How to Replace a Cracked, Broken, or Flickering Touchscreen Display on the Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch 1st and 2nd Gen (DIY Repair Guide)

Does your 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd Gen, model numbers: A1934, A1980, A1979, A2013, A2068, A2228, A2230, and A2231) have a cracked or shattered screen? Does the display register inconsistent or ghost touches, flicker unexpectedly, stay dark, or show flashing lines? If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s time to install a new display touchscreen digitizer.

In this DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the display and LCD digitizer on the 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 1st and 2nd Gen (11-inch) with new OEM spares without technical skills or expertise. You will find all the tools required for this repair and original replacement parts below.

Want to get your tablet repaired by a professional? Send us the 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 1st and 2nd Gen (11-inch), and our repair ninjas will restore it to peak working condition. Follow the link, select the issues you’re experiencing, click Continue, enter your email ID, and click Get My Estimate to view the repair cost instantly.

Repair Difficulty

Moderate / Requires 30-45 minutes to complete.

This repair involves carefully removing the fragile display from the iPad housing without cracking it and preserving the delicate internal cables and antennas during disassembly. You don’t need prior experience or technical skills to complete this repair yourself. With the right tools, patience, and attention to detail, you can replace the cracked, broken, or damaged display on the 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 11-inch yourself.

Replacement Parts You’ll Need

Restore your Apple iPad Pro’s charging functionality with original replacement parts. Select the OEM spares from the drop-down menu below and bring your device back to peak working condition.

• OEM Original iPad Pro 11” Screen Assembly (1st & 2nd Gen) LCD + Touch (2018–2020)

• Apple iPad Repair Kit Pro Air Screen Opening Resealing Tool Set

Get an OEM replacement display LCD digitizer for your Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) today. Click the link to visit our store, then scroll down to the Customers Also Add section to purchase the original replacement part and the tools you’ll need for this repair at a discount.

Tools You’ll Need

Before starting the Apple iPad Air 4 display and touch digitizer replacement, gather the following tools. Using the correct instruments will help you complete the repair successfully. We used the following tools and recommend them for a safe, professional-quality DIY repair at home.

• 1.5mm Phillips Screwdriver
• 1.5mm Flathead Screwdriver
• Nylon Spudger
• Heat Gun
• Apple iPad LCD Screen Removal Thin Pry Star Shape Tool
• Apple iPad LCD Tablet Screen Removal Thin Triangle Shape Plastic Pry Pick Tool
• 3M Double-sided Tape (2mm)
• 3M Double-sided Tape (4mm)
• Suction Cup
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Heat-proof Anti-skid Rubber Work Mat

Not ready to invest in tools yet? Find your device in our repair catalog, select the issues it’s experiencing, and send it to us. Our repair ninjas will restore your device to peak working condition.

Step-by-Step DIY Guide to Replacing the Broken, Cracked, or Damaged Display Touchscreen Digitizer on the 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) at Home

In this detailed DIY repair guide, we show you how to replace the shattered, cracked, or unresponsive touchscreen display on the 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) yourself. Follow each step carefully and use the accompanying images as a visual guide to complete the repair with confidence.

Step 1: Extract the Broken, Damaged, or Cracked Screen from the Housing

If your iPad’s display is severely damaged, we recommend covering the entire surface with adhesive film to prevent glass shards from flying around the room. Before starting any electronics repair, switch off the device and disconnect it from the power source.

1.1. Heat the edge of the display with a heat gun at 200°C (392°F) at low airflow to soften the adhesive.

1.2. Insert the thin flexible pry tool into the seam between the display and the housing near the volume control buttons and gently pry up the LCD.

1.3. Lift the broken display with a suction cup as you work your way around the screen with a pry tool. Apply heat as necessary to prevent the adhesive from hardening.

1.4. Separate the display from the housing by pulling gently on the suction cup and cutting the adhesive with the pry tool.

Pro Tip: Do not insert the pick tool more than 2 mm into the wedge, or you might damage the underlying display ribbon cable or the GPS and cellular antennas.

1.5. Unfasten the screws securing the plate on top of the Face ID connector with a 1.5mm Phillips screwdriver and disconnect the ribbon cable with a nylon spudger.

1.6. Flip the display over and unfasten the 3 screws securing the plate over the display connector.

1.7. Disconnect the ribbon cable with a nylon spudger and set the old display aside.

Step 2: Clean the Display Housing

2.1. Remove old adhesive residue from the edge of the housing using a flathead screwdriver or nylon spudger.

2.2. Clean the perimeter with isopropyl alcohol to remove oil, adhesive, and contaminants, and ensure a waterproof seal.

Step 3: Transplant Face ID Assembly from the Old to the New Display

3.1. Apply heat to the Face ID assembly to soften the adhesive and gradually lift it from the old display with a pry tool.

3.2. Align the Face ID sensors to the new display, apply heat to soften the adhesive, then press them into the slots with a nylon spudger to establish a secure connection.

Quick Note: The camera sensors are paired to the motherboard. Hence, installing a new Face ID assembly will not restore the Face ID functionality.

Step 4: Install New 11-inch Touchscreen Display on the Apple iPad Pro

4.1. Apply fresh adhesive tape along the perimeter of the housing, then cut any excess tape from the 4 corners. Use the 4mm tape on the bottom and right sides and the 2mm tape on the top and left sides, where the bezels are thinner.

4.2. Connect the display ribbon cable to the main board.

4.3. Switch on the iPad Pro to test whether the new display is working perfectly.

4.4. Install the top plate over the display connector and fasten the 3 screws.

4.5. Connect the Face ID ribbon cable with a nylon spudger.

4.6. Peel off the paper cover over the double-sided tape, then align the new 11-inch display over the housing and press down on the bezel with your fingers to ensure the adhesive bonds securely.

Congratulations! Your 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd Gen) is Ready to Use!

You have successfully replaced the damaged, broken, or cracked display touchscreen digitizer on the 2018-2020 Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (1st and 2nd Gen). Check the touch response, charging stability, and audio to confirm that the device is working properly.

If you found this guide helpful and would like to try your hand at DIY gadget repair, visit our store for essential tools and spare parts. You can also check out our at-home DIY tablet repair guides for common Apple iPad repair tutorials.

Have questions or suggestions about this repair? Text a repair ninja or email us, and we’ll reply shortly.