First — Take a Breath
A cracked iPad screen is stressful, but it is one of the most common and most fixable Apple device repairs. Your data is almost certainly safe. The glass on the front of your iPad is a separate component from the logic board that stores everything you care about — your photos, apps, and files are very likely untouched.
Here is a step-by-step guide for the moments right after a drop.
Step 1: Assess the Damage Carefully
Pick up your iPad gently and examine the screen. There are two scenarios:
- Cracked glass, display still working: You can see the screen clearly, touch response still works (or mostly works). This is the best-case scenario. The underlying LCD or OLED panel is intact, and only the digitiser glass needs replacing.
- Cracked glass, display damaged: You see black patches, coloured lines, or the image is distorted or completely gone. The display panel itself has been damaged, which is a more involved repair but still fully fixable.
Step 2: Protect the Screen — Do Not Keep Using It
Cracked glass can spread further with every tap, and sharp edges can be a hazard. If the cracks are minor, put a strip of clear tape over them to hold the glass together temporarily. Avoid pressing hard on the damaged area. If any glass shards are loose, do not try to remove them yourself.
Step 3: Back Up Your Data
Even though your data is almost certainly safe, now is a good moment to create a backup if the touch screen still responds well enough. Connect to iCloud backup via Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, or plug into a Mac and back up via Finder. If the touch screen is unresponsive, bring the iPad to us and we can retrieve your data as part of the repair process.
Step 4: Do Not Attempt a DIY Fix
iPad screens — especially on modern iPad Pro and iPad Air models — are precision-bonded assemblies. Improper replacement can damage the True Tone calibration, Face ID sensors, or the display panel itself. It can also introduce moisture ingress if the adhesive seal is not properly reseated. A professional repair protects the full value of your device.
Same-Day Screen Replacement at Maxwell
At Maxwell Technology, iPad screen replacement is one of our most common repairs. We stock genuine-quality glass for all current iPad models — iPad Mini, iPad Air, iPad Pro 11" and 12.9" — and we complete most screen replacements on the same day you bring the device in.
Our technicians will inspect the device fully before quoting, so you know exactly what the repair involves before you commit to anything. Book your iPad repair today.
