MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the lower case in your MacBook Pro 14" 2021.

Some photos in this guide are from a different model and may contain slight visual discrepancies, but they won't affect the guide procedure.

What you need

Step 1 Unfasten the lower case

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Unfasten the lower case: step 1, image 1 of 2

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Unfasten the lower case: step 1, image 2 of 2

Tool used on this step:

FixMat

$36.95

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Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you start. Close the screen and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove eight screws securing the lower case:
Four 9.3 mm screws
Four 5 mm 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.

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Step 2 Unclip the lower case

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Unclip the lower case: step 2, image 1 of 2

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Unclip the lower case: step 2, image 2 of 2

Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.
Pull up on the suction handle to create a small gap under the lower case.

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Step 3 Release the right clips

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the right clips: step 3, image 1 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the right clips: step 3, image 2 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the right clips: step 3, image 3 of 3

Insert an opening pick into the gap you just created.
Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and then halfway up the side of the MacBook Pro.
This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.

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Step 4 Release the left clips

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the left clips: step 4, image 1 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the left clips: step 4, image 2 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the left clips: step 4, image 3 of 3

Repeat the previous step on the other side, using an opening pick to to release the second clip.

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Step 5 Release the sliding clips

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the sliding clips: step 5, image 1 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the sliding clips: step 5, image 2 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Release the sliding clips: step 5, image 3 of 3

Sliding clips along the back edge of the MacBook further secure the lower case. Separating these clips may require a lot of force—consider using gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the lower case.
Firmly pull the lower case away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding clips.
Keep the lower case flat to the MacBook. Don't pull upward until it's completely separated.

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Step 6 Remove the lower case

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Remove the lower case: step 6, image 1 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Remove the lower case: step 6, image 2 of 3

MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Lower Case Replacement, Remove the lower case: step 6, image 3 of 3

Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Lay it down and align the sliding clips with the back edge of the MacBook. Press down on the lower case and slide it toward the back edge to engage the clips.
When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push.
Once the back corners of the lower case are secured and flush with the frame, press down along the middle of the lower case to engage the four remaining clips.
You'll hear and feel each clip snap into place.

Edit

Conclusion

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

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Answers community for help.

5 other people completed this guide.