Now Reading: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) Screen Replacement
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iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st Generation) Screen Replacement
Hi everyone, welcome back to DIYGEARDO 👋
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a complete screen replacement for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation. Whether your display is cracked, unresponsive, or showing visual issues, this step-by-step tutorial will help you safely replace the screen using the right tools and techniques.
The most critical part of any iPad repair is proper heating and careful handling of flex cables. Follow this guide patiently, and you’ll be able to complete the repair successfully without damaging internal components.
Reasons for iPad Pro 12.9 Screen Replacement
You may need to replace the screen if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:
- Cracked or shattered glass
- Touch not responding properly
- Display flickering or dead pixels
- Lines or black spots on the screen
- Screen lifting due to weakened adhesive
- Physical damage from accidental drops
Replacing the screen restores both visual clarity and touch functionality, extending the life of your device.
Repair Difficulty
Difficulty Level: 🔧🔧🔧🔧☆ (4/5 – Advanced)
Estimated Time: 60–90 minutes
Recommended For: Experienced DIYers or technicians
⚠️ This repair requires patience, proper heating, and extreme care around flex cables and the home button assembly.
Before You Begin
Compatibility and Model Numbers
This repair guide based on iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2015 Model.
Also Compatible with Both Wifi and Cellular Edition models.
Model Numbers | iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st Generation, A1584, A1652
Required Tools
- Heating pad / heat gun / hairdryer
- Suction cup
- Plastic card pry tools / opening picks/ Tweezers
- Phillips screwdriver #00 / #000
- Torx T3 Screwdriver
- Adhesive (B7000 or double-sided back cover adhesive)
- Bonding clips or rubber bands (optional but recommended)
Make sure the device is turned off and the SIM tray is removed (For Cellular Version)before starting.
How to Find Tools and Parts
- Heating pad – https://amzn.to/3H0tHzJ
- Portable Heat Gun – https://amzn.to/4mszih1
- Clamps https://amzn.to/3GYJT4w
- STREBITO 142 Piece Repair Tool Kit https://amzn.to/3UO1jUx
- Glue | Adhesive https://amzn.to/46exVxe
- Compatible Parts –
- Battery – https://amzn.to/4gwRF2O
- LCD Screen – https://amzn.to/4mmy5r2
- Other Parts – https://amzn.to/3IwgRK2
- Silicone Work Repair Mat https://amzn.to/45Emz5l
✅ Protect Your iPad Pro 12.9
- Protector For The Screen https://amzn.to/4gvYWzC
- Best Cases For Your iPad https://amzn.to/48pnJ6y
Step-by-Step iPad Pro 12.9 Screen Replacement Guide
Step 1: Heat the Front Glass
Proper heating is the most important step.
- Place the iPad on a heating pad
- Heat only the front side of the device
- Select tablet heating mode and wait until heating completes
- Alternatively, use a heat gun evenly around the edges
Step 2: Lift the Screen
- Attach a suction cup near the edge of the screen
- Gently lift the glass while inserting plastic card pry tools
- Slowly cut through the adhesive around the frame
- Be patient and gentle—this process takes time
⚠️ Do not pull forcefully, as flex cables are still attached.
Step 3: Open the Screen Safely
- Lift the screen from the top side to about a 45-degree angle
- Ensure the iPad body is flat on the table
Step 4: Disconnect the broken Screen
- Remove three screws securing the LCD connector bracket
- Carefully disconnect:
- LCD connector
- Touch digitizer connector
- The screen can now be removed from the body
Step 5: Clean the Frame
- Remove broken glass pieces
- Clear old adhesive residue from the frame edges
- Ensure the frame is clean and smooth for reinstallation
Step 6: Remove the Home Button from the Old Screen
- Carefully remove the sponge covering the connector
- Lift the connector lever and slide out the flex cable
- Gently pry the flex cable free using a plastic tool
- Apply light heat to the home button bracket
- Slowly pry the bracket loose (this step takes time)
- Push the home button gently from the front to release it
⚠️ Be extremely careful—damaging this flex will disable Touch ID.
Step 7: Install the Home Button on the New Screen
- Place the home button into the new screen
- Secure the bracket firmly
- Slide the flex cable into the connector
- Lock the lever and ensure a secure connection
Step 8: Reconnect the New Screen
- Lay the iPad body flat on the table
- Insert the screen from the bottom at a 45-degree angle
- Reconnect:
- LCD connector
- Touch connector
- Reinstall the connector bracket and secure with three screws
Step 9: Test Before Sealing
- Power on the device
- Test:
- Display
- Touch functionality
- Home button
- Proceed only if everything works correctly
Step 10: Apply Adhesive and Seal the Screen
- Apply B7000 glue or LCD adhesive along the frame edges
- Insert the bottom of the screen first, then align the top
- Gently press along the sides until the screen clicks into place
- Use bonding clips or rubber bands to hold the screen
- Leave it clamped for some time to ensure proper bonding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I replace only the glass on the iPad Pro 12.9 1st gen?
A: No. The glass and LCD are fused together, so the entire display assembly must be replaced.
Q: Will Touch ID work after screen replacement?
A: Yes, as long as the original home button flex is transferred carefully without damage.
Q: How long should I leave the screen clamped?
A: At least 30–60 minutes for best adhesion results.
Q: Is heating really necessary?
A: Yes. Proper heating prevents glass breakage and frame damage during removal.
Troubleshooting (After The Repair)
Q: The screen doesn’t turn on after replacement. What should I check?
A: Recheck the LCD and touch connectors to ensure they are fully seated and secured.
Q: Touch is not responding properly.
A: Make sure the digitizer connector is connected correctly and not damaged.
Q: Home button is not working.
A: The home button flex may not be seated properly or could be damaged during transfer.
Q: Screen lifting after installation.
A: Apply additional adhesive and clamp the screen longer for a stronger bond.
Final Thoughts
That’s it! 🎉
You’ve successfully completed the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st generation screen replacement. Take your time during heating and flex cable handling—those steps make all the difference.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, share this guide, and don’t forget to subscribe to GEARDO for more professional repair tutorials.
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