How to Replace the Touch Screen Digitizer on iPad 6, 7, 8 and 9
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A cracked iPad screen where the picture still looks fine is a digitizer-only repair. You keep the LCD, swap the glass, and the customer pays far less than for a full assembly. This guide covers the iPad 6 (2018), iPad 7 (2019), iPad 8 (2020) and iPad 9 (2021), and shows how to do the job without damaging the LCD or the home button.
Time needed: 60 to 90 minutes
Difficulty: Advanced (the LCD is fragile and the glass is firmly bonded)
Is this a digitizer-only job?
Check these before you start:
- The picture is clear. No lines, black patches, bleeding colour or pressure marks. If the LCD is damaged, a full screen assembly is the better repair.
- The glass is cracked or touch is faulty, but the display itself works.
- The home button works. Touch ID is paired to the iPad, so you will be reusing the original sensor.
Not sure which iPad you have? See our guide on how to find your iPad model number and which iPads share parts.
Which digitizer fits which iPad?
| iPad | Digitizer |
|---|---|
| iPad 6 (2018) | Touch screen digitizer with IC connector, white |
| iPad 7, 8 and 9 (2019 to 2021) | TQ1 digitizer with IC connector and Tesa tape installed, black |
The iPad 5 (2017) and iPad Air 1 use a different digitizer, so always check the model number first.
Tools you will need
- Heat mat or heat gun on a low setting
- Suction cup and thin opening picks
- Plastic spudger and tweezers
- Small Phillips screwdriver and the driver for the home button bracket
- Isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth
- Replacement digitizer with IC connector (the iPad 7/8/9 version comes with Tesa tape already fitted)
- Anti-static mat or wrist strap and good lighting
Step-by-step replacement
1. Power off and protect the glass
Turn the iPad off. If the glass is badly cracked, cover it with clear packing tape so shards stay in place and the suction cup can grip.
2. Heat and release the glass
Warm the edges gently and evenly. Use a suction cup and opening picks to work around the frame, and slowly separate the glass from the adhesive. Go slowly. The LCD is right underneath, and uneven force can crack or mark it.
3. Lift the glass and disconnect
Lift the glass only a little, as it is still connected by the digitizer cable. Disconnect the battery connector first if your model gives easy access, then disconnect the digitizer cable.
4. Remove the LCD
Remove the screws holding the LCD, lift it out carefully and set it on a clean, soft surface. Keep it face-up and free of dust.
5. Transfer the home button
Carefully remove the home button and its bracket from the old glass and fit them onto the new digitizer. Always use the original home button. Touch ID is paired to the iPad's logic board, so a replacement button will not work with fingerprint login.
6. Clean the frame
Remove old adhesive and glass fragments from the frame with a plastic tool and isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the frame is clean and dust-free.
7. Test before you stick it down
Reconnect the new digitizer with its IC connector, refit the LCD and temporarily connect everything. Power on and test touch across the whole screen, including the edges and corners, and check that the home button works. Fix any problems before the glass is bonded.
8. Fit the glass
Disconnect again if needed, remove the backing from the Tesa tape or adhesive, line up the digitizer carefully with the frame and press it down evenly. Leave the iPad under light, even pressure for a few hours if you can.
Common mistakes that cause comebacks
| Problem | Likely cause | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| LCD cracked or marked | Uneven force or too much heat while releasing the glass | Heat gently, go slowly and support the glass |
| Touch works in patches or ghosts | Connector or IC connector not fully seated | Reseat and retest before sticking down |
| Touch ID not working | Home button damaged or a replacement was used | Transfer the original button carefully |
| Dust or specks under the glass | LCD or glass not cleaned | Clean the LCD and the underside of the glass before fitting |
| Glass lifts at the corners | Frame not cleaned or no pressure applied | Clean the frame well and apply even pressure |
Things to tell the customer
- Original LCD stays: the display is not replaced, so any existing screen faults remain.
- Touch ID: it should keep working if the original home button is moved carefully, but a damaged button cannot be replaced like for like.
- Adhesive curing: avoid pressing hard on the screen for the first day.
Where to buy
We stock digitizers for iPad 6, 7, 8 and 9 for wholesale and repair shop customers, with same-day pickup on weekday orders before 5pm at Coopers Plains. See our Brisbane mobile phone screen supplier page or browse the catalogue above.
Parts are available for pickup in store or delivery across Australia.
FAQ
Can I replace just the glass on an iPad?
Yes, on the iPad 6 to 9 the digitizer is a separate part. It is harder than a full assembly swap, so make sure the LCD is in perfect condition first.
How long does an iPad digitizer replacement take?
Allow 60 to 90 minutes for an experienced technician.
Will Touch ID still work after the repair?
Yes, if you transfer the original home button without damaging it.
What does the IC connector do?
It is the small chip on the digitizer cable that lets the iPad read touch correctly. Our digitizers come with it fitted, so no soldering is needed.
