Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement

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.

What you need

  1. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Power down your laptop: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  2. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Set your laptop down: step 2, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  3. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the bottom screws: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  4. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Flip your laptop over: step 4, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  5. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Open your laptop: step 5, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Open your laptop: step 5, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  6. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Input Cover: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    • Magnets hold the Input Cover down, so you'll feel some resistance. If it feels stuck, check that you've fully loosened all the screws on the bottom of your laptop.

    • Remove the Input Cover.

    Edit

  8. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Loosen the Wi-Fi card screw: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • 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.

    Edit

  9. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card bracket: step 8, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card bracket: step 8, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  10. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 9, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 9, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  11. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 10, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Remove the Wi-Fi card: step 10, image 2 of 2

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

    • Remove the Wi-Fi card.

    Edit

  12. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 11, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  13. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Install the Wi-Fi card: step 12, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Install the Wi-Fi card: step 12, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit

  14. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 13, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 13, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 13, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  15. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 14, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 14, image 2 of 2

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

    Edit

  16. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement: step 15, image 1 of 1

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

    Edit

  17. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 16, image 1 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 16, image 2 of 3 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Install the Input Cover: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • 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.

    Edit

  18. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Close and flip your laptop: step 17, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Close and flip your laptop: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Close the laptop lid.

    • Flip your laptop face-down on a clean work surface.

    Edit

  19. Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 18, image 1 of 2 Framework Laptop 12 Wi-Fi Card Replacement, Tighten the bottom screws: step 18, image 2 of 2

    • 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.

    Edit
Conclusion

You finished fixing your Framework Laptop!

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

If you need help, contact Framework support.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Arthur Shi

Member since: 01/03/18

328,013 Reputation

810 Guides authored

Badges: 48

+45 more badges

Team

Guide Team Member of Guide Team

Staff

10 Members

16,840 Guides authored

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 7

Past 30 Days: 42

All Time: 392