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Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace a Bottom Cover in your Framework Laptop 12.

The Bottom Cover (aka base cover, bottom case, or bottom panel) is the plastic shell that forms the bottom half of the laptop. You can use this guide to swap a different colored Bottom Cover, or replace a cracked cover.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

  • The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.
  • The Top Cover is the plastic shell that houses the display.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    • The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.

    • If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Set your laptop down: step 2, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Cards: step 3, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Expansion Cards: step 3, image 2 of 2

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

    • The latches display a red bar when they're unlocked.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the lip of an Expansion Card with your fingers.

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

    • If you have trouble pulling the Expansion Card out, you can also use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to push against the lip.

    • Repeat this procedure to remove all remaining Expansion Cards.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 5, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 5, image 2 of 2

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

    • Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.

    • Your laptop comes with a spare set of screws in the frame above the battery. Be careful—the replacement screws aren't captive.

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Flip your laptop over: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Flip your laptop face-up on your work surface.

    Edit

  7. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Open your laptop: step 7, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Open your laptop: step 7, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 8, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 8, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    • You may feel resistance from the magnets. If the cover feels like it's snagged, check that you've fully loosened the screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the battery screws: step 9, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 10, image 2 of 2

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

    • The battery connector can be tight, requiring some force. If it feels like part of the battery won't come up, check that the battery screws are fully loosened.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the battery: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the battery: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Lift and remove the battery from the laptop.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Audio Board: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Audio Board, located near the left edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

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

    • Remove the Audio Board.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Pry up the speaker connector: step 14, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Pry up the speaker connector: step 14, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Pry up the speaker connector: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to pry up the speaker connector from its recess near the top of the left speaker.

    Edit

  15. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the speaker screws: step 15, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the four captive T5 Torx screws (two per speaker) securing the speakers.

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the speaker wire: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the speaker wire: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the speaker wire: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to lift and guide the wire connecting the two speakers out of the frame channel.

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to lift the silver tape securing the center of the speaker wire to the frame.

    • If you're reusing the speakers, try to keep the silver tape intact.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the speakers: step 17, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the speakers.

    Edit

  18. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the Power Button Board screw: step 18, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  19. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Power Button Board: step 19, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Power Button Board: step 19, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  20. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the Wi-Fi card screw: step 20, image 1 of 1

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

    • The Wi-Fi card will pop up slightly when you unfasten the bracket.

    Edit

  21. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card bracket: step 21, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card bracket: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  23. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 22, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 22, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 22, image 3 of 3

    • The Wi-Fi card has two delicate coaxial cable connectors. Follow this step carefully to avoid damaging them.

    • 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.

    • If you have angled tweezers, slide one arm of a pair of tweezers under the antenna connector, 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.

    Edit

  24. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 23, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 23, image 2 of 2

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

    • Remove the Wi-Fi card.

    Edit

  25. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the webcam cable: step 24, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the webcam cable: step 24, image 2 of 2

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

    • Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.

    Edit

  26. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 25, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 25, image 2 of 2

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

    • Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.

    Edit

  27. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Loosen the Mainboard screws: step 26, image 1 of 1

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

    • These screws are also physically marked with an orange ring on the Mainboard.

    Edit

  28. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Mainboard: step 27, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Remove the Mainboard: step 27, image 2 of 2

    • Make sure you've removed all Expansion Cards. Installed cards will hold the Mainboard in place.

    • Use your fingers to grab the Mainboard by its edges.

    • Lift and remove the Mainboard.

    Edit

  29. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the antenna cable: step 28, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the antenna cable: step 28, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  30. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  31. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the webcam cable: step 30, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Unthread the webcam cable: step 30, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  32. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the Top Cover: step 31, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disconnect the Top Cover: step 31, image 2 of 2

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

    • These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

    Edit

  33. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3

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

    • Separate the Top Cover from the Bottom Cover.

    Edit

  34. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Check your Bottom Cover: step 33, image 1 of 1

    • 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.

    Edit

  35. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 34, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

    Edit

  36. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Reconnect the Top Cover: step 35, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Reconnect the Top Cover: step 35, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Reconnect the Top Cover: step 35, image 3 of 3

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

    • Lay the hinges in place in the Bottom Cover.

    • Use the plastic alignment pins to align each hinge in place.

    Edit

  37. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the six 4.5 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the two hinges.

    Edit

  38. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to gently press the webcam cable into its plastic channel.

    Edit

  39. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers and your Framework Screwdriver to carefully press and guide the black antenna cable back into its channel.

    • Zoom in on the second image to see how the antenna cable sits in its channel.

    Edit

  40. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2

    • Press the black loop over the antenna cable and onto the Bottom Cover. If it doesn't stick, use a bit of thin double-sided tape to hold it down.

    Edit

  41. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Mainboard: step 40, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Mainboard: step 40, image 2 of 2

    • Carefully lay the Mainboard in the laptop.

    • Use the two alignment pins to help align the Mainboard to the laptop.

    • Be careful not to trap the webcam, display, and antenna cables under the Mainboard as you set it in place.

    Edit

  42. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the five captive T5 Torx screws to secure the Mainboard.

    Edit

  43. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 2

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

    • Align and press the display cable straight down onto its connector.

    Edit

  44. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 43, image 2 of 2

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

    • Align and press the webcam cable straight down onto its connector.

    Edit

  45. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Wi-Fi card: step 44, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Wi-Fi card: step 44, image 2 of 2

    • Hold the Wi-Fi card by its edges. Don't touch the gold contacts with your fingers. If you do, wipe the contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any finger oils.

    • Align the Wi-Fi card's gold contacts and notch with the socket on the Mainboard.

    • Insert the Wi-Fi card into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.

    • The Wi-Fi card fits into the socket in one orientation. If it doesn't fit, try flipping the module.

    Edit

  46. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 45, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 45, image 3 of 3

    • Hold the Wi-Fi card down with your finger.

    • Position the black antenna cable connector over the left Wi-Fi card's coaxial socket.

    • Tweezers can help position the connector.

    • Use your finger to press the connector into place. You should feel a faint click, and the cable will stay attached to the socket by itself.

    • These connectors are very delicate! If the connector doesn't feel like it's clicking in place, reposition the connector and try again.

    • Repeat the procedure with the white antenna cable.

    Edit

  47. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 46, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 46, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the Wi-Fi bracket over the top edge of the Wi-Fi card.

    Edit

  48. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw to secure the Wi-Fi card.

    Edit

  49. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Power Button Board: step 48, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Power Button Board: step 48, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Power Button Board: step 48, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to lay the Power Button Board in place.

    • Use the two plastic pins on the laptop to align the Power Button Board.

    Edit

  50. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw to secure the Power Button Board.

    • Tighten the screw until it's snug. Don't over-tighten it, or you may strip the screw.

    Edit

  51. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the speakers: step 50, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the speakers: step 50, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the speakers: step 50, image 3 of 3

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosely screw the left speaker in place.

    • Starting near the left speaker, use your fingers and your Framework Screwdriver to carefully press and guide the speaker wire back into its channel.

    • Zoom in on the second image to see how the wire sits in its channel.

    • Press the silver tape to adhere the center of the wire to the frame.

    Edit

  52. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 51, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the four captive T5 Torx screws to secure the speakers.

    • The speaker screws have rubber bushings in them to dampen vibrations. Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you'll damage the bushings.

    Edit

  53. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 52, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 52, image 2 of 2

    • Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to press the speaker connector into its recess.

    • Make sure the gold contacts are facing up.

    Edit

  54. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 53, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 53, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 53, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the Audio Board into the laptop at an angle to help align the headphone jack.

    • Use the two plastic alignment pins on the laptop to help with final alignment.

    Edit

  55. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 54, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw to secure the Audio Board.

    Edit

  56. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the battery: step 55, image 1 of 1

    • Lay the battery in its recess in the laptop.

    Edit

  57. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 56, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 56, image 2 of 2

    • Use your finger to push the battery down near its connector to reconnect it.

    Edit

  58. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 57, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the six captive T5 Torx screws to secure the battery.

    • Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.

    Edit

  59. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 58, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 58, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 58, image 3 of 3

    • Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.

    • Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.

    • Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.

    • Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.

    • Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

    Edit

  60. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 59, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement: step 59, image 2 of 2

    • Close the laptop lid.

    • Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

    Edit

  61. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 60, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 60, image 2 of 2

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

    • Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.

    Edit

  62. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Cards: step 61, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Cards: step 61, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Install the Expansion Cards: step 61, image 3 of 3

    • Slide each Expansion Card into its Expansion Card slot.

    Edit

  63. Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Lock the Expansion Card slots: step 62, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Bottom Cover Replacement, Lock the Expansion Card slots: step 62, image 2 of 2

    • If there's a red bar showing under either Expansion Card latch, use your finger to flip the latch and lock the Expansion Card into its slot.

    • Locking the Expansion Card slots helps keep the cards in place when you unplug cables from them.

    Edit
Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

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

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Author

Arthur Shi

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