MacBook Pro 14" Late 2023 (M3) Lower Case Replacement

Written By: Clay Eickemeyer

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

10 - 20 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace the lower case (or back cover) on your MacBook Pro 14" Late 2023 (M3).

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
Use a P5 pentalobe driver to remove the eight screws securing the lower case:
Four 9.2 mm-long screws along the back edge (near the screen hinge)
Four 5 mm-long screws along the front edge (near the trackpad)

Sliding clips along the back edge of the MacBook secure the lower case. In this step, you'll shift the lower case away from the hinges to free it from these clips.
Insert the flat end of a spudger between the lower case and the right screen hinge.
Lever your spudger against the hinge to push the lower case away from it.
Repeat for the left hinge.

After you've released the sliding clips along the back edge, four remaining clips secure the lower case to the frame:
Two clips near the cutouts in the frame
Two clips near the middle of the lower case
As you release the lower case from the frame, you'll hear and feel a distinct "pop" as each of these four clips release.

Don't insert your tool deeper than 1 cm (a little less than half an inch) near the front of the speaker cutouts to avoid damaging the speakers.
Insert the flat end of your spudger into the front of the cutout in the right side of the frame.
Slide your spudger toward the back of the cutout and pry up to release the two right-side clips.
Repeat for the left-side speaker cutout to release the two left-side clips.

Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Lay it down and align the sliding clips with the back edge of the MacBook. Press down on the lower case and slide it toward the back edge to engage the clips.
When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push.
Once the back corners of the lower case are secured and flush with the frame, press down along the middle of the lower case to engage the four remaining clips.
You'll hear and feel each clip snap into place.

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Member since: 19/09/22

81659 Reputation

Will the M2 A2779 back cover fit the M3 A2992 laptop?

did you ever figure out if they are compatible?