Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement

Introduction

This is a very simple replacement that involves taking apart the Lenovo N21 Chromebook. Once apart, the WiFi card can be swapped with another very easily. Note that the only issue may be an incorrect replacement of the wires connected to the card. Make sure the white and black wires are replaced in the correct order before putting the laptop together again.

What you need

  1. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement, Keyboard and Trackpad Panel: step 1, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement, Keyboard and Trackpad Panel: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Power down the Chromebook before starting any repair.

    • Opening up your Chromebook voids the manufacturer warranty.

    • Use a screwdriver to remove the six 5.0mm Phillips screws from the bottom housing of the Chromebook.

    Edit

  2. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Use a plastic opening tool to pry off the four rubber pegs from the bottom housing.

    Edit

  3. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Use a screwdriver to remove the four 5.0mm Phillips screws located under the rubber soles.

    Edit

  4. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 3 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 4, image 2 of 3 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Flip the laptop over and open the screen.

    • Gently pry the keyboard and trackpad panel away from the bottom housing using a plastic opening tool.

    • Once completely separated, do not immediately pull the panel completely away from the bottom housing. There are wires that are still connecting the panel to the rest of the internals of the Chromebook.

    Edit

  6. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Disconnect the keyboard ribbon cable by lifting the ZIF connector lock with a plastic opening tool or fingernail and gently pulling the ribbon cable straight out of its socket.

    Edit

  7. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 3 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 3 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Disconnect the trackpad ribbon cable by lifting the ZIF connector lock with a small prying tool or fingernail and gently pulling the ribbon cable straight out of its socket.

    Edit

  8. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the keyboard and trackpad panel away from the device.

    Edit

  9. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement, WiFi Card: step 8, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement, WiFi Card: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • Use a screwdriver to remove the single 3mm Phillips screw that is holding the WiFi card in place.

    Edit

  10. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the black and white wires attached to WiFi card by gently lifting them upwards.

    • When re-attaching the wires, make sure they are in the correct placement. You do not want to switch the black and white wires.

    Edit

  11. Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 2 Lenovo N21 Chromebook WiFi Card Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 2

    • Remove the WiFi card by pulling it straight out of its connector.

    • Keep the WiFi card horizontal and pull straight back to avoid causing the part harm.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

7 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 4 other contributors

Alex Cass

Member since: 04/26/17

285 Reputation

2 Guides authored

Badges: 8

+5 more badges

Team

Cal Poly, Team S21-G2, Livingston Spring 2017 Member of Cal Poly, Team S21-G2, Livingston Spring 2017

CPSU-LIVINGSTON-S17S21G2

4 Members

12 Guides authored

5 Comments

Very nicely written. Pictures are helpful too.

Adil M. - Reply

Thank you for this!

I had a Lenovo N21 Chromebook and the wifi card seemed to be faulty, but all it needed was a wipe off and It works perfectly now!

Evergreen - Reply

My Lenovo N21 was dropping the wifi connection. It did it a year ago and then improved, but the past month started doing it again very bad to the point I started looking for a replacement. It would maintain the connection for 5 minutes to 1 hour. I searched the problem, found this advise, and in 10 minutes it is fixed and has not dropped in 2 days. I assume it is fixed for good. Thanks for the tip and excellent instructions. Saved me $300 also.

Kerry Dalton - Reply

Kerry Dalton - what did you do to fix your problem? Replace? B & W wires crossed?

Im getting ready to take this device apart.

ssdrtelcom@gmail.com

Skip Stringham - Reply

I’ve replaced network cards in laptops before, so I’m not totally new at this, but from your diagram, my Lenovo 100e looks TOTALLY different. Has anyone had this issue? I can’t seem to find my network card. Or, is it integrated??

Eric R. Klingsten - Reply

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 3

Past 30 Days: 27

All Time: 3,506