control board.
Step 3
- Carefully lift the home button control board off its mounting bracket—think of it as gently freeing a little gadget buddy!
Step 5
Align the home button control board with the bottom of the home button mounting bracket to ensure everything fits nicely.
- Carefully set the home button control board on top of the home button mounting bracket, like you're placing a delicate treasure on its pedestal.
Step 6
- Grab those two 2.1 mm Phillips #00 screws and pop them back into the home button control board to secure it snugly against the home button mounting bracket. You've got this!
Step 7
- Next up, it's time to stick on the last bits of adhesive to the front panel.
- Hold off on peeling the backing off the strips for now—no rush!
- Carefully place the bridge-shaped adhesive strip between the top edge of the inner frame of the front panel and the camera mounting bracket.
- Gently smooth the strip from the center outwards, making sure to keep it bubble-free and snug against the panel. We don't want any air pockets sneaking in!
Step 8
- Stick the long, C-shaped adhesive strip right on the edge of the front panel. It's like giving your device a cozy little hug!
Step 9
Gently move that home button ribbon cable aside before sticking down the next adhesive strip. A little space now can save you some frustration later!
- Stick the straight, medium-length adhesive strip on the bottom right of the front panel, right under the home button ribbon cable. Easy does it!
Step 10
- Stick the tabbed rectangular adhesive strip neatly onto the bottom right corner of the front panel.
Step 11
- Grab that long L-shaped adhesive strip and stick it onto the bottom left corner of the front panel. It’ll hold everything in place like a pro!
Step 12
- Stick that short, rectangular adhesive strip right on the top left corner of the front panel—easy does it!
Step 13
- Place the final, short L-shaped adhesive strip on the top left corner of the front panel.
Step 14
Hold off on peeling the clear backing off the strips for now. Patience, it'll be worth it!
- Grab a trusty pair of tweezers and gently peel away the clear backing from the adhesive strip right under the home button ribbon cable. You're almost there!
- Now, carefully lay the home button ribbon cable onto that adhesive strip. Smooth it down from the center outwards, making sure to keep any pesky air bubbles from crashing the party between the strip and the front panel.
Tools Used
Step 15
Gently close the front panel onto the iPad, making sure it fits snugly inside the plastic bezel. Take care not to trap any dirt or fingerprints between the glass and the LCD.
To help everything seal up nicely, flip the iPad face down on a soft surface like a padded envelope or cloth. Then, stack a couple of books on top to apply some weight. Let it chill like this for a few hours before powering it back on.
- To put your device back together, just follow these steps in reverse—easy peasy! And if you hit a snag, remember you can always schedule a repair with us.
