Framework Laptop 12 Webcam Replacement

Written By: Arthur Shi

Comments: 0

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

15 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to remove and replace the webcam in your Framework Laptop 12.

The webcam is a thin circuit board that houses the front-facing camera and two microphones. If your video calls are blurry, or you sound muffled in voice chats, you may need to replace the webcam.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

The Display Cover is the plastic bezel strip below the screen.
The Top Cover is the plastic shell that houses the display.

Tools

Framework Screwdriver

Parts

Framework Laptop 12 Webcam Module

Step 1

Before you begin repairs, unplug your laptop and shut it down from the operating system. This ensures that the laptop isn't in standby/suspend mode.
The indicator LEDs along the edges should be unlit. The laptop should be silent.
If you accidentally turn on the laptop during repair, hold the power button down for 10 seconds to shut it down.
Make sure your Framework Screwdriver has the T5 Torx bit (labeled as T-5) facing outwards. If it's not, pull the bit out and flip it.

Step 2

Open the laptop lid so that both the screen and the base lie flat on your work surface.

Step 3

The Display Cover is held in place with magnets along the top edge and clips along the remaining edges.
Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to pry up the right edge of the Display Cover.

Step 4

Slide your fingers under the top edge of the Display Cover to release it from the laptop.

Step 5

Remove the Display Cover.

Step 6

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the four 3.3 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the display to the Top Cover.
These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

Step 7

Insert the bit end of your Framework Screwdriver into the small hole on the display, below the Framework logo.
Slide the display down towards the hinge edge to release the tabs holding the top edge of the display in place.

Step 8

Use your fingers to lift the top edge of the display from the Top Cover.

Step 9

Use your fingers to carefully swing the display over so it lies on top of the keyboard.

Step 10

Use your Framework Screwdriver to remove the two 3.3 mm‑long T5 Torx screws securing the webcam bracket on the top edge behind the display.
These screws are not captive. Store them in a safe location for reassembly.

Step 11

Lift and remove the webcam bracket.

Step 12

Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver to lift the webcam out of its recess.
Avoid touching the black camera module near the center of the webcam.
Flip the webcam over and gently hold it down with your fingers.

Step 13

Use the flat end of your Framework Screwdriver or a fingernail to gently pry up the locking tab on the webcam cable ZIF connector.

Step 14

Slide the webcam cable out of its connector.
Remove the webcam.

Step 15

Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your Framework Laptop.

Step 16

Peel off any protective liners covering the camera lens on the replacement webcam.
Carefully look over the part and peel off any remaining liners. The liners are normally clear or colored plastic films that easily detach.

Step 17

Bend an inch (2.5 cm) of the webcam cable over so that the shiny side is facing you.
Slide the webcam cable into the ZIF connector up to the printed line on the cable.
Use your finger to flip down and gently press the locking tab in place.

Step 18

Use your fingers to flip the webcam back into its recess in the Top Cover.

Step 19

Align the webcam bracket to the Top Cover and lay it in place.
Make sure the tabs on the top edge of the webcam bracket sit in their slots on the top edge of the display.

Step 20

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the two 3.3 mm‑long T5 Torx screws to secure the webcam.

Step 21

Use your fingers to carefully swing the display over so it lies on top of the Top Cover.

Step 22

Align the display in the Top Cover such that the top edge of the display is slightly below the top edge of the Top Cover.
Use your fingers to slide the display upwards to latch the tabs on the top edge of the display.
The top edge shouldn't have any gaps when the display's in place.

Step 23

Use your Framework Screwdriver to install the four 3.3 mm‑long T5 Torx screws to secure the display to the Top Cover.
Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may damage the screw tabs.

Step 24

Align the Display Cover to the bottom of the display.

Step 25

Use your finger to press along the length of the Display Cover to snap it onto the laptop.
Make sure all the clips along the left, top, and right edges are fully seated.