iPad with a cracked screen: replace the glass or the whole screen?

A cracked iPad glass is one of the most common repairs we see in our workshop in Rosengårdcentret. The first question is almost always: does the whole screen need replacing – or just the glass? It depends on which iPad you have and what is actually broken.

Glass and screen are not always the same part

On many iPads the front has two layers:

• The glass (touch): the outer layer you touch. It registers your fingers.
• The screen (LCD): the layer underneath that shows the picture.

On the standard iPads – for example iPad 10.2" (7th, 8th and 9th generation) and iPad 10.9" (10th generation) – the glass and the display are separate. If only the glass is cracked and the picture looks normal, we can often replace just the glass. That is usually the cheapest option.

On iPad Air (4th and 5th generation), iPad mini 6 and iPad Pro the glass and display are built as one unit. Here the whole screen is replaced, even if only the glass is cracked.

How to tell what is wrong

• Cracked glass, normal picture: often just the glass (on models with separate glass).
• Black spots, lines, colour faults or flickering: the display (LCD) is probably damaged too.
• Touch does not respond or presses by itself: could be the glass/touch – but we always test before the repair.

If you are unsure, bring it to the shop and we will take a look. You see the price before we start, and we do no paid extra work without your approval.

What does it cost?

The price depends on the model and the repair. See the current price for your iPad:

• iPad 10.2" (9th gen) – glass replacement
• iPad 10.9" (10th gen) – glass replacement
• iPad Air (5th gen) – screen replacement
• All iPad models and prices

The prices on these pages are the same as in the booking – including VAT and labour.

How long does it take?

An iPad repair typically takes 3–6 hours. Some models need longer because the adhesive under the glass must cure before the iPad can be used. Times are guidance only and depend on the model, the damage and whether the part is in stock.

Before you hand in your iPad

• Back up (iCloud or computer).
• Remove any case and screen protector.
• Remember the passcode or give us a temporary one, so we can test every function afterwards.

Live far from Odense?

You can send your iPad by post from anywhere in Denmark. Choose "Send by post" when you book – with our shipping label, shipping both ways is DKK 99. Read more about mail-in.

REPAIRO is an independent repair shop and is not authorised by Apple. Water resistance cannot be guaranteed after the device has been opened.