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Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the Wi-Fi card in your Framework 16" laptop.

The Framework 16" laptop comes with an AMD RZ616 6E Wi-Fi card. This is also the same model sold on their website.

Note: the laptop used in this guide is a generic setup of one US keyboard, one numpad module, and two touchpad spacers. Your setup might vary, but the procedure should remain the same.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Before you begin: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Unplug all cables and fully shut down your laptop.

    • If your repair requires a spudger, a T5 Torx, or a Phillips screwdriver, you can use the included Framework screwdriver. Whichever works best for you!

    • Framework recommends that you put your laptop into battery disconnect mode in the BIOS whenever removing the battery. Read how to do that here.

    • To disable this mode, click here.

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Unlock the Input Modules: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingernail to pull out the two Input Module latches and unlock them.

    • The latch will show red if it's unlocked.

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the touchpad spacers: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad spacer toward the bottom edge of the laptop and unclip it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the corresponding Input Module latch is properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad spacer off the laptop and remove it.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Repeat the same procedure for the other touchpad spacer.

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the touchpad: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Use your fingers to slide the touchpad toward the bottom edge of the laptop and disconnect it.

    • If you're having trouble, check if the Input Module latches are properly unlocked.

    • Lift the touchpad and remove it.

    • During reassembly, perform the following:

    • Place the touchpad flat on its cutout so its clips are properly aligned.

    • Press the touchpad down and slide it into place so it lines up evenly with the bottom edge of the laptop.

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the keyboard: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • The keyboard is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the keyboard violently eject.

    • Grip the two pull tabs along the bottom of the keyboard.

    • Lift the pull tabs until the keyboard magnets release.

    • Remove the keyboard.

    • During reassembly, make sure the keyboard is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits evenly with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the numpad: step 7, image 3 of 3

    • The numpad is held in place with strong magnets. Apply gradually increasing force to avoid having the numpad violently eject.

    • Grip the pull tab at the bottom of the numpad.

    • Lift the pull tab until the numpad magnets release.

    • Remove the numpad.

    • During reassembly, make sure the numpad is seated properly on its alignment pegs and sits flush with the edges of the laptop.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Disconnect the midframe cable: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Disconnect the midframe cable: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Grip the black pull tab on the midframe cable press connector.

    • Lift up to disconnect the midframe cable.

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the midframe screws: step 9, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the midframe screws: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • The midframe screws are ordered from 2–17 (number 1 is the press connector). You don't have to follow the order, but you can use it to help keep track of the screws you've loosened.

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the 16 captive screws securing the midframe.

    • During reassembly, follow the order (starting with 2) to reinstall the screws across the midframe evenly.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the midframe: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Use your fingernail to lift the bottom edge of the midframe enough to grip it with your fingers.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Lift the midframe off the laptop and remove it.

    • During reassembly, make sure the midframe sits evenly on its alignment pegs before tightening the screws.

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the battery screws: step 12, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the battery screws: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the three captive screws securing the battery.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the battery: step 13, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the battery: step 13, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the battery: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the black pull tab at the top of the battery.

    • Lift the pull tab to disconnect the battery connector.

    • Remove the battery.

    Edit

  15. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the Wi-Fi card screw: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the Wi-Fi card screw: step 14, image 2 of 2

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to loosen the captive screw securing Wi-Fi card.

    • The Wi-Fi card might pop up at a shallow angle when you loosen the screw.

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 15, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Slide the clear Wi-Fi card cover straight off the card and remove it.

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2

    • Grip the end of the Wi-Fi card with the screw hole and slide it out of its socket.

    • Don't pull the Wi-Fi card too far from its socket, as it's still connected by two cables.

    Edit

  18. Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 16" Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 17, image 3 of 3

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger under one of the coaxial connectors, where the cable meets the metal head.

    • Lift the spudger straight up to disconnect the coaxial cable.

    • Repeat for the other coaxial cable and remove the Wi-Fi card.

    • During reassembly, refer to the arrows on the Wi-Fi card for which cable (black or white) a connector belongs to.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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