Replace MacBook Screen – A Tutorial
A client of mine sent me a MacBook with a broken screen. It was his daughter’s computer, and she had accidentally broken the screen. I told him I couldn’t help him repair the screen, and he should look to Apple to make the repair for him. I turns out that the repair is 90% of the cost of the computer itself.
He decided to buy a new MacBook, and asked me to transfer the data from old computer, to new. I agreed, and for my services, I inherited a new MacBook; albeit one without a usable screen. We here at Tweak pride ourselves on being ahead of the curve when it comes to DIY attitudes (especially with computers). So, I consulted with some of the other editors about my dilemma.
To be sure, I was trying to change the screen of a complicated piece of sophisticated machinery. I was attempting brain surgery, and failure mean the death of my patient, the computer.
After Derek did some research, I felt compelled to make the impossible happen, and replace the screen on the computer. I purchased a new screen from an eBay vendor in Taiwan for a meager $200, plus $30 shipping. Interestingly enough, the original screens are manufactured in Taiwan. I won’t speculate as to how my supplier came across the screens he was selling, except to say I’m grateful he sold mine to me!
What follows is a step by step recollection of how I successfully replaced the screen on my MacBook:
Here is the screen before I did anything …
Obviously, that’s pretty broken. I had managed to use the machine for a while with an external monitor plugged into it.
In order to start the disassembly of the machine, it was first necessary to acquire an exceptionally small phillips-head screwdriver. Again, Derek came to my rescue. I started with the first 3 screws on the bottom of the computer, as shown below:
After that was complete, I unscrewed the screws located on the side of the device, followed by the screws on the inside of the battery location.
INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT NOTE!!!!! – Nearly every screw in the MacBook belongs to a unique location. Think about this a minute. This is not like computer repair you may have done in the past. Not all screws are created equal. I dealt with this issue by carefully laying out each screw in a pattern equivalent to how the belonged in the computer itself. However you may tackle this issue is your business, but you have been warned!
Once all of the screws were removed from the outer locations of the computer, I was able to remove the keyboard assembly from the device. This assembly covers all aspects of the internal workings of the MacBook. Afterwards I was able to recognize that I still needed to disconnect the display from the motherboard. This proved to be a complicated feat, since the delicate cables connecting the monitor to the mainboard were looped underneath more delicate internals like DVD ROM connections, as well as HD connections to the motherboard.
Those connections weren’t just cable plugs, but physical, screwed in connections as well.
Once I had all of this disconnected, I was able to disconnect all display connections from the motherboard quite easily. After I accomplished this feat, I re-centered my attention at removing the broken display from the computer.
Below, you see me trying to remove the old screen from the casing. This is delicate stuff, so don’t get impatient here!
Something else to note: you’ll need a special screwdriver to take apart your macbook. Home Depot sells them pretty cheap. Thanks Derek
Now, for the dis-regarded broken display (Hans Solo):
And now for installing the new screen:
Believe it or not, after all of that work, when I finally got the macbook running, I noticed the screen was awfully dim. I had forgotten to plug in the backlight for the display. Yeah, and a few days later, I noticed that I couldn’t use the CD drive. I had misplaced a part underneath the CD / DVD drive. So, the lesson is: Take your time, and do your frankenstein work on a clean white surface, not on the carpet.
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Thank you so much for this, I just went to tha apple store and was told that the repair for my broken screen would be 750$, which is almost the 999 I paided for it two months ago. I was thinking of just saving up and buying a new one, but now I might look into getting a macbook screen. The only problem is I am worried that the replacement job would be too difficult and I might ruin the whole computer. THanks for putting this up!!
November 25th, 2007 at 7:15 pm -
Have you had any concerns about lid sensor? I’m trying to figure out how it works. My macbook doesn’t detect whenever I close/open its lid. I’m afraid this sensor is inside its hinge, because I’ve searched the entire connections/display/magnets, etc…
Btw, nice work!
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:44 pm -
This is not the best way to do this!!! When simply replacing the LCD screen, there is no reason to open the main body of the computer. It can be done very easily in less than an hour if you use this link:
http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions_en,macbook.shtmlDecember 7th, 2007 at 1:00 pm -
Tom,
Thanks for the comment. I wish I had seen the before. I did notice there was a way to do this without taking down the entire machine. It was a learning experience however. Though I highly recommend caution to all of you do-it-youself ers out there.December 13th, 2007 at 10:50 am -
Hello I’ve just replaced a screen using the http://www.screentekinc.com method… however I’m a little apprehensive about snapping the hinge guard back into place without damaging any of the wires around the hinges… any tips on exactly how you went about doing that?
email me at garnet@redantdc.com
thanks
December 18th, 2007 at 7:16 am -
Working with microelectronics directly on some fiber carpet
*shudder*And please next time lose the gold bracelet as well (or maybe wire it to the nearest tap or something)
December 25th, 2007 at 8:48 am -
loopium,
I can certainly appreciate your concern for proper working conditions. I really should have waited to replace the screen until a time when I had a proper working surface to use.As for the bracelet though, my mom gave that to me when I graduated college. I’m not too sentimental of a guy, but that bracelet doesn’t leave my arm. Ever.
January 16th, 2008 at 6:57 pm -
I did a similar thing, except I only removed it, and am now using my MacBook with an external monitor only, the MacBook itself being completely displayless (works great, although a bit unportable
).
I started on the other end and disassembled the display first and found out a lot of interesting things about how a laptop display works. It sucked when I realised that I would have to open the whole laptop in order to be able to completely remove the display part. I didn’t have to keep the cables intact, though, and cut them off (the microphone and display ones, I obviously kept the antennae ones because they weren’t under the superdrive) and pulled them out
It’s actually really pretty, my only issue being bad reception on the wireless as the cables currently are just hanging loose from the hole where the hinges are supposed to go xDOh, and I hung the back of the display on the wall, after mounting batteries and a small lamp in it. It’s SO pretty with that shiny white apple xD
February 18th, 2008 at 6:49 pm -
I just repaired my macbook myself with the same situation. The screen is very dim but I’m pretty sure that I plugged everything in. Any advice?
Thanks!
April 17th, 2008 at 10:46 pm -
I just did the same replacement on a macbook 13”. I like Anna am having a very dim screen now. I looked through my instructions and no where does it refer to a plugin for a backlight. Any advice??
Thanks
April 28th, 2008 at 2:41 pm -
i gave the tutorial that tom mentioned a go and once i had it all back together the screen was extremely dim…when i turned it on, the screen would be on for about 1-2 seconds and then blank out.
i opened up the hinge bit and i found, from looking at the broken screen that i had the cable in the wrong way…which is weird that it still came on and seemed to fit into place etc…anyway, try it round the other way for anyone else having that problem!
cheers!May 13th, 2008 at 6:31 am -
For $329.00 you can get it done for you heres the site.
http://www.microreplay.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=61
June 2nd, 2008 at 3:39 pm -
My screen broke just lick that
June 25th, 2008 at 6:02 pm -
ohh sorry…
hey David i was wondering if that site really works..
have you tried it or like anyone you know has used it..
or are they a scam…
if it’s not then that’s the answer to my prayers..
thanks…July 26th, 2008 at 9:43 am -
[...] while ago, I replaced a broken screen on my macbook. It was a difficult thing to do, and after I was done, I noticed I wasn’t able to use the CD [...]
August 17th, 2008 at 8:18 am -
I too have a newly broken screen and looked at the screentekinc site, and while it seems to show how to take things apart I see nothing about putting them back together. Is it just a reversal of proceedure? And if so, how do I get the bezel to snap back into place? I tried removing it at one spot, and now it won’t snap shut again.
ThanksSeptember 7th, 2008 at 11:41 pm -
Has anyone found a solution to this dimscreen problem? It is rather annoying! Mine does the exact same thing. Sounds like too much of a coincidence…
September 8th, 2008 at 10:57 pm -
If the screen is dim it means the inverter cable is connected incorrectly. This is the cable that powers the back light for the display. Also an extremely awesome site for repairing iPods, iPhones, MacBook etc. is http://www.iFixit.com. I use it all the time.
Jeff.
September 10th, 2008 at 10:28 pm -
I just used http://www.screentekinc.com/ to replace my screen.
It is working fine. If your screen is dim you should check your inverter cable.
After the replacement I noticed my wireless reception is not as good. Does anyone have any idea? I had problems putting the hinge cover back. I might have damaged the antenna!September 23rd, 2008 at 10:25 pm -
The cheapest and best place to have your macbook screen fixed is http://www.missionrepair.com $229 for a new screen installed. Splash magazine did a review on them here: http://www.lasplash.com/publish/cat_index_Tech_Talk/Mission_Repair_Review.php
October 1st, 2008 at 1:30 pm -
does anyone know if ipodjuice.com does apple screens? they fix ipods and iphones i know and kicked ass on my ipod touch but hope/wondered if they did macbook lcd’s.
http://www.ipodjuice.com/ipod-touch-battery-replacement-products.htm
October 13th, 2008 at 10:27 am -
so you wouldnt repair it for him, but when he gave you the macbook you repaired it for yourself? nice one.
October 22nd, 2008 at 11:46 pm -
I dunno what method this guy took, but all u really need to do is pull of the plastic in front of the screen. take of all the screws around the screen only.Pull of the cover in front of the inverter and change the monitor. its really easy it just takes time doing it because of all the little screws. have fun i’ve done it like four time and u don’t even need any special tools.I’ve literally done it every time with a really pointy kitchen knife.
October 23rd, 2008 at 3:02 pm -
This isn’t a tutorial,it tells you nothing on how to take apart. its just a bragin’ session!
December 14th, 2008 at 9:48 am -
‘Bays’ has it right. the websites can show you all the little pieces but it’s pop of the bezel and carefully unscrew the stuff holding the lcd in. I’ve taken stuff apart for years… years before websites offered pictorials of what to expect. You have to say thanks for the comments because you do not need to take apart the whole machine like some of the people here did and one of the websites shows. Anybody can do this… and if you don’t think ou can there are alot of good referrals here as well. Great posting!
December 28th, 2008 at 10:20 pm -
I resently installed a screen but the problem is at start up i see the apple logo perfectly. then once i get to the main screen the screen is shown in half and it is jumping around it gets worst when i open up more windows. did i do something wrong or is it the screen?
December 31st, 2008 at 9:00 pm -
I had the same problem crack macbook screen and took the advice of one of the blogger here and purchased a screen for $169.00 + shipping 18.00 overnight. It was a total of 1Hr to replace the screen. I did not even have to take the whole thing apart. I took the battery out 1st don’t want to short circuit the board. #2 I snip the wires from the old screen closest to the screen and spliced the new wires and soldered them together. Make sure the wires with the lettering matches up. Then wrap them with a piece of electrical tape to keep them from touching and short circuiting. #3 putthe scren back together and put the battery back. If you have a dim screen try removing the connection to the screen and reconneting it. I had the same problem at first then reconnected it a couple of times, nomore problem. Thanks Mission repair.
January 16th, 2009 at 3:23 pm -
Where did you get your replacement screen? I’ve looked everywhere but I can’t find one under $300
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:19 am -
[...] screens for $49.99. That’s way cheaper than what I was expecting, so why not? I’ve replaced MacBook screens before, so how hard could the iPhone [...]
March 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pm -
dont do it this way its way to complicated go to
http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions_en,macbook.shtmlthis method is sooooo much easier and safer for your macbook it took my about 45 mins to take apart my old one take out the good screen and swap it with my broken one
March 28th, 2009 at 8:58 am -
How has this screentek method worked out for everyone for replacing a screen, not just taking it out. Is putting the new one in the same as this process in reverse? Do you have to clip any wires and re-solder them, or does everything plug into the new screen nicely?
April 9th, 2009 at 2:03 pm -
I looked at the ScreenTek way and removed a screen from a MacBook that was ruined by someone spilling liquid on it to a MacBook that had a crack in the screen. It took about two hours because I had never done anything like this. The new screen works perfectly, and yes you do have to basically do the ScreenTek process in reverse when you put on the replacement screen.
May 5th, 2009 at 12:41 pm -
[...] the cable like it says and it would be perfect. YouTube – Display replacement (Apple MacBook) 7032 Replace MacBook Screen – A Tutorial – Apple, Hardware, Repairs, Tutorials – Tweak OSX Macbook Aluminum Parts: APPLE MACBOOK ALUMINUM LAPTOP LCD SCREEN 13.3" LED – eBay (item [...]
May 7th, 2009 at 8:51 pm -
OK, do not replace the screen the way that http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions_en,macbook.shtml wants you to. It messes the casing around the screen. Mines half broken now, and I am very mad about it.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:58 pm -
ROFL HI u mad my day. There is nothing wrong with that tute. Who broke your screen?
June 4th, 2009 at 9:44 am -
hi i just broke my macbook screen yesterday. how do i plug it into an external monitor without being able to set it up on my macbook? help!
July 6th, 2009 at 6:45 pm -
Arielle,
You could try using the ‘clam shell’ mode of the MacBook. Basically, you close the lid of the MacBook, then plug in an external monitor after.Worth a shot.
July 8th, 2009 at 1:55 pm -
Just finished replacing the lcd panel in my macbook, The screentek way http://www.screentekinc.com/lcd-removal-instructions_en,macbook,prep.shtml is brilliant apart from the simple instruction saying remove the hinge cover, this was a major pain, also was replacing the hinge cover after the screen had been fitted, so best way is to dis-embowel your macbook until the screen is is almost detached from the main body, then you’ll be able to get the hinge cover off and on.
July 21st, 2009 at 9:53 am -
well, if anyone can answer that would be great. I recently did a MOD to change the color of the apple logo. I dont know what I did wrong, but now when I close the computer for couple second and reopen while still powered on, instead of coming back on with full color and control, it often comes up with very very dark color but you can see the screen as you left it and have no control at all. I would have to press on the power button till it shuts down and turn it back on. Any possibilities/ Idea would help. Maybe I squinched some delicate wire??? thanx guys
July 25th, 2009 at 2:16 am -
We bought a brand new alluminum 12″ macbook and 2 months later cracked the screen. The store wanted $760 to replace it. There are no screws behind the screen itself so I think I would need to take the whole thing apart, its an LCD screen I think(im not super computer savy like all you) so would that be harder to replace at home???also has anyone used or heard of anyone that has used one of these online computer screen fixers?????Thanks
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:52 am -
Wow for all that concern about killing your patient you chose to open it up while sitting on carpet without a grounding strap?
August 6th, 2009 at 10:10 am -
I’ve just finished doing this. However when i had finished i had this small magnet left over and i didn’t know where it went. It wasn’t one of the ones along the top of the screen, so i had no idea. Anyway i put turned it on, used it, closed it, but then it didn’t know it was closed, it never went to sleep. I took it back apart and found out the magnet goes under the metal casing, under the bezel on the left side of the screen (as you look at it if you were using the screen as normal). Now it works, so i guess this must somehow be how the sensor works.
August 25th, 2009 at 6:40 pm -
I just did a replacement on a this model. Wasn’t too hard but the screen is dark. I ordered a new inverter nothing changed! 1. Did anyone figure out why this is happening
2. I tried all the solutions here and it’s still dark – anyone fine a solution?Any Help is appreciated
August 31st, 2009 at 10:36 pm -
Hi, great posts !
My MBP (15″ A1260) has developed a really annoying VERTICAL GREEN LINE on the display. I think its related to the HINGES on my Mac as the line disappear when I adjust the screen angle – the Video cable (LVDS I think) runs through the hinges so im guessing that my Cable is loose ? I’ve had my MBP over a year now (so no warranty…)
Im considering taking the Display Screen Shell off and reconnecting the LVDS cable at the back of the screen. I’ll also remove the Screws underneath my Mac and reconnect the other end of the Cable to the Logic Board. Basically I’ll check the LVDS is properly connected.
The Vertical Green Line seems to be a common problem. I’ve never done anything like this before, so can anybody with some experience give some advice ? Is this a good idea ? Or am I playing with FIRE !!!
Thanks ! Much Appreciated !
October 13th, 2009 at 8:41 am -
@Michael – I don’t think you’re playing with fire. The way I look at it is it’s already busted, so what do you really have to lose? I’d look for a new screen on ebay or one of the Mac parts places and replace it if jiggling the cables doesn’t work.
October 14th, 2009 at 9:03 pm -
hey,
I replaced my macbook screen with one that I bought off of Amazon (it works very well)but I don’t know how to put the bezel (or whatever you call the white thing that snaps on over the screen) back on.
the thing i’m talking about is the rectangular shaped outline thing with the word ‘Macbook’ on the bottom of it. I can’t snap it back on; how did you do it?
October 25th, 2009 at 1:46 am -
I’m not affiliated with these people nor do I know if thye work, but this guy claims to supply and fit a screen all in for under £100 which sounds really good.
I would imagine if you do this repair often then its probably quite easy.
A friend of mine asked me to change his, but I’m scared of using an otherwise fully working macbook as a test bed so I might make some enquiries.
If I find out anymore I’ll post back…
October 26th, 2009 at 6:18 am -
Hi , thanks guys for this article , I cracked my screen bought one from http://www.nylaptopparts.com
I followed the directions here and successfully replaced the screen. So thanks tons for this guide. I would just not recommend working on a carpeted area as it can create static electricity and damage the motherboard. Thanks once again.November 26th, 2009 at 3:08 pm -
[...] Apple MacBook [...]
December 10th, 2009 at 5:06 pm -
Even if I own all the tutories teaching step by step,I’m still scared of doing it myself.
December 24th, 2009 at 1:19 am -
Denver!!!
There is a gray clips that probably still on the frame. You need to remove them first and then put insert them into metal hinges.
AlexJanuary 27th, 2010 at 12:58 am -
if i ship u mine would you be able to fix it for me
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 am
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