In the following guide I explain how to disassemble a MacBook Pro 15″ (Mid 2010) in order to remove and replace the keyboard.
In my case something sticky was spilled on the keyboard and it stopped working completely. In fact, the laptop didn't even start with the damaged keyboard connected to the motherboard.
I'm replacing the RAM in a 2011 MacBook Pro, something I've done before on other machines. I got all the screws from the back case off apart from one that sits in the corner on the end by the screen hinge. After trying with a variety of screwdrivers I cannot get the screw undone, and have now stripped the head of the screw. Top Reasons for MacBook Pro Black Screen. MacBook Pro black screen is a common issue that can happen in different situations. For example, when you want to wake up your MacBook Pro from the sleep mode, you may find that it has no response and it is stuck in the black screen of death forever. Or your MacBook Pro just boots into a black screen.
I confirmed that this is just a failed keyboard by turning it on using the power-on pads.
The keyboard is attached to the internal side of the top cover assembly. In order to remove and replace the keyboard the entire MacBook Pro (MBP) has to be disassembled.
You can find the year of your MBP by running the serial number on Apple website.
The serial number can be located on the bottom case or memory slot.
For this repair you'll need the following tools:
– T-6 torx screwdriver.
– PH000 Phillips screwdriver.
– 1.5 mm slotted screwdriver ( I used it for removing battery screws).
MBP has a very small screws. I recommend using only high quality precision screwdrivers. I prefer Wiha screwdrivers.
Before you start the disassembly process make sure the computer is turned off.
Also, keep track of all screws (they are all different). Make notes, pictures, etc… This will make your life much easier during the reassembly process.
STEP 1.
Remove ten screws securing the bottom cover.
STEP 2.
Separate the bottom cover and remove it.
Under the bottom cover you can access the following internal MBP components:
– Memory modules.
– Optical drive.
– Cooling fans.
– Hard drive.
– Notebook battery.
– Motherboard aka logic board.
STEP 3.
The battery is secured by three special screws (tri-wing screws). I was able to remove them using a small 1.5mm slotted screwdriver without any problem.
Be careful, using a wrong screwdriver can easily strip the screw.
STEP 4.
Lift up the battery and unplug the battery cable from the motherboard.
Remove the battery.
STEP 5.
Unscrew two screws securing the hard drive mounting bracket.
How To Open Back Of Macbook Pro 13.3
STEP 6.
Lift up and remove the hard drive bracket.
STEP 7.
Carefully lift up the hard drive and disconnect the hard drive cable.
Remove the hard drive.
STEP 8.
Remove both memory modules.
Spread latches on both sides of the memory slot. The top memory module with pop up at a 30 degree angle. Pull the top memory module from the slot.
After that pull the bottom memory module.
STEP 9.
Remove six screws securing the cooling fans (three screws per one fan).
STEP 10.
Disconnect both fan cables from the motherboard.
STEP 11.
Remove both cooling fans.
STEP 12.
Remove two screws securing the keyboard and trackpad connectors shield.
Remove the shield.
STEP 13.
Disconnect 10 cables from the motherboard.
Be very careful with connectors 6 and 8. I'll explain how to unlock different types of connectors in the following pictures.
Unplug the video cable (connector 10).
Here's how to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable (connector 6).
Carefully lift up the left side of the connector retainer with a small screwdriver.
The retainer will open up at a 90 degree angle.
Now you can pull the keyboard backlight cable from the connector.
Remove the keyboard cable (connector 8) the same way.
First, lift up the connector retainer.
After that pull the keyboard cable from the connector.
Lift up and disconnect the speaker cable (connector 4).
Lift up and disconnect the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly connector. Unlock connectors 1,3,5,7,9 the same way.
Unplug the camera cable form the connector on the motherboard.
STEP 14.
Remove nine screws securing the motherboard and MagSafe board.
STEP 15.
Start removing the motherboard from the left side.
Lift up the left side and work the right side of the motherboard out of the notebook case.
Note: you can leave the MagSafe board connected to the notebook case but in this case you'll have to unplug it from the motherboard.
I found it easier to remove the motherboard with the MagSafe board attached.
STEP 16.
Free video editing special effects software. Remove the motherboard.
Logic recording software for mac free download. STEP 17.
Remove two screws securing the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly.
STEP 18.
Move the the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly aside.
STEP 19.
Remove three screws securing the optical drive.
STEP 20.
Lift up and remove the optical drive.
STEP 21.
Remove two screws securing the mounting bracket.
STEP 22.
Remove the mounting bracket.
STEP 23.
The keyboard almost ready for the removal and replacement. Macbook 10 13 2.
Carefully separate the trackpad cable from the keyboard assembly.
STEP 24.
Now you can start separating the keyboard backlight from the keyboard.
The backlight has a few layers. Do not separate them from each other.
Be careful if you plan to use the backlight with a new keyboard.
I purchased a new keyboard WITH backlight so I didn't care much about the original backlight.
STEP 25.
Remove the keyboard backlight.
STEP 26.
Now remove about 70 very small screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 27.
Remove two screws securing the display cable mounting bracket.
STEP 28.
Lift up and remove the bracket.
How To Open A Macbook
STEP 29.
Remove two screws securing the power button.
NOTE: the power button is permanently attached to the keyboard. It's part of the keyboard.
STEP 30.
Start removing the keyboard.
STEP 31.
While removing the keyboard pay attention to the power button.
There is a metal ring (spring) located under the power button. Do not lose it. Do not forget to install this spring back in place under the new power button.
After the old damaged/failed keyboard removed you can install a new keyboard.
New keyboards available on eBay.
Install a new (or old) backlight on the keyboard and assemble the laptop following all steps in the opposite direction.
By the way, If you have damaged keys it might be not necessary to replace the entire keyboard. In some cases it's possible to fix individual keyboard keys.
Related article:
General information.
A MacBook Pro covered by the Apple Limited Warranty or by an AppleCare Protection Plan may receive a replacement foot without charge. A MacBook Pro that is out-of-warranty may have a charge associated with the replacement. The DIY replacement kit not available for MacBook Pro with Retina display computers.
Notes: For consumers, who are covered by consumer protection laws or regulations in their country or region of purchase or, if different, their country or region of residence, the benefits conferred by Apple's One Year Limited Warranty or by an AppleCare Protection Plan are in addition to all rights and remedies conveyed by such consumer protection laws and regulations, including but not limited to these additional rights.
You may choose between three options to receive a replacement bottom case foot:
Assisted service
- Visit an Apple Retail Store. Set up an appointment with a Genius.
- Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Find one here.
Self service
- Order a bottom case foot replacement DIY kit. Contact Apple to order.
DIY Foot Replacement Instructions
Note: Use the foot replacement kit for missing feet only. Do not replace well-adhered feet. Removing feet for the sake of replacement can damage the bottom case.
How To Open Macbook Pro
Tools Needed to Complete Repair:
- Phillips 00 screwdriver
- Tweezers
- Paper clip or safety pin
How To Open Back Of Macbook Pro 2020
Gloves are not necessary for this procedure.
Preliminary Step
Before you begin, check the foot location requiring replacement and verify that the case plug, and the case foot in the kit, match the pictures below.
| Foot area on bottom case | Matching component | |
Outer bottom case | Outer foot | |
Inner bottom case | Inner plug | Inner plug cover |
How To Open Back Of Macbook Pro 13
Procedure
Warning: The glue used in this procedure can bond instantly to skin. Do not touch the glue. In the event of contact, review the safety instructions at the end of this document. For additional information, refer to the glue manufacturer:
Loctite
Rocky Hill, CT. 06067
www.loctite.com
Note: Do not use any other type of glue except the one included in the foot replacement kit. Fumes from other types of glue could affect other internal components.
- Place the computer upside down on a clean, lint-free cloth or other nonabrasive surface. Remove the bottom case.
- Using the Phillips 00 screwdriver, remove the bottom case by removing 10 screws. Important: Screws at sides and front must be removed and installed at an angle.
- Gently pull the bottom case from the side the display hinges are on and lift upwards at an angle.
- Make sure the foot area on the bottom case is clean and free of debris. If any portion of the foot adhesive remains, peel it up with a pair of tweezers.
- Clean both sides of the bottom case around the foot area. Allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Peel the outer foot from its packaging and affix it firmly to the bottom case. Do not use the glue to adhere the outer foot to the bottom case. Avoid touching the adhesive backing.
Use a paperclip or safety pin to open the glue nozzle. A paperclip or safety pin can also unplug the glue nozzle after storage. Apply a very small drop of glue on the bottom of the foot on the inner bottom case. Do not spread the glue.
- Seat the plug onto the glued area.
- Do not use your finger to press the foot plug down. Use the wooden end of a cotton swab to press the foot plug into place. Lightly press and hold the foot in place for 30 seconds.
- Clean any excess glue with a cotton dry swab. Important: Do notwipe the glue;use the cotton dry swab to absorb any excess glue. Excess puddled glue may take hours to dry and may cause the bottom case to adhere to the logic board or interior cabling.
- Using a timer, allow the glue to set for at least 60 minutes before applying the foot plug cover over the foot plug. Important: If laser etching is visible by the foot area, do not use the foot plug cover. Laser etching will normally be found on the left-rear foot area.
Reassembly Note: Install screws in order shown. If sequence is not followed, bottom case might wobble when placed on level surface.
Learn more
In the following guide I explain how to disassemble a MacBook Pro 15″ (Mid 2010) in order to remove and replace the keyboard.
In my case something sticky was spilled on the keyboard and it stopped working completely. In fact, the laptop didn't even start with the damaged keyboard connected to the motherboard.
I'm replacing the RAM in a 2011 MacBook Pro, something I've done before on other machines. I got all the screws from the back case off apart from one that sits in the corner on the end by the screen hinge. After trying with a variety of screwdrivers I cannot get the screw undone, and have now stripped the head of the screw. Top Reasons for MacBook Pro Black Screen. MacBook Pro black screen is a common issue that can happen in different situations. For example, when you want to wake up your MacBook Pro from the sleep mode, you may find that it has no response and it is stuck in the black screen of death forever. Or your MacBook Pro just boots into a black screen.
I confirmed that this is just a failed keyboard by turning it on using the power-on pads.
The keyboard is attached to the internal side of the top cover assembly. In order to remove and replace the keyboard the entire MacBook Pro (MBP) has to be disassembled.
You can find the year of your MBP by running the serial number on Apple website.
The serial number can be located on the bottom case or memory slot.
For this repair you'll need the following tools:
– T-6 torx screwdriver.
– PH000 Phillips screwdriver.
– 1.5 mm slotted screwdriver ( I used it for removing battery screws).
MBP has a very small screws. I recommend using only high quality precision screwdrivers. I prefer Wiha screwdrivers.
Before you start the disassembly process make sure the computer is turned off.
Also, keep track of all screws (they are all different). Make notes, pictures, etc… This will make your life much easier during the reassembly process.
STEP 1.
Remove ten screws securing the bottom cover.
STEP 2.
Separate the bottom cover and remove it.
Under the bottom cover you can access the following internal MBP components:
– Memory modules.
– Optical drive.
– Cooling fans.
– Hard drive.
– Notebook battery.
– Motherboard aka logic board.
STEP 3.
The battery is secured by three special screws (tri-wing screws). I was able to remove them using a small 1.5mm slotted screwdriver without any problem.
Be careful, using a wrong screwdriver can easily strip the screw.
STEP 4.
Lift up the battery and unplug the battery cable from the motherboard.
Remove the battery.
STEP 5.
Unscrew two screws securing the hard drive mounting bracket.
How To Open Back Of Macbook Pro 13.3
STEP 6.
Lift up and remove the hard drive bracket.
STEP 7.
Carefully lift up the hard drive and disconnect the hard drive cable.
Remove the hard drive.
STEP 8.
Remove both memory modules.
Spread latches on both sides of the memory slot. The top memory module with pop up at a 30 degree angle. Pull the top memory module from the slot.
After that pull the bottom memory module.
STEP 9.
Remove six screws securing the cooling fans (three screws per one fan).
STEP 10.
Disconnect both fan cables from the motherboard.
STEP 11.
Remove both cooling fans.
STEP 12.
Remove two screws securing the keyboard and trackpad connectors shield.
Remove the shield.
STEP 13.
Disconnect 10 cables from the motherboard.
Be very careful with connectors 6 and 8. I'll explain how to unlock different types of connectors in the following pictures.
Unplug the video cable (connector 10).
Here's how to disconnect the keyboard backlight cable (connector 6).
Carefully lift up the left side of the connector retainer with a small screwdriver.
The retainer will open up at a 90 degree angle.
Now you can pull the keyboard backlight cable from the connector.
Remove the keyboard cable (connector 8) the same way.
First, lift up the connector retainer.
After that pull the keyboard cable from the connector.
Lift up and disconnect the speaker cable (connector 4).
Lift up and disconnect the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly connector. Unlock connectors 1,3,5,7,9 the same way.
Unplug the camera cable form the connector on the motherboard.
STEP 14.
Remove nine screws securing the motherboard and MagSafe board.
STEP 15.
Start removing the motherboard from the left side.
Lift up the left side and work the right side of the motherboard out of the notebook case.
Note: you can leave the MagSafe board connected to the notebook case but in this case you'll have to unplug it from the motherboard.
I found it easier to remove the motherboard with the MagSafe board attached.
STEP 16.
Free video editing special effects software. Remove the motherboard.
Logic recording software for mac free download. STEP 17.
Remove two screws securing the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly.
STEP 18.
Move the the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth assembly aside.
STEP 19.
Remove three screws securing the optical drive.
STEP 20.
Lift up and remove the optical drive.
STEP 21.
Remove two screws securing the mounting bracket.
STEP 22.
Remove the mounting bracket.
STEP 23.
The keyboard almost ready for the removal and replacement. Macbook 10 13 2.
Carefully separate the trackpad cable from the keyboard assembly.
STEP 24.
Now you can start separating the keyboard backlight from the keyboard.
The backlight has a few layers. Do not separate them from each other.
Be careful if you plan to use the backlight with a new keyboard.
I purchased a new keyboard WITH backlight so I didn't care much about the original backlight.
STEP 25.
Remove the keyboard backlight.
STEP 26.
Now remove about 70 very small screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 27.
Remove two screws securing the display cable mounting bracket.
STEP 28.
Lift up and remove the bracket.
How To Open A Macbook
STEP 29.
Remove two screws securing the power button.
NOTE: the power button is permanently attached to the keyboard. It's part of the keyboard.
STEP 30.
Start removing the keyboard.
STEP 31.
While removing the keyboard pay attention to the power button.
There is a metal ring (spring) located under the power button. Do not lose it. Do not forget to install this spring back in place under the new power button.
After the old damaged/failed keyboard removed you can install a new keyboard.
New keyboards available on eBay.
Install a new (or old) backlight on the keyboard and assemble the laptop following all steps in the opposite direction.
By the way, If you have damaged keys it might be not necessary to replace the entire keyboard. In some cases it's possible to fix individual keyboard keys.
Related article:
General information.
A MacBook Pro covered by the Apple Limited Warranty or by an AppleCare Protection Plan may receive a replacement foot without charge. A MacBook Pro that is out-of-warranty may have a charge associated with the replacement. The DIY replacement kit not available for MacBook Pro with Retina display computers.
Notes: For consumers, who are covered by consumer protection laws or regulations in their country or region of purchase or, if different, their country or region of residence, the benefits conferred by Apple's One Year Limited Warranty or by an AppleCare Protection Plan are in addition to all rights and remedies conveyed by such consumer protection laws and regulations, including but not limited to these additional rights.
You may choose between three options to receive a replacement bottom case foot:
Assisted service
- Visit an Apple Retail Store. Set up an appointment with a Genius.
- Visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Find one here.
Self service
- Order a bottom case foot replacement DIY kit. Contact Apple to order.
DIY Foot Replacement Instructions
Note: Use the foot replacement kit for missing feet only. Do not replace well-adhered feet. Removing feet for the sake of replacement can damage the bottom case.
How To Open Macbook Pro
Tools Needed to Complete Repair:
- Phillips 00 screwdriver
- Tweezers
- Paper clip or safety pin
How To Open Back Of Macbook Pro 2020
Gloves are not necessary for this procedure.
Preliminary Step
Before you begin, check the foot location requiring replacement and verify that the case plug, and the case foot in the kit, match the pictures below.
| Foot area on bottom case | Matching component | |
Outer bottom case | Outer foot | |
Inner bottom case | Inner plug | Inner plug cover |
How To Open Back Of Macbook Pro 13
Procedure
Warning: The glue used in this procedure can bond instantly to skin. Do not touch the glue. In the event of contact, review the safety instructions at the end of this document. For additional information, refer to the glue manufacturer:
Loctite
Rocky Hill, CT. 06067
www.loctite.com
Note: Do not use any other type of glue except the one included in the foot replacement kit. Fumes from other types of glue could affect other internal components.
- Place the computer upside down on a clean, lint-free cloth or other nonabrasive surface. Remove the bottom case.
- Using the Phillips 00 screwdriver, remove the bottom case by removing 10 screws. Important: Screws at sides and front must be removed and installed at an angle.
- Gently pull the bottom case from the side the display hinges are on and lift upwards at an angle.
- Make sure the foot area on the bottom case is clean and free of debris. If any portion of the foot adhesive remains, peel it up with a pair of tweezers.
- Clean both sides of the bottom case around the foot area. Allow the alcohol to evaporate.
- Peel the outer foot from its packaging and affix it firmly to the bottom case. Do not use the glue to adhere the outer foot to the bottom case. Avoid touching the adhesive backing.
Use a paperclip or safety pin to open the glue nozzle. A paperclip or safety pin can also unplug the glue nozzle after storage. Apply a very small drop of glue on the bottom of the foot on the inner bottom case. Do not spread the glue.
- Seat the plug onto the glued area.
- Do not use your finger to press the foot plug down. Use the wooden end of a cotton swab to press the foot plug into place. Lightly press and hold the foot in place for 30 seconds.
- Clean any excess glue with a cotton dry swab. Important: Do notwipe the glue;use the cotton dry swab to absorb any excess glue. Excess puddled glue may take hours to dry and may cause the bottom case to adhere to the logic board or interior cabling.
- Using a timer, allow the glue to set for at least 60 minutes before applying the foot plug cover over the foot plug. Important: If laser etching is visible by the foot area, do not use the foot plug cover. Laser etching will normally be found on the left-rear foot area.
Reassembly Note: Install screws in order shown. If sequence is not followed, bottom case might wobble when placed on level surface.
Learn more
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: GLUE IS AN EYE AND SKIN IRRITANT. GLUE BONDS TO SKIN INSTANTLY.
Contains ethyl cyanoacrylate. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. If eye or mouth contact occurs, hold eyelid or mouth open and rinse thoroughly but gently with water only for 15 minutes and GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Liquid glue will sting eye temporarily. Solidified glue may irritate eye like a grain of sand and should be treated by an eye doctor.
If skin bonding occurs, soak in acetone-based nail polish remover or warm soapy water and carefully peel or roll skin apart (do not pull). Contact through clothing may cause skin burn. If spilled on clothing, flush with cold water. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. use with adequate ventilation. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
