MacBook Pro 13-inch 2020 Screen Replacement: Step-by-Step Repair Tutorial (A2251, A2289, A2338)
Model Identification
Essential Tools
Safety Preparation
Screen Removal
New Screen Installation
Post-Install Calibration
Resale Value Tips
1. MacBook Pro 13" 2020 Model Identification
Supported Models
A2251 : Function keys, 2 Thunderbolt ports
A2289 : Touch Bar, 4 Thunderbolt ports
A2338 : M1 Chip, 2 Thunderbolt ports
How to Identify Your Model
Physical Check :
Software Check :
Critical Model Differences
Model
Processor
Display Cable Type
A2251
Intel 8th Gen
40-pin LVDS
A2289
Intel 10th Gen
30-pin eDP
Physical Identification Tips
A2251 has thicker bezels than A2289
M1 models (A2338) lack Touch Bar
Check keyboard top row for Touch ID/Function keys
Pro Tip : Document your exact model when selling - listings with precise identifiers sell 18% faster on Apple Trade-In.
VIDEO
0:35 Unscrew bottom screws 1:27 Pull off the bottom case 2:03 Disconnect Battery 2:18 Unscrew screws 4:05 Disconnect Display Connector 5:13 Unscrew Hinges 6:02 Unscrew Antenna Screws 6:55 Pull Up Antenna 7:33 Take out Screen 8:02 Install New Screen 10:48 Put Antenna Back 10:51 Screw Hinges 11:50 Plug in Display Connector 13:47 Test New Screen 14:12 Screw Back in Remaining Screws 19:19 Connect Battery 19:50 Install Bottom Case 2:14 Screw Bottom Screws back in 21:06 Final Test
3. MacBook Pro 13" Screen Replacement Safety Protocol
⚠️ Non-Negotiable Safety Steps
Power down and disconnect all cables
Remove any connected peripherals
Wait 10 minutes after shutdown for capacitor discharge
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Prevention
Personal Grounding :
Environmental Prep :
Humidity 40-60% (use hygrometer)
Avoid carpeted areas
Battery Handling Precautions
Disconnect battery before touching display cables
Check for swelling using BU safety guidelines
Never puncture or bend battery
Display-Specific Risks
Component
Risk
Prevention
LCD Panel
Mercury exposure if cracked
Wear nitrile gloves
Display Cables
Irreparable damage
Lift connectors straight up
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety glasses (anti-fog recommended)
Nitrile gloves (powder-free)
Well-lit workspace (500+ lux)
Emergency Preparedness
Keep Class D fire extinguisher accessible
Have OSHA Li-ion guidelines printed
Maintain clear evacuation path
Pro Tip : Document your safety process - shops with EPA-compliant safety protocols get 23% higher resale valuations per industry reports.
4. MacBook Pro 13" 2020 Screen Removal Guide
Pre-Removal Checklist
Confirm battery is disconnected (see Safety Preparation )
Organize magnetic mat with screw diagram
Prepare clean workspace with microfiber cloth
Step 1: Hinge Cover Removal
Remove 6 hinge screws :
Use T3 Torx screwdriver
Screws are different lengths - document positions
Release hinge cover :
Insert plastic card at front edge
Work side-to-side (never force)
Step 2: Display Assembly Separation
Attach suction cups :
Position at top-center of display
Apply firm, even pressure
Lift display carefully :
Open to 90° angle first
Maintain 2-3mm gap while working
Step 3: Display Cable Removal
Cable Type
Location
Release Method
Display Flex (40-pin)
Left hinge area
Lift black locking flap
Camera Flex
Right hinge area
Pull straight out
Step 4: Adhesive Removal (If Reusing Display)
Recommended Tools :
iSesamo opening tool
High-quality adhesive remover
Technique :
Apply heat (70°C) for 2 minutes
Work from outer edges inward
Common Removal Challenges
Stuck Display :
Apply additional heat (max 85°C)
Check for missed screws
Cable Damage :
Pro Tip : Document each step with photos - professional repair records increase resale value by 15-20% according to Apple Trade-In data.
5. MacBook Pro 13" 2020 New Screen Installation
Pre-Installation Checklist
Verify new screen compatibility (match model numbers)
Clean display frame with 90% isopropyl alcohol
Inspect all cables for damage
Step 1: Cable Reconnection
Connect Display Flex Cable :
Align notch with port direction
Secure locking flap firmly
Reattach Camera/Mic Cable :
Route carefully around hinge
Ensure no pinching when closing
Step 2: Precise Alignment
Hinge Alignment :
Match screw holes perfectly before tightening
Test open/close motion at multiple angles
Display Positioning :
Equal 1.5mm gap around all edges
Verify flush closure with top case
Step 3: Adhesive Application (If Required)
Adhesive Type
Application
Cure Time
Tesa 61395 (OEM equivalent)
Apply to clean, dry surface
24 hours
3M VHB Tape
Pre-cut strips recommended
12 hours
Step 4: Final Assembly
Reinstall hinge cover screws in original positions
Connect battery and power on to test
Check for True Tone functionality
Post-Installation Quality Checks
Test all brightness levels (including maximum)
Inspect for dead pixels using JScreenFix
Verify camera and mic functionality
Resale Documentation
Save all receipts for replacement parts
Record before/after photos of installation
Note any remaining cosmetic imperfections honestly
Pro Tip Apple's trade-in program for professionally installed screens - they offer 25% higher values than third-party buyers.
6. MacBook Pro 13" Screen Post-Installation Calibration
True Tone Restoration
For Original Apple Displays :
For Third-Party Displays :
Use software workarounds (limited functionality)
Disable in System Preferences → Display
Professional Color Calibration
Hardware Calibration :
X-Rite i1Display Pro recommended
Create custom ICC profile
Software Calibration :
Use DisplayCAL (open-source)
Match to sRGB/AdobeRGB standards
Brightness Uniformity Test
Set brightness to 50%
Display full-screen gray image
Check for dark spots/uneven lighting
Calibration Impact on Resale Value
Calibration Level
Value Impact
Factory True Tone
+22% (Apple verified)
Professional Calibration
+15%
Professional Calibration Tips
Perform calibration after 48-hour burn-in period
Document results with Lagom LCD tests
Include calibration reports when selling
Note : Unauthorized True Tone modifications may void Apple's warranty . Disclose calibration methods to buyers.
7. MacBook Pro 13" 2020 Resale Value Optimization
SEO-Optimized Listing Strategies
Element
Best Practice
Value Impact
Title
"MacBook Pro 13" 2020 | [CPU] | [RAM]GB | [Storage]GB | [Condition]"
+25% CTR
Description
Lead with battery cycles and True Tone status
+18% Offers
Top 3 Resale Boosters
Professional Documentation :
Complete Packaging :
Original box (+15% value)
Unused charging cable (+8%)
Performance Proof :
Include Geekbench 5 scores
Show temperature stress tests
Research-Backed Pricing Tips
FTC data shows documented repairs increase value 15-20%
Consumer Reports recommends highlighting security wipes
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