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MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal

Prerequisite Only
This is a prerequisite-only guide! This guide is part of another procedure and isn’t meant to be used alone.
    1. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the USB ports connector cover: step 1, image 1 of 1
      • Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the two 1.7 mm‑long screws securing the USB ports connector cover.

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    2. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 2, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 2, image 2 of 2
      • Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the USB ports connector cover.

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    3. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the USB ports: step 3, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the USB ports: step 3, image 2 of 2
      • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the USB ports press connector.

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    4. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the USB ports: step 4, image 1 of 1
      • Use a Torx Plus 5IP driver to remove the four 2.8 mm‑long screws securing the USB ports.

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    5. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 5, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 5, image 2 of 2
      • Lift the USB ports by their cable and remove them.

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    6. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 6, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 6, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 6, image 3 of 3
      • During reassembly:

      • Set the USB ports into the frame, then use a Torx Plus 5IP driver to partially install the four 2.8 mm‑long screws securing them.

      • Plug both ends of a USB‑C to USB‑C cable into the ports. If either port feels stiff, shift the port and reconnect the cable until it feels smooth.

      • Fully tighten the screws securing the USB ports, and disconnect the cable from both.

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    7. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the right speaker: step 7, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the right speaker: step 7, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the right speaker: step 7, image 3 of 3
      • Insert the point of a spudger beneath the right speaker connector, located on the left side of the logic board directly above the battery, and pry it straight up to disconnect it.

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    8. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the headphone jack and left speaker: step 8, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the headphone jack and left speaker: step 8, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the headphone jack and left speaker: step 8, image 3 of 3
      • Repeat to disconnect the headphone jack and left speaker connectors, located on the opposite end of the logic board.

      • To reconnect, align the connector over its socket and gently press down with your fingertip or the flat end of a spudger until it sits flush.

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    9. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Free the speaker cables: step 9, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Free the speaker cables: step 9, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Free the speaker cables: step 9, image 3 of 3
      • Gently lift the speaker cables out of their channels around the battery.

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    10. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Free the headphone jack cable: step 10, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Free the headphone jack cable: step 10, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Free the headphone jack cable: step 10, image 3 of 3
      • The headphone jack cable is secured to the battery with adhesive.

      • Gently peel up the headphone jack cable and lift it out of its channel around the battery.

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    11. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the keyboard cable cover: step 11, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the keyboard cable cover: step 11, image 2 of 2
      • Don't tear or fully remove this cover—it'll be used to disconnect the cable.

      • Use tweezers to peel up the black sticker over the keyboard cable, just until it comes off the socket on the board. Make sure it stays attached to the cable.

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    12. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the keyboard: step 12, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the keyboard: step 12, image 2 of 2
      • Use the flat end of a spudger to flip up the hinged locking flap on the keyboard cable ZIF connector.

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    13. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 13, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 13, image 2 of 2
      • Use tweezers or your fingers to gently grip the keyboard cable by its cover and slide the cable out of its socket.

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    14. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the microphone: step 14, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the microphone: step 14, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the microphone: step 14, image 3 of 3
      • Flip up the hinged locking flap and disconnect the microphone cable ZIF connector, adjacent to the keyboard cable.

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    15. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the trackpad: step 15, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the trackpad: step 15, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the trackpad: step 15, image 3 of 3
      • Repeat to disconnect the trackpad cable ZIF connector, adjacent to the microphone cable.

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    16. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the Touch ID sensor: step 16, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the Touch ID sensor: step 16, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the Touch ID sensor: step 16, image 3 of 3
      • If the laptop doesn't have Touch ID, skip this step.

      • Repeat to disconnect the Touch ID cable ZIF connector, located on the left edge of the logic board.

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    17. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the logic board screws: step 17, image 1 of 1
      • Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the five 1.7 mm‑long screws securing the logic board.

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    18. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the logic board: step 18, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the logic board: step 18, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the logic board: step 18, image 3 of 3
      • Carefully lift the logic board around the cables and out of the MacBook.

      • Use your fingers or a spudger to free any cables that get snagged as you lift the board.

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    19. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Check cables during reassembly: step 19, image 1 of 1
      • When you reinstall the logic board, verify that no cables get trapped under the board as you lower it into place:

      • Keyboard, microphone, and trackpad cables

      • Audio board cable

      • USB ports cable

      • Touch ID board cable (if present)

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    20. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the battery screws: step 20, image 1 of 1
      • Ensure the cables freed from around the battery are out of the way of the screws securing it.

      • Use a Torx Plus 5IP driver to remove the eighteen 2.8 mm‑long screws securing the battery.

      • Don't remove the four tall screws marked in yellow.

      • During reassembly, install the screws on the top‑left and bottom‑right corners of the battery first to align it. Then, install the remaining screws.

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    21. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the battery: step 21, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the battery: step 21, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the battery: step 21, image 3 of 3
      • Be careful not to pinch the cables near the bottom edge of the battery.

      • Insert the flat end of a spudger beneath the battery's left edge and lift it until you can grab it with your fingers.

      • Tilt the top edge of the battery upwards to a roughly 45‑degree angle and remove it.

      • During reassembly, insert the bottom edge of the battery first. Lower the top edge, then wiggle it into place so the standoff screws in the frame slot through their holes on the battery.

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    22. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the trackpad: step 22, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the trackpad: step 22, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the trackpad: step 22, image 3 of 3
      • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the hinged locking flap on the trackpad cable ZIF connector.

      • Use tweezers or your fingers to gently pull the trackpad cable out of its socket.

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    23. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the trackpad cable: step 23, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the trackpad cable: step 23, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the trackpad cable: step 23, image 3 of 3
      • Slowly peel up the trackpad cable to separate the light adhesive securing it to the keyboard shield.

      • Remove the trackpad cable.

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    24. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the keyboard cable: step 24, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the keyboard cable: step 24, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the keyboard cable: step 24, image 3 of 3
      • Be careful not to damage the microphone cable, located on top of the keyboard cable.

      • Peel up the keyboard cable on the top edge of the keyboard shield.

      • If the cable is strongly adhered, use a hair dryer or iOpener to heat it until warm before peeling up. This will soften the adhesive.

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    25. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the foam strips: step 25, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the foam strips: step 25, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the foam strips: step 25, image 3 of 3
      • If the laptop doesn't have Touch ID, skip the next five steps.

      • Peel up and remove the three foam strips on the Touch ID cable and keyboard shield.

      • During reassembly, you'll reinstall this foam right before installing the screen.

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    26. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the Touch ID cable: step 26, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the Touch ID cable: step 26, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Disconnect the Touch ID cable: step 26, image 3 of 3
      • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up the hinged locking flap on the Touch ID interconnect cable.

      • Use tweezers or your fingers to pull the Touch ID cable out of its socket.

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    27. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the Touch ID cables: step 27, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the Touch ID cables: step 27, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Lift the Touch ID cables: step 27, image 3 of 3
      • Peel up the Touch ID interconnect cable off the keyboard shield.

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    28. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 28, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 28, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 28, image 3 of 3
      • Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the Touch ID cable off the keyboard shield.

      • Position the cable over the edge of the frame so it's out of the way.

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    29. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Peel up the keyboard shield: step 29, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Peel up the keyboard shield: step 29, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Peel up the keyboard shield: step 29, image 3 of 3
      • In the next two steps, you'll destructively remove the keyboard shield. Try not to tear the shield—it's easier to remove in one piece.

      • Be careful not to damage any of the flex cables surrounding the keyboard shield as you remove it.

      • Use the point of a spudger to pry up the keyboard shield until you can grab it with tweezers.

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    30. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 30, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 30, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 30, image 3 of 3
      • Use tweezers to slowly peel up an entire edge of the keyboard shield so you can grab it with your fingers.

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    31. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 31, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 31, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal: step 31, image 3 of 3
      • Peel up the keyboard shield at a low angle. Try to lift it in one large piece.

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    32. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard shield: step 32, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard shield: step 32, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard shield: step 32, image 3 of 3
      • Peel off the entire keyboard shield. Try to keep it in one piece.

      • If the shield tears, peel up any remnants off the laptop.

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    33. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 33, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 33, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 33, image 3 of 3
      • During reassembly:

      • Set the new keyboard shield in place so the holes in the shield are aligned with the posts on the keyboard.

      • Use the flat end of a spudger to press the entire perimeter of the keyboard shield into place.

      • Remove any remaining liners off the keyboard shield.

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    34. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 34, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reassembly information: step 34, image 2 of 2
      • During reassembly:

      • To install a new keyboard shield:

      • Clean up any residual adhesive off the frame of the laptop.

      • Remove the adhesive liner off the bottom (shiny side) of the new keyboard shield.

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    35. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the Touch ID screws: step 35, image 1 of 1
      • If the laptop doesn't have Touch ID, skip the next three steps.

      • Use a Torx Plus 3IP driver to remove the four 1.9 mm‑long screws securing the Touch ID sensor.

      • Use a Torx Plus 1IP driver to remove the four 2.2 mm‑long screws securing the Touch ID backplate.

      • During reassembly, turn each screw counter‑clockwise until it drops into the threads, then tighten just until snug.

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    36. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the Touch ID backplate: step 36, image 1 of 2 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the Touch ID backplate: step 36, image 2 of 2
      • Pick up the Touch ID backplate and remove it.

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    37. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the Touch ID sensor: step 37, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the Touch ID sensor: step 37, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the Touch ID sensor: step 37, image 3 of 3
      • Lift the laptop frame to let the Touch ID sensor fall out.

      • Remove the Touch ID sensor and set the laptop back down.

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    38. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reveal the keyboard screws: step 38, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reveal the keyboard screws: step 38, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Reveal the keyboard screws: step 38, image 3 of 3
      • Use tweezers to lift any residual adhesive covering any of the screws securing the keyboard.

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    39. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard screws: step 39, image 1 of 1
      • Use a Torx Plus 1IP driver to remove the forty‑one 1.7 mm‑long screws securing the keyboard.

      • Some keyboard layouts have forty‑two.

      • If the laptop doesn't have Touch ID, use a Torx Plus 1IP driver to remove the remaining four screws securing the keyboard.

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    40. MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard: step 40, image 1 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard: step 40, image 2 of 3 MacBook Neo Keyboard Removal, Remove the keyboard: step 40, image 3 of 3
      • Lift the keyboard out of the frame and remove it.

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Finish Line

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Nick Schultz

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