Oh dear! – Your MacBook display isn’t giving you what you expect.

How Screen Warranty Works

To make a successful warranty claim the screen must satisfy all of the following:

  • Within the warranty period
  • No chip or crack in the glass LCD panel. When the backlight is illuminated it is often obvious where the screen is cracked. When th backlight is off it is much more difficult to determine if a crack is present. Close visual inspection with the display unpowered is best method to spot a crack. A crack cannot be felt because the front surface is a strong clear plastic. The glass LCD panel has microscopic conductors applied via photo lithography which define the pixels of the display. Cracks break these conductors which typically results in lines, columns or total loss of an image.
  • No dents in the metal case. A dent in metalwork is indisputable evidence of a serious impact. This can break the backlight or the LCD panel and voids the warranty.

Choices in ways to repair your screen

LCD Replacement is my recommended solution and is both economical and maintains the quality of the screen assembly. Only the glass LCD panel is replaced. It retains your existing top quality camera, backlight, light sensor and hinges. Please note: any pre-existing issues with the backlight or camera are not corrected by replacement of the LCD panel. You must let us know if an issue needs correcting. If your metal lid is bent I may be able to source another genuine lid.

Aftermarket Screen Assembly is a solution that often suits people in a hurry as repair can be achieved within 3 or 4 hours. It can be purchased online and picked up immediately in Trafford Park or you can wait for it to be delivered overnight. The more you get involved – the more money you save!

New Genuine Screen Assembly is an expensive choice and only provides 90 days warranty.

Its urgent! – sometimes there is a case for fitting an after-market screen!

    1. If I don’t have a used screen assembly in stock the only quick solution may be to purchase an aftermarket screen assembly
    2. Purchase online on the ACCUPART website. Search by model number found on the underside of your MacBook e.g. A2337
    3. Purchase an angle sensor if its available when you search for the screen
    4. Overnight delivery is free or pick it up at the warehouse (email them immediately after purchase otherwise it is put on the delivery lorry at 2pm). They will respond. Don’t phone them – they haven’t got the hang of answering phones.  Further details below
    5. Phone me 30 minutes prior to arrival at UK MAC REPAIR to have it fitted while you wait
What you need to know
    1. A screen is best referred to as a screen assembly because it includes the metal case, hinges, backlight, camera, ambient light sensor and LCD panel
    2. A screen assembly is identified by model and colour. e.g. “A2337 space grey”. Model number is printed on underside of MacBook
    3. New genuine Apple screens are only available from Apple or authorised resellers
    4. Used genuine Apple screens are listed as USED on Ebay
    5. Aftermarket (non genuine) screens are listed on Ebay as NEW. They all have Apple logos
    6. Fitting involves disassembly using 5 different screw drivers, 40+ screws and electronic calibration tools
ACCUPART in Trafford Park

If you need a screen urgently in Manchester you can purchase an aftermarket screen online on the ACCUPART website. They are the best aftermarket screens I have found but not as good as a genuine screen or LCD panel replacement. They include next day delivery but you can pick it up at their warehouse in Trafford Park M17 1PZ (open Monday – Friday 9am – 1230pm, 130pm – 4pm). Website & Email only. Phones are not answered. Warranty is strictly 90 days. Extended warranty available for approx 10%. Email them. Ring the door bell before entering the waiting area otherwise you may be waiting a long time.

APPLE and authorised resellers

Apple is known for high quality screens. Sadly their prices are as high as their quality and they are only available from Apple or an authorised reseller. If you have bought a new MacBook it probably is worth getting it on to AppleCare to take advantage of the replacement service in the event of an accident for approx. £80 per event. SYNC is an authorised reseller located on a technology park in Monsall, M40 5BP. Phone them with the MacBook serial number and they quote to fit you a genuine Apple screen at Apple prices. They will need to order it in.

Comparison of genuine versus aftermarket screen assemblies

Aftermarket screens are cheaper than new genuine Apple screens and look the same. They all have the Apple logo and can be purchased from a variety of sources including Ebay and Amazon.

However, it is debatable if they are as durable and reliable as the original screen. If they stop working after their 90 day warranty, even when there is no visible cause like a dent, chip or crack, there is little recourse other than to argue the quality and durability requirements of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 which may only get settled in court.

DIY install of screen assembly

The average DIYer can install a screen assembly themselves  but it requires quite an array of tools:

    • 2 proprietary Pentalobe drivers
    • 3 Torx drivers
    • Plastic tweezers [to avoid electrical shorts]
    • Angle sensor calibration tool [on recent models]

You will be removing approx. 40 screws. You never need to remove the logic board but you always need to remove the aerial assembly and sometimes the speakers. Some models have screen angle sensors that need replacement and recalibration with any change of screen hardware. Calibration requires dedicated electronic equipment costing £100+ so it is not economical for one use only.

LCD Panel Replacement

LCD panel replacement is a specialist job requiring a very clean environment to avoid contamination. An experienced hand can expect to spend more than 5 hours to complete the process. In addition to the tools for install of a screen assembly it requires:

    • Hot air soldering tools for moving BGA microchips from old panel to new panel
    • Solder, flux and wick
    • Glue removal tools
    • Adhesive applicator tools
    • New gaskets