Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Removal

Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.

Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

Use your fingers to flip the two Expansion Card latches (one for each side) into the unlocked position.

Grip the lip of an Expansion Card with your fingers.

Pull the Expansion Card out of its slot and remove it.

Repeat this procedure to remove all remaining Expansion Cards.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.

Flip your laptop face-up on your work surface.

Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.

Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.

Remove the Input Cover.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the six captive T5 Torx screws securing the battery.

Grab the orange battery tab with your fingers and lift straight up to disconnect the battery.

Lift and remove the battery from the laptop.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Audio Board along the left edge of the laptop.

Use your fingers to lift the right edge of the Audio Board and pull it out of its recess.

Remove the Audio Board.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Power Button Board (labeled "Power Board").

Use your fingers to lift and remove the Power Button Board.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Wi-Fi card bracket.

Grab the Wi-Fi card bracket with your fingers and slide it off the top of the Wi-Fi card.

Remove the bracket and store it in a safe location for reassembly.

Press and hold the Wi-Fi card down with your finger.

Slide the flat edge of your Framework Screwdriver under the white antenna cable, as close to the metal head as possible.

Gently lift the connector straight up to disconnect the white antenna cable.

Repeat the procedure with the black antenna cable.

Grab the Wi-Fi card by the edges and pull it out of its socket.

Remove the Wi-Fi card.

Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to gently push on one of the fan connector's protruding edges, then the other, to loosen the connector out of its socket.

Use your fingers and your Framework Screwdriver to slide the fan connector out of its socket.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the two captive T5 Torx screws securing the fan.

Lift and remove the fan.

Use your fingers to grab the orange tab on the webcam cable, located near the left hinge.

Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.

Use your fingers to grab the orange tab on the display cable, located near the right hinge.

Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the five captive T5 Torx screws securing the Mainboard.

Use your fingers to grab the Mainboard by its edges.

Lift and remove the Mainboard.

Use your fingers to lift the black plastic loop securing the antenna cable, near the heat vents by the left hinge.

Use your fingers to lift and guide the antenna cable out of the frame channel.

Use your fingers to gently lift the webcam cable out of its plastic channel.

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the six (three per hinge) 4.5 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the two hinges.

Use your fingers to lift the hinges over the Bottom Cover lip.

Separate the Top Cover from the Bottom Cover.

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