How to Replace Apple iPad 3G SIM Board Tutorial

Duration: 45 minutes

Steps: 16 Steps

Get ready to tackle that broken SIM board! With this guide in hand, you’ll be replacing it in no time. Let’s dive in and get your device back to its awesome self. And remember, if you need help, you can always schedule a repair.

Step 1

Put on your safety glasses to keep those peepers protected, and watch out for that LCD screen—it’s more delicate than it looks!

– If your display glass is cracked, let’s keep it from shattering further and ensure you stay safe during your repair by applying some tape to the glass.

– Grab some clear packing tape and lay overlapping strips over the iPad’s display until the entire surface is nicely covered.

– Now, do your best to follow the rest of the guide as laid out. Just a heads up, once the glass starts cracking, it might keep on doing its thing while you work. You may need to use a metal prying tool to carefully scoop out the glass.

Step 2

The iPad in the pictures might have a slightly different look than yours, but don’t sweat it—the steps are exactly the same!

– Slide a metal spudger between the right edge of the display assembly and the rear panel assembly—just like sliding into a cozy booth at your favorite diner.

– Gently twist the spudger away from you to pop those tabs along the top edge of the display free, like unfastening a stubborn button.

Tools Used

Metal Spudger

Step 3

– Slide a second metal spudger between the top edge of the display assembly and the rear panel assembly to prevent those pesky tabs from snapping back into their cozy little spots.

– Gently pry the display assembly away from the rear panel, giving it just the right amount of encouragement.

Tools Used

Metal Spudger

Step 4

Be super careful as you work your way to the top edge of the iPad! The digitizer ribbon cable is hanging out near the rear panel edge, and it’s a bit of a delicate flower that could get damaged easily.

– Keep gently prying the display assembly away from the rear panel, starting from the bottom and working your way up the left edges of the iPad. You’re doing great!

Step 5

Be gentle when lifting the display assembly off the iPad; there’s a delicate antenna cable connecting the two components that doesn’t have much wiggle room. Let’s keep that connection safe and sound!

– Gently lift the display assembly from the rear panel assembly by its bottom edge, like you’re unveiling a surprise!

Step 6

– Gently use the flat end of a spudger to lift the antenna connector that’s closest to the bottom of the iPad off its socket on the communications board. You’re doing great—keep it up!

Step 7

– Alright, let’s get those cables disconnected! In the next few steps, we’ll be untangling three cables that connect the display assembly to the logic board. These cables are for some important components, so let’s do this carefully!

Step 8

Just a friendly reminder: make sure you’re lifting the retaining flap and not the socket itself. Keep it smooth and steady!

– Grab your trusty iPod opening tool and gently lift those retaining flaps that are keeping the digitizer ribbon cables snug in their sockets on the logic board. You’ve got this!

– Now, with a steady hand, pull the digitizer ribbon cables straight out of their cozy sockets. Easy peasy!

Step 9

– Grab your trusty iPod opening tool and give the ambient light sensor connector a gentle nudge upwards to pop it out of its socket. You’ve got this!

Step 10

Gently pull the connector straight out, keeping it level with the face of the logic board. You’ve got this!

– Gently lift the metal retainer using its black plastic pull tab to release the display data cable from the main board.

– Carefully pull the cable connector away from its socket and say goodbye to that connection!

Step 11

– Gently detach the display assembly from the back panel assembly.

Step 12

– Gently slide the edge of your trusty iPod opening tool under the SIM board connector and give it a little lift to pop it off the logic board socket. You’ve got this!