Macbook Pro 13 Four Thunderbolt Ports 2020 Battery Replacement Repair Guide

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Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

                          1 - 3 hours

Sections

Lower Case
7 steps
Battery Disconnect
7 steps
Trackpad
8 steps
Battery
22 steps

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BackMacBook Pro 13" Four Thunderbolt Ports 2020
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Introduction

iFixit adhesive remover is flammable. Follow this procedure in a well-ventilated area, and don’t smoke or work near an open flame.

To minimize risk of damage, turn on your MacBook and allow the battery to fully discharge before starting this procedure. If a charged lithium-ion battery is accidentally punctured, a dangerous and uncontrollable fire may result. If your battery looks puffy or swollen, take extra precautions.

Note: The solvent used to dissolve the battery adhesive can damage certain plastics. Follow all instructions and take care where you apply the adhesive remover.

Some photos in this guide are from a different model and may contain slight visual discrepancies, but they won’t affect the guide procedure.

What you need

Step 1

              Remove the pentalobe screws

Before starting this procedure, you should disable your Mac’s Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide to disable Auto Boot.
If your MacBook is running Big Sur v11.1 or later, disabling Auto Boot may not work. You can proceed normally, but make sure to disconnect the battery as soon as you’re inside.
Completely power off and unplug your MacBook before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the six screws securing the lower case:
Two 6.7 mm screws
Four 3.4 mm screws
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.

Before starting this procedure, you should disable your Mac’s Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide to disable Auto Boot.

If your MacBook is running Big Sur v11.1 or later, disabling Auto Boot may not work. You can proceed normally, but make sure to disconnect the battery as soon as you’re inside.

Completely power off and unplug your MacBook before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.

Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the six screws securing the lower case:

Two 6.7 mm screws

Four 3.4 mm screws

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.

1024

Step 2

              Open a gap using a suction cup

Apply a suction handle to the lower case near the front-center area of the MacBook Pro.
Lift the suction handle to create a slight gap between the lower case and the chassis.

Apply a suction handle to the lower case near the front-center area of the MacBook Pro.

Lift the suction handle to create a slight gap between the lower case and the chassis.

Step 3

              Separate the clips

Insert one corner of an opening pick into the space between the lower case and the chassis.
Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and halfway up the side of the case.
This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case to the chassis. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

Insert one corner of an opening pick into the space between the lower case and the chassis.

Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and halfway up the side of the case.

This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case to the chassis. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

Step 4

Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, sliding your opening pick under the lower case and up the side to pop the second clip free.

Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, sliding your opening pick under the lower case and up the side to pop the second clip free.

Step 5

Insert your opening pick once again under the front edge of the lower case, near one of the two centermost screw holes.
Give the pick a firm twist to pop free the third clip securing the lower case to the chassis.
Repeat this procedure near the other of the two centermost screw holes, popping the fourth clip free.

Insert your opening pick once again under the front edge of the lower case, near one of the two centermost screw holes.

Give the pick a firm twist to pop free the third clip securing the lower case to the chassis.

Repeat this procedure near the other of the two centermost screw holes, popping the fourth clip free.

Step 6

Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.
Pull first at one corner, then the other.
Pull to the side—not up.
This can require a lot of force.

Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.

Pull first at one corner, then the other.

Pull to the side—not up.

This can require a lot of force.

Step 7

              Remove the lower case

Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Set it in place and align the sliding clips near the display hinge. Press down and slide the cover toward the hinge. It should stop sliding as the clips engage.
When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips underneath. You should feel and hear them snap into place.

Remove the lower case.

To reinstall the lower case:

Set it in place and align the sliding clips near the display hinge. Press down and slide the cover toward the hinge. It should stop sliding as the clips engage.

When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips underneath. You should feel and hear them snap into place.

Step 8

              Uncover the battery connector

Carefully peel up the large piece of tape covering the battery connector, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.
Remove the tape.

Carefully peel up the large piece of tape covering the battery connector, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.

Remove the tape.

Step 9

Gently peel back the small piece of tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
The tape is integrated into the ribbon cable and will not detach completely. Simply peel it back enough to access the connector.

Gently peel back the small piece of tape covering the battery board data cable connector.

The tape is integrated into the ribbon cable and will not detach completely. Simply peel it back enough to access the connector.

Step 10

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the small black locking tab securing the cable in its connector.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the small black locking tab securing the cable in its connector.

Step 11

Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.
Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.

Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.

Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.

Step 12

Fold the battery board data cable to the side and out of the way.

Fold the battery board data cable to the side and out of the way.

Step 13

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.

Step 14

              Disconnect the battery

Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough so that it stays separated from its socket. If it accidentally makes contact during the course of your repair, it could damage your MacBook Pro.

Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.

Lift the connector high enough so that it stays separated from its socket. If it accidentally makes contact during the course of your repair, it could damage your MacBook Pro.

Step 15

              Remove the trackpad connector screws

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the trackpad cable connector bracket.

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the trackpad cable connector bracket.

Step 16

Remove the trackpad cable connector bracket with a pair of tweezers.

Remove the trackpad cable connector bracket with a pair of tweezers.

Step 17

              Disconnect the trackpad

Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad ribbon cable by gently prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad ribbon cable by gently prying its connector straight up from the logic board.

Step 18

              Heat the trackpad cable

Prepare an iOpener and lay it on top of the trackpad ribbon cable for about a minute, in order to soften the adhesive securing the trackpad ribbon cable to the top of the battery.
If you don’t have an iOpener, use a hair dryer to warm up the cable instead. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the battery.

Prepare an iOpener and lay it on top of the trackpad ribbon cable for about a minute, in order to soften the adhesive securing the trackpad ribbon cable to the top of the battery.

If you don’t have an iOpener, use a hair dryer to warm up the cable instead. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch. Be careful not to overheat the battery.

Step 19

              Peel up the trackpad cable

Carefully peel the trackpad ribbon cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.
Do not fold or tear the cable.

Carefully peel the trackpad ribbon cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.

Do not fold or tear the cable.

Step 20

              Remove the trackpad screws

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the trackpad assembly:
Two 4.3 mm screws
Eight 5.8 mm screws

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten screws securing the trackpad assembly:

Two 4.3 mm screws

Eight 5.8 mm screws

Step 21

Swing the display open slightly to access the trackpad.
Carefully thread the trackpad ribbon cable out through the hole in the MacBook Pro’s frame.

Swing the display open slightly to access the trackpad.

Carefully thread the trackpad ribbon cable out through the hole in the MacBook Pro’s frame.

Step 22

Remove the trackpad assembly.
Be sure not to lose the six small washers (two circular and four rectangular) resting on the underside of the trackpad.

Remove the trackpad assembly.

Be sure not to lose the six small washers (two circular and four rectangular) resting on the underside of the trackpad.

Step 23

              Unscrew the battery board

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the two 3.2 mm screws from the battery board.

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the two 3.2 mm screws from the battery board.

Step 24

              Protect the display and keyboard

The liquid adhesive remover provided in your kit can cause damage if it contacts the MacBook Pro’s display or keyboard.
To protect your display, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the display and keyboard and leave it there while you work.
Additionally, use some tape and/or foil to seal off the area under the trackpad. Optionally, you may also layer an absorbent towel directly underneath the trackpad area to soak up any excess adhesive remover.

The liquid adhesive remover provided in your kit can cause damage if it contacts the MacBook Pro’s display or keyboard.

To protect your display, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the display and keyboard and leave it there while you work.

Additionally, use some tape and/or foil to seal off the area under the trackpad. Optionally, you may also layer an absorbent towel directly underneath the trackpad area to soak up any excess adhesive remover.

Step 25

              Protect the speakers

Before removing the battery, it’s important to protect the speakers on either side. The speakers are glued down just like the battery—so if the liquid adhesive remover gets under the speakers, they may come loose and rattle after your repair.
Cut a length of packing tape or painter’s tape, and slide one edge between the battery and the speaker on the left side.

Before removing the battery, it’s important to protect the speakers on either side. The speakers are glued down just like the battery—so if the liquid adhesive remover gets under the speakers, they may come loose and rattle after your repair.

Cut a length of packing tape or painter’s tape, and slide one edge between the battery and the speaker on the left side.

Step 26

Press all along the edge of the tape with your spudger to stick it securely to the MacBook Pro’s aluminum case, sealing off the speaker from the battery.
Be careful not to poke or puncture the battery.
Fold the tape over and lightly adhere it to the speaker to keep it out of the way.
The foam bumpers on top of the speaker may tear when peeling the tape off. Don’t press the tape directly onto the bumpers.

Press all along the edge of the tape with your spudger to stick it securely to the MacBook Pro’s aluminum case, sealing off the speaker from the battery.

Be careful not to poke or puncture the battery.

Fold the tape over and lightly adhere it to the speaker to keep it out of the way.

The foam bumpers on top of the speaker may tear when peeling the tape off. Don’t press the tape directly onto the bumpers.

Step 27

Repeat the previous two steps on the opposite side in order to seal off the other speaker from the battery.

Repeat the previous two steps on the opposite side in order to seal off the other speaker from the battery.

Step 28

              Elevate the right edge

To control the flow of adhesive remover and direct it away from the speaker, raise the right edge of your MacBook Pro a few inches using a book or foam block.

To control the flow of adhesive remover and direct it away from the speaker, raise the right edge of your MacBook Pro a few inches using a book or foam block.

Step 29

              Protect your eyes and skin

Now that your MacBook Pro is fully prepped, it’s time to prep yourself.
iFixit adhesive remover contains acetone, a mild skin and eye irritant.
Wear eye protection when handling and applying the adhesive remover. (Eye protection is included in your kit.)
Do not wear contact lenses without eye protection.
Protective gloves are also included in your kit. If you are concerned about possible skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

Now that your MacBook Pro is fully prepped, it’s time to prep yourself.

iFixit adhesive remover contains acetone, a mild skin and eye irritant.

Wear eye protection when handling and applying the adhesive remover. (Eye protection is included in your kit.)

Do not wear contact lenses without eye protection.

Protective gloves are also included in your kit. If you are concerned about possible skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

Step 30

              Open the adhesive remover

Pull off the black rubber stopper from your bottle of adhesive remover.
Twist to loosen or remove the bottle cap before you cut the applicator tip.
This unseals the bottle and allows the pressure to equalize before you cut the applicator tip. If you skip this step, the adhesive remover may spray out unexpectedly when the tip is cut.
Use scissors to cut off the sealed tip of the applicator.
Cutting close to the narrow tip will give you better control so you can apply the adhesive remover in small amounts.
Twist and close the bottle cap securely before you proceed further.

Pull off the black rubber stopper from your bottle of adhesive remover.

Twist to loosen or remove the bottle cap before you cut the applicator tip.

This unseals the bottle and allows the pressure to equalize before you cut the applicator tip. If you skip this step, the adhesive remover may spray out unexpectedly when the tip is cut.

Use scissors to cut off the sealed tip of the applicator.

Cutting close to the narrow tip will give you better control so you can apply the adhesive remover in small amounts.

Twist and close the bottle cap securely before you proceed further.

Step 31

              Apply the adhesive remover

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover underneath the far right battery cell.
You don’t need to use very much—the small bottle contains more than twice the amount of solvent needed to remove all the battery cells.
Wait about two minutes for the adhesive remover to penetrate and soften the battery adhesive before you proceed to the next step.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover underneath the far right battery cell.

You don’t need to use very much—the small bottle contains more than twice the amount of solvent needed to remove all the battery cells.

Wait about two minutes for the adhesive remover to penetrate and soften the battery adhesive before you proceed to the next step.

Step 32

              Separate the outside right battery cell

After a couple minutes, insert one corner of a plastic card underneath the far right battery cell, starting from the front edge.
This shouldn’t require much force. If you have trouble, apply more adhesive remover and give it 2-3 additional minutes to penetrate.
Try not to deform the battery. A damaged battery can leak dangerous chemicals and/or catch fire.
Wiggle the card from side to side and slide it all the way under the battery cell.
Lift to fully separate the adhesive, but don’t try to remove the battery cell yet.
Leave the plastic card temporarily underneath the cell to prevent it from re-adhering while you continue.

After a couple minutes, insert one corner of a plastic card underneath the far right battery cell, starting from the front edge.

This shouldn’t require much force. If you have trouble, apply more adhesive remover and give it 2-3 additional minutes to penetrate.

Try not to deform the battery. A damaged battery can leak dangerous chemicals and/or catch fire.

Wiggle the card from side to side and slide it all the way under the battery cell.

Lift to fully separate the adhesive, but don’t try to remove the battery cell yet.

Leave the plastic card temporarily underneath the cell to prevent it from re-adhering while you continue.

Step 33

              Alternative: separate the battery cell with floss

If you have difficulty getting the card underneath any of the battery cells, try working a piece of floss or wire underneath the battery cell. Pull it side-to-side in a sawing motion to separate the adhesive.
Wear thick gloves or wrap the floss around a couple of driver handles so as not to hurt your fingers.

If you have difficulty getting the card underneath any of the battery cells, try working a piece of floss or wire underneath the battery cell. Pull it side-to-side in a sawing motion to separate the adhesive.

Wear thick gloves or wrap the floss around a couple of driver handles so as not to hurt your fingers.

Step 34

              Elevate the left edge

Repeat the last few steps to separate the far left battery cell.
Begin by elevating the left side of the MacBook Pro to direct the flow of adhesive remover away from the speaker.

Repeat the last few steps to separate the far left battery cell.

Begin by elevating the left side of the MacBook Pro to direct the flow of adhesive remover away from the speaker.

Step 35

              Apply adhesive remover

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover under the far left battery cell, and wait about two minutes for it to penetrate.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover under the far left battery cell, and wait about two minutes for it to penetrate.

Step 36

              Separate the outer left cell

Slide one corner of a plastic card underneath the far left battery cell, and carefully separate the adhesive holding it in place.
Leave the plastic card temporarily underneath the cell to prevent it from re-adhering while you continue.

Slide one corner of a plastic card underneath the far left battery cell, and carefully separate the adhesive holding it in place.

Step 37

              Elevate the back edge

Next, raise the back edge of your MacBook Pro to direct the flow of adhesive remover away from the keyboard/logic board area.

Next, raise the back edge of your MacBook Pro to direct the flow of adhesive remover away from the keyboard/logic board area.

Step 38

              Apply adhesive remover

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover under each of the remaining three battery cells.
There are openings in the aluminum case underneath these cells, so some of the adhesive remover may leak out instead of penetrating underneath the battery.
Be mindful of leaks, and apply more adhesive remover in the following steps if needed.
Wait about two minutes before you continue.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover under each of the remaining three battery cells.

There are openings in the aluminum case underneath these cells, so some of the adhesive remover may leak out instead of penetrating underneath the battery.

Be mindful of leaks, and apply more adhesive remover in the following steps if needed.

Wait about two minutes before you continue.

Step 39

              Separate the inner left cell

The remaining two smaller battery cells each sit on a slightly raised portion of the MacBook’s aluminum frame.
Slide a plastic card all the way underneath the far left battery cell—which you already separated in the previous steps—and then insert it carefully between the remaining left-side battery cell and the MacBook Pro’s aluminum case.

The remaining two smaller battery cells each sit on a slightly raised portion of the MacBook’s aluminum frame.

Slide a plastic card all the way underneath the far left battery cell—which you already separated in the previous steps—and then insert it carefully between the remaining left-side battery cell and the MacBook Pro’s aluminum case.

Step 40

Use your plastic card to fully separate the remaining battery cell on the left side.
Take care to not pry against the logic board.
Leave your plastic card in place temporarily to prevent the left-side battery cells from re-adhering.

Use your plastic card to fully separate the remaining battery cell on the left side.

Take care to not pry against the logic board.

Leave your plastic card in place temporarily to prevent the left-side battery cells from re-adhering.

Step 41

              Separate the inner right cell

Repeat the previous two steps to separate the remaining battery cell on the right.

Repeat the previous two steps to separate the remaining battery cell on the right.

Step 42

              Separate the middle cells

The final battery cells can be more difficult to remove. If needed, apply more adhesive remover to make the job easier.
Slide the corner of one of your plastic cards underneath the top edge of one of the cells and then work it underneath the other cell.
Wiggle the card from side to side and slide it underneath the battery cells to fully separate the adhesive holding them in place.

The final battery cells can be more difficult to remove. If needed, apply more adhesive remover to make the job easier.

Slide the corner of one of your plastic cards underneath the top edge of one of the cells and then work it underneath the other cell.

Wiggle the card from side to side and slide it underneath the battery cells to fully separate the adhesive holding them in place.

Step 43

              Remove the battery

Before you remove the battery, ensure that the battery connector is sufficiently raised and not in the way of the battery board.
Remove the battery.
Before installing a new battery, remove all remaining adhesive from the MacBook Pro’s case.
Peel off any large strips of adhesive using tweezers or gloved fingers.
Scrape away any remaining chunks of adhesive with a plastic tool, and clean the underlying areas with adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe in one direction (not back and forth) until the chassis is clean and ready for your new battery.
This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.
When you’re done, carefully remove the protective tape from the speakers.

Before you remove the battery, ensure that the battery connector is sufficiently raised and not in the way of the battery board.

Remove the battery.

Before installing a new battery, remove all remaining adhesive from the MacBook Pro’s case.

Peel off any large strips of adhesive using tweezers or gloved fingers.

Scrape away any remaining chunks of adhesive with a plastic tool, and clean the underlying areas with adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe in one direction (not back and forth) until the chassis is clean and ready for your new battery.

This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.

When you’re done, carefully remove the protective tape from the speakers.

Step 44

              Battery installation

Double-check the fit and alignment of your new battery before sticking it down.
Be mindful of the battery data cable and make sure it doesn’t get pinched or trapped under the battery board.
If your battery came with adhesive pre-installed on the bottom, flip it over and carefully peel away the liner to expose the adhesive. If your battery did not come with adhesive, apply a thin double-sided adhesive tape such as Tesa 61395 to keep your battery in place.
Carefully position the battery and set it into place.
Press and hold each cell firmly for 5-10 seconds to secure it to the lower case.

Double-check the fit and alignment of your new battery before sticking it down.

Be mindful of the battery data cable and make sure it doesn’t get pinched or trapped under the battery board.

If your battery came with adhesive pre-installed on the bottom, flip it over and carefully peel away the liner to expose the adhesive. If your battery did not come with adhesive, apply a thin double-sided adhesive tape such as Tesa 61395 to keep your battery in place.

Carefully position the battery and set it into place.

Press and hold each cell firmly for 5-10 seconds to secure it to the lower case.

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or search our Answers community for help.

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                    Carsten Frauenheim

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dan g - Feb 27, 2022

Thank you I don’t own this but this repair was easy to understand and well written. Keep up the good work!🤓😆🦆

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