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Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the SSD clip in your Framework Laptop 12.

The SSD clip is a black plastic piece that holds the SSD in place. If you can't get the SSD to stay latched, you'll need to replace this clip.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

  • The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip 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 SSD Clip 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 SSD Clip Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, 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.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Flip your laptop over: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Open your laptop: step 5, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Open your laptop: step 5, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, 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.

    • Magnets hold the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels stuck, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Unlatch the SSD: step 7, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Unlatch the SSD: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Use your finger to press down on the black SSD latch to unlatch the SSD.

    • The SSD will pop up to an angle when it's unlatched.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 8, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 8, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Grab the SSD by its edges and pull it out of its socket.

    • Remove the SSD.

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the SSD clip screw: step 9, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the 3.5 mm‑long T5 Torx screw securing the SSD clip.

    • This screw is not captive. Store it in a safe location for reassembly.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the SSD clip: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Remove the SSD clip: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingers to lift and remove the SSD clip.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 11, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the SSD clip: step 12, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the SSD clip: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Align the SSD clip with its screw hole and set its two pins into their slots on the Mainboard.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the 3.5 mm‑long T5 Torx screw to secure the SSD clip.

    Edit

  15. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the SSD: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the SSD: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Hold the SSD 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 SSD's gold contacts with its socket.

    • Insert the SSD into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.

    • The SSD fits into the socket in one orientation. If it doesn't feel like it fits, try flipping the module.

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement: step 15, image 3 of 3

    • Use your finger to press down on the black SSD latch to keep it open.

    • Use another finger to press the SSD down until it lays flat.

    • If the SSD doesn't fit in the latch, you may need to insert the SSD further into its socket.

    • Use your finger to close the latch to secure the SSD.

    • You should hear a click, and the SSD should no longer pop up.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 16, 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

  18. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Close and flip your laptop: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Close and flip your laptop: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Close the laptop lid.

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

    Edit

  19. Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 18, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 SSD Clip Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 18, 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
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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