Introduction

This guide helps you replace a broken or damaged display assembly in your MacBook.

What You’ll Need

  • Phillips #00 screwdriver

  • T8 Torx screwdriver

  • Spudger (plastic pry tool)

  • Clean, static-safe workspace

  • Replacement display assembly

Step 1 — Remove Lower Case Screws

  • Flip your MacBook upside down.

  • Remove 10 screws that hold the bottom cover:

    1. 3 × 14.4 mm Phillips #00

    2. 3 × 3.5 mm Phillips #00

    3. 4 × 3.5 mm shouldered Phillips #00

  • When re-installing the small screws, align them perpendicular to the slight curve of the case (they don’t go straight down).

Step 2 — Remove Lower Case

  • Use your fingers near the vent area to pry the lower case away from the body.

  • After clips release, lift off the lower case.

Step 3 — Disconnect Battery

  • Use the edge of the spudger to pry the battery connector upward from its socket on the logic board.

  • It helps to pry from both short sides alternately (“walk” it out) to avoid damaging the corners.

Step 4 — Bend Battery Cable

  • Bend the battery cable a little away from its socket so it doesn’t accidentally reconnect while you’re working.

Step 5 — Disconnect AirPort/Bluetooth Cable

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the AirPort/Bluetooth ribbon cable connector from its socket on the logic board.

Step 6 — Disconnect Camera Cable

  • Carefully pull the camera cable out of its socket on the logic board.

  • Always pull parallel to the face of the logic board; lifting upward can damage the board or cable.

Step 7 — Free Up Cables for Routing

  • Move the AirPort/Bluetooth ribbon cable aside and peel the camera cable off adhesive that holds it to subwoofer or bracket parts.

  • D-route the camera cable out from beneath the retaining tabs molded into the AirPort/Bluetooth bracket.

Step 8 — Disconnect Antenna Connectors

  • Use a spudger tip to pry the antenna connector nearest the logic board upward from its socket on the AirPort/Bluetooth board.

  • De-route antenna cables from under the slots molded in the bracket.

  • Then, similarly disconnect the remaining three antenna connectors and route their cables out from bracket slots.

Step 9 — Remove Screws Holding Display Brackets

  • Remove these screws:

    1. Two 10.3 mm Phillips screws

    2. Two 3.1 mm Phillips screws

    3. One 5 mm Phillips screw

  • These screws hold display brackets to the upper case.

Step 10 — Lift AirPort/Bluetooth + Subwoofer Assembly

  • Pull the AirPort/Bluetooth assembly and subwoofer upward (near the optical drive) until they clear each other.

  • Be mindful of fragile antenna contacts near the corner of the upper case.

Step 11 — Remove AirPort/Bluetooth Assembly

  • Carefully take out the AirPort/Bluetooth assembly from the upper case, watching that antenna contacts don’t get bent or broken.

Step 12 — Remove Display to Upper Case Screws (Right Side)

  • On the right side, remove 2 out of 3 6 mm T8 Torx screws securing the display to the upper case.

  • Leave one screw attached — this helps keep alignment during next steps.

Step 13 — Remove Display Data Cable

  • Pull the plastic tab attached to the display data cable lock and rotate it toward the DC-In side.

  • Then pull the display data cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

  • Do not lift upward — the socket is very fragile; always pull parallel to the logic board.

Step 14 — Remove the Retainer Screws

  • Remove these two screws:

    1. One 8.6 mm Phillips screw

    2. One 5.5 mm Phillips screw

  • Then remove the display data cable retainer from the upper case.

Step 15 — Remove Foam Tape

  • Peel away the piece of foam tape covering the display screws near the MagSafe DC-In board.

Step 16 — Remove Display to Upper Case Screws (Left Side)

  • Similar to right side, remove 2 out of 3 6 mm T8 Torx screws on the left side.

  • Again, leave one screw attached temporarily for support.

Step 17 — Separate Display from Upper Case

  • Open your MacBook so the display is at about 90°.

  • Place it on a table so the hinge is supported.

  • Hold display and upper case together with one hand.

  • Remove the last T8 Torx screw securing display to upper case.

  • Be very careful — once free, display and upper case can separate unexpectedly.

Step 18 — Remove Display Assembly

  • Grab the upper case and rotate it slightly toward the top of the display so the upper display bracket clears the edge.

  • Then rotate display slightly away and lift it up and off the upper case.

  • Watch out for any bracket, cables, or connectors that might still be attached or caught.

Reassembly

  • To put everything back, follow all the steps in reverse order.

  • Make sure all cables are seated properly, screws go in correct positions, and nothing is pinched.

Tips

  • Keep track of screw sizes and their exact positions — many screws look similar.

  • Use a static-safe workspace or wrist strap to avoid ESD damage.

  • Always pull connectors parallel to boards, not upward.

  • Be gentle with antenna contacts and cable routing — they’re delicate.

  • After reassembly, test display and all related functions (camera, WiFi, Bluetooth) before closing fully.

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