Where can I find replacement black strips for MacBook Pro?

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Where can I find replacement black strips for MacBook Pro?

Hello. I have a MacBook Pro 16" laptop, Model # A2485. I need to replace the black strips on both sides of the laptop that surround all the openings (or ports?) for the power chord, hard drives, mouse, and other accessories.

I am NOT referring to something that plugs into the ports (to protect them from dust). Rather, it is a narrow strip of black material (several inches long) with an adhesive backing that has openings for the ports. I need to replace it because it is peeling off.

Does anyone know what is this called? And where I can order it? It is difficult for me to travel and go into a Apple Store.

Thanks for any help you can give. P

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.3

Posted on Feb 27, 2025 3:03 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Phil0124

Community+ 2026

Level 10

233,222 points

Feb 28, 2025 7:01 AM in response to Pamela5757

Not something Apple adds to their Macs.

If it was a third party application, then the question is: what was its purpose?

Best option, is to just remove them, clean the area of adhesive with a little IPA, and be done.

There's no real need to add those strips to the sides of the Mac in any case.

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Answer 2

Pamela5757 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 28, 2025 1:56 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

TO: Grant Bennet-Alder and Phil0124

Thank you both! I appreciate your help.

Last year, I spilled coffee on my laptop and had to get most of the insides replaced. They probably added the black strips at that time.

I am going to remove them with glee! Many thanks once again. P

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Answer 3

Feb 27, 2025 4:21 PM in response to Pamela5757

That does not sound like Apple standard equipment.

Can you take a picture with your phone camera, mail it to yourself, and include it in a post on the forums?

That would help a lot.

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Answer 4

Feb 28, 2025 6:46 AM in response to Pamela5757

those are not standard issue Apple accessories. I think some one must have added them for you.

I tried to feed your picture to google images, but it responded with lots of laptops, None with that black accessory.

I have never seem those before., Maybe other readers have and can suggest where they came from.

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Answer 5

Feb 28, 2025 8:58 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

by IPA you mean Iso-Propyl Alcohol, right?

Correct!

not India Pale Ale, a hoppy brew (but provably not as much alcohol)?

Ha!, nope, but I would like one with lunch though. 🤣

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Answer 6

Feb 27, 2025 6:43 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

this is what the factory models look like. I don't see no black strip several inches long.

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Answer 7

Pamela5757 Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 28, 2025 4:10 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you so much for helping. Here is a photo of the left side of the computer that has the outlet for the power chord.

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Answer 8

Feb 28, 2025 7:22 AM in response to Phil0124

by IPA you mean Iso-Propyl Alcohol, right?

not India Pale Ale, a hoppy brew (but provably not as much alcohol)?

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Answer 9

Feb 28, 2025 2:16 PM in response to Pamela5757

Not Glee! That may have all sorts of nasty chemicals in it ;-)

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Answer 10

Feb 28, 2025 5:12 PM in response to Pamela5757

❗️😉

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Answer 11

Feb 28, 2025 6:42 PM in response to Pamela5757

Those black strips are found on replacement parts shipped from Apple. I don't recall if they may also be found on new laptops as well....it is possible they were not removed at the factory.

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Where can I find replacement black strips for MacBook Pro?

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