Use this guide to replace a broken iPad ambient light sensor.
Step 1 — Display Assembly
Insert a metal spudger between the top edge of the display assembly and the rear panel assembly.
Rotate the spudger away from you to release the tabs along the top edge of the display.
Insert a second metal spudger between the top edge of the display assembly and the rear panel assembly to keep the tabs from snapping back into place.
Step 2
With one spudger, work your way along the right edge of the iPad, releasing tabs as you go.
Step 3
Lift the display assembly away from the rear panel assembly by its bottom edge.
Do not attempt to remove the display at this time, as it is attached to the rear panel assembly.
Step 4
In the following steps, you will disconnect the three cables attaching the display assembly to the logic board. The cables are for the following components:
Digitizer
Ambient Light Sensor
Display Data Cable
Step 5
Use the edge of a plastic opening tool to flip up the retaining flaps holding the digitizer ribbon cables in their sockets on the logic board.
Be sure you are flipping up the retaining flap, not the socket itself.
Pull the digitizer ribbon cables straight out of their sockets.
Step 6
Use a plastic opening tool to remove the ambient light sensor connector from its socket by gently prying upward.
Step 7
Disconnect the display data cable from the main board by flipping up the metal retainer by its black plastic pull tab.
Pull the cable connector away from its socket.
Pull the connector parallel to the face of the logic board.
Step 8
Remove the display assembly from the rear panel assembly.
Step 9 — Ambient Light Sensor
If you are reusing the LCD, it is not necessary to peel the ambient light sensor off the back face of the LCD.
Use the edge of a plastic opening tool to carefully pry the ambient light sensor board off the adhesive securing it to the display frame.
Once you've gained enough clearance, peel the ambient light sensor off the LCD.
Be careful not to crease the ambient light sensor below its top section, as the portion with adhesive applied may break off.
If necessary, attach the plastic view window to your new ambient light sensor before installation.