MacBook Pro 16" 2020 Screen Replacement
Complete guide to MacBook Pro 16" 2020 screen 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
Screen Replacement is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Pro 16" 2020. This repair involves replacing the damaged display component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
What You'll Need
- Replacement display 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: Remove the pentalobe screws
Before starting this procedure, you should 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|new_window=true] to disable Auto Boot.
If your MacBook is running Big Sur v11.1 or later, disabling Auto Boot may not work. You can proceed normally, but make sure to disconnect the battery as soon as you're inside.
Completely power off and unplug your MacBook before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the six screws securing the lower case:
Two 6.7 mm screws
Four 3.4 mm screws
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 2: Open a gap using a suction cup
Apply a suction handle to the lower case near the front-center area of the MacBook Pro.
Lift the suction handle to create a slight gap between the lower case and the chassis.
Step 3: Separate the clips
Insert one corner of an opening pick into the space between the lower case and the chassis.
Slide the opening pick around the nearest corner and halfway up the side of the case.
This releases the first of the hidden clips securing the lower case to the chassis. You should feel and hear the clip pop free.
Step 4:
Repeat the previous step on the opposite side, sliding your opening pick under the lower case and up the side to pop the second clip free.
Step 5:
Insert your opening pick once again under the front edge of the lower case, near one of the two centermost screw holes.
Give the pick a firm twist to pop free the third clip securing the lower case to the chassis.
Repeat this procedure near the other of the two centermost screw holes, popping the fourth clip free.
Step 6:
Pull the lower case firmly towards the front 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 can require a lot of force.
Step 7: Remove the 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 8: Uncover the battery connector
Carefully peel up the large piece of tape covering the battery connector, on the edge of the logic board nearest the battery.
Remove the tape.
Step 9:
Gently peel back the small piece of tape covering the battery board data cable connector.
The tape is integrated into the ribbon cable and will not detach completely. Simply peel it back enough to access the connector.
Step 10:
Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the small black locking tab securing the cable in its connector.
Step 11:
Disconnect the battery board data cable by sliding it out from its socket.
Slide parallel to the logic board, in the direction of the cable.
Step 12:
Fold the battery board data cable to the side and out of the way.
Step 13:
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the 3.7 mm pancake screw securing the battery power connector.
Step 14: Disconnect the battery
Use a spudger to gently lift the battery power connector, disconnecting the battery.
Lift the connector high enough so that it stays separated from its socket. If it accidentally makes contact during the course of your repair, it could damage your MacBook Pro.
Step 15: Remove the hinge covers
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the four 1.9 mm screws securing the plastic covers on top of the display hinges.
Remove both plastic hinge covers.
Step 16: Disconnect the main display cable
Remove the two 2.9 mm T3 Torx screws securing the aluminum cover on top of the main display cable.
Remove the cover.
Step 17:
Remove the two 1.7 mm T3 Torx screws securing the aluminum cover on top of the display cable flex connector.
Remove the cover.
Step 18:
Pry the display board flex cable straight up from its socket to disconnect it from the display board.
Step 19: Unscrew the antenna cable assembly
Remove the four 1.5 mm T3 Torx screws securing the two aluminum covers on top of the two display board cables.
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to remove the two aluminium covers.
Step 20:
Remove the four 3.9 mm T5 Torx screws (two from each side) securing the antenna cable assembly.
Also remove the twelve 1.1 mm P2 pentalobe screws (six from each side).
Step 21: Disconnect the antenna cables
Carefully disconnect the three [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Two+Thunderbolt+Ports+Late+2020+Antenna+Bar+Assembly+Replacement/143265#s289322|antenna coax cables|new_window=true] by prying them '''straight up''' from the logic board.
Slide your tweezers or the pointed end of your spudger underneath each cable until it's near the socket, and then gently twist or pry up to disconnect it.
To reconnect each cable, align the connector directly over its socket, and then press down so it snaps into place.
Step 22:
Remove the 2.8 mm T5 Torx screw securing the three antenna coax cables to the main board.
Step 23: Pry up the antenna cable assembly
Use an opening pick to lever out the antenna cable assembly in the areas shown.
Don't slide the opening pick from side to side, as there are two display cables that could be damaged in the way.
Step 24: Remove the antenna assembly
Carefully remove the antenna assembly, while simultaneously feeding the antenna cable bundle out from underneath the heat pipe.
Step 25:
Remove the antenna cable assembly.
During reassembly, gently pinch the cable bundle together and guide it under the heat pipe into the correct position on the board. If needed, use your tools to help guide it through, but don't force it.
Step 26: Unscrew the display cable assembly
Remove the four 3.9 mm T3 Torx screws securing the two display cable cover springs.
During reassembly, if the cover springs aren't reaching their screw holes open the screen and pull them out until they reach.
Step 27: Remove the display cable assembly
Grab the left side of the display cable assembly and pull it towards the bottom end of the MacBook and away from the cover spring.
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to pull the cover spring of the display cable out of its recess.
Repeat this step with the right cover spring of the display cable assembly.
Step 28: Open your MacBook
''Fully'' open your MacBook and gently place it keyboard-side-down on a table so the screen hangs over the edge.
Step 29: Remove the hinge screws
Support the screen with one hand and use your free hand to remove the six T8 Torx screws securing the hinges.
Keep a firm grip on your laptop, as it can easily fall off the table.
Step 30: Free the left hinge
Keep the screen supported ***constantly*** during the next two steps.
Firmly secure the main body of your MacBook with one hand.
With your free hand, push the left side of the screen up and towards the bottom of your laptop to free the left hinge.
***Be very careful not to damage the [link|https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/Yn4HMtadD2CyiiUr.full|Touch Bar connector|new_window=true] when moving the left hinge***. It can be easily crushed, resulting in an inoperable Touch Bar.
Step 31: Remove the screen
Free the right hinge and remove the screen.
During reassembly:
Make sure the screen hinges are fully open and guide them into their recesses in the frame.
Be very careful not to damage the [link|https://guide-images.cdn.ifixit.com/igi/Yn4HMtadD2CyiiUr.full|Touch Bar connector|new_window=true] when inserting the left hinge.
Partially tighten the six hinge screws.
Close your laptop and make sure the screen is properly aligned. If it clicks or snaps, readjust the alignment.
Fully tighten the hinge screws.
📖 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-$210)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($80-$350)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Pro 16" 2020 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 312 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Pro 16" 2020 generates 320 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 8 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!
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