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All iPads Important Question: Possible to self-repair iPad?

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BeautifulWoman_1984

macrumors demi-goddess
Original poster
Sep 5, 2016
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Hey guys,

Is it possible to self-repair an iPad?

Or is my only option to take it into an Apple Store for it to be repaired? I just feel very uncomfortable knowing that a person other than myself will have access to my files on my iPad... 😓 😢😢

Thank you for any advice!
 
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iPads are not intended to be self-repaired. You could do a backup, and erase and restore as new prior to the repair if you wanted to.
 
Namara said:
iPads are not intended to be self-repaired. You could do a backup, and erase and restore as new prior to the repair if you wanted to.
Click to expand...
Thank you!

Is it the same for ALL tablet manufacturers like Samsung and Microsoft? Or is it possible for the user to self-repair non-Apple tablets?
 
problem with iapd backups is that they are not a perfect clone of the disk like you can do on desktop OS, so it won’t be exactly the same... for instance some accounts can be disconnected, which means you can lose access to some legacy services that are no longer offered...
 
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BeautifulWoman_1984 said:
Hey guys,

Is it possible to self-repair an iPad?

Or is my only option to take it into an Apple Store for it to be repaired? I just feel very uncomfortable knowing that a person other than myself will have access to my files on my iPad... 😓 😢😢

Thank you for any advice!
Click to expand...
Possible, yes, but extremely difficult. I know I don't have the skill set nor patience to do it myself.

Mind, iPad repair through Apple usually means they just give you a refurb replacement. I don't think I've heard of a single instance where they do an actual repair in-store.
 
rui no onna said:
Possible, yes, but extremely difficult. I know I don't have the skill set nor patience to do it myself.

Mind, iPad repair through Apple usually means they just give you a refurb replacement. I don't think I've heard of a single instance where they do an actual repair in-store.
Click to expand...
Yeah, that's the issue... What I wonder though, is if there is any possibility that, if you are ready to wait, they actually repair (or change the battery on) your device instead of giving you an equivalent one...
 
Digitalguy said:
Yeah, that's the issue... What I wonder though, is if there is any possibility that, if you are ready to wait, they actually repair (or change the battery on) your device instead of giving you an equivalent one...
Click to expand...
I doubt it. I've seen the teardowns and the batteries are often glued to the chassis. Too labor intensive to do it in the US.

Likely a lot cheaper to send it to China where labor is cheap (comparatively speaking).
 
BeautifulWoman_1984 said:
Hey guys,

Is it possible to self-repair an iPad?

Or is my only option to take it into an Apple Store for it to be repaired? I just feel very uncomfortable knowing that a person other than myself will have access to my files on my iPad... 😓 😢😢

Thank you for any advice!
Click to expand...
One option is you could go to the iFixit website, and look at and read their teardown for the iPad model you have. It will show you the tools they use, and exactly how they do it and the difficulty they have. Then you can decide if you are able to repair whatever it is that needs fixing. Good luck!

They have video walkthrough and even links to service guides/manuals.

www.ifixit.com

Apple iPad Repair Help: Learn How to Fix It Yourself.

Comprehensive repair manuals on all portable tablet computers by Apple. Repairs are likely to require heat and careful prying.
www.ifixit.com www.ifixit.com
 
AutomaticApple said:
The Apple workers will not mess with your files. I don't think they'd have a job otherwise.
Click to expand...

This! Not sure if you are in Europe or USA or someone else but in Europe there is a European union thing called GDPR. People are not allowed to access data that they do not need to solve the problem they are working on. In other word Apple employees would violate GDPR fully if they access and check your personal data while repairing the problem they have. And if this happens and they identify it, they are obligated to report it. Otherwise not only you can sue them, but they will get fined.

Now GDPR might not exist in USA but I assume there is something similar that could cause a lot of trouble for Apple employees if they go there. Plus if it is hardware repair, they do might not even need your iCloud passwod. And trust me Apple employees would not try to hack into your iPad. So I do not think that they would deliberately do anything wrong.

Now if they have to check potential software issue (kind of doubt it) and because of this they end up compromising your data - this is something else.
 
Namara said:
By the way, what is the issue that needs a repair on your iPad?
Click to expand...

The "Home" button requires me to put a lot of effort when I press it for it to respond.

In addition, it's just getting old now... I have this iPad since 2015 so I don't know how much longer it'll keep working...
 
Unless you have AppleCare+ monthly (only way it would still be active), it won’t be a free replacement so might it be better to buy another? The out of warranty cost will vary depending on the model you have.
 
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*~Kim~* said:
Unless you have AppleCare+ monthly (only way it would still be active), it won’t be a free replacement so might it be better to buy another? The out of warranty cost will vary depending on the model you have.
Click to expand...
This one’s likely out of warranty already. Apple didn’t allow switching to monthly AC+ until later in 2019.

Something that old, replacement gets you more mileage versus Apple’s high out of warranty repair costs.
 
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I appreciate the replies!

5 years is a long time, but is there any way for me to check if my iPad is about to stop working?

I'm mostly worried about me needing to put a lot of force onto the "Home" button at the bottom of the iPad for it to respond.
 
It looks like there may be some diagnostic apps out there, but I can't vouch for any of them. I'd just be sure you're backing up your device daily.
 
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