MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the trackpad, after removing the logic board and fans, in your MacBook Pro 16" 2021.

For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% before disassembling your phone. This reduces the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged during the repair. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

This is a prerequisite-only guide! This guide is part of another procedure and is not meant to be used alone.

What you need

Step 1 Unfasten the trackpad

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement, Unfasten the trackpad: step 1, image 1 of 2

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement, Unfasten the trackpad: step 1, image 2 of 2

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 13 screws securing the trackpad assembly:
Ten 5 mm screws
Three 5.8 mm screws
These screws all look similar—be careful not to mix them up.
Adding a little blue threadlocker to the screw threads during reassembly can help prevent the screws from working themselves loose over time.
Install the screws loosely at first, and then check the trackpad alignment before tightening them down.

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Step 2 Remove the trackpad

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement, Remove the trackpad: step 2, image 1 of 3

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement, Remove the trackpad: step 2, image 2 of 3

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement, Remove the trackpad: step 2, image 3 of 3

Swing the display open slightly, but keep the MacBook upside-down. The trackpad assembly should separate and lay flat on the display.
Carefully feed the trackpad's ribbon cable through its slot in the frame.

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Step 3

MacBook Pro 16" 2021 Trackpad Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

As you remove the trackpad assembly, be very careful not to lose the nine small metal washers resting on the screw posts. (They will fly off and get lost with very little provocation.)
Remove the trackpad assembly.

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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 16" 2021 Answers community for help.