The M1 MacBook Pro, released in Fall 2020, costs upwards of $1,600 CAD.
That price tag makes this device one of the most expensive laptops on the market. So, when your MacBook Pro screen gets damaged, it’s unlikely that your first instinct is to replace it entirely.
Fortunately, there are options to replace a MacBook Pro screen that are far more affordable than buying a whole new device. You might choose to replace your screen yourself or seek out a professional MacBook Pro screen replacement, for example.
Not sure which option is right for you? Keep reading this ultimate guide to replace MacBook Pro screens for your answer (plus a whole lot more).
When Should You Replace a MacBook Pro Screen?
Apple doesn’t charge the prices they do for an inferior product. Although the MacBook Pro is one of the most expensive laptops on the market, they’re also well-made, durable, and able to withstand a fair degree of wear and tear.
With that said, a screen is a screen. These glass components are always susceptible to damage. But how do you know when that damage calls for a MacBook Pro screen replacement?
Cracks in your screen cannot be repaired and will require an entirely new screen. You may be able to work on your MacBook Pro with the damage but, the longer you wait to fix it, the greater the risk for the crack or break to spread and cause additional damage. You also run the risk of dust and other grime getting inside the computer and damaging internal components.
Dead pixels and vertical or horizontal lines are other issues that can’t be repaired and typically require a screen replacement. Before concluding that the issue is with your MacBook Pro screen, hook your device up to an external monitor. If there are no lines or pixels showing up on that monitor, then you can be sure the issue is with your MacBook screen or perhaps the screen ribbon cable.
A flickering screen is either the sign of inconsistent power or a loose or damaged screen ribbon cable. To find out what’s causing your screen to flicker, you’ll have to check that the screen cable is securely plugged in to the video card, motherboard, and back of the screen. If those connections are secure, then the issue is your screen and it will need to be replaced.
Identify What MacBook Pro Parts You Need
Whether you decide to replace the screen yourself or have the professionals do it, you’ll need to know what MacBook Pro screen replacement you’ll require for the job. The MacBook Pro line was introduced as the higher end of the MacBook family in 2006, so there’s a wide range of possible models you might have.
The first MacBook Pro came out in January 2006. This model has a 15-inch screen, and a 17-inch variant was introduced in April of that year.
In October 2008, Apple unveiled the second-generation MacBook Pro. Released in October, it had both a 13 and 15-inch option. In January 2009, a 17-inch model was introduced to the second generation.
Apple released the third generation of the MacBook Pro in June of 2012. This generation started with a 15-inch model and a 13-inch variant was released 4 months later.
The latest generation of the MacBook Pro was released in October 2016. The fourth and newest generation has both a 16 and 13-inch option, but the latter wasn’t introduced until May 2020.
How to Replace Your MacBook Pro Screen Yourself
Thinking that you can replace a MacBook screen yourself? Follow the steps below.
- Gather supplies. Have your replacement screen handy as well as a cloth to clean your screen, a suction cup, and a hair dryer.
- Prep the workspace. You’ll want a workspace free of clutter, dust, and anything else that could get into your computer and damage the internal components.
- Apply heat. To be able to remove the screen from the MacBook Pro, you’ll need to heat the adhesive edges with the hair dryer. Hold the hair dryer at least 10 inches from the screen and keep it moving back and forth and up and down in order to avoid any damage.
- Apply suction. Gently press the suction cup down on the screen until it seals. Pull up on the key ring on the suction cup to lift and remove the screen.
- Cleaning. Clean the new screen with a microfiber cloth and clean the screen surface of the MacBook Pro.
- Prepping the adhesive. In order for the new screen to mount, you’ll need to remove the plastic covering from the adhesive strips along the edges and heat them with a hair dryer.
- Installing the new screen. Align the edges of the new screen with the edges of the screen surface.Press the edges to seal the adhesive.
Once installed, peel the protective covering from the front of the new screen. You might also consider further securing the adhesive by applying more heat.
Professional MacBook Pro Screen Replacement
If you don’t have the expertise, we don’t suggest that you try and replace your screen on your own. Doing so means risking further damage or even putting your safety at risk (a laptop is an electronic that can cause electrocution, by the way).
There are a few places you might seek a professional MacBook Pro screen replacement should you choose to go this route.
If your MacBook Pro is still under warranty by Apple, you might be able to take it to an Apple store. Under the Apple Limited Warranty, your device isn’t covered for damage caused by accidents, but it is covered for any manufacturing defects for one year from the date you bought it. If you bought AppleCare+ along with your product, you’re covered for up to two years.
If you purchased your MacBook Pro from a provider outside of Apple, check with them to see if they have any warranty programs you may be covered under. It’s important that you don’t try and replace a MacBook Pro screen on your own or with another professional if the device is still under warranty. That could risk voiding the warranty altogether.
In the case that you’re not covered under any warranties, there are plenty of options for repair services. However, it’s important to know where you’re having your device repaired. Only bring your device to reputable businesses that offer high-quality parts and expert technicians. Doing otherwise means risking damage to this expensive piece of technology.
Read Also: Spilled Water on Laptop? Here’s What to Do Next
Caring for Your MacBook Pro Screen
If your MacBook Pro comes with you to work, from room to room, on vacation, or to school, then the potential for damage is high. And, of course, the screen is usually the first component to break when you have an accident with these fragile devices.
So why not protect and care for your screen in advance? There are quite a few options for keeping your MacBook Pro screen safe when you’re moving about.
Screen protectors. Just like screen protectors for your phone, you can buy screen protectors for your laptop. Some also have additional features like anti-glare and even privacy shields.
Laptop backpacks. These backpacks have special, protective pockets built into the backpack where your MacBook is cradled and safe from impact. Some backpacks also come with special locking mechanisms that make them impossible to open if you’re not the one who should be opening them.
Cases & Sleeves. Cases and sleeves both serve the same function: they’re slim, protective covers for your laptop. A case tends to be a little bulkier (which means more protection) and they usually have handles, straps, or something to help you carry them. A sleeve is slimmer than a case and is intended to wrap closely around the outside of your laptop.
Replace MacBook ProScreen at Esource Parts
When you notice cracks, dead pixels, vertical lines, or flickering, it might be time to replace your MacBook Pro screen. And while it’s perfectly plausible to do so on your own, this option isn’t recommended unless you have significant experience with MacBooks.
Instead, bring your MacBook Pro to Esource Parts. We not only have the screens you need, but our professional technicians can also do the replacement for you, too!
