MacBook Pro 13" Two Thunderbolt Ports Late 2020 Lower Case Replacement

Written By: Carsten Frauenheim
  • Comments: 7
MacBook Pro 13" Two Thunderbolt Ports Late 2020 Lower Case Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

7

Time Required

5 - 10 minutes

Introduction

This serves as the starting point for every repair on your MacBook Pro. You'll need a P5 Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the lower case and get into the device.

For your safety, discharge your MacBook Pro's battery before you begin this procedure. A charged lithium-ion battery can create a dangerous and uncontrollable fire if accidentally punctured.

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    • Before starting this procedure, you should disable your Mac's Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide to disable Auto Boot.

    • If your MacBook is running Big Sur v11.1 or later, disabling Auto Boot may not work. You can proceed normally, but make sure to disconnect the battery as soon as you're inside.

    • Completely power off and unplug your MacBook before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.

    • Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the six screws securing the lower case:

    • Two 6.8 mm screws

    • Two 5.3 mm screws

    • Two 3.4 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.

    I use a empty egg carton to place screws in in the order of removal from computer

    robert -

    That's a good idea Robert!

    Tom Kingsley -

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    • Apply a suction handle to the lower case near the front-center area of the MacBook Pro.

    • Lift the suction handle to create a slight separation between the lower case and the chassis.

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    • Insert one corner of an opening pick into the space between the lower case and the chassis.

    • Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and halfway up the side of the case.

    • This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case to the chassis. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

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    • Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, sliding your opening pick under the lower case and up the side to pop the second clip free.

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    • Insert your opening pick once again under the front edge of the lower case, near one of the two centermost screw holes.

    • Give the pick a firm twist to pop free the third clip securing the lower case to the chassis.

    • Repeat this procedure near the other of the two centermost screw holes, popping the fourth clip free.

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    • Pull the lower case firmly towards the front of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.

    • It may help to pull first at one corner, then the other.

    • Pull to the side—not up.

    • This may require a lot of force.

    • The edges of the case can be sharp, so grip the sides carefully.

    Be mindful of finger placement as the inside edges of the case are very sharp and may cut you.

    Shane Samuelson -

    literally just cut myself

    Jaiden Daniel Arnett -

    I used the suction cup to pull/slide the lower case from the back clips

    Richard Dunn -

    This is probably the most difficult step. It doesn't come easily, you have to be careful but very firm and apply plenty of force. The edges are somewhat sharp, but I didn't cut myself. Just don't slide your fingers along the edges. I had the best luck orienting the computer in portrait (like the pictures) and pushing on the front right edge of the main chasis with my right hand fingers while pushing the opposite direction on the bottom lid with my left hand fingers (place your fingers right in the crack of the hinge).

    Hudson Gomez -

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    • 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.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Carsten Frauenheim

Member since: 10/03/20

110978 Reputation

One comment

Fantastic guide! Makes no sense why Apple makes such a simple thing so hard. Almost thought I broke something.

Eli Dinh -