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Broken Display Replacement Guide – 2015 MacBook Pro 13” Retina (A1502)


OVERVIEW:

In this teardown tutorial, we’ll walk through a full LCD replacement for the 2015 MacBook Pro A1502. This unit was mailed in with a broken display, and we’ll go through each detailed step of the repair. From disconnecting the battery to reinstalling the new LCD and its components, this guide strictly follows the repair process shown in the video. Whether you’re a DIY repair enthusiast or just curious about MacBook internals, this guide is built for clarity and ease of understanding.

See the official Apple specs for this model


REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate connectors and precise reassembly.


STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a pentalobe screwdriver to remove the bottom panel, a T5 and T8 Torx screwdriver for hinge and bracket removal, and a plastic spudger to safely disconnect the battery, Wi-Fi antennas, and webcam microphone cable.


Remove the Bottom Panel

  • Use your pentalobe screwdriver to remove all the screws securing the bottom panel.
  • Set the screws aside in a safe place for reassembly later.
  • Carefully lift and remove the bottom cover to access the internal components.

Disconnect the Battery

  • Locate the battery connector near the bottom of the logic board.
  • Use a plastic spudger to gently lift and disconnect the battery connector.
  • This is an important safety step before touching any internal components.

Remove LCD Connector Covers

  • Identify the two small rubber covers near the display connector.
  • Gently peel both rubber covers off to expose the display cable connectors underneath.
  • Set the covers aside for reinstallation later.

Unplug the LCD Connector

  • Locate the main LCD cable connector under the covers.
  • Use a spudger or fingernail to unlatch the connector and carefully unplug it.
  • Be gentle during this step to avoid damage to the connector or socket.

Remove T5 Hinge Screws

  • Switch to your T5 Torx screwdriver.
  • Remove the two screws securing the display hinges to the frame.
  • These screws are located at the base of each hinge.

Remove T8 Hinge Screws

  • Now use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the three hinge screws on both sides.
  • These screws secure the LCD assembly in place and must be removed before detaching the screen.
  • Carefully store all screws for reassembly.

Disconnect Wi-Fi Antennas

  • Use a spudger to carefully disconnect the Wi-Fi antenna cables from the logic board.
  • Work slowly to avoid damaging the connectors.
  • Note the cable routing for easier reinstallation.

Unplug the Webcam Microphone Cable

  • Locate the webcam/microphone cable near the hinge area.
  • Gently lift the cable and unplug it from its connector.
  • Be extra cautious here — damage to this connector can disable the webcam and microphone.

Remove the LCD Assembly

  • Open the MacBook slightly to loosen the hinge tension.
  • Gently lift the entire top case (LCD assembly) away from the bottom case.
  • Set the damaged screen aside safely.

Prepare New LCD Assembly

  • Remove any protective tape or film from the new LCD, including those holding cables in place.
  • Make sure all connectors are visible and ready for installation.

Bend Hinges for Installation

  • Use a pentalobe screwdriver to apply gentle upward pressure inside the hinge holes.
  • This helps angle the hinges into the correct position for mounting.
  • Alternatively, tilt the hinge upward and use your T8 screwdriver to partially screw in one side.

Use Table Edge for Easier Mounting

  • Position the MacBook at the edge of the table with the display hanging off.
  • This gives better leverage and alignment for screwing in the hinges.
  • Seat the assembly properly for installation.

Align and Secure Hinges

  • Close the MacBook slightly and set it flat on the table.
  • Insert and tighten the T8 screws to fully secure both hinges.
  • Make sure the display is centered and aligned with the body.

Install Wi-Fi Antenna Bracket

  • Before securing the left hinge screws, identify the small Wi-Fi antenna retention bracket.
  • Ensure this bracket is positioned correctly before installing the final screws.
  • It helps keep the Wi-Fi cables locked in place.

Reconnect Wi-Fi Antennas

  • Reattach the Wi-Fi cables to their original locations.
  • Start from the inside and work outward for the easiest cable routing.
  • Ensure each connector is seated fully.

Reconnect the Webcam Microphone Cable

  • Route the cable beneath the horizontal metal bar near the hinge.
  • Plug the connector in carefully until it clicks into place.
  • A loose connection may cause camera or audio issues.

Secure Remaining Screws

  • Go back to your T8 screwdriver and reinstall all hinge and bracket screws.
  • Ensure everything is tightened evenly and securely.
  • Double-check alignment before proceeding.

Reinstall Rubber Connector Covers

  • Place both rubber covers back over the LCD connectors.
  • The left-side rubber cover has a small cutout to help you identify its placement.
  • Press them down firmly to seat them correctly.

Reconnect the Battery

  • Flip the device over and reconnect the battery using your spudger.
  • Press down gently to ensure it’s securely connected.
  • Your MacBook is now ready to be powered back on.

Reattach Bottom Panel

  • Place the bottom panel back onto the chassis.
  • Use the pentalobe screwdriver to reinstall all screws removed in Step 1.
  • Power on the device to confirm successful installation.

CONCLUSION:

This guide walked you through every step of replacing a 2015 MacBook Pro A1502 LCD, from opening the device to safely installing the new screen. Each section was carefully expanded to offer more clarity using only the information shown in the original video. With patience and attention to detail, this repair is very doable for the average user. Be sure to handle all connectors gently and keep your screws organized during reassembly. If you followed along, your MacBook should now be fully functional with a brand-new display.

Before and After Screen Replacement

VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.


MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.


SHOP PARTS:


SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. High-quality screwdrivers and spudgers make all the difference in protecting internal hardware.
Browse our selection of tools designed for safe and accurate MacBook repair.


HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below. Our community and team will be happy to help!


YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

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