Greyed Out iPad Wifi Issue Solved

[Subyman]

I recently purchased an iPad 1 Wifi/3G 16GB model that had the Wifi grayed out problem for a reduced cost. It seems like a pretty common problem on the first generation iPads. I purchased it with the thought that maybe it was a simple software problem. Of course, it wasn't. I tried all the software fixes and still did not have wifi support.

So, I started to consider cracking it open to hopefully fix the hardware. Unfortunately, there are not any guides what-so-ever or even hints at what might be the part to change or a way to go about resolving the hardware issue. I looked at some schematics and was becoming less optimistic that I could actually fix the problem.

Surprisingly, after looking through numerous schematics, the wifi module was not on the mainboard, but actually on the data cable that runs between the batteries and is the first thing that is accessible once the iPad is opened up.

I took a leap of faith and decided to order the part, which ran about 35 bucks. I opened it up, install the new cable with the wifi module, and tidied everything back up. It worked! Wifi was instantly recognized.

Obviously, this should only be considered if the iPad is out of warranty and none of the software methods work. I do have a full write up on swapping the cable out and all the software methods as well on a small site that I made dedicated to only this problem. I wanted to make it because there was not any other tutorial on the internet.

You can check out the full instructions here: (http://ipadwifirepair.wordpress.com/). This is not my blog and there are no advertisements, I do not profit from the link and only provide it because of the hard time I had finding any information.

Let me know if you have any questions.

If there is a more appropriate way with sharing this info with the community feel free to let me know.

 

[ViRGE]

It's always satisfying to fix a problem on your own.

 

[jalaram]

I remember seeing it for sale as well. Since I have no iPad fixing skills, I didn't get it.

Congrats to you for fixing and many thanks for sharing the info.

 

[Subyman]

Thanks for the feedback. I mainly bought it to tinker, probably never would have bought it if it fully worked

It is amazing how useless an ipad is without internet access.

 

[umrigar]

how difficult is it to open an iPad without damaging it?

 

[Subyman]

how difficult is it to open an iPad without damaging it?

It is not too bad, but you definitely need to be careful around the buttons and connectors. The power button is prone to being broken if you pry from right on it. Some of the tabs that hold the iPad's glass and LCD to the case will be broken when you take it apart. They run down the left side of the glass. These are replaceable, but you need to be sure to order a 10 pack of clips when you order your replacement parts. I think I paid 1 dollar for the clips, so they aren't a big deal. You also need a T4 torx driver to undo the screws once you are inside the case.

I did no damage to the glass or screen and it was my first try. Take it easy and it won't be a problem at all. I probably have a steadier hand than most though. I used to paint miniatures when I was younger, so I developed good coordination when working with small objects. If you are butterfingers than I'd probably have a friend help.