Battery Replacement led to Screen Fail?

Question

iPad Mini 6th Generation

Apple's September 2021 refresh of its iPad mini tablet, sporting an A15 Bionic processor, an 8.3" screen, a new design, in-button Touch ID, and 2nd-generation Apple Pencil support.

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Scott Whittle @scottwhitt32285

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Yan 4, 2025

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Battery Replacement led to Screen Fail?

Hi All - My ipad mini 6 was showing signs of poor battery life, so I got an ifixit kit to replace the battery, as well as a silicone heating pad made for doing this stuff. I thought it all went well, but when I reconnected the new battery, the screen had maybe 30 horizontal bands of different widths and colors across it, and now won't turn on. SO, I think i may have damaged the screen cables which I know is possible - I swear I was careful : ) - and this being my first time doing this I probably did something off. In any case, my questions are 1. Does it sound like I damaged the cables? Anything I should try? 2. If I did damage the cable/screen assembly, can I replace just the cables, not the whole screen and 3. If it is the whole screen, any suggestions on getting one cheaply? I've already put $150 into this, and the device is worth maybe $350, so feeling the pinch!

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I have this same issue, I think I may have messed up the screen or digitizer whilst trying to remove old adhesives. Is that a possibility? I was scraping along the edge and thought hmm not sure I should be doing this on some spots. 🤷‍♂️ I’ve checked connections three times and inspected connections with magnification and don’t see any issues there. Frustrated, the display costs $250-$300 if I would’ve known this was a possibility I would’ve probably just bought a new one. Now I see why  doesn’t even service the batteries on these. We screwed up and didn’t put the AppleCare on this one like we thought and now it’s way too late! Not sure I trust a refurbished iPad mini 6, anyone have an opinion about that or should I just spring for the 7? Or take my chances on the screen replacement?

crwdns2934271:0masiku 3 agoDzi 20, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Lance Birch crwdne2934271:0

@lancebirch One thing about the screen replacements is that most vendors will take a return if a new screen doesn't fix the problem, as long as it hasn't been installed (i.e., glued down). The thing to do is to open it up and go through the screen replacement procedure just far enough to plug the new screen in. Temporarily reconnect the battery and test to see if the screen now works. If it does, disconnect the battery again and proceed with the rest of the replacement procedure; otherwise pack the screen back up and return it for a refund.

crwdns2934271:0masiku 3 agoDzi 20, 2025crwdnd2934271:0 Jerry Wheeler crwdne2934271:0

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I have this same issue, I think I may have messed up the screen or digitizer whilst trying to remove old adhesives. Is that a possibility? I was scraping along the edge and thought hmm not sure I should be doing this on some spots. 🤷‍♂️ I’ve checked connections three times and inspected connections with magnification and don’t see any issues there. Frustrated, the display costs $250-$300 if I would’ve known this was a possibility I would’ve probably just bought a new one. Now I see why  doesn’t even service the batteries on these. We screwed up and didn’t put the AppleCare on this one like we thought and now it’s way too late! Not sure I trust a refurbished iPad mini 6, anyone have an opinion about that or should I just spring for the 7? Or take my chances on the screen replacement? — Lance Birch
@lancebirch One thing about the screen replacements is that most vendors will take a return if a new screen doesn't fix the problem, as long as it hasn't been installed (i.e., glued down). The thing to do is to open it up and go through the screen replacement procedure just far enough to plug the new screen in. Temporarily reconnect the battery and test to see if the screen now works. If it does, disconnect the battery again and proceed with the rest of the replacement procedure; otherwise pack the screen back up and return it for a refund. — Jerry Wheeler

score 2 · Answer 1 · 2025-02-04T12:08:27-07:00

Hi Scott,

You know, the thing is, Apple won't even repair an iPad; if it's under warranty it'll just be replaced, and otherwise the best they'll do is offer you a trade-in or discount on a new one.

You have probably run into exactly why they don't repair them; the fact that removing the screen is not always successful. The thing is, there are delicate electrical connections between the flex cable going to the motherboard and the glass that the LCD circuits are printed on. Those connections, once disrupted, cannot be repaired and the only fix is to replace the screen.

It sounds like that's what's happened, whether it's from maybe inserting your opening pick just a millimeter too far, or even just the screen flexing as it's removed we'll never know, but my best guess is the screen is toast.

Really, about all you can do is open it back up again and check the connectors on the motherboard. It's sometimes possible to get them pressed in so it seems like it's seated, but isn't really, so unplug them all, check them over carefully with a magnifying glass and a bright light looking for any bent, broken or missing pins. Bent pins can sometimes be straightened with fine tip tweezers, but broken or missing ones are obviously more problematic.

Assuming everything looks good, clean both sides with 90% or higher isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, give it a moment to dry and plug it all back in. Power up the screen before reassembly and see if anything has changed. That's going to be your best bet at getting it working before ponying up for a new screen.

If you do need a new screen, the cheapest parts I know of would be either look at AliExpress.com for new ones, or eBay for used and aftermarket ones. But try reseating the connector(s) first, as those FPC connectors can be tricky to get seated correctly and could well account for the problem.

As far as it not powering on, is there any sign of life? Is it recognized when plugged into a computer?

Give these suggestions a try then come on back and let us know what you found.

iPad Mini 6th Generation

Battery Replacement led to Screen Fail?

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