Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Written By: Arthur Shi

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Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

15 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace or upgrade the Wi-Fi card in your Framework Laptop 12.

The Wi-Fi card is a modular card that enables Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions. While the Framework Laptop 12 works with M.2 2230 Wi-Fi cards, Framework recommends replacing it with the same model of card that the system originally came with.

The Wi-Fi card has delicate antenna connectors. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging them.

You'll encounter some component terms in this guide:

The Input Cover is the part that contains the keyboard and trackpad.

Tools

Parts

Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card

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

Set your Framework Laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

Step 3

Use your Framework Screwdriver to fully loosen the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Most screws in your Framework Laptop (including these) are captive—they're designed to stay in place after you loosen them.
Your laptop comes with a spare set of screws in the frame above the battery. Be careful—the replacement screws aren't captive.

Step 4

Flip your laptop over so it's face-up on your work surface.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Use your fingers to grip the Input Cover in the hinge cutouts.
Lift upwards to swing the Input Cover up from the base of the laptop.
There are magnets holding the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels like a lot of force is required, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Remove the Input Cover.

Step 7

Use your Framework Screwdriver to loosen the captive T5 Torx screw securing the Wi-Fi card bracket.
The Wi-Fi card will pop up slightly when you unfasten the bracket.

Step 8

Grab the Wi-Fi card bracket with your fingers and slide it off the top of the Wi-Fi card.
Remove the bracket and store it in a safe location for reassembly.

Step 9

The Wi-Fi card has two delicate coaxial cable connectors. Follow this step carefully to avoid damaging them.
Press and hold the Wi-Fi card down with your finger.
Slide the flat edge of your Framework Screwdriver under the white antenna cable, as close to the metal head as possible.
If you have angled tweezers, slide one arm of a pair of tweezers under the antenna connector, as close to the metal head as possible.
Gently lift the connector straight up to disconnect the white antenna cable.
Repeat the procedure with the black antenna cable.

Step 10

Grab the Wi-Fi card by the edges and pull it out of its socket.
Remove the Wi-Fi card.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Hold the Wi-Fi card by its edges. Don't touch the gold contacts with your fingers. If you do, wipe the contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove any finger oils.
Align the Wi-Fi card's gold contacts and notch with the socket on the Mainboard.
Insert the Wi-Fi card into the socket at a shallow angle. The gold contacts should mostly be covered by the socket.
The Wi-Fi card fits into the socket in one orientation. If it doesn't fit, try flipping the module.

Step 13

Hold the Wi-Fi card down with your finger.
Position the black antenna cable connector over the left Wi-Fi card's coaxial socket.
Tweezers can help position the connector.
Use your finger to press the connector into place. You should feel a faint click, and the cable will stay attached to the socket by itself.
These connectors are very delicate! If the connector doesn't feel like it's clicking in place, reposition the connector and try again.
Repeat the procedure with the white antenna cable.

Step 14

Slide the Wi-Fi bracket over the top edge of the Wi-Fi card.

Step 15

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the captive T5 Torx screw to secure the Wi-Fi card.

Step 16

Angle the bottom edge of the Input Cover towards the base of the laptop.
Align and insert the bottom edge of the Input Cover into the base of the laptop.
Make sure the slots along the bottom edge of the Input Cover slide into the tabs in the base.
Lower the Input Cover's top edge onto the laptop until the magnets snap it in place.
Make sure the Input Cover sits neatly within the laptop frame and no corners are popping up.

Step 17

Close the laptop lid.
Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

Step 18

Use your Framework Screwdriver to tighten the eight captive T5 Torx screws on the bottom of your laptop.
Tighten the screws until they're snug. Don't over-tighten them, or you may strip the screws.