MacBook Pro 16" 2019 Trackpad Replacement
Complete guide to MacBook Pro 16" 2019 trackpad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Trackpad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Pro 16" 2019. This repair involves replacing the damaged input component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement input part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Disable Auto Boot
Before starting this procedure, you must disable your Mac's '''Auto Boot''' feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Disable+Auto+Boot/110034|Use this guide] or follow the abbreviated instructions below to disable Auto Boot. ''This command may not work on all Macs.''
Power on your Mac and launch '''Terminal'''.
Copy and paste the following command (or type it exactly) into Terminal:
'''sudo nvram AutoBoot=%00'''
Press '''[return]'''. If prompted, enter your administrator password and press '''[return]''' again. ''Note: Your return key may also be labeled ⏎ or "enter."''
You can now safely power down your Mac and open the bottom case, without it accidentally powering on.
When your repair is complete and your Mac is successfully reassembled, re-enable Auto Boot with the following command:
'''sudo nvram AutoBoot=%03'''
Step 2: Remove lower case screws
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 six screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:
Four 3.7 mm screws
Two 7.3 mm screws
Note how the screws come out at a slight angle—you must reinstall them the same way.
Throughout this repair, [https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Magnetic-Project-Mat/IF145-167-4|keep track of each screw|new_window=true] and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your device.
Step 3: Unclip lower case
Press a suction handle into place near the front edge of the lower case, between the screw holes.
Pull up on the suction handle just enough to open a small gap under the lower case.
Step 4:
Slide the corner of an opening pick into the gap you just created underneath the lower case.
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.
Step 5:
Repeat the previous step on the other side, using an opening pick to to release the second clip.
Step 6:
Lift the front edge of the lower case (the side opposite the display hinge) enough to slide your fingertips underneath and get a good grip on it.
Two additional hidden clips near the middle of the cover should pop free at this point, if they haven't already.
Don't lift more than an inch or so, and don't try to remove the lower case yet.
Step 7:
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.
Step 8: Remove lower case
Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
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.
Step 9: Remove battery board sticker
Peel up and remove the insulating sticker covering the battery board, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.
If the cover doesn't peel up easily, apply mild heat with an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun to soften the adhesive underneath, and try again.
Step 10:
Peel back any tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
Step 11: Disconnect battery board data cable
Use a spudger to gently pry up the locking flap on the [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s64969|ZIF connector] for the battery board data cable.
Step 12:
Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket on the logic board.
Slide parallel to the logic board. Don't pull up.
Step 13:
Peel back any tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
Pry up and disconnect the locking flap on the connector at the opposite end of the battery board data cable.
Step 14: Remove battery board data cable
Slide the battery board data cable out of its socket on the battery board, and remove it completely.
Take care not to reinstall this cable backwards or upside-down.
Step 15: Disconnect the battery
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 6.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.
Step 16:
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.
Step 17: Remove trackpad cable connector bracket
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.8 mm screws securing the cover bracket for the keyboard and trackpad cable connectors.
Remove the bracket.
Step 18: Disconnect trackpad cable
Use a spudger to disconnect the trackpad cable by prying its connector straight up from the logic board.
Step 19:
Apply mild heat to the trackpad ribbon cable to soften the adhesive securing it to the battery.
You can use an iOpener, hair dryer, or heat gun, but be careful not to overheat the battery. The cable should be warm, but not too hot to touch.
Step 20:
Carefully peel the trackpad cable up off the battery, and push it out of the way.
Don't crease or tear the cable. If you have trouble, don't force it—apply more heat and try again.
Step 21: Remove the trackpad assembly screws
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 13 screws securing the trackpad assembly:
Nine 5.8 mm screws
Four 4.9 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.
Step 22: Remove the trackpad
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 chassis.
Step 23:
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.
Make sure your new trackpad has a ribbon cable installed before reassembly. If necessary, transfer the old cable, or install the one your new trackpad came with.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $48-$120)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($80-$200)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Pro 16" 2019 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 314 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Pro 16" 2019 generates 320 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 6 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!
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