Under every MacBook are four small rubber feet. They seem unimportant, but they stop your MacBook sliding across the table, let air flow underneath and keep the aluminium bottom case from getting scratched. After a few years they sometimes come off, get lost or wear down. This article explains what to do when your MacBook's rubber feet come loose, what it means when your MacBook wobbles, and when the bottom case needs replacing.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam, including small things such as feet, screws and a bent bottom case.
Why do the feet come off?
- The glue dries out after years, especially from heat.
- The MacBook is often slid across a table.
- Grease, hand cream or cleaning products loosen the glue.
- On the 14 and 16 inch MacBook Pro the feet are larger and stick out further, so they catch more easily.
Reattaching a loose foot
- Keep the foot if you still have it.
- Clean the spot on the bottom case with a little isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, and let it dry.
- Carefully remove old glue residue from the foot.
- Stick it back with a thin piece of good-quality double-sided tape, or a small amount of glue suitable for rubber and metal. Do not use large amounts of superglue; it makes the rubber hard.
- Press it firmly for a moment and leave the MacBook flat for a few hours.
A foot is lost
Replacement feet are sold separately, with adhesive. Make sure they match your model exactly, because shape and height differ. A foot that is too high or low makes the MacBook wobble. See which MacBook do I have to find your model.
The MacBook wobbles
If the MacBook wobbles while all feet are still there, put it on a flat table and see which corner lifts. Then:
- the bottom case may be bent, for example after a drop or from something heavy on it;
- the battery may be swollen and pushing the bottom case out. That matters: see swollen battery;
- the housing itself may be bent.
A bulging bottom or a trackpad that gets stiff often points to a swollen battery. Stop charging and have it checked.
Loose or missing screws
The bottom case is held by small pentalobe screws. If one is missing or loose, the bottom case can rattle. Replacement screws differ per model; a wrong screw can damage a screw hole.
Scratches and dents in the bottom case
Scratches are only cosmetic. A dent can press against parts inside, especially on thin models. On most models a new bottom case can be replaced on its own.
Prevention
- Lift your MacBook instead of sliding it across the table.
- Use a sleeve or bag with a soft lining. See carrying your MacBook safely.
- Do not use it on a cushion or blanket; that blocks the ventilation.
Why the feet matter
On a MacBook Pro the fan draws air in through the sides and the bottom. The feet keep the bottom case a few millimetres off the table, so that air can flow freely. Without feet the MacBook lies flat and warms up sooner.
Removing the bottom case yourself?
You need a pentalobe screwdriver. Some models also have clips. See repairing it yourself with a kit.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We reattach feet, replace screws or the bottom case, and check that the battery is not swollen. You hear beforehand what it costs. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Is a MacBook without feet a problem?
Not directly, but the bottom case scratches faster and less air flows underneath.
My MacBook suddenly wobbles. What is it?
Check the battery first: a bulging bottom must be taken seriously.
Can I use other feet?
Yes, if they are the same height. Otherwise it keeps wobbling.
