MacBook Pro 16" 2023 Trackpad Removal

Written By: Clay Eickemeyer

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

This guide demonstrates how to remove the trackpad in your MacBook Pro 16" 2023.

Tools

Step 1

Allow your MacBook's battery to drain below 10% before starting this repair. A charged battery may catch fire if damaged during the repair.
Fully shut down your MacBook, close the lid, and flip it over. Keep the lid closed until you've physically disconnected the battery.
Unplug the MagSafe cable and any accessories connected to your MacBook.

Step 2

Use a P5 pentalobe driver to remove the eight screws securing the lower case:
Four 9.1 mm‑long screws
Four 6 mm‑long screws
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

Step 3

Apply a suction handle to the center of the lower case's front edge.
Pull up on the suction handle to create a gap between the lower case and the frame.
Insert an opening pick into the gap.

Step 4

Slide your opening pick around the bottom right corner and up the right edge of the lower case.
If your pick gets stuck at the cutout, use your fingers to lift the lower case up slightly to allow your pick to slide underneath.
Slide your pick until it reaches the middle of the cutout, or until the rightmost clip stops it from sliding.
Twist your pick to release the two right clips.
You'll hear and feel a pop when each of the two clips releases.

Step 5

Slide your opening pick around the bottom left corner and up the left edge of the lower case.
If your pick gets stuck at the cutout, pry the lower case up slightly to allow your pick to slide underneath.
Slide your pick until it reaches the middle of the cutout, or until the leftmost clip stops it from sliding.
Twist your pick to release the left two clips.
You'll hear and feel a pop when each of the two clips releases.

Step 6

Sliding clips along the back edge of the MacBook further secure the lower case. Separating these clips may require a lot of force—consider using gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the lower case.
Firmly pull the lower case away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding clips.
Keep the lower case flat to the MacBook. Don't pull upward until it's completely separated.

Step 7

Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Lay it down and align the sliding clips with the back edge of the MacBook. Press down on the lower case and slide it toward the back edge to engage the clips.
When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push.
Once the back corners of the lower case are secured and flush with the frame, press down along the middle of the lower case to engage the four remaining clips.
You'll hear and feel each clip snap into place.

Step 8

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm screws securing the trackpad cable bracket.
Remove the bracket.

Step 9

Use the flat end of your spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable press connector from the logic board.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

Step 10

The trackpad cable is lightly adhered to the battery board.
Peel the trackpad cable from the battery board.
Move the cable over the front edge of the MacBook.
Be careful not to crease the cable.

Step 11

Peel back the tape covering the battery data cable connector on the logic board.

Step 12

Use the point of a spudger or a clean fingernail to flip up the small locking flap on the battery data cable ZIF connector.

Step 13

Slide one arm of your blunt nose tweezers under the battery data cable.
Grip the cable just below the head of the connector.
Slide the connector straight out of its socket.

Step 14

Peel back the tape covering the battery data cable connector on the battery board.

Step 15

Use the point of your spudger or a clean fingernail to flip up the small locking flap on the battery data cable ZIF connector.
Use blunt nose tweezers to grab the battery data cable just under the head of the connector and slide it straight out of its socket.

Step 16

The battery data cable is adhered to the battery board and logic board.
Peel the cable from the battery board and the logic board.
Remove the cable.

Step 17

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.9 mm pancake screw securing the battery connector.

Step 18

Use the flat end of your spudger to lift the battery connector away from the battery board, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough that it doesn't accidentally make contact during the repair, but no more than 45 degrees to prevent damaging its hinge.
For added safety, place a barrier, such as a piece of a playing card, between the connector and board.

Step 19

Use your T5 Torx driver to remove the 13 screws securing the trackpad:
Ten 5 mm screws
Three 5.8 mm screws
These screws all look similar—be careful not to mix them up.
During reassembly, center the trackpad in the frame before fully tightening the screws.
Adding a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads during reassembly can help prevent the screws from working themselves loose over time.

Step 20

Open your MacBook slowly. The trackpad will remain on the screen.
Be careful not to lose the nine small metal washers from their screw posts on the trackpad, as they can fly off and become lost very easily. Without them, your trackpad won't fit properly.
Guide the trackpad cable through its slot in the frame.

Step 21

Remove the trackpad.
Before installing your trackpad, make sure all nine washers are in place:
Four rectangular washers
Five circular washers

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Clay Eickemeyer

Member since: 19/09/22

65190 Reputation

MacBook Pro 16" 2023 Trackpad Removal

Introduction

Tools

0 comments