Featured
Featured Guide
Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
39
Time Required
30 minutes - 1 hour
Sections
4
- Lower Case
- 6 steps
- Battery Connector
- 10 steps
- Antenna Bar
- 6 steps
- Screen
- 17 steps
Flags
2
In Progress
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BackMacBook Pro 14" 2021
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Introduction
For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your MacBook. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.
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
Unfasten the lower case
- Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
- Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove eight screws securing the lower case:
- Four 9.3 mm screws
- Four 5 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.
Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove eight screws securing the lower case:
Four 9.3 mm screws
Four 5 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
Unclip the lower case
- Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.
- Pull up on the suction handle to create a small gap under the lower case.
Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.
Pull up on the suction handle to create a small gap under the lower case.
Step 3
Release the lower case's right clips
- Insert an opening pick into the gap you just created.
- Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and then halfway up the side of the MacBook Pro.
- This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.
Insert an opening pick into the gap you just created.
Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and then halfway up the side of the MacBook Pro.
This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.
Step 4
Release the lower case's left clips
- Repeat the previous step on the other side, using an opening pick to to release the second clip.
Repeat the previous step on the other side, using an opening pick to to release the second clip.
Step 5
- Pull firmly to slide the lower case towards the front edge 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 may require a lot of force.
Pull firmly to slide the lower case towards the front edge 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 may require a lot of force.
Step 6
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 7
Unfasten the trackpad cable bracket
- Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm-long screws securing the trackpad cable bracket to the logic board.
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm-long screws securing the trackpad cable bracket to the logic board.
Step 8
Remove the trackpad cable bracket
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the trackpad cable bracket.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the trackpad cable bracket.
Step 9
Disconnect the trackpad cable
- Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable’s press connector secured to the logic board.
- To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don’t press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable’s press connector secured to the logic board.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don’t press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.
Step 10
Reposition the trackpad cable
- The trackpad cable is lightly adhered to the frame.
- Peel the trackpad cable away from the device, making sure to separate the adhesive.
The trackpad cable is lightly adhered to the frame.
Peel the trackpad cable away from the device, making sure to separate the adhesive.
Step 11
Disconnect the battery board
- Peel back any tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
Peel back any tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
Step 12
- Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.
Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.
Step 13
- The battery board data cable is lightly adhered to the logic board.
- Insert blunt-nosed tweezers between the battery board data cable and the logic board.
- Slide the tweezers underneath the cable to separate the adhesive.
- Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket on the logic board.
The battery board data cable is lightly adhered to the logic board.
Insert blunt-nosed tweezers between the battery board data cable and the logic board.
Slide the tweezers underneath the cable to separate the adhesive.
Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket on the logic board.
Step 14
Reposition the battery board cable
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the battery board data cable away from the device.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to pull the battery board data cable away from the device.
Step 15
Unfasten the battery connector
- Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.8 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.8 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.
Step 16
Disconnect the battery connector
- Use a spudger to lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.
- Lift the connector high enough to keep it separated from its socket while you work. If it accidentally makes contact, it could damage your MacBook Pro.
Use a spudger to lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough to keep it separated from its socket while you work. If it accidentally makes contact, it could damage your MacBook Pro.
Step 17
Unfasten the antenna bar's connector bracket
- Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 2.1 mm screws securing the antenna board bracket and coaxial cable cover to the frame.
Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the three 2.1 mm screws securing the antenna board bracket and coaxial cable cover to the frame.
Step 18
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the cover on top of the antenna bar’s coaxial cables.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the cover on top of the antenna bar’s coaxial cables.
Step 19
Disconnect the antenna bar
- Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the antenna bar’s coaxial cable.
- Repeat for the two other cables.
- During reassembly, these can be tricky to reconnect. One at a time, hold each connector in place over its socket and press down with the flat end of a spudger. The connector should snap into place.
Use the tip of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the antenna bar’s coaxial cable.
Repeat for the two other cables.
During reassembly, these can be tricky to reconnect. One at a time, hold each connector in place over its socket and press down with the flat end of a spudger. The connector should snap into place.
Step 20
Unfasten the antenna bar
- Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the antenna bar to the frame:
- Two 7.5 mm screws
- Four 3.2 mm screws
- Use a P2 Pentalobe driver to remove the nine 1.5 mm screws securing the antenna bar to the frame.
- These screws strip very easily; use constant downward pressure and work slowly when you loosen these.
Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the antenna bar to the frame:
Two 7.5 mm screws
Four 3.2 mm screws
Use a P2 Pentalobe driver to remove the nine 1.5 mm screws securing the antenna bar to the frame.
These screws strip very easily; use constant downward pressure and work slowly when you loosen these.
Step 21
Remove the antenna bar
- Insert the tip of a spudger between the antenna bar and the frame.
- Pry up with the spudger to separate the antenna bar from the frame.
Insert the tip of a spudger between the antenna bar and the frame.
Pry up with the spudger to separate the antenna bar from the frame.
Step 22
- Pull the antenna bar straight up and out of the frame to remove it.
Pull the antenna bar straight up and out of the frame to remove it.
Step 23
Unfasten the display cable covers
- Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 2.1 mm screws securing the display cable covers.
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 2.1 mm screws securing the display cable covers.
Step 24
Remove the display cable covers
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the two display cable covers from the logic board.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the two display cable covers from the logic board.
Step 25
Disconnect the display cables
- Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the two right-most display cable press connectors secured to the logic board.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the two right-most display cable press connectors secured to the logic board.
Step 26
- Repeat the previous step for the left-most press connector.
Repeat the previous step for the left-most press connector.
Step 27
Remove the display cable brackets
- Pull up on the back of the display cable bracket to release the clips securing it to the frame.
- Remove the display cable bracket.
- Repeat for the other display cable bracket.
Pull up on the back of the display cable bracket to release the clips securing it to the frame.
Remove the display cable bracket.
Repeat for the other display cable bracket.
Step 28
- If the two display cable bracket buffers are removed alongside the brackets, then skip this step.
- Pull the two display cable bracket buffers straight up and out of the frame to remove them.
If the two display cable bracket buffers are removed alongside the brackets, then skip this step.
Pull the two display cable bracket buffers straight up and out of the frame to remove them.
Step 29
Unfasten the lid angle sensor cover
- Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm screws securing the lid angle sensor cover near the right hinge.
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm screws securing the lid angle sensor cover near the right hinge.
Step 30
Remove the lid angle sensor cover
- Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the lid angle sensor cover.
Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the lid angle sensor cover.
Step 31
Disconnect the lid angle sensor cable
- Use the flat of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the lid angle sensor’s press connector.
Use the flat of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the lid angle sensor’s press connector.
Step 32
Unfasten the hinge covers
- Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 2.5 mm screws securing the hinge covers (two screws on each side).
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the four 2.5 mm screws securing the hinge covers (two screws on each side).
Step 33
Remove the hinge covers
- Use tweezers to pull the hinge covers horizontally away from the hinge to separate it from the frame.
- Remove the hinge covers.
Use tweezers to pull the hinge covers horizontally away from the hinge to separate it from the frame.
Remove the hinge covers.
Step 34
Unfasten some of the hinge screws
- Use a T8 Torx driver to remove two 5.2 mm screws from each hinge (four screws total).
- Each hinge has a third screw, which you should leave in place for now.
Use a T8 Torx driver to remove two 5.2 mm screws from each hinge (four screws total).
Each hinge has a third screw, which you should leave in place for now.
Step 35
Protect the MacBook
- If you plan to re-use your screen, open it and apply a piece of tape to the glass directly above each hinge. This helps protect the glass from getting scratched in the following step.
- Fully open the screen and stand your MacBook Pro up on one side.
If you plan to re-use your screen, open it and apply a piece of tape to the glass directly above each hinge. This helps protect the glass from getting scratched in the following step.
Fully open the screen and stand your MacBook Pro up on one side.
Step 36
Unfasten the remaining screws
- Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two remaining 5.2 mm screws (one from each hinge).
- Remove the topmost screw last, using one hand to steady both halves of the MacBook Pro to make sure they don’t separate and fall over unexpectedly.
Use a T8 Torx driver to remove the two remaining 5.2 mm screws (one from each hinge).
Remove the topmost screw last, using one hand to steady both halves of the MacBook Pro to make sure they don’t separate and fall over unexpectedly.
Step 37
Remove the screen
- Keep a firm grip on both the screen and main body of the MacBook Pro. Either half can fall unexpectedly during this step.
- Push both halves of the MacBook Pro together so that the hinges can be lifted clear of their recesses in the chassis.
- Push the main body of the MacBook Pro away from you while pulling the screen toward you to separate it.
Keep a firm grip on both the screen and main body of the MacBook Pro. Either half can fall unexpectedly during this step.
Push both halves of the MacBook Pro together so that the hinges can be lifted clear of their recesses in the chassis.
Push the main body of the MacBook Pro away from you while pulling the screen toward you to separate it.
Step 38
- Remove the screen.
Remove the screen.
Step 39
- During reassembly, first install the hinge screws without tightening them fully. Then adjust the screen until it is correctly centered and aligned on each side. Finally, tighten the screws.
- If your screen clicks or snaps upon opening, loosen the hinge screws and adjust the alignment. Make sure the screen doesn’t sit too far forward, or it can catch on the body when opening and closing.
- If desired, add a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads to prevent them from loosening over time.
During reassembly, first install the hinge screws without tightening them fully. Then adjust the screen until it is correctly centered and aligned on each side. Finally, tighten the screws.
If your screen clicks or snaps upon opening, loosen the hinge screws and adjust the alignment. Make sure the screen doesn’t sit too far forward, or it can catch on the body when opening and closing.
If desired, add a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads to prevent them from loosening over time.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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 you install it.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Answers community for help.
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Author
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Alex Diaz-Kokaisl
Member since: 01/16/2022
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Ryan Li - Jul 27, 2022
Reply
Hi where can I buy a replacement screen?
Alex Diaz-Kokaisl - Jul 28, 2022
Hi Ryan.
We actually sell the screen, a.ka. “display assembly” here. I apologize that the part wasn’t linked in the parts section at the top of the page. I will update that for future repairers.
Ryan Li - Jul 28, 2022
Reply
Thanks! Unfortunately it is out of stock :(
Jacko Salakian - Oct 4, 2022
Reply
Did you completely remove the hinge? Just wondering since I may do a hinge replacement in the future.
Alex Diaz-Kokaisl - Oct 5, 2022
Hi Jacko.
We don’t completely remove the hinge with this guide, as it’s already attached to the replacement screen.
