Replace a Bad Battery – 16″ MacBook Pro Step-by-Step Guide (A2485 & A2780, M1–M2 Pro)

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OVERVIEW:

In this repair guide, we’re replacing the battery on the 16-inch A2485 M1 MacBook Pro. Battery issues can arise from age, swelling, or physical damage, and in this case, there is visible physical damage to the existing battery. We’ll walk you through each step of safely removing the back cover, disconnecting internal components, removing the old battery, and reinstalling a new one. The process involves careful handling and the use of proper tools to avoid damage. Follow each step closely for a smooth and safe battery replacement.

See the official Apple specs for this model

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 1 to 2 hours to complete and is of INTERMEDIATE difficulty, requiring careful handling of delicate connectors and adhesive removal techniques.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a Pentalobe P5 screwdriver, a T3 and T5 Torx screwdriver, a plastic spudger, isopropyl alcohol, plastic tweezers, and a flat plastic tool for safely prying the battery.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Use the Pentalobe P5 screwdriver to remove all bottom case screws — long screws go in the back, short ones in the front.
• Gently insert your fingers or a plastic spudger at the corner and slide to pop the bottom case loose.
• Carefully lift and remove the bottom cover from the MacBook.

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Remove the Trackpad Bracket Screws

• Using a T3 screwdriver, unscrew the two screws holding the trackpad flex cable bracket.
• Set the screws aside carefully to avoid mixing them up.
• Remove the metal bracket to access the flex cable below.

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Disconnect the Trackpad Flex Cable

• Use a plastic spudger to gently pry up the trackpad flex cable from the logic board.
• Take care not to pull or twist the cable roughly.
• Ensure the flex cable is completely detached before proceeding.

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Unlock and Disconnect the Battery Daughter Board Flex Cable

• Unlock the latch securing the battery daughter board flex cable.
• Slide the cable out gently using your spudger or fingers.
• Make sure not to damage the connector.

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Remove the Pancake Screw

• Use your T5 screwdriver to unscrew the single pancake screw that holds part of the battery connector assembly.
• Remove the screw and set it aside with the rest.

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Disconnect the Logic Board from the Battery Board Connector

• Insert your plastic spudger under the logic board to the battery board connector and pull it away.
• This step cuts off power flow from the battery.
• Ensure no charge remains before working further.

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Discharge Any Residual Power

• Open the MacBook slightly and press the power button for 10 seconds.
• This discharges remaining power from the capacitors on the logic board.
• Wait for 10 seconds before moving forward.

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Unscrew the Battery Board

• Locate the two T5 screws holding the battery board.
• Remove both screws and set them aside.
• This allows free access to start pulling the battery cells.

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Begin Removing Battery Adhesive Tabs

• Locate adhesive pull tabs on the edge of each battery cell.
• Use your plastic separation tool to gently lift the adhesive tabs.
• Carefully pull out the tabs, wrapping them around your straight tweezers.

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Remove Adhesive from Battery Cells

• Pull slowly and evenly to avoid tearing the tabs.
• If a tab breaks, fish out the remainder with tweezers and continue.
• Repeat this process for each cell: one, two, three, and four.

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Continue to the Other Battery Side

• Please move to the next set of battery cells and locate their pull tabs.
• Use plastic tools only to separate adhesive layers from the cells.
• Avoid using metal tools unless you are experienced.

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Remove Tape and Glue Residue

• Use a flat tool (optional) or plastic spudger to scrape away residual glue or tape.
• Work slowly to avoid battery puncture.
• Clear all remaining adhesive before continuing.

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Remove the Final Two Battery Cells

• For the last two cells, the trackpad must be removed for access.
• Do not pull until the trackpad is taken out.
• Set these cells aside once removed.

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Remove the Trackpad

• Use a T5 screwdriver to remove all screws securing the trackpad.
• Note which screws go where — some may be longer or shorter.
• Lift the MacBook slightly and remove the trackpad gently.

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Access Remaining Pull Tabs Under Trackpad

• Identify six more adhesive pull tabs under where the trackpad was.
• Pull each one carefully using tweezers and the same wrap method.
• Ensure no tape remains stuck under the battery.

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Remove the Battery Completely

• Once all adhesive is removed, gently lift and remove the battery.
• Set the old battery aside and dispose of it safely.
• Inspect the MacBook chassis for debris before installing the new battery.

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Align and Install the New Battery

• Place the new battery inside the chassis, aligning screw holes with the board below.
• Do not press the battery down until you’re sure it’s properly positioned.
• Use the screw holes as a guide to make final adjustments.

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Reinstall the Trackpad

• Carefully place the trackpad back into its original position.
• Adjust the screw holes so they align with the frame.
• Begin reattaching the trackpad screws using your T5 screwdriver.

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Reconnect Battery and Trackpad Flex Cables

• Connect the trackpad flex cable and secure it with its bracket.
• Attach the battery daughter board flex cable and lock the latch.
• Reinstall the pancake screw to hold the connector in place.

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Final Assembly and Back Cover Installation

• Reattach any remaining internal screws and check all connections.
• Close the back case and secure it with the P5 screws in their correct positions.
• Press the power button and confirm system boot-up with the startup chime.

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CONCLUSION:

Replacing the battery in a 16-inch A2485 M1 MacBook Pro requires patience, precision, and the right tools. With careful step-by-step disassembly and handling, even challenging pull tabs and adhesive can be safely managed. Always double-check alignment before pressing components into place, especially the new battery. Once reassembled, power on your MacBook to ensure everything functions as expected. This thorough repair can bring your device back to life and extend its lifespan significantly.

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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:

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.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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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.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

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

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: support@tekdep.com

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