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MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement

What you need

    • Completely power off and unplug your MacBook Pro before you start. Close the display 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.

  1. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Unclip the lower case: step 2, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly 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.

  2. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Release the lower case's right clips: step 3, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Release the lower case's right clips: step 3, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Release the lower case's 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.

  3. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Release the lower case's left clips: step 4, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Release the lower case's left clips: step 4, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Release the lower case's 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.

  4. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3
    • Pull firmly to slide the lower case towards the front edge of the MacBook (away from the hinge area) to separate the last of the clips securing the lower case.

    • Pull first at one corner, then the other.

    • Pull to the side—not up.

    • This may require a lot of force.

  5. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the lower case: step 6, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the lower case: step 6, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the lower case: step 6, image 3 of 3
    • Remove the lower case.

    • To reinstall the lower case:

    • Set it in place and align the sliding clips near the display hinge. Press down and slide the cover toward the hinge. It should stop sliding as the clips engage.

    • When the sliding clips are fully engaged and the lower case looks correctly aligned, press down firmly on the lower case to engage the four hidden clips underneath. You should feel and hear them snap into place.

  6. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery board: step 7, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery board: step 7, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery board: step 7, image 3 of 3
    • Peel back any tape covering the battery board data cable connector on the logic board.

  7. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.

  8. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 9, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket on the logic board.

  9. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the trackpad cable bracket: step 10, image 1 of 1
    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 2.1 mm‑long screws securing the trackpad cable bracket to the logic board.

  10. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the trackpad cable bracket: step 11, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the trackpad cable bracket: step 11, image 2 of 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the trackpad cable bracket.

  11. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the trackpad cable: step 12, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the trackpad cable: step 12, image 2 of 2
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable's press connector secured to the logic board.

    • To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

  12. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Reposition the trackpad cable: step 13, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Reposition the trackpad cable: step 13, image 2 of 2
    • The trackpad cable is lightly adhered to the frame.

    • Peel the trackpad cable away from the device, making sure to separate the adhesive.

  13. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery board: step 14, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery board: step 14, image 2 of 2
    • Peel back any tape covering the battery board data cable connector under the large pancake screw.

  14. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 15, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the ZIF connector for the battery board data cable.

  15. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 16, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 16, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket on the battery board.

  16. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the data cable: step 17, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Remove the data cable: step 17, image 2 of 2
    • The battery board data cable is lightly adhered to the device.

    • Slide blunt nose tweezers under areas with adhesive to separate the cable from the device.

    • Remove the battery board data cable.

  17. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Unfasten the battery connector: step 18, image 1 of 1
    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.8 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.

  18. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery connector: step 19, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the battery connector: step 19, image 2 of 2
    • Use a spudger to lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.

    • Lift the connector high enough to keep it separated from its socket while you work. If it accidentally makes contact, it could damage your MacBook Pro.

  19. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the right speaker: step 20, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the right speaker: step 20, image 2 of 2
    • Peel back the tape covering the right speaker ZIF connector.

  20. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 21, image 2 of 2
    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the right speaker ZIF connector.

  21. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 22, image 2 of 2
    • Disconnect the right speaker cable by sliding it out from its socket.

  22. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the left speaker: step 23, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the left speaker: step 23, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Disconnect the left speaker: step 23, image 3 of 3
    • Follow the procedure in the previous three steps to disconnect the left speaker.

  23. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol: step 24, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol: step 24, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Apply isopropyl alcohol: step 24, image 3 of 3
    • Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol in the gap between the speaker and the edge of the frame.

    • Wait for 1–2 minutes to allow time for the isopropyl alcohol to weaken the adhesive.

  24. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 25, image 1 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 25, image 2 of 3 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement, Separate the adhesive: step 25, image 3 of 3
    • Insert the tip of an opening pick in the gap between the speaker and the edge of the frame.

    • Slide the opening pick along the edge of the speaker to slice the adhesive beneath it.

  25. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 26, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 26, image 2 of 2
    • Insert the tip of an opening pick in the gap between the battery and the speaker.

    • Pry up with the pick to separate the speaker from the frame.

    • Take care not to puncture the battery while you pry. If you're having difficulty prying up, apply a few more drops of isopropyl alcohol.

  26. MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 14" 2021 Speaker Assembly Replacement: step 27, image 2 of 2
    • Slide the pick along the edge of the speaker to separate the adhesive.

    • Use your fingers to remove the speaker, making sure to peel off any remaining adhesive.

    • Repeat the loosening and separating process for the other speaker.

    • Use a pre-cut adhesive sheet, like Tesa Tape, to secure the speaker back to the frame.

    • Clean up any remaining adhesive from the frame before installing new adhesives.

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.

3 other people completed this guide.

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Member since: 01/16/22

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438 Guides authored

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One Comment

The description up top alludes to having to remove the logic board + fans to replace the speakers, but that doesn't seem to be the case in the step by step. Can anyone who's completed this speaker replacement clear that up?

thardee - Reply

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