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MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement

What you need

  1. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1
    Tool used on this step:
    Magnetic Project Mat
    $19.95
    Buy
    • Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:

    • Two 2.3 mm P5 Pentalobe screws

    • Eight 3.0 mm P5 Pentalobe screws

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.

  2. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Wedge your fingers between the upper case and the lower case.

    • Gently pull the lower case away from the upper case.

    • Remove the lower case and set it aside.

  3. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 3, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 3, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3
    • During reassembly, gently push down the center of the lower case to reattach the two plastic clips.

    • The lower case is connected to the upper case at the center, with two plastic clips.

  4. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Battery Connector: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the plastic cover adhered to the battery contact board.

  5. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the battery connector board to the logic board:

    • Two 2.8 mm T6 Torx screws

    • One 7.0 mm T6 Torx shouldered screw

  6. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 6, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers to remove the small plastic cover located near the bottom right of the battery connector board.

  7. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the wide head 6.4 mm T6 Torx screw securing the battery connector to the logic board assembly.

  8. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully lift the battery connector board up off the logic board.

    • It is recommended to bend the battery cables just slightly, to keep the board suspended up above the logic board and out of the way.

    • Do not fold the board completely over, or crease the cables, as this may damage the battery.

  9. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Battery Contact Board: step 9, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Battery Contact Board: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Grasp the Interposer with tweezers.

    • An interposer is the name for an interface that links one electrical connection to another. In this repair, it is the board connecting the battery to logic board.

    • Lift the Interposer off the logic board and remove it.

    • Removing this board will ensure that the battery remains disconnected throughout your repair, preventing your computer from accidentally powering on. It's also a good idea to take it out so it doesn't fall out unexpectedly.

  10. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, I/O Board Data Cable: step 10, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, I/O Board Data Cable: step 10, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the right side of the I/O board data cable connector up off its socket on the I/O board.

    • When prying the I/O board data cable connector from its socket, make sure to pry the connector itself and not the socket. Prying the socket may cause irreversible damage to the I/O board.

  11. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 11, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge the flat end of a spudger beneath the left side of the I/O board data cable connector.

    • Gently twist the spudger to disconnect the I/O board data cable connector from its socket on the logic board.

  12. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 12, image 1 of 1
    • Lift and remove the I/O board data cable from the MacBook Pro.

  13. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Right Speaker: step 13, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Right Speaker: step 13, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Right Speaker: step 13, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the SSD cable connector up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Move the SSD cable connector out of the way.

  14. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge the pointed end of a spudger beneath the right speaker cable connector.

    • Gently pry the right speaker cable connector up off from its socket on the logic board.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the connector, not the socket itself.

  15. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the following screws securing the right speaker to the upper case:

    • One black 6.8 mm screw

    • One silver 6.3 mm screw

    • One black 4.9 mm screw

    • The silver screw (in the corner) may be covered with a foam pad. If so, use your tweezers to peel it up and remove it.

  16. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Lift and remove the right speaker out of the upper case.

    • If necessary, de-route the right speaker cable from its channel in the upper case.

  17. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Left Speaker: step 17, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Left Speaker: step 17, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Left Speaker: step 17, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the headphone jack cable connector straight up off its socket on the logic board.

    • Gently bend the headphone jack cable to 90° up from the logic board.

    • Bending the headphone jack cable will allow you to disconnect the left speaker cable connector without having the headphone jack cable in the way.

  18. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 18, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 18, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge the tip of a spudger beneath the left speaker cable connector.

    • Gently pry the left speaker cable connector up off from its socket on the logic board.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the connector, not the socket itself.

  19. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 19, image 1 of 1
    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the following screws securing the left speaker to the upper case:

    • One black 6.8 mm screw

    • One silver 6.3 mm screw

    • One black 4.9 mm screw

    • The silver screw (in the corner) may be covered with a foam pad. If so, use your tweezers to peel it up and remove it.

  20. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 20, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Lift and remove the left speaker out of the upper case.

  21. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, SSD Assembly: step 21, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, SSD Assembly: step 21, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, SSD Assembly: step 21, image 3 of 3
    • Use your thumb or finger to bend the plastic spring bar on the SSD tray, freeing the two clips at the front side of the device.

    • While holding the spring bar depressed, tilt the SSD assembly up out of its cavity.

  22. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the SSD assembly from the upper case.

  23. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Battery: step 23, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Battery: step 23, image 2 of 2
    • Remove three 2.2 mm T5 Torx screws from each side of the battery (six screws total).

  24. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 24, image 1 of 1
    • The liquid adhesive remover provided in your kit can affect the antireflective coating on your MacBook Pro's display.

    • To protect your display, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the display and keyboard and leave it there while you work.

  25. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 25, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 25, image 2 of 2
    • Now that your MacBook Pro is fully prepped, it's time to prep yourself.

    • iFixit adhesive remover contains acetone, a mild skin and eye irritant.

    • Wear eye protection when handling and applying the adhesive remover. (Eye protection is included in your kit.)

    • Do not wear contact lenses without eye protection.

    • Protective gloves are also included in your kit. If you are concerned about skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

  26. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 26, image 3 of 3
    • Pull off the black rubber stopper from your bottle of adhesive remover.

    • Twist to loosen or remove the bottle cap before you cut the applicator tip.

    • This unseals the bottle and allows the pressure to equalize before you cut the applicator tip. If you skip this step, the adhesive remover may spray out unexpectedly when the tip is cut.

    • Use scissors to cut off the sealed tip of the applicator.

    • Cutting close to the narrow tip will give you better control so you can apply the adhesive remover in small amounts.

    • Twist and close the bottle cap securely before you proceed further.

  27. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 1
    • Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly under the edge of the leftmost battery cell.

    • You don't need to use very much. The small bottle contains more than twice the amount of solvent needed to remove all the battery cells.

    • Wait 2-3 minutes for the liquid adhesive remover to penetrate underneath the battery cell before you proceed to the next step.

  28. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 28, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 28, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 28, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    Plastic Cards
    $2.99
    Buy
    • Insert the flat edge of a spudger or plastic card underneath the leftmost battery cell.

    • Run your tool along the bottom perimeter of the battery cell and lift to begin separating the adhesive.

  29. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 29, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 29, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 29, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the spudger along the left-hand side of the leftmost battery cell.

    • Run the spudger up along the left side of the leftmost battery cell.

    • Slightly pry the leftmost battery cell to release it from the adhesive.

  30. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 30, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 30, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 30, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the above steps to separate the adjacent battery cell from its adhesive:

    • Apply a few drops of liquid adhesive remover under the battery cell.

    • Wait 2-3 minutes for the adhesive remover to penetrate and soften the adhesive.

    • Carefully wedge a spudger or plastic card inwards, being careful to not damage the battery, and separate the battery cell from the adhesive securing it to your MacBook Pro.

  31. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 31, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 31, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 31, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the flat end of a spudger underneath the larger leftmost battery cell.

    • Carefully wedge the spudger inwards, being careful to not damage the battery cells.

    • Pry the larger leftmost battery cell up off the upper case.

  32. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 32, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 32, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 32, image 3 of 3
    • Grasp the battery cells and gently move (but do not remove) them from their recess in the upper case.

    • Leave the battery cells resting on top of the upper case as shown in the third picture.

  33. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 33, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 33, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 33, image 3 of 3
    • Switch sides and repeat the above procedure for the two battery cells on the right-hand side of the MacBook Pro.

    • Remember to add a small amount of liquid adhesive remover under each battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate before prying up the cell.

    • Be careful not to puncture or otherwise damage the battery cells.

  34. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 34, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 34, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 34, image 3 of 3
    • Lift the battery as a whole up out of the upper case, and remove the battery.

    • Before installing a new battery, remove all the old adhesive from the MacBook Pro's case.

    • With a little luck, you can slowly pull out each strip of adhesive with your fingers.

    • Otherwise, soak each section of adhesive with a bit of adhesive remover for 2-3 minutes, and then scrape it out with an opening pick or one of the other tools in your kit. This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.

    • Mop up any remaining adhesive remover and give your MacBook Pro a few minutes to air dry.

    • The replacement battery included in your iFixit kit comes with adhesive pre-installed. Test the battery's fit and alignment carefully before peeling off the film covering the adhesive, and then press each cell firmly into place. If any additional films/liners are present that weren't on your original battery, remove them now.

    • Calibrate your newly installed battery: charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.

    • If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to reset your MacBook Pro's SMC.

  35. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 35, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Logic Board Assembly: step 35, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to push the edges of the I/O board connector straight out of its socket on the logic board.

    • It is recommended to carefully push on both sides of the connector to "walk" it out of its socket.

  36. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 36, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 36, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to push the iSight camera cable connector straight away from its socket on the logic board.

    • It is recommended to carefully push on both sides of the connector to "walk" it out of its socket.

  37. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 37, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 37, image 2 of 2
    • Move the iSight camera cable aside.

  38. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 38, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 38, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge the flat end of a spudger underneath the keyboard backlight connector and the logic board.

    • Gently twist the flat end of a spudger upwards to pry the keyboard backlight connector up off its socket on the logic board.

  39. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 39, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 39, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the trackpad ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Grasp the plastic pull tab and pull the trackpad ribbon cable out of its socket.

  40. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 40, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 40, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 40, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the keyboard ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Grasp the plastic pull tab and pull the keyboard ribbon cable out of its socket.

  41. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 41, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 41, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 41, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the microphone ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Grasp the plastic pull tab and pull the microphone ribbon cable out of its socket.

  42. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 42, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 42, image 2 of 2
    • Use the tip of a spudger to rotate the pull tab secured to the display data cable lock toward the DC-In side of the computer.

  43. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 43, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 43, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 43, image 3 of 3
    • Gently push the edges of the display data cable connector away from its socket on the logic board.

    • It is recommended "walk" the connector out of its socket. Simply push the top and bottom corners of the connector and carefully "walk it out" of its socket.

    • Pull, but do not remove, the display data cable connector out of its socket and carefully move it out of the way.

  44. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 44, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 44, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 44, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the left fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.

    • Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

    • Carefully pull the left fan ribbon cable out of its socket.

  45. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 45, image 1 of 1
    • Move the left fan ribbon cable aside to reveal a hidden screw securing the logic board assembly to the upper case.

  46. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 46, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 46, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the following screws securing the logic board to the upper case:

    • Eight 3.3 mm T5 Torx screws

    • One Phillips #00 screw

    • Two 3.1 mm T5 Torx screws

    • Remove two more screws, from the MagSafe DC-In board in the upper right corner (second image).

    • Two 3.4 mm T5 Torx screws

  47. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 47, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 47, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully lift the logic board assembly from its left side and work it out of the upper case, minding any cables and the I/O ports that may get caught during removal.

    • Pull the right I/O port side of the logic board away from the side of the upper case and remove the logic board assembly.

  48. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, I/O Board: step 48, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, I/O Board: step 48, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, I/O Board: step 48, image 3 of 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry and disconnect the three antenna cable connectors from the AirPort board.

    • The three cables are coded with black sleeves of different lengths. During reassembly:

    • Connect the long-sleeved cable to the center socket.

    • The short-sleeved cable connects next to the screw.

    • The remaining cable has no sleeve, and connects in the last empty socket, next to the fan.

  49. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 49, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following two screws securing the I/O board to the upper case:

    • One 3.53 mm T5 Torx screw

    • One 4.89 mm T8 Torx standoff screw

  50. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 50, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 50, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully pull and remove the I/O board away from its recess in the upper case.

  51. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Headphone Jack Assembly: step 51, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 3.4 mm T5 Torx screws securing the headphone jack to the upper case.

  52. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 52, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 52, image 2 of 2
    • Lift and remove the headphone jack out of the upper case.

  53. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Display Assembly: step 53, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Display Assembly: step 53, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to lift the rubber hinge covers up off the right and left display hinges.

  54. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 54, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 54, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the 3.2 mm T5 Torx screws (one on each side) securing the aluminum hinge brackets to the upper case.

  55. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 55, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 55, image 2 of 2
    • Use a pair of tweezers to lift aluminum hinge brackets off the right and left display hinges.

  56. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 56, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 56, image 2 of 2
    • Remove the four inner 5.3 mm T8 Torx screws (two on each side) securing the display to the upper case.

  57. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 57, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 57, image 2 of 2
    • Open the MacBook Pro approximately 110 degrees, and place it sideways on the table, as shown.

    • While holding the display and upper case together with your left hand, remove the remaining T8 Torx screw from the lower display bracket.

    • Be sure to hold the display and upper case together with your left hand. Failure to do so may cause the freed display/upper case to fall, potentially damaging each component.

    • Remove the last remaining T8 Torx screw securing the display to the upper case.

  58. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 58, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 58, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 58, image 3 of 3
    • Grip both halves of the device, one in each hand.

    • Gently push forward on the bottom half of the device to detach it from the display assembly.

    • Carefully set each component aside, making sure to set down the lower half keyboard-side down.

  59. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Trackpad: step 59, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following screws securing the trackpad to the upper case:

    • Four 1.4 mm Phillips #000 screws

  60. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 60, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 60, image 2 of 2
    • Wedge the spudger between the trackpad ribbon cable and the upper case.

    • Run the spudger along the bottom to release the trackpad ribbon cable from the adhesive securing it to the upper case.

  61. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 61, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 61, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the tip of a spudger in between the trackpad ribbon cable and the upper case.

    • Carefully thread the trackpad ribbon cable out of the notch near the top of the SSD assembly cavity.

  62. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 62, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 62, image 2 of 2
    • Once the trackpad is free of the upper case, guide the trackpad ribbon cable through the slot cut in the upper case.

    • Remove the trackpad from the upper case.

  63. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Microphone Assembly: step 63, image 1 of 1
    • For this step, it is recommended to use a heat gun or hair dryer to soften the adhesive securing the microphone assembly to the upper case. You may be able to remove it without doing so, but will risk damaging the microphone cable.

    • With the heat gun set to low, heat the microphone assembly to loosen the adhesive attaching it to the upper case.

    • Be very careful not to overheat the microphones or upper case. Keep in mind that the plastic keyboard is on the other side—too much heat in a single place can melt keys.

  64. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 64, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 64, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 64, image 3 of 3
    • Use the tip of a spudger to remove the piece of tape covering one of two microphones.

    • Grasp the piece of tape with a pair of tweezers and remove it.

  65. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 65, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 65, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 65, image 3 of 3
    • Repeat the same procedure as the previous step to remove the tape covering the second microphone.

  66. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 66, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 66, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 66, image 3 of 3
    • Wedge the tip of a spudger underneath the microphone assembly cable.

    • Run the spudger up along the bottom of the microphone assembly cable to separate it from the upper case.

  67. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 67, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 67, image 2 of 2
    • Gently wedge the tip of a spudger underneath the second microphone and push inwards to loosen the adhesive.

    • At this point the second microphone should be completely detached from the upper case.

  68. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 68, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 68, image 2 of 2
    • Carefully pry the first microphone up off the upper case.

  69. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement: step 69, image 1 of 1
    • Lift and remove the microphone assembly out of the upper case.

  70. MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2012 Upper Case Replacement, Upper Case: step 70, image 1 of 1
    • Upper case remains.

Conclusion

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

14 other people completed this guide.

2 Comments

Wow, it worked! I am computer literate but have not taken my computer apart in years. Your photos and attention to detail were much appreciated. Any woman can and should attempt to do this herself. Thanks so much for the great tutorial!

Tricia

Patricia - Reply

If uppercase Assembly(Includes Trackpad, keyboard, Palmrest & BATTERY) is being replaced, there is no need to remove battery from old uppercase assembly.

Macrepair SF - Reply

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