Mac Repair Guides for Apple Macbook, iPad, Powerbook iPhone & iPod

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Powerbook Medic 10 years ago	@Ray - it's a little tricky to check, but it's a good idea. You just need to be careful not to get any dust inside.
Ray 10 years ago	Question, Is it a good idea to check to make sure everything is working before replacing the glass panel?
wajidh 11 years ago	Thanks .,, Good Job
techrepair 11 years ago	he looks rough on the display
Bill 11 years ago	How would you take off the old screen with a hair dryer? What kind of hair dryer?
BIT 11 years ago	Alll clear, but: how to remove the glass when it`s broken ? The suction-cup does not work then ! So howto ?
Jacob 11 years ago	My screen glass adhesive is getting old and the glass is starting to come "peel" off the computer and I plan to replace the glass. Would it be a better idea to just replace the adhesive? Also, do you have to remove the display from the computer when you are only changing the glass and not the LCD?
Joe 11 years ago	Do a search for "Macbook pro RUBBER LCD TRIM MOLDING" And you will find lots of overseas companies and ebay search results.
Powerbook Medic 11 years ago	@Brad - you can use a hair dryer but you'll have to be extra careful. Heat guns are a little more precise so a hair dryer has a higher chance of overheating something.
Brad 11 years ago	Do you think I could replace a heat gun with a hair dryer and achieve the same results? I don't have a heat gun and I'd rather not purchase one since I'm unlikely to ever use it a second time.
Powerbook Medic 11 years ago	@dan - yes it is required and you typically can use the same adhesive but we sell extra adhesive strips in case it is not sticky enough.
dan 11 years ago	My iSight camera in my mid-2010 13.3" MBP is not working in any applications, despite SMC and PRAM resets. It also doesn't show up in the system profiler, and the light never turns on. I suspect a hardware issue. Is it necessary to remove the glass to get at the camera, and if I do so, can I reinstall the same glass/adhesive?
Powerbook Medic 11 years ago	@alex - you can get them at most electronics stores or large online retailers.
alex 11 years ago	where do you get a heat gun?
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Josh - it is always best to start on a low setting and work your way up. Every gun is a little different as far as temperature and air flow.
Josh 12 years ago	Hey i was wondering what the temperature should be on the heat gun? I've heard to hot can damage the LCD and melt the black rubber seal. what temperature heat gun would you recommend?
David 12 years ago	Helpful video. I replaced just the glass on my MacBook Pro with a Powerbook Medic part, and everything worked well. My glass was shattered, so I had to scrape and pick the tiny slivers off with a razor blade and a dental pick (use caution! the slivers are wicked sharp!). Even so, the whole operation took only about 30 mins. I did not remove the display from the keyboard assembly. Thanks Powerbook Medic!
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Robert - we sell a separate glass for the MacBook Pro. The one listed to the right is for the original MacBook unibody, and you'll want one with the correct text on it indicating a MacBook Pro instead of just MacBook.
Robert 12 years ago	Is the replacement glass you guys sell compatible with macbook pro a1278, serial no. W8924MB266D, 2009? Thanks
Nolan 12 years ago	Do you have to remove the display from the body of the laptop in order to replace the screen??? I have a cracked screen but my LCD is fine, if I just heat the edges and remove the broken glass and attach a new screen without taking the display panel off the body will this work???
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@ George - Yes, you reuse your LVDS cable. You do not need another one.
George 12 years ago	Hey guys, looking to replace both the glass screen and the LCD on my MacBook, I have the new LCD but there is no LVDS cable, is it possible to just disconnect it from the original LCD and swap it over?
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Wayne - that is really up to you. Just be careful.
Wayne 12 years ago	I may be premature, but while I wait for the 2-sided tape to arrive should I carefully remove the tape which is still adhered to the glass panel. It was replaced at a local shop and the tech used a bit of black adhesive. I assume the black adhesive (from a tube) should be removed from the perimeter of the LCD and the tape from the glass. Thank you.
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Alex - Apple doesn't sell just the LCD panels by themselves, so there isn't an Apple part number.
Alex 12 years ago	Hey there, great guide, thank you for it! I plan on replacing the LCD on my A1278, but I was just wondering what the part # of the actual LCD is. I believe I know what it but I really want to make sure. Also, I have replaced the LCD on other uni-body Macbooks, but never a 2011 one. Is the repair any different from say a 2009 one? Thanks!
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@ Rafael - the parts we sell are listed to the right.
Rafael 12 years ago	I have a Macbook model A1278, but I need Unibody Macbook Screen cover back,because the hinge over it was broken and the screen is perfect, do you have this part? Thx
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Samuel - most likely the isight cable got damaged which would affect all of those, so I'd start there.
Samuel 12 years ago	Hi there, My Late 2008 Macbook Unibody's Wifi, Bluetooth and Isight Camera is faulty. I have tried the PRAM, Control+Eject method but to no avail. I suspect that it is a hardware problem that is causing this. What are the necessary items needed to fix all of the problems and to make them function properly again? Thanks!
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Malcolm - we have a separate video for the whole machine. That should help.
Malcolm 12 years ago	Great videos, very detailed and helpful! Do you have a video that details how to remove the whole display from the keyboard/base part of the MBP - i.e. to get to the stage shown at the start of this video? (But without removing logic boards etc - or is that not possible?)
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Bob - it is possible to do it that way. The heat needed unfortunately changes. Sometimes you don't need heat at all. It just depends on the state of the adhesive inside. We recommend getting some adhesive strips which we sell just in case the remaining adhesive is not enough.
Bob 12 years ago	Hi, guys. Just cracked my bezel cover on the 15". The LCD beneath seems fine. Looking at your video, it seems as if it's possible to use the heat gun to loosen the bezel by having the machine L-shaped on a flat desk (with the keyboard portion pointing up) without having to disassemble the screen? How much heat is required to pop the bezel off? And, is the glue/strips on the replacement bezel piece adequate enough to keep the replacement piece adhered to the screen assembly without loosening and "flapping" off the screen? Thanks. And, keep up the fantastic work there!
Jan 12 years ago	Hi, I am a potential International costumer. I have recked the glass of my screen but the LCD itself (seems ok - no det pixels), I am not sure whether it is possible (for you guys) to remove the glass w/o destroying the LCD, also is it possible yo have you guys make an educated guess regarding the LCD on the spot because international shipment cost a lot and presumably takes longer so it would suck to have to send it twice if the LCD dies durring repair or soon after. also, the CD rom drive in my mac have not been working since I purchased it and while I never use it I would like to know if I have to send it in for repair to the mac guys first or if what you guys are doing dosen't reck my warranty
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Kate - if the pieces of glass rub against the LCD panel it can cause some permanent scratches. We sometimes keep compressed air handy to keep blowing off loose glass off the side before it does any damage. If you bought the glass from us, we can. It'd be just $95 plus shipping.
Kate 12 years ago	@powerbookmedic Yeah its super stubborn and seriously was so lucky because a piece of glass just missed my eye by a millimeter. Thanks for getting back to me I was worried that what was happening wasnt normal. I would like to know 1. if the glass gets into the LCD screen or anywhere else will it mess it up? 2. could I send my mac in with the new piece of gass and have you guys fix it?
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Kate - sounds like you are doing the right thing. Some adhesive is just stronger. It gets a little more annoying the more it cracks and you'll have to pull it off in pieces so you may want to get gloves and possibly some glasses to help shield you from glass shards.
Kate 12 years ago	Okay, so i just got my new glass screen in today and I am trying to pry off the old glass with the suction cup, hair dryer, and card but it wont come off and now my glass is super cracked...I just need to know what I'm doing wrong. Im heating up the sides, even though i heard that you dont even have to and im using the suction cup but nothing is happening...
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@HBoy - it is trickier to do without removing the display first, but it is doable. Time really depends on how much practice you've had. The first time may take 20 minutes or so.
HBoy 12 years ago	How long would it take to remove the screen from the base? Do you even have to take the screen out? Hhanks H
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@Jake - you can use a hair dryer, you just have to be a little more careful.
Jake 12 years ago	Is it possible to take the glass off with a hair dryer or do I have to use a heat gun made for this?
Ruben Aceves 12 years ago	Thank you very much for taking time to showcase the installation procedures. Your installation video was concise and accurate as well as vividly detailed so as to not leave a doubt from start to finish! Cheers.
Erick 12 years ago	Thank you for your quick response!..so is that a no-no for my heat gun to use it to remove the glass? or would you recommend the same heat gun you are using? if so , whats the wattage and volts? Thank you.
Powerbook Medic 12 years ago	@ Erick - Wattage can vary based on distance held from device and length of time used.
Erick 12 years ago	Could you please tell me the right wattage and temperature range for the head gun. I have a "Heat Gun HT 1000 Dual Temperature" with two temperature: 750&1000F..and 1200 watts/4100 BTUs..Could it be possible to use this one to remove the glass from my macbook pro 17"? Thank you.
Kuba 13 years ago	@Alex: put the entire display in the oven set for bake at 170F (75C), for at least 1 hour. Make sure you have a separate oven thermometer (or better: two!) in the oven and monitor the temperature manually and adjust the thermostat not to overshoot 175F. Some oven thermostats are inaccurate. This should soften all the adhesives. Worked for me, YMMV.
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@Alex - some glass is harder than others, but that sounds pretty tough. All I can suggest at this point is sending it in to us and having us do the repair for you. We haven't met a glass we can't get off yet.
Alex 13 years ago	@Powerbook Medic the problem is, the glass isn´t moving one bit so I don´t get the chance to put something beneath glass and lcd...all i do is scratching the rubber sealing... by the way, the glass is already cracked anyway.
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@Alex - you'll have to use some sort of flat tool to loosen up the adhesive under the glass. A very thing putty knife or what we sell on our site as an iPad Opening Tool can help, but please realize it is much easier to crack the glass with this method.
Alex 13 years ago	Any hints how to get rid of the glass if it won´t get loose as shown in the video?! I used a heat gun (even at high temperature level it didn´t move a bit) and the suction cup you sell at your shop...
Alex 13 years ago	Any hints how to get rid of the glass if it won´t get loose as shown in the video?! I used a heat gun (even at high temperature level it didn´t move a bit) and the suction cup you sell at your shop...
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@john - we sell the glass and adhesive strips separately in the part list to the right.
john 13 years ago	I need to replace the glass on my macbook pro. Do you sell a complete replacement kit.
Paul 13 years ago	Just finished, and getting the broken and cracked glass off was no where as easy as this video shows, but once we were able to clear all the glass and install the new one it looks beautiful. Just like new.
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@IIona - check with the appropriate video for your model.
Ilona 13 years ago	Where can I find the video on how to separate the monitor from the bottom part of the MacBook Pro 15"?
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@Mike - sometimes there is enough left, but we sell adhesive strips if more is needed.
Mike 13 years ago	My glass bezzel is cracked. I'm going to buy the one from you and replace it. When I take the old one off, is there any glue I have to buy to put the new one on?
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@peter - we sell the display cable in the part list to the right
Peter 13 years ago	I think my lcd cable was dammaged because my screen always turns colors ...how much would it cost to send it in to be replaced?
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@John - yes. The only different style is the optional high resolution version.
John 13 years ago	does this apply to a 2009 unibody MacBook?
Phillip 13 years ago	So is it the same screen, just without the glass?
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@Phillip - the antiglare models are designed a little differently. They do not have the panel of glass. They go back to metallic bezel style like in the MacBook Air.
Phillip 13 years ago	If I was to do this to a anti-glare screen, would the screen still be anti-glare? Or is the anti-glare property in the glass itself (not the LCD)?
Powerbook Medic 13 years ago	@Bubblezor - yes, but it is a little trickier.
Bubblezor 13 years ago	Is it possible to remove the glass without taking the MacBook apart? I don't need to remove the LCD.
thumper300zx 13 years ago	Does the surface of the inside of the back cover have any sort of anodizing/coating on it that might prevent epoxy from sticking well? Just curious -- of course, this was a poor design to begin with and used glue, so it's not surprising they pop back off using glue :)
thumper300zx 13 years ago	Just removed glass with just a $2.99 suction cup and a supermarket bonuses card :) Awesome. Thanks for the vid (no heat gun needed, though I did have one).
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@William - yes you can, but it is a little trickier.
William 14 years ago	Is it possible to remove the LCD and glass with out taking the MacBook apart
Kappi 14 years ago	Thanks very much , whole procedure worked for me with MB Pro 17", though the bottom screws are under the rubber.
Claudia 14 years ago	The same thing that happened to Dave happened to me. I went through the entire procedure and worked carefully for about an hour. Got the new glass on perfectly... only to have it crack after 2 mins near the video lens. Such a disappointment.
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@sallybags - the brand doesn't matter much. Epoxy is usually measured by how long it takes to dry. So just buy one with a time you think you can install it properly and then hold it still for the remainder.
sallybags 14 years ago	I installed the glass,but it keeps detaching.I see in one of the comments it says to use epoxy on the corners.what brand and how much? thanks
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Siegfried - yes it is possible, but it is much easier if you remove it.
Siegfried 14 years ago	The glass screen cover cracked on my mid-2009 15" MBP. Is it possible to replace it without detaching the complete display first?
Albert 14 years ago	thanks, was just wondering why the adhesive strips were a bestselling item.. or if the the strips would give out since i'd be prying it off the screen
Albert 14 years ago	thanks, was just wondering why the adhesive strips were a bestselling item.. or if the the strips would give out since i'd be prying it off the screen
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Albert - the replacement glass already has adhesive strips on it, if you want additional strips you can purchase them.
Albert 14 years ago	My machine is the antiglare unibody 15''.
Albert Cruz 14 years ago	do i need to purchase new adhesive strips if i'm going to replace my led?
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Nathan - you'd have to replace the entire display, but it should work fine.
Nathan 14 years ago	Is it possible to upgrade a mid-2009 MBP to a high resolution screen? I imagine if the connectors inside the MBP are the same it will detect the higher resolution capabilities and it will work.
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Toni - unless you see some discolorations like black blotches on the screen your LCD is probably fine.
Toni Thomson 14 years ago	How do I know if I just need a new glass cover or the whole LCD Screen as well. The glass is cracked but the LCD panel seems to be fuctioning normally.
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Ebus - between the glass and rubber... @Jeremy - the heat isn't completely necessary and only helps with the adhesive is extremely stubborn. Almost all glass can be removed by just the suction cup and a flat tool. As far as the adhesive not sticking, you may want to put very tiny drops of epoxy on the corners just to make sure the glass holds and the adhesive has time to set properly.
Jeremy 14 years ago	Had cracked glass and replaced with new glass. Used a hair dryer, didn't go all to smoothly, but got the job done. However, the double sided tape that came with the new glass isn't holding. It keeps lifting up from the screen a couple times a day. Any tips.
Ebus 14 years ago	A couple of questions; first, what is heated as far as temperature is concerned? I've brought the glass temperature up to 160 degrees and no happiness. Glass is still firmly attached. Second, where along the edge is the thin plastic strip inserted? Between the glass and the rubber strip or between the rubber strip and the metal housing?
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@David - did you use a suction cup as shown in the video?
David 14 years ago	I have a late 2008 Unibody MB. I tried removing the glass cover, but it was stuck in there too damn hard! I dont have a heat gun, so I used a hair dryer, holding it close to the screen for a long time. It seemed to get pretty hot, but then again, I don't know how hot a heat gun would have made it. How hot is the screen supposed to be? Also, I tried pulling quite hard with the suction cup, but didnt want to damage anything so I gave up. Thirdly, I took a pocketknife, and stuck it in a gap between the rubber edge and the glass and tried to wedge the glass out to get a feel for how tightly it was adhered (the glass was not hot anymore at this point). And Jesus!, it was stuck in there hard. I stopped trying because not knowing how bendable the glass is, I didnt want to break it. With the knife wedging, I couldnt even wedge the glass out enough to stick a larger object (like a credit card) underneath. Any advice for me?
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Tom - this is just the glass removal video. We have a more complete video for the entire machine. As far as removing the display, it is just a few screws once you get to the top case. The plastic in front of the hinges is not sold separately.
Tom 14 years ago	No where does it show how to take the screen off the main body? Also is it possible to replace the plastic bit that covers the hinge?
Powerbook Medic 14 years ago	@Marie - If you tilt the screen back and forth does it get better or worse? If not, it'll probably be the LCD. If it does, it may be a cable issue.
Marie 14 years ago	I've been having a problem with my screen lately where a strip about an inch think on the screen is either completely white or shows static, i was wondering if replacing the lcd would fix this.
oldbro 14 years ago	One other point to remember -- make sure to route the cables over the tops of springs (nearest to the LCD screen) before replacing the hinge cover.
oldbro 14 years ago	A couple of things that I think are important are left out of this video. !) When replacing with a new LCD panel, you need to retrieve the VLDS cable from the original LCD, which can be a very delicate operation (the trick is in carefully removing the tape and unseating the connector from the old LCD panel). This takes some doing and it really helps if you have a headband with magnifying lenses (so you can see what your doing). 2) then the old cable needs to be attached to the new LCD panel - again not an easy step without magnification and steady hands. Try to reuse the old taping, as it looks like it is intended to keep the connector from coming apart at the LCD. Good luck and take your time.
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	@Joe - It should have enough left over.
Joe 15 years ago	Do you need replacement adhesive to mount the glass back to the frame?
geniusgirl 15 years ago	the video looks way easier than it is. i am an apple certified ex-apple store genius with the proper tools (heat gun and suction cups). I ended up with an even more cracked screen in little bits that was more difficult to remove. still haven't completed the task but i will update if i ever do.
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	No, the procedure isn't the same for a non Unibody Macbook. For the original Macbook, please view our Macbook Video series.
Bob 15 years ago	Is the procedure same for a non unibody MacBook if not where can I find instruction for removal
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	@Christo - Everything currently in inventory has the model name on the glass. This can change depending on shortages in the market.
Christo 15 years ago	For the parts sold on your online store, the 13" and 17" glass both show the model names, but the 15" does not appear to have it. Can you confirm which, if any, glass actually has the model names?
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	@JB - Yes it should be fine. Make sure to start it off slow though.
JB 15 years ago	Do you suppose a hi-wattage hair dryer would provide enough heat? JB
JB 15 years ago	Do you suppose a hi-wattage hair dryer would provide enough heat? JB
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	@tyler - You can take the glass off with it still attached to the hinges. We just did it in that video to make it easier to see what was going on.
tyler 15 years ago	instead of taking most of the computer apart, how easy it it to just go for the hinge of the display to take it off and replace the glass cover?
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	If you ordered it from us, send in a support ticket with pictures. They'll likely set you up with a replacement.
David 15 years ago	Only applied light pressure along the edges... Sometimes when you put a windshield in a car, if there is even a tiny nick or imperfection along the edge, the glass will crack within minutes of installing or sometimes up to several days after the install.
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	I've never seen a crack to just appear. You generally only get a crack if you've applied too much pressure to the glass.
David 15 years ago	After removing the old glass I removed all traces of the old tape. I tried the new glass for fit with the protective plastic in place.It looked like it fit perfectly. I removed the protective plastic and the tape covering the double-stick tape. The glass went down and looked great. However, after a few seconds, a crack appeared along the edge and spread across the glass. Was there something I did wrong, or was there a flaw in the glass? How can I prevent this from happening again?
Powerbook Medic 15 years ago	@Niden - Yes, that is what this video is for.
Niden 15 years ago	If you have a cracked glass lens, not LCD, is it possible to use this method to switch the cracked screen with a new glass lens with the help of this video?
PowerBook Medic 15 years ago	It is probably possible, but it'd be awkward.
Alex 15 years ago	is it possible to replace just the glass without removing the display from the rest of the laptop?