Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

85

Time Required

                          1 - 3 hours

Sections

10

  • Lower Case
  • 3 steps
  • Battery Connector
  • 3 steps
  • Right Speaker
  • 8 steps
  • Left Speaker
  • 3 steps
  • Upper Case Assembly
  • 1 step
  • iOpener Heating
  • 4 steps
  • Battery
  • 16 steps
  • Trackpad
  • 12 steps
  • MagSafe DC-In Board
  • 4 steps
  • Upper Case
  • 31 steps

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Introduction

iFixit adhesive remover is highly flammable. Perform this procedure in a well-ventilated area. Do not smoke or work near an open flame during this procedure.

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

Some replacement upper case assemblies may include the trackpad and battery as well. In this case, skip steps 18 through 44.

This guide requires the removal of the heat sink. Don’t forget to follow our thermal paste application guide before you reinstall your heat sink.

What you need

Step 1

              Lower Case
  • Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:
  • Two 2.3 mm P5 Pentalobe screws
  • Eight 3.0 mm P5 Pentalobe 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.

Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:

Two 2.3 mm P5 Pentalobe screws

Eight 3.0 mm P5 Pentalobe 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

  • Wedge your fingers between the upper case and the lower case.
  • Gently pull the lower case away from the upper case to remove it.

Wedge your fingers between the upper case and the lower case.

Gently pull the lower case away from the upper case to remove it.

Step 3

  • The lower case is connected to the upper case with two plastic clips near its center.
  • During reassembly, gently push down the center of the lower case to reattach the two plastic clips.

The lower case is connected to the upper case with two plastic clips near its center.

During reassembly, gently push down the center of the lower case to reattach the two plastic clips.

Step 4

              Battery Connector
  • If necessary, remove the plastic cover adhered to the battery contact board.

If necessary, remove the plastic cover adhered to the battery contact board.

Step 5

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
  • Be sure you lift up only on the connector itself, not the socket, or you risk permanent damage to the logic board.

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.

Be sure you lift up only on the connector itself, not the socket, or you risk permanent damage to the logic board.

Step 6

  • Bend the battery connector up out of the way to prevent accidental contact with its socket during your repair.

Bend the battery connector up out of the way to prevent accidental contact with its socket during your repair.

Step 7

              Right Speaker
  • Remove the two 2.1 mm T5 Torx screws securing the logic board end of the I/O board cable bracket.

Remove the two 2.1 mm T5 Torx screws securing the logic board end of the I/O board cable bracket.

Step 8

  • Grasp the I/O board cable bracket with a pair of tweezers and remove it from the MacBook.

Grasp the I/O board cable bracket with a pair of tweezers and remove it from the MacBook.

Step 9

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to pop the I/O board connector straight up off its socket on the logic board.
  • Be careful to only pry up on the I/O board cable, not on the socket itself or you risk damaging your logic board.

Use the flat end of a spudger to pop the I/O board connector straight up off its socket on the logic board.

Be careful to only pry up on the I/O board cable, not on the socket itself or you risk damaging your logic board.

Step 10

  • Lift the logic board end of the I/O board cable straight up to bend it out of the way.
  • To avoid damage to the cable, fold only at the bend in the I/O board end of the cable.

Lift the logic board end of the I/O board cable straight up to bend it out of the way.

To avoid damage to the cable, fold only at the bend in the I/O board end of the cable.

Step 11

  • Carefully tuck the tip of a spudger under the right speaker cable near the connector and lift it up out of its socket on the logic board.

Carefully tuck the tip of a spudger under the right speaker cable near the connector and lift it up out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 12

  • Carefully peel the right speaker cable off the upper case.

Carefully peel the right speaker cable off the upper case.

Step 13

  • Remove the following screws securing the right speaker to the upper case:
  • One 5.7 mm T5 Torx screw
  • One 6.5 mm T5 Torx screw
  • One 3.8 mm T5 Torx screw

Remove the following screws securing the right speaker to the upper case:

One 5.7 mm T5 Torx screw

One 6.5 mm T5 Torx screw

One 3.8 mm T5 Torx screw

Step 14

  • Lift the right speaker from the cable end and pull it free from the case.

Lift the right speaker from the cable end and pull it free from the case.

Step 15

              Left Speaker
  • Insert the tip of a spudger under the left speaker cable near the connector and lift it up out of its socket on the logic board.

Insert the tip of a spudger under the left speaker cable near the connector and lift it up out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 16

  • Remove the following screws securing the left speaker to the upper case:
  • One 5.7 mm T5 Torx screw
  • One 6.5 mm T5 Torx screw
  • One 3.8 mm T5 Torx screw

Remove the following screws securing the left speaker to the upper case:

Step 17

  • Lift the corner of the left speaker up and slide it out around the battery to remove it from the upper case.
  • Be careful not to snag the speaker cable on the screw hole post in the side of the case.

Lift the corner of the left speaker up and slide it out around the battery to remove it from the upper case.

Be careful not to snag the speaker cable on the screw hole post in the side of the case.

Step 18

              Upper Case Assembly
  • If your replacement part comes with trackpad, battery, or other components, don’t remove them from your old device, simply skip those steps in this guide.
  • Be sure to read through the rest of the guide so you can be sure to transfer all of the necessary components.

If your replacement part comes with trackpad, battery, or other components, don’t remove them from your old device, simply skip those steps in this guide.

Be sure to read through the rest of the guide so you can be sure to transfer all of the necessary components.

Step 19

              iOpener Heating
  • We recommend that you clean your microwave before proceeding, as any nasty gunk on the bottom may end up stuck to the iOpener.
  • Place the iOpener in the center of the microwave.
  • For carousel microwaves: Make sure the plate spins freely. If your iOpener gets stuck, it may overheat and burn.

We recommend that you clean your microwave before proceeding, as any nasty gunk on the bottom may end up stuck to the iOpener.

Place the iOpener in the center of the microwave.

For carousel microwaves: Make sure the plate spins freely. If your iOpener gets stuck, it may overheat and burn.

Step 20

  • Heat the iOpener for thirty seconds.
  • Throughout the repair procedure, as the iOpener cools, reheat it in the microwave for an additional thirty seconds at a time.
  • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair. Overheating may cause the iOpener to burst.
  • Never touch the iOpener if it appears swollen.
  • If the iOpener is still too hot in the middle to touch, continue using it while waiting for it to cool down some more before reheating. A properly heated iOpener should stay warm for up to 10 minutes.

Heat the iOpener for thirty seconds.

Throughout the repair procedure, as the iOpener cools, reheat it in the microwave for an additional thirty seconds at a time.

Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair. Overheating may cause the iOpener to burst.

Never touch the iOpener if it appears swollen.

If the iOpener is still too hot in the middle to touch, continue using it while waiting for it to cool down some more before reheating. A properly heated iOpener should stay warm for up to 10 minutes.

Step 21

  • Remove the iOpener from the microwave, holding it by one of the two flat ends to avoid the hot center.
  • The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful when handling it. Use an oven mitt if necessary.

Remove the iOpener from the microwave, holding it by one of the two flat ends to avoid the hot center.

The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful when handling it. Use an oven mitt if necessary.

Step 22

              Alternate iOpener heating method
  • If you don’t have a microwave, follow this step to heat your iOpener in boiling water.
  • Fill a pot or pan with enough water to fully submerge an iOpener.
  • Heat the water to a boil. Turn off the heat.
  • Place an iOpener into the hot water for 2-3 minutes. Make sure the iOpener is fully submerged in the water.
  • Use tongs to extract the heated iOpener from the hot water.
  • Thoroughly dry the iOpener with a towel.
  • The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful to hold it only by the end tabs.
  • Your iOpener is ready for use! If you need to reheat the iOpener, heat the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and place the iOpener in the water for 2-3 minutes.

If you don’t have a microwave, follow this step to heat your iOpener in boiling water.

Fill a pot or pan with enough water to fully submerge an iOpener.

Heat the water to a boil. Turn off the heat.

Place an iOpener into the hot water for 2-3 minutes. Make sure the iOpener is fully submerged in the water.

Use tongs to extract the heated iOpener from the hot water.

Thoroughly dry the iOpener with a towel.

The iOpener will be very hot, so be careful to hold it only by the end tabs.

Your iOpener is ready for use! If you need to reheat the iOpener, heat the water to a boil, turn off the heat, and place the iOpener in the water for 2-3 minutes.

Step 23

              Battery
  • Remove the five 3.7 mm T5 Torx screws securing the battery to the upper case.
  • Your specific unit may only have one screw securing the battery’s circuit board to the frame.

Remove the five 3.7 mm T5 Torx screws securing the battery to the upper case.

Your specific unit may only have one screw securing the battery’s circuit board to the frame.

Step 24

  • The liquid adhesive remover provided in your iFixit battery replacement kit can affect the antireflective coating on your MacBook Pro’s display.
  • To protect your display, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the display and keyboard and leave it there while you work.

The liquid adhesive remover provided in your iFixit battery replacement kit can affect the antireflective coating on your MacBook Pro’s display.

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

Step 25

  • If you have an iFixit battery kit with liquid adhesive remover, it’s time to get it prepped.
  • Alternatively, if you are using the hot iOpener method, skip the following three steps.
  • 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 skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

If you have an iFixit battery kit with liquid adhesive remover, it’s time to get it prepped.

Alternatively, if you are using the hot iOpener method, skip the following three steps.

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 skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

Step 26

  • 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 27

  • Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly under the edge of the rightmost 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 2-3 minutes for the liquid adhesive remover to penetrate underneath the battery cell before you proceed to the next step.
  • Use more adhesive remover if needed, but do not apply more than a few drops at a time. Using too much can allow the adhesive remover to make its way to the backside of your keyboard and potentially damage it.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly under the edge of the rightmost 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 2-3 minutes for the liquid adhesive remover to penetrate underneath the battery cell before you proceed to the next step.

Use more adhesive remover if needed, but do not apply more than a few drops at a time. Using too much can allow the adhesive remover to make its way to the backside of your keyboard and potentially damage it.

Step 28

  • If you don’t have a liquid adhesive remover, you’ll be using a hot iOpener to warm and soften a section of the adhesive securing the battery to the upper case, and then carefully prying at that point.
  • Use the hot iOpener to cover half of the two right-most battery cells.
  • After about a minute, reheat the iOpener and move it to cover the other half of the right-most battery cells.

If you don’t have a liquid adhesive remover, you’ll be using a hot iOpener to warm and soften a section of the adhesive securing the battery to the upper case, and then carefully prying at that point.

Use the hot iOpener to cover half of the two right-most battery cells.

After about a minute, reheat the iOpener and move it to cover the other half of the right-most battery cells.

Step 29

  • Push a plastic card between the right-most battery cell and the upper case, cutting the adhesive between the two.
  • Throughout this procedure, be careful not to damage any of the battery cells with your tools. A damaged lithium-ion battery may leak dangerous chemicals and/or catch fire. Use only plastic pry tools.
  • When using the hot iOpener method, if you encounter significant resistance to prying, stop and use the iOpener to reheat the section you’re working on.

Push a plastic card between the right-most battery cell and the upper case, cutting the adhesive between the two.

Throughout this procedure, be careful not to damage any of the battery cells with your tools. A damaged lithium-ion battery may leak dangerous chemicals and/or catch fire. Use only plastic pry tools.

When using the hot iOpener method, if you encounter significant resistance to prying, stop and use the iOpener to reheat the section you’re working on.

Step 30

  • Use the plastic card to pry the right-most battery cell up from the rear case.

Use the plastic card to pry the right-most battery cell up from the rear case.

Step 31

  • Repeat this procedure with the adjacent battery cell:
  • Apply a small amount of liquid adhesive remover under the battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate and soften the adhesive.
  • Alternatively, re-heat this section with your iOpener if needed.
  • Push a plastic card about an inch between the battery cell and the upper case, and slowly pry the cell up to separate all of the adhesive.

Repeat this procedure with the adjacent battery cell:

Apply a small amount of liquid adhesive remover under the battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate and soften the adhesive.

Alternatively, re-heat this section with your iOpener if needed.

Push a plastic card about an inch between the battery cell and the upper case, and slowly pry the cell up to separate all of the adhesive.

Step 32

  • Temporarily leave your plastic card underneath the two rightmost battery cells to prevent them from re-adhering to the upper case.
  • If using an iOpener, reheat it and reapply it, this time to the left-most battery cells.
  • Again, leave the iOpener in each position for about a minute, reheating in between, to heat each half of the left-most battery cells.

Temporarily leave your plastic card underneath the two rightmost battery cells to prevent them from re-adhering to the upper case.

If using an iOpener, reheat it and reapply it, this time to the left-most battery cells.

Again, leave the iOpener in each position for about a minute, reheating in between, to heat each half of the left-most battery cells.

Step 33

  • Repeat the above procedure to separate the two leftmost battery cells from the upper case.
  • Remember to apply a small amount of adhesive remover to each battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate and soften the adhesive.
  • Use a second plastic card to separate the two leftmost battery cells from the upper case.

Repeat the above procedure to separate the two leftmost battery cells from the upper case.

Remember to apply a small amount of adhesive remover to each battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate and soften the adhesive.

Use a second plastic card to separate the two leftmost battery cells from the upper case.

Step 34

  • Leave the second card in the corner between the two left cells.
  • In the following steps, you can either use a third card, or the card from the right corner. The right corner adhesive should be dry/cool enough that the cells can easily be pulled up again when needed.

Leave the second card in the corner between the two left cells.

In the following steps, you can either use a third card, or the card from the right corner. The right corner adhesive should be dry/cool enough that the cells can easily be pulled up again when needed.

Step 35

  • To separate the adhesive securing the final two, middle battery cells, apply a few more drops of liquid adhesive remover (or your iOpener) to each cell.
  • Apply the adhesive remover sparingly, since the trackpad lies beneath this area of the battery.
  • It may help to elevate one side of your MacBook Pro a few inches so that the adhesive remover flows in the correct direction, underneath the battery cells. You can use a sturdy book or foam block to prop up one side of your MacBook Pro while you work.
  • Insert the card about an inch between the left-center battery cell and the upper case, separating the adhesive between the cell and the case.

To separate the adhesive securing the final two, middle battery cells, apply a few more drops of liquid adhesive remover (or your iOpener) to each cell.

Apply the adhesive remover sparingly, since the trackpad lies beneath this area of the battery.

It may help to elevate one side of your MacBook Pro a few inches so that the adhesive remover flows in the correct direction, underneath the battery cells. You can use a sturdy book or foam block to prop up one side of your MacBook Pro while you work.

Insert the card about an inch between the left-center battery cell and the upper case, separating the adhesive between the cell and the case.

Step 36

  • Pull the card back out and insert it about an inch between the right-center battery cell and the upper case, separating the adhesive between the cell and case.

Pull the card back out and insert it about an inch between the right-center battery cell and the upper case, separating the adhesive between the cell and case.

Step 37

  • By this point, the outer cells should be free, and you should only encounter resistance from the two center cells. If this is not the case, go back and completely loosen the four outer-most cells from the upper case.
  • Pry up on the two center cells to separate the last of the adhesive and lift the battery from the device.

By this point, the outer cells should be free, and you should only encounter resistance from the two center cells. If this is not the case, go back and completely loosen the four outer-most cells from the upper case.

Pry up on the two center cells to separate the last of the adhesive and lift the battery from the device.

Step 38

  • Remove the battery.
  • Before installing your new battery, remove all the old adhesive from the MacBook Pro’s case.
  • With a little luck, you can slowly pull out each strip of adhesive with your fingers.
  • Otherwise, soak each section of adhesive with a bit of adhesive remover for 2-3 minutes, and then scrape it out with an opening pick or one of the other tools in your kit. This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.
  • Mop up any remaining adhesive remover and give your MacBook Pro a few minutes to air dry.
  • The replacement battery included in your iFixit kit comes with adhesive pre-installed. Test the battery’s fit and alignment carefully before peeling off the film covering the adhesive, and then press each cell firmly into place. If any additional films/liners are present that weren’t on your original battery, remove them now.
  • Calibrate your newly installed battery: charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.
  • If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to reset your MacBook Pro’s SMC.

Remove the battery.

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

With a little luck, you can slowly pull out each strip of adhesive with your fingers.

Otherwise, soak each section of adhesive with a bit of adhesive remover for 2-3 minutes, and then scrape it out with an opening pick or one of the other tools in your kit. This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.

Mop up any remaining adhesive remover and give your MacBook Pro a few minutes to air dry.

The replacement battery included in your iFixit kit comes with adhesive pre-installed. Test the battery’s fit and alignment carefully before peeling off the film covering the adhesive, and then press each cell firmly into place. If any additional films/liners are present that weren’t on your original battery, remove them now.

Calibrate your newly installed battery: charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.

If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to reset your MacBook Pro’s SMC.

Step 39

              Trackpad
  • Place a reheated iOpener over the trackpad cover plate to soften the adhesive securing it to the upper case.
  • Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair. Always wait at least two minutes before reheating the iOpener.

Place a reheated iOpener over the trackpad cover plate to soften the adhesive securing it to the upper case.

Be careful not to overheat the iOpener during the repair. Always wait at least two minutes before reheating the iOpener.

Step 40

  • Use a plastic opening tool to carefully pry the trackpad cover plate up from the upper case.
  • Go slowly and carefully to avoid putting any visible creases in the plate.

Use a plastic opening tool to carefully pry the trackpad cover plate up from the upper case.

Go slowly and carefully to avoid putting any visible creases in the plate.

Step 41

  • Use a plastic opening tool to slowly and carefully peel the trackpad cover plate up off the upper case.

Use a plastic opening tool to slowly and carefully peel the trackpad cover plate up off the upper case.

Step 42

  • Gently peel the plate up to remove it.

Gently peel the plate up to remove it.

Step 43

  • If necessary, peel back any tape covering the trackpad cable connector.

If necessary, peel back any tape covering the trackpad cable connector.

Step 44

  • Use the tip of a spudger to flip the retaining tab on the ZIF connector.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip the retaining tab on the ZIF connector.

Step 45

  • Pull the trackpad ribbon cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Pull the trackpad ribbon cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 46

  • Wedge the flat end of a spudger underneath the upper case opening where the trackpad ribbon cable passes is routed through.
  • Gently pry the trackpad ribbon cable from the adhesive securing it to the upper case.

Wedge the flat end of a spudger underneath the upper case opening where the trackpad ribbon cable passes is routed through.

Gently pry the trackpad ribbon cable from the adhesive securing it to the upper case.

Step 47

  • Remove the following screws securing the trackpad brackets to the trackpad and upper case.
  • Four 2.2 mm T5 Torx screws
  • Four 1.7 mm T5 Torx screws

Remove the following screws securing the trackpad brackets to the trackpad and upper case.

Four 2.2 mm T5 Torx screws

Four 1.7 mm T5 Torx screws

Step 48

  • Use tweezers to remove the two trackpad mounting brackets from the upper case.

Use tweezers to remove the two trackpad mounting brackets from the upper case.

Step 49

  • To avoid scratching the display, open the computer about 90º and set it on end.
  • Carefully guide the trackpad ribbon cable through the slot cut in the upper case.
  • This will push the trackpad up out of its recess in the top of the upper case.
  • Guide the trackpad out of the upper casewith your other hand, so it doesn’t fall.

To avoid scratching the display, open the computer about 90º and set it on end.

Carefully guide the trackpad ribbon cable through the slot cut in the upper case.

This will push the trackpad up out of its recess in the top of the upper case.

Guide the trackpad out of the upper casewith your other hand, so it doesn’t fall.

Step 50

  • Gently pull the trackpad away from the upper case, being careful not to snag the ribbon cable.

Gently pull the trackpad away from the upper case, being careful not to snag the ribbon cable.

Step 51

              MagSafe DC-In Board
  • Grab the black plastic tab to flip the display cable connector open and pull it straight out of its socket on the logic board.
  • Pull in the direction of the cable, parallel to the logic board. Do not pull up.

Grab the black plastic tab to flip the display cable connector open and pull it straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Pull in the direction of the cable, parallel to the logic board. Do not pull up.

Step 52

  • Pull the DC-In board connector straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Pull the DC-In board connector straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 53

  • Remove the two 3.5 mm T5 Torx screws securing the MagSafe DC-In board to the upper case.
  • You may need to gently push the display cable out of the way to expose the screws.

Remove the two 3.5 mm T5 Torx screws securing the MagSafe DC-In board to the upper case.

You may need to gently push the display cable out of the way to expose the screws.

Step 54

  • Use the MagSafe DC-In board cable to pull the board out and up from the upper case to remove it.

Use the MagSafe DC-In board cable to pull the board out and up from the upper case to remove it.

Step 55

              Upper Case
  • Carefully remove the rubber fan bumper from the edge of the heat sink.
  • The fan bumper wraps around the heat sink and fits into slots in the fan duct. During reassembly, be sure to fit the tabs into the notches in the fan duct.

Carefully remove the rubber fan bumper from the edge of the heat sink.

The fan bumper wraps around the heat sink and fits into slots in the fan duct. During reassembly, be sure to fit the tabs into the notches in the fan duct.

Step 56

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to peel the four foam stickers off of the heat sink screws.

Use the flat end of a spudger to peel the four foam stickers off of the heat sink screws.

Step 57

  • Remove the following screws securing the heat sink:
  • Four 2.6 mm T5 screws
  • One 2.4 mm Phillips #000 screw
  • In the Early 2015 model, this is a silver 2.7 mm T5 screw.

Remove the following screws securing the heat sink:

Four 2.6 mm T5 screws

One 2.4 mm Phillips #000 screw

In the Early 2015 model, this is a silver 2.7 mm T5 screw.

Step 58

  • Remove the heat sink from the laptop.
  • Use the thermal paste application guide to reapply the thermal paste before reassembly.

Remove the heat sink from the laptop.

Use the thermal paste application guide to reapply the thermal paste before reassembly.

Step 59

  • Use the tip of a spudger to push on either side of the the iSight camera cable connector and walk it out of its socket on the logic board.

Use the tip of a spudger to push on either side of the the iSight camera cable connector and walk it out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 60

  • Peel the iSight camera cable up off the fan housing to fold it out of the way.

Peel the iSight camera cable up off the fan housing to fold it out of the way.

Step 61

  • Use the tip of a spudger to flip the tab on the fan’s ZIF connector.
  • Carefully pull the fan cable from its connector.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip the tab on the fan’s ZIF connector.

Carefully pull the fan cable from its connector.

Step 62

  • Remove the following screws securing the fan to the upper case:
  • One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw
  • Two 3.6 mm T5 Torx screws

Remove the following screws securing the fan to the upper case:

One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw

Two 3.6 mm T5 Torx screws

Step 63

  • Lift the end of the fan from the heat sink cavity and pull it up and out toward the hinge of the laptop to remove it.

Lift the end of the fan from the heat sink cavity and pull it up and out toward the hinge of the laptop to remove it.

Step 64

  • Insert the tip of a spudger under each of the antenna cables near their connectors and pry up to disconnect them from the AirPort board.
  • The three cables are coded with black sleeves of different lengths. During reassembly:
  • Connect the long-sleeved cable to the center socket.
  • The short-sleeved cable connects next to the screw.
  • The remaining cable has no sleeve, and connects in the last empty socket, next to the fan.
  • When reconnecting the antenna cables, run them over the camera cable, not underneath.

Insert the tip of a spudger under each of the antenna cables near their connectors and pry up to disconnect them from the AirPort board.

The three cables are coded with black sleeves of different lengths. During reassembly:

Connect the long-sleeved cable to the center socket.

The short-sleeved cable connects next to the screw.

The remaining cable has no sleeve, and connects in the last empty socket, next to the fan.

When reconnecting the antenna cables, run them over the camera cable, not underneath.

Step 65

  • With the tip of a spudger, push on either side of the I/O board connector to walk it out of its socket on the logic board.

With the tip of a spudger, push on either side of the I/O board connector to walk it out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 66

  • Remove the following screws securing the I/O board to the upper case:
  • One 3.5 mm T8 Torx standoff screw
  • One 3.5 mm T5 Torx screw

Remove the following screws securing the I/O board to the upper case:

One 3.5 mm T8 Torx standoff screw

One 3.5 mm T5 Torx screw

Step 67

  • Lift the I/O board cable end of the I/O board and pull toward the logic board to free the ports from the upper case.
  • Remove the I/O board.
  • When reinstalling the I/O board, be sure to slide the USB ports’ metal EMI fingers under the side of the case, not over.

Lift the I/O board cable end of the I/O board and pull toward the logic board to free the ports from the upper case.

Remove the I/O board.

When reinstalling the I/O board, be sure to slide the USB ports’ metal EMI fingers under the side of the case, not over.

Step 68

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable and move it out of the way.

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable and move it out of the way.

Step 69

  • If necessary, peel back any tape covering the microphone cable ZIF connector.
  • Use the tip of a spudger to flip the retaining tab on the microphone cable ZIF connector.

If necessary, peel back any tape covering the microphone cable ZIF connector.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip the retaining tab on the microphone cable ZIF connector.

Step 70

  • Pull the microphone cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Pull the microphone cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 71

  • If necessary, peel back any tape covering the keyboard cable connector.
  • Use the tip of a spudger to flip the retaining tab on the ZIF connector.

If necessary, peel back any tape covering the keyboard cable connector.

Step 72

  • Pull the keyboard cable straight out of its ZIF socket on the logic board.

Pull the keyboard cable straight out of its ZIF socket on the logic board.

Step 73

  • Remove the five 3.5 mm T5 Torx screws securing the logic board to the upper case.
  • When reassembling, install all five screws loosely, position the logic board, and then tighten evenly.

Remove the five 3.5 mm T5 Torx screws securing the logic board to the upper case.

When reassembling, install all five screws loosely, position the logic board, and then tighten evenly.

Step 74

  • Lift the processor end of the logic board up slightly and pull it toward the fan recess to free the ports from the edge of the upper case and remove the logic board.
  • When reinstalling, make sure the keyboard, keyboard backlight, and microphone cables don’t get trapped beneath the logic board.
  • Also be sure to slide the ports’ metal EMI fingers under the side of the case, not over.

Lift the processor end of the logic board up slightly and pull it toward the fan recess to free the ports from the edge of the upper case and remove the logic board.

When reinstalling, make sure the keyboard, keyboard backlight, and microphone cables don’t get trapped beneath the logic board.

Also be sure to slide the ports’ metal EMI fingers under the side of the case, not over.

Step 75

  • Use a pair of tweezers to lift the rubber hinge covers up off the right and left display hinges.

Use a pair of tweezers to lift the rubber hinge covers up off the right and left display hinges.

Step 76

  • Remove the 3.2 mm T5 Torx screws (one on each side) securing the aluminum hinge brackets to the upper case.

Remove the 3.2 mm T5 Torx screws (one on each side) securing the aluminum hinge brackets to the upper case.

Step 77

  • Use a pair of tweezers to lift aluminum hinge brackets off the right and left display hinges.

Use a pair of tweezers to lift aluminum hinge brackets off the right and left display hinges.

Step 78

  • Remove the four inner 5.3 mm T8 Torx screws (two on each side) securing the display to the upper case.

Remove the four inner 5.3 mm T8 Torx screws (two on each side) securing the display to the upper case.

Step 79

  • Open the MacBook Pro a little wider than 90 degrees, and place it on end, as shown.
  • While holding the display and upper case together with your left hand, remove the remaining T8 Torx screw from the lower display bracket.
  • Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your left hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component.
  • Remove the last remaining T8 Torx screw securing the display to the upper case.

Open the MacBook Pro a little wider than 90 degrees, and place it on end, as shown.

While holding the display and upper case together with your left hand, remove the remaining T8 Torx screw from the lower display bracket.

Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your left hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component.

Remove the last remaining T8 Torx screw securing the display to the upper case.

Step 80

  • Grip both halves of the device, one in each hand.
  • Gently push forward on the bottom half of the device to detach it from the display assembly.
  • Carefully set each component aside, making sure to set down the lower half keyboard-side down.

Grip both halves of the device, one in each hand.

Gently push forward on the bottom half of the device to detach it from the display assembly.

Carefully set each component aside, making sure to set down the lower half keyboard-side down.

Step 81

  • Place the MacBook on a heated iOpener for about a minute to soften the adhesive securing the dual microphone cable.

Place the MacBook on a heated iOpener for about a minute to soften the adhesive securing the dual microphone cable.

Step 82

  • Insert the tip of a spudger under the rubber microphone cable cover to free it form the upper case.
  • Remove the rubber microphone cable cover.

Insert the tip of a spudger under the rubber microphone cable cover to free it form the upper case.

Remove the rubber microphone cable cover.

Step 83

  • Insert the tip of a spudger under the connector end of the microphone ribbon cable and lift to peel that section up from the upper case.

Insert the tip of a spudger under the connector end of the microphone ribbon cable and lift to peel that section up from the upper case.

Step 84

  • Insert the tip of a spudger under the right-hand portion of the microphone ribbon cable and slide it toward the screw post to free it from the upper case.

Insert the tip of a spudger under the right-hand portion of the microphone ribbon cable and slide it toward the screw post to free it from the upper case.

Step 85

  • Remove the microphone cable from the upper case.

Remove the microphone cable from the upper case.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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                    Sam Goldheart

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Sara Wedeman - Apr 14, 2016

Reply

This is fantastic. I had no difficulty taking my machine apart. I would suggest, however, that we also start doing reassembly guides. I’m pretty good at taking things apart. Putting them back together is a different matter entirely. I’d do one myself if I were able. Many thanks ! Sara

marcosmac - May 8, 2019

Reply

I’m just finished this guide/procedure for the very first time. I didn’t remove the heat sink (step 55 to 57) with a lot of patience and with extreme caution, I remove the logic board with the heat sink attached on a single part, very carefully with the fan and the I/O board, so, it’s possible but not recommend, before this steps remove the MagSafe board first, the full procedure took 3 hours.

thank for this amazing guide!