M1 MacBook Pro 14″ Tear-Down Disassembly (A2442)

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OVERVIEW:

In this comprehensive teardown, we delve into the intricate process of disassembling the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro equipped with the M1 Pro processor. From removing the back cover to detaching the display, each step is meticulously detailed to guide you through the repair process. Whether you’re a seasoned technician or a curious enthusiast, this guide provides valuable insights into the MacBook’s internal components. Proceed with caution and ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment before beginning. Remember, patience and precision are key to a successful teardown.

See the official Apple specs for this model

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1 HOUR to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring comprehensive knowledge of electronic components and meticulous handling of delicate parts.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a P5 Pentalobe screwdriver for the back cover screws, T4, T5, T6, and T9 Torx screwdrivers for various internal components, a suction cup to lift the back case, a plastic pry tool for safely disconnecting cables and removing adhesive, tweezers for handling small parts, and safety glasses to protect your eyes during the process.

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Power Down and Remove Back Cover

• Ensure the MacBook Pro is completely powered off.
• Use the P5 Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the eight screws securing the back cover.
• Employ a suction cup to gently lift the back case until you hear two snapping sounds, indicating the case can be pulled towards you to detach it from the chassis.

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Disconnect the Trackpad Flex Cable

• Locate the trackpad flex cable connected to the logic board.
• Remove the two T4 screws securing the cable bracket.
• Use a plastic pry tool to carefully disconnect the trackpad flex cable from the logic board.

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Disconnect the Battery from the Logic Board Flex Cable

• Identify the battery to logic board flex cable.
• Use the tip of your pry tool to unlock the two small mechanisms holding the cable.
• Gently remove the cable, taking care not to damage it.

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Disconnect Direct Battery Connection

• Access the direct battery to logic board connection.
• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove the single screw securing the connection.
• Employ a pry tool to carefully pull the connection away from the battery.

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Remove Trackpad

• Remove the ten T5 screws securing the trackpad to the chassis.
• Open the laptop to access the trackpad area.
• Use a pry tool to unlock the trackpad flex cable mechanism and gently pull the cable out.

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Remove Battery Adhesive Tabs

• Locate the eight adhesive tabs on the edges of the battery.
• Use a pry tool to dig for the tabs and slowly pull them out.
• Be prepared for the tabs to break, requiring additional effort to remove the remaining adhesive.

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Remove Internal Battery Adhesive Tabs

• Flip the laptop open to access the six adhesive tabs within the trackpad area.
• Use a pry tool to dig for the tabs and tweezers to wrap and pull them outward.
• Avoid using metal tools near the battery to prevent damage or injury.

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Separate Battery from Chassis

• Use a flat, wide pry tool to separate the battery from the chassis.
• The ease of removal depends on how much adhesive was successfully removed earlier.
• Remove the single T5 screw securing the battery board to the chassis and lift the battery out.

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Disconnect Logic Board Cables

• Begin disconnecting cables from the logic board, starting with the keyboard flex cable.
• Unlock and remove the keyboard backlight cable.
• Continue disconnecting the left speaker flex cable and other remaining flex cables.

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Disconnect Fan Flex Cables

• Disconnect both fan flex cables from the logic board.
• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the headphone jack cable bracket.
• Use a pry tool to disconnect the headphone jack cable.

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Remove USB-C Board Brackets

• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the brackets above the two independent USB-C boards.
• Use the tip of a pry tool to disconnect the cables.

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Remove MagSafe Bracket and Flex Cable

• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the MagSafe bracket.
• Disconnect the MagSafe flex cable using a pry tool.

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Remove Display Sleep Mode Sensor

• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the display sleep mode sensor cable bracket.
• Disconnect the flex cable using the tip of a pry tool.

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Disconnect LCD Display Flex Cables

• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove two screws per bracket securing the LCD display flex cables.
• Use a pry tool to disconnect each cable.

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Remove Touch ID Power Button

• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the Touch ID power button bracket.
• Use the flat side of a pry tool to separate the cable from the logic board and disconnect it carefully.

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Remove Right Side USB-C

• Remove two T4 screws to disconnect the right side USB-C port.

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Remove Wi-Fi Antenna Cable Bracket

• Use a T4 screwdriver to remove two screws securing the Wi-Fi antenna cable bracket and one screw securing all cables to the logic board.
• Use a pry tool tip to disconnect the three cables from the board.

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Remove Logic Board and Fans

• Use tweezers to remove four plastic screw covers.
• Remove eleven T5 screws securing the logic board and both fans to the chassis.
• Continue removing T6 screws from the logic board.

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Remove Logic Board

• Ensure all screws and cables are removed and out of the way.
• Use a pry tool to slowly separate the logic board without bending it.
• If the board resists, double-check for any remaining screws or cables.

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Remove Fans

• Remove the final four T3 screws securing each fan.
• Lift both fans out of the chassis.
• Note: Cleaning the fans requires removing the entire logic board unless using compressed air.

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Remove Audio Jack Board

• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove two screws securing the audio jack board.

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Remove USB-C Boards

• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove two screws per USB-C board.
• These boards are easy to replace if needed.

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Remove MagSafe

• Remove four screws securing the MagSafe: two T5 screws followed by two special T3 screws.

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Remove Wi-Fi Antenna Module

• Remove four T5 screws securing the Wi-Fi antenna module.
• Remove two T5 screws on both ends of the Wi-Fi module.
• Remove nine T2 screws to allow for final removal of the antenna module.

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Remove Hinge Covers

• Use tweezers to remove both hinge covers.

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Remove Speakers

• Use a metal pry tool to slide between the speaker and the chassis.
• Speakers are attached with special glue; apply extra strength carefully to avoid damage.

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Remove Display

• Remove six T9 screws securing the display to the chassis.
• Open the LCD to a 45-degree angle and apply downward force to detach the display from the chassis.

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Remove Touch ID Power Button Bracket

• Remove five T3 screws securing the Touch ID/power button bracket.
• Remove two additional T3 screws securing the spring bracket and remove it using tweezers.
• Finally, remove the last T3 screw and the main back bracket to free the Touch ID power button.

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CONCLUSION:

Disassembling the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro with M1 Pro processor is a meticulous process that requires patience, precision, and the right tools. By following each step carefully, you can successfully access and replace internal components. Always prioritize safety and consult professional services if unsure about any part of the process.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

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

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

If you prefer professional assistance, we offer a reliable mail-in repair service. Send in your device, and we’ll handle the rest.

REPAIR SERVICES

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. You’ll find everything you need in our recommended toolkit.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the repair process or need further clarification, feel free to ask in the comment section below. Our community will be more than happy to assist!

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS: