Introduction
Many Apple iPads can have the digitizer easily changed without the need for special laminating machines. However, some of the high-end devices contain bonded screens where the digitizer is laminated to the display. When the screen breaks on these models (including the iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 4 and iPad Pro series) you would normally have to swap out the complete display. The good news is that you can now have these broken iPad LCDs refurbished at a price that makes it well worth your time.
Requirements
As long as the LCD itself is still functioning, you can send us the display and we are able to refurbish it by laminating a new digitizer onto your LCD. Unlike our iPhone refurbishing service, we don’t require the touch to be working in order to refurbish these iPads. This is because our process involves laminating a new touchscreen and only using as close to original parts as possible.
For us to be able to refurbish your iPad screens, the LCD itself needs to be fully working (only the touch can be defective). If there is any sign of LCD bleed, waves on the backlight, yellow bruising on the screen or pressure marks from the cracked glass then we would normally reject that screen.
Sending Us Your iPad Screens
If you would like to send us Apple iPad LCD screens to be refurbished please complete our refurbishment form first. Once you’ve filled in your details, if you would like specific colours returned to you please add that as a note in the “Other” box.
After the form has been completed a copy will be emailed to you. When you receive this please print off a copy and include it inside your the package alongside the screens.
It is important you package the screens correctly to ensure they don’t get damaged in the post. (See our “How to Pack Screens” guide for full details). When the glass is already cracked, it makes the underlying LCD panel weaker as there is no support from the glass to protect it. Any flexing of the screen can risk it getting broken, and rejected for refurbishment.
Example refurbishment form. Please click here to view and fill in the current version.
Once We Receive Your iPad Screens
Initial Checks
When your package arrives with us we check every screen carefully to make sure there are no defects. We’re looking for backlight damage, pressure marks on the screen, or even a badly dented backlight- all of which may mean an LCD is rejected. However, we always send back rejected screens with an order so if you’re not sure whether we would accept a particular LCD or not, then you’re more than welcome to send it to us to check.
Once we’ve tested the screens, we complete an intake form to make sure the total number (and type) of screens sent matches those listed on your form.
The Refurbishment Itself
Once the broken digitizer has been removed, we then clean up the iPad LCD and replace the polarizer as necessary. Next, the LCD would be fitted into the mould for our laminating machine, ready to get the new digitizer laminated. We only use the highest quality digitizers, and they are as close to original as possible. The new digitizer contains the rainbow tint around the camera hole and an oleophobic (grease-resistant) coating.
After lamination, we put the refurbished iPad LCD into our autoclave to remove any bubbles that have not been removed during lamination.
Finally, once all the bubbles have been removed, the newly refurbished iPad LCD moves to the final stages where we solder a new sensor (if necessary), and fully test the LCD for any dust, imperfections or touch issues. Once everything has been checked we fit our warranty sticker and package it in a bubble bag ready to be shipped back to you.
From left to right:- Cutting the broken glass off, the LCD inside the custom mould, the rainbow tint around the camera hole and the oleophobic coating.
From left to right:- The LCDs in the autoclave, soldering the sensor, adding the stamp and warranty sticker, completed screens ready to go in the padded bags and screens getting packed before being sent out.
