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Published on: 22.02.2024 | updated on: 02.04.2024
If you are an iPad user, you must know how delicate iPad screens are. A moment of carelessness, and the next thing, you’re paying hundreds of dollars for screen replacement. But not all signs of screen damage are as loud as a cracked screen; some screen damage can be minor. In this article, we will discuss all the signs of iPad screen damage and the best approach to fix it.
iPads are durable devices, but if mishandled, these devices can sustain damage such as cracked screens, broken charging ports, or water damage. To keep using the device smoothly, it’s important to diagnose the issue behind why your iPad is not working properly and perform necessary repairs to restore its functionality. Depending on the type of damage and the model, the repair cost may vary from store to store.
iPads have long been the tablet of choice for professionals and students on the go. The big screen offers ample space for users to take notes, make presentations, or watch Netflix, but there’s only one problem with the big screen. It quickly gets damaged, and despite Apple making significant improvements to enhance the durability of the screen, it is still prone to breaking.
Listed below are some very obvious signs of screen damage that are hard to ignore:
A cracked iPad screen can range from a minor hairline fracture to a complete shatter that spreads across the entire display. Minor cracks may only degrade aesthetics, but larger cracks severely impact the visibility and functionality of the iPad. Users may struggle to see applications and interact with them appropriately. Similarly, the touch screen can also become unresponsive in certain areas, further limiting what users can do with their devices. Moreover, cracked or shattered screens also put users at risk of cutting their fingers. iPads with cracked screens are also at a higher risk of water or dust damage.
Users may experience frustratingly declining functionality as some areas of the screen may fail to respond to touches, taps, or swipes, making different parts of the screen or the entire screen unusable. The screen may also struggle to recognize touch accurately, leading to users experiencing applications opening unintentionally, gestures not registering correctly, and difficulties scrolling or selecting text.
Another big sign hinting towards screen damage is display abnormalities. Users may experience discoloration like tints or blotches that persist across apps and screens. Similarly, horizontal or vertical lines may also appear out of nowhere on the screen. Users may also notice dead pixels, which are tiny black dots that appear randomly on the screen. All of these display abnormalities make using apps, reading, watching videos, and performing other tasks increasingly difficult.
While an iPad may still technically work despite a cracked screen, failing to fix it timely can cause the issue to worsen over time. The cracked glass can continue to splinter, making it extremely difficult to interact with the device and also putting users at risk of injury.
Here are some key functional impacts you will experience while using an iPad with a broken screen;
A cracked or shattered iPad screen can make it very difficult to see content and interact with apps. Deep cracks scattering across the display and display abnormalities can significantly degrade visibility and spoil the user experience. Trying to read, play games, draw, or even simply swipe across the home page becomes a challenge.
The front camera and different sensors are located under the front glass. The camera may fail to function properly if the cracks physically obstruct the cameras. This may cause blurry or spoiled photos. Similarly, sensors for Face ID located next to the camera may also fail to detect the user’s face properly, thus significantly impacting the efficiency of the feature.
Face ID is Apple’s most commonly used security feature. However, since it relies on precise projection and mapping of over 30,000 dots to recognize facial topography, any obstruction or damage to the TrueDepth camera can affect the efficiency of the Face ID. In some instances, Face ID may fail entirely if the damage is spread over the front camera system.
Now that you have easily identified different signs of screen damage, it is time to replace it to restore complete functionality. A repair from an authorized Apple service provider is undoubtedly the best option, but depending upon the extent of the damage, you may be quoted hundreds of dollars in repair fees.
Or you could DIY and get the job done at more than half the cost. It indeed sounds like a great option, but it’s not that easy, and there are certain things you should keep in mind.
Attempting an iPad screen replacement without proper training and equipment is a risky process.
Separating the cracked screen requires slicing through strong adhesive with razors or heat with little margin for error. During disassembly, you must be careful not to damage other components like the ribbon cables or the front-facing camera.
Another challenge for users performing DIY is to match screws and connectors properly when installing the new replacement screen. Small mistakes can altogether disable Face ID and other features.
Fixing an iPad screen yourself requires a lot of time and precision. Even minor mistakes can lead to increased internal damage, which would be more complicated and expensive to fix.
For most people, it's safer to have a professional fix it to avoid further damage. Fixing an iPad yourself with no prior experience is highly challenging, but it’s not impossible. If you are determined to fix the issue yourself, here are some essential tips for you, but keep in mind that DIY repairs may void the warranty on your device;
Watch tutorial videos and read guides specific to your iPad model.
Ensure you have all necessary tools, such as screwdrivers, a heat gun, or a hairdryer for loosening adhesive.
Work in a dust-free, well-lit area to avoid losing small parts.
Organize screws and parts as you remove them to ensure easy reassembly.
Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging fragile components.
Avoid puncturing or applying heat directly to the battery to prevent potential hazards.
Consider consulting a professional to avoid further damage if you encounter something unexpected or beyond your skill level.
Although DIY is cost-effective and more fun, it is also riskier. Here are some reasons why you should consider a professional repair instead:
Professionals have high-quality precision tools that minimize the chance of damage during service.
Repair techs have the skillset and the experience through performing hundreds of procedures for different iPad generations to repair your device error-free.
Most professional services come with a warranty on service quality, offering peace of mind.
Professional repair services use only high-quality and industry-compliant screens for replacements, which can be difficult for an amateur to get their hands on.
When it comes to the cost of fixing an iPad screen, it comes down to two main factors;
The specific model of your iPad has a strong influence on its repair cost. For instance, parts and labor for the latest 12.9" iPad Pro with mini LED cost much more than a standard 6th-generation model. Similarly, Face ID sensors on newer models also drive up costs as compared to older iPads with Touch ID.
The other factor affecting the cost of an iPad screen replacement is the type and extent of screen damage. A small crack costs less to fix than a screen shattered into fragments. Similarly, repairs requiring whole display assembly swaps are pricier than glass-only repairs.
The cost to get your iPad screen replaced may vary depending on the model and the extent of damage. The repair store may also impact the cost of screen replacement. On average, it costs $113 to get your iPad screen replaced from Simply Fixable. However, it costs $224.96 on average for iPad screen replacement from Apple.
If you decide to replace your iPad’s screen by yourself, the first thing you need to invest in is the part (LCD and digitizer), which may cost you between $40 and $200, depending on your iPad’s model.
iPads are delicate and should be kept with care if you want to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on screen replacements. Here are some preventive measures to prevent iPad screen damage.
Avoid applying pressure on the display.
Apply a high-quality screen protector to shield the display from scratches and cracks. Tempered glass protectors offer superior protection compared to plastic ones.
Choose a case that provides good protection, especially with raised edges, to protect the screen when the iPad is facing down.
Even though some iPads have water resistance, keeping them away from water and other liquids is best to prevent accidental spills.
You can test your iPad screen by checking its touch responsiveness, adjusting its screen brightness, and navigating through the apps.
Any kind of pressure or impact, drop, scratches, or exposure to water or extreme temperatures can damage your iPad’s screen.
Repairing an iPad screen is a challenging task and may require specialized tools and expertise to do it safely to avoid damage to other components.
Yes, pressing hard on your iPad screen can damage it.
Some light screen flexing is considered normal, especially if you’re using a pen. However, make sure not to put too much pressure on the screen when using it with a finger or pencil.
You can void the warranty and also risk damaging other components, especially if you don’t have the knowledge to perform screen replacement yourself.
Yes, some repair kits available online include the necessary tools to replace your iPad screen by yourself at home.
iPad screens are very delicate and can easily get damaged if the device is improperly handled. If you notice any symptoms like unresponsiveness, discoloration, or problems with Face ID, there could be screen damage that you should fix as soon as possible. While DIY screen replacement is possible for those willing to take risks, professional repair services are the best solution due to their technical expertise, quality parts, and warranties.
Regardless of who repairs your iPad, the costs vary based on the iPad model and the extent of damage. With preventative care and prompt action to repair the damage, an iPad's screen can be fixed back to full functionality.
Tech Writer | Photographer
LinkedIn: Madiha Khadim
Madi is a dynamic tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex concepts. Her expertise lies in creating clear and concise guides, blogs, manuals, and tutorials that empower users to navigate the technological landscape with ease. Throughout her career, Madi has worked with numerous leading tech companies, collaborating with engineers, developers, designers and marketers to create user manuals, FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and tech articles, on the websites such as "Technology Castle" and "Bilzimo". She can transform intricate technical jargon into user-friendly language, empowering users to understand and utilize products effectively.
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