Trackpad Prereq

Written By: Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

30 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Trackpad prerequisite that doesn't include reassembly steps.

Some photos in this guide are of the previous model MacBook Pro and may contain slight visual discrepancies, but they won't affect the procedure.

Tools

Step 1

Use a 5IP Torx Plus 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.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Remove the trackpad assembly.

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" Late 2023 Answers community for help.