Mac Studio 2023 Front USB-C Ports Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

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Mac Studio 2023 Front USB-C Ports Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

45 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the front USB‑C ports in your Mac Studio (2023).

Note: The two ports must be replaced together, as a flex cable connects them. You can't replace a single port.

If you're having trouble connecting devices to the front USB‑C ports, or cables fit loosely in them, it may be time to replace the ports.

Before starting this repair, read through Apple's troubleshooting article and try the software and cleaning solutions that don't require taking your device apart. Make sure to test your cables with a different device to confirm the issue is with one of the ports, and not the cables themselves.

Tools

Parts

Tesa 61395 Tape

Step 1

Completely shut down your Mac Studio.
Unplug all cables from your device.

Step 2

Flip your Mac Studio over and lay it down so the bottom faces up and the SD card slot and two front USB‑C ports are facing you.

Step 3

Adhesive strips secure the bottom cover screw pad.
Heat an iOpener and lay it over one of the bottom cover screws for two minutes to soften the adhesive near the screw—this is where you'll insert a spudger in the next step.
You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun, but be careful as extreme heat will warp the pad.

Step 4

Insert the point of a spudger under the pad's inner edge, near the screw you applied heat to in the previous step.
This may take some force. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.
Use the spudger to lift the pad and separate the adhesive.

Step 5

Insert the flat end of a spudger under the pad.
Slide the spudger under the entire pad to separate the remaining adhesive.

Step 6

Remove the bottom cover screw pad.

Step 7

During reassembly:
If the adhesive strips are still sticky, you can reuse them.
If you're applying new adhesive:
Use the flat end of a spudger and your fingers to scrape up and remove the old adhesive strips.
Use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to remove the old adhesive residue.
If you don't have replacement adhesive, you can use strips of thin, double-sided tape 2–3 mm wide.
Apply the new adhesive strips to the bottom cover and remove their liners.
Firmly press the bottom cover screw pad into its recess to secure it.

Step 8

While the Mac Studio uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.
Use a T10 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 8 mm‑long screws securing the bottom cover.
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came.

Step 9

Insert the point of a spudger in one of the bottom cover's ventilation holes and lift the cover until you can grab it with your fingers.
Remove the bottom cover.
To orient the bottom cover, align the Kensington lock cutout in the top left corner with the corresponding one on the internal frame.

Step 10

Use a T10 Torx screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the power supply:
Four 6 mm‑long screws
Two 7 mm‑long screws with washers
You may need to remove a sticker to access these screws. If you do, save it for reassembly.

Step 11

Flip your Mac Studio around so the rear ports are facing you.

Step 12

A tight plastic latch secures the power cord port cable.
Firmly hold the power supply with one hand and lift up the edge near the power cord port.
With your free hand, pinch the head of the power cord port connector to unclip it and pull straight down to disconnect the cable.

Step 13

Only grab the power supply by its edges. Various power components and capacitors are left exposed.
Carefully tilt the power supply away from the power cord port so it's at a 90-degree angle.
Be careful not to strain the cable that's still connected to the power supply.
Keep the power supply tilted up for the next step.

Step 14

A delicate plastic clip secures the power supply signal cable.
With your free hand, pinch the head of the power supply connector to unclip it and pull straight away from the socket to disconnect the cable.

Step 15

Remove the power supply.

Step 16

Flip your Mac Studio around so the SD card reader and two front USB‑C ports are facing you.

Step 17

Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the eight screws securing the internal frame:
Seven 5 mm‑long screws
One 4 mm‑long screw

Step 18

Slowly lift the internal frame straight up and remove it, making sure no cables get snagged.
During reassembly, make sure the power supply signal cable and power cord port cable don't get stuck under the frame when lowering it into place.

Step 19

Flip your Mac Studio around so the rear ports are facing you.

Step 20

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to fully loosen the 12.3 mm‑long screw securing the USB-C bracket.
The screw may be hard to access. If you can't insert your screwdriver properly, use a flexible extension to avoid stripping the screw or damaging the logic board.
Remove the USB-C bracket.

Step 21

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 2 mm‑long screws securing the USB‑C port cable cover.
Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the cover.

Step 22

Be very careful not to scrape off or damage any surface mounted components during this step.
Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the USB‑C port press connector from the logic board.
To reconnect press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Don't press down in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

Step 23

Carefully stand up your Mac Studio so the rear ports face up.

Step 24

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 5 mm‑long screws securing the USB-C ports.
These screws may be hard to access. If you can't insert your screwdriver properly, use a flexible extension to avoid stripping screws or damaging the logic board.
During reassembly:
Partially tighten the two screws securing the top of the ports.
Put the USB-C bracket into place and partially tighten the screw that secures it.
Lay your Mac Studio down and plug a cable into each port to ensure proper fit and alignment, adjusting the ports as necessary—the cables should be easy to insert and remove.
With both cables plugged in and the ports in position, fully tighten all three screws.
Unplug any cables before continuing reassembly.

Step 25

Use your fingers to lift the ports out of their recesses and remove them.
Don't try to remove an individual port. A flex cable connects them and can easily be damaged.
During reassembly, put the ports into their recesses, making sure the press connector stays above the logic board.