Mail-In MacBook Repair UK: Laptop Postal Repair Service
Mail-In MacBook Repair UK: Complete Guide to Postal MacBook Repairs
When your MacBook needs repair, you're often faced with limited options: book an appointment at a distant Apple Store, find an Apple Authorised Service Provider (which may be hours away), or risk taking your expensive laptop to an unknown local repair shop. For many MacBook owners across the UK, none of these options are convenient or affordable.
Mail-in MacBook repair offers a better solution. At celltech, we specialise in postal MacBook repairs for customers throughout the UK. Our Solihull-based workshop is equipped with specialist tools for MacBook diagnostics and repair, including board-level microsoldering capabilities that most repair shops—even Apple themselves—don't offer. Whether you need a simple screen replacement, battery service, keyboard repair, or complex logic board microsoldering, we provide expert service at competitive prices with fast turnaround times.
Why Mail-In Repair Is Especially Popular for MacBooks
Limited Local Expertise
MacBook repairs require specialist knowledge and equipment. Most high-street repair shops focus on smartphones and tablets—they may not have the tools, parts, or expertise to handle MacBook repairs, especially newer models with soldered components and proprietary connectors.
Apple's Repair Limitations
Apple Stores and Authorised Service Providers follow strict repair protocols. For complex issues like logic board failures, liquid damage, or component-level faults, Apple's policy is often "replace the entire logic board"—a repair that can cost £500-£1,200. Independent specialists like celltech can perform component-level microsoldering repairs that Apple won't attempt, often saving you hundreds of pounds.
Board-Level Repair Availability
MacBooks are particularly susceptible to logic board issues: liquid spills damaging power management chips, failed USB-C ports affecting charging, GPU failures on older models, and more. These faults require microsoldering expertise—removing and replacing individual chips on the logic board. Only a handful of repair centres in the UK offer this service, making mail-in repair the most practical option for many customers.
Cost-Effectiveness
Apple's out-of-warranty repair prices are notoriously high. A screen replacement through Apple can cost £400-£700+, and logic board replacements often exceed £1,000. Independent repair centres offer the same repairs at 40-60% of Apple's prices, using high-quality parts and providing comparable warranties.
Less Urgency Than Phone Repairs
Unlike smartphones, most people can manage a few days without their laptop—especially if they have a backup computer or can use work machines temporarily. This makes postal repair more practical for MacBooks than for essential daily-use devices.
Did You Know?
Important: Disable Find My Mac Before Posting
You must disable Find My Mac and remove your Apple ID before sending your MacBook. We cannot work on devices with activation lock enabled. To disable: System Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My Mac → Toggle OFF. Also disable firmware password if set.
What MacBook Repairs Can Be Done by Post?
Our mail-in service covers the full spectrum of MacBook repairs:
Screen Replacements
Cracked screens, dead pixels, backlight issues, or display flickering can be resolved with a screen replacement. We repair all MacBook models including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (13", 14", 15", 16"), and older MacBook 12" models. Pricing starts from £209.95 depending on model and year. Turnaround: 24-72 hours.
Battery Replacement
MacBook batteries typically last 3-5 years before showing signs of degradation: reduced runtime, "Service Battery" warnings, or swelling (which can damage the trackpad and case). We replace worn batteries with high-capacity cells that meet or exceed Apple's specifications. Pricing starts from £89.95. Turnaround: 24-48 hours.
Keyboard Repair and Replacement
MacBook keyboards—especially the notorious "butterfly" keyboards used in 2015-2019 models—are prone to failure: sticky keys, double-typing, or completely non-responsive keys. We repair or replace faulty keyboards. Pricing starts from £179.95. Turnaround: 2-3 days.
Trackpad Repair
Unresponsive trackpads, erratic cursor movement, or clicking issues can usually be resolved by replacing the trackpad or repairing trackpad cable connections.
USB-C / MagSafe Charging Port Repair
MacBooks with worn USB-C ports may charge intermittently, charge slowly, or not recognise chargers. Older MagSafe-equipped MacBooks can develop loose or non-functional magnetic charging ports. We replace damaged ports and repair charging circuitry on the logic board.
Liquid Damage Restoration
Spilled coffee, water, or other liquids on your MacBook? We offer professional ultrasonic cleaning, corrosion removal, and component-level repair. Critical: DO NOT turn on a liquid-damaged MacBook. Power it off immediately and send it to us as soon as possible. Turnaround: 3-5 days including diagnostic assessment.
Logic Board Repair (Microsoldering)
This is where our expertise truly differentiates us. We repair component-level logic board faults that Apple and most repair shops won't touch:
- No power / won't turn on: Often caused by failed power management chips (PMU, SMC controller)
- USB-C port failures: Ports not working, charging intermittent, or data transfer issues
- Liquid damage: Corrosion affecting charging, display, or keyboard circuits
- GPU failures: Graphical glitches, kernel panics, or no display (common on 2011-2015 MacBook Pro models)
- Thunderbolt chip failures: Ports not working or causing kernel panics
- Audio codec failures: No sound from speakers or headphone jack
Logic board repair pricing varies by fault complexity—contact us for a diagnostic quote. Turnaround: 2-5 days.
SSD Upgrade and Data Recovery
We offer SSD upgrades for older MacBooks (2015 and earlier with removable storage) and data recovery services for failed drives or liquid-damaged MacBooks. Note: newer MacBooks (2016+) have soldered SSDs that cannot be upgraded, but we can attempt data recovery via board-level techniques.
RAM Upgrade
For older MacBooks with user-replaceable RAM (2015 and earlier), we offer memory upgrades to improve performance. Note: 2016+ MacBooks have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded.
Mail-In MacBook Repair Pricing
Our pricing is transparent and competitive. Here are starting prices for common MacBook repairs:
| Service | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Screen Replacement | From £209.95 |
| Battery Replacement | From £89.95 |
| Keyboard Replacement | From £179.95 |
| Trackpad Repair | From £149.95 |
| USB-C / MagSafe Port Repair | From £79.95 |
| Liquid Damage Diagnostic | From £24.95 |
| Logic Board Repair | Quote on diagnostic |
| SSD Upgrade (2015 and earlier) | From £119.95 + SSD cost |
| RAM Upgrade (2015 and earlier) | From £79.95 + RAM cost |
Prices accurate as of February 2026. Exact pricing depends on your MacBook model and year. Get an instant quote by selecting your MacBook during booking.
How Our Mail-In MacBook Repair Process Works
Step 1: Book Your Repair Online
Visit our mail-in repair booking page and select your MacBook model and repair type. Not sure which MacBook you have? See "How to Identify Your MacBook Model" below. You'll receive an instant quote and booking confirmation with detailed packing instructions.
Step 2: Prepare Your MacBook
Before posting your MacBook:
- Back up your data using Time Machine, iCloud, or an external drive. We take every precaution to protect your data, but backups are essential.
- Disable Find My Mac: System Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My Mac → Toggle OFF
- Remove your Apple ID if possible: System Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out
- Disable firmware password if you've set one (prevents us from running diagnostics)
- Note your login password—we need it to test your MacBook after repair
- Remove any accessories (external drives, USB devices, cases)
- Take photos of your MacBook's condition before packing
Step 3: Package Your MacBook Securely
Proper packaging is critical for protecting your MacBook during transit.
What you'll need:
- Sturdy cardboard box (larger than your MacBook to allow padding space)
- Bubble wrap or foam sheeting
- Laptop sleeve or padded bag (optional but recommended)
- Packing material (bubble bags, scrunched paper, or foam peanuts)
Packing steps:
- If you have a laptop sleeve, place your MacBook inside it. Otherwise, skip to step 2.
- Wrap your MacBook (in sleeve or bare) in at least 3-4 layers of bubble wrap
- Place wrapped MacBook in the centre of the box
- Fill all empty space around the MacBook with packing material—it should NOT move when you shake the box
- Seal the box securely with packing tape
Did You Know?
Include Your Charger (Optional but Recommended)
If your repair involves charging issues, liquid damage, or logic board diagnostics, please include your MacBook charger in the package. This helps us accurately diagnose charging-related faults. We'll return the charger with your MacBook.
Step 4: Post via Royal Mail Special Delivery
We only accept devices sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed. This service provides:
- Guaranteed next-day delivery by 1pm
- Full end-to-end tracking
- £1,000 insurance cover as standard
- Signature on delivery
MacBooks are valuable devices—we strongly recommend upgrading to Enhanced Compensation (£2,500 cover) for £9.95 at the post office. This provides adequate cover for most MacBook models.
Did You Know?
Free Return Postage
Once your MacBook is repaired, we'll return it to you via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed at no extra cost, with £1,000 insurance cover included.
Step 5: Expert Diagnosis and Repair
When your MacBook arrives at our Solihull workshop (126 High St, Solihull, B91 3SX), we'll perform a thorough diagnostic assessment:
- Visual inspection for physical damage
- Apple Service Toolkit diagnostics (where applicable)
- Component-level testing using specialist equipment
- Logic board inspection under microscope (if needed)
For straightforward repairs (screen, battery, keyboard), we'll proceed immediately. For complex issues (logic board faults, liquid damage), we'll contact you with a detailed diagnostic report and repair quote before proceeding.
Most repairs are completed within 24-72 hours of receipt. Complex logic board repairs may take 2-5 days.
Step 6: Quality Assurance Testing
Before returning your MacBook, we run comprehensive tests:
- Boot test and system stability
- Display quality and brightness
- Keyboard and trackpad functionality
- All ports (USB-C, Thunderbolt, headphone, SD card)
- Battery charging and discharge
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity
- Camera, microphone, speakers
- Thermal performance under load
Step 7: Receive Your MacBook Back
We'll post your repaired MacBook back via Special Delivery with full tracking. Your device will be securely packaged in protective materials and should arrive the next working day.
Apple Silicon vs Intel MacBooks: What You Need to Know
Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) MacBooks
Introduced in late 2020, Apple Silicon MacBooks use ARM-based processors designed by Apple. These MacBooks have several implications for repair:
- Better reliability: Fewer overheating issues, better power efficiency
- Soldered components: RAM and SSD are soldered to the logic board—cannot be upgraded
- Activation Lock: Disabling Find My Mac is critical—we cannot bypass activation lock
- More repairable screens: Newer models (M3+) have modular displays that are easier to replace
Intel MacBooks (2006-2020)
Intel-based MacBooks are still widely used. Key repair considerations:
- More common failures: Overheating issues, GPU failures (2011-2015 models), keyboard problems (2015-2019 butterfly keyboards)
- Some user-upgradeable components: 2015 and earlier models allow RAM and SSD upgrades
- Extensive microsoldering experience: We've repaired thousands of Intel MacBooks and know common fault patterns intimately
How to Identify Your MacBook Model
Not sure which MacBook you have? Here's how to find out:
Method 1: Check "About This Mac"
- Click the Apple menu (top-left corner)
- Select About This Mac
- You'll see your MacBook model and year (e.g., "MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023)" or "MacBook Air (M2, 2022)")
Method 2: Check the Serial Number
Your serial number is printed on the bottom case of your MacBook. You can enter it at Apple's Coverage Check page to see your exact model and year.
Method 3: Visual Identification
- MacBook Air: Thin, wedge-shaped design. 13" or 15" screen. No Touch Bar.
- MacBook Pro 13": Compact size. Touch Bar on 2016-2022 models, function keys on 2023+ M2/M3 models.
- MacBook Pro 14" / 16": Larger screen, HDMI port, SD card slot, MagSafe 3 charging (2021+).
- MacBook 12": Very thin, single USB-C port, discontinued in 2019.
What Happens If Your MacBook Can't Be Repaired?
In rare cases, we may determine that repair isn't economically viable—for example, extensive liquid damage affecting multiple expensive components, or catastrophic logic board damage on an older model worth less than the repair cost.
If repair isn't feasible, we'll contact you to explain why. You have two options:
- Return unrepaired: We'll post your MacBook back at no cost. You'll only pay a £19.95 diagnostic fee to cover our inspection time and return postage.
- Trade it in: Even non-working MacBooks have value for parts and recycling. We offer competitive trade-in prices—visit our sell your device page for instant quotes.
Why Choose celltech for Mail-In MacBook Repair?
Microsoldering Expertise
We're one of the few UK repair centres equipped for board-level MacBook repairs. Our technicians use professional microsoldering stations, thermal cameras, and Apple schematics to diagnose and repair component-level faults that Apple won't touch.
27-Month Warranty
All repairs are backed by our industry-leading 27-month warranty covering parts and labour. If anything goes wrong with your repair, we'll fix it free of charge—far exceeding the typical 90-day warranties offered by most laptop repair services.
Genuine and High-Quality Parts
We use genuine Apple parts where available (pulled from donor MacBooks) and premium aftermarket components for everything else. All replacement screens undergo quality control testing for dead pixels, colour accuracy, and backlight uniformity.
Transparent Pricing
We provide clear quotes upfront. For complex repairs requiring diagnostics (liquid damage, logic board faults), we'll perform a thorough assessment and contact you with a detailed quote before proceeding. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.
Fast Turnaround
Most screen, battery, and keyboard repairs are completed within 24-72 hours of receipt. Even complex logic board repairs are typically done within 2-5 days. We know you rely on your MacBook for work and study—we prioritise speed without compromising quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does mail-in MacBook repair take?
Turnaround times vary by repair type:
- Screen repairs: 24-72 hours from receipt
- Battery replacements: 24-48 hours
- Keyboard replacements: 2-3 days (requires top case removal)
- Liquid damage restoration: 3-5 days (includes diagnostic cleaning and testing)
- Logic board repairs: 2-5 days depending on fault complexity
Add 1-2 working days for Royal Mail delivery each way.
Will my data be safe during repair?
We never access customer data during repairs. However, we strongly recommend backing up your MacBook before posting using Time Machine or cloud backup. Whilst data loss is extremely rare, backups are essential insurance.
Can you repair liquid-damaged MacBooks?
Yes, liquid damage is one of our specialities. We use ultrasonic cleaning to remove corrosion, then repair or replace damaged components using microsoldering techniques. Success rates depend on the extent of damage and how quickly you send the MacBook to us—DO NOT turn on a liquid-damaged MacBook, as this can cause short circuits and worsen the damage.
Can you upgrade my MacBook's RAM or storage?
For MacBooks from 2015 and earlier, yes—we can upgrade user-replaceable RAM and SSD storage. For 2016+ MacBooks, RAM and storage are soldered to the logic board and cannot be upgraded. We can, however, attempt data recovery from failed soldered SSDs via board-level techniques.
Do you repair older MacBook models?
We repair most MacBooks from 2012 onwards, subject to parts availability. For very old models (2011 and earlier), parts can be scarce—please contact us to confirm availability before posting. Note: we specialise in repairing common failures on 2011-2015 models, including GPU failures.
What should I do if my MacBook won't turn on?
MacBooks that won't power on usually have one of these issues:
- Dead battery (try charging for 30+ minutes)
- Failed power management chip (SMC/PMU)
- Liquid damage affecting power circuits
- Failed charging port or charging cable
Book a diagnostic repair service—we'll identify the fault and provide a repair quote. Include your charger in the package to help us diagnose charging-related issues.
Will repairing my MacBook void Apple's warranty?
If your MacBook is still under Apple's 12-month warranty or covered by AppleCare+, third-party repairs (including ours) will void that warranty. However, once Apple's warranty expires, there's no downside to using our service—and our 27-month repair warranty provides longer coverage than AppleCare+.
Can you repair MacBook keyboards affected by the "butterfly" keyboard issue?
Absolutely. The butterfly keyboards used in MacBooks from 2015-2019 are notorious for failures (sticky keys, double-typing, non-responsive keys). We replace faulty keyboards with improved versions. If your MacBook is eligible for Apple's Keyboard Service Programme, we recommend using that first (it's free even out of warranty). If not eligible, we can perform the repair at competitive rates.
Ready to Get Your MacBook Repaired?
Book your mail-in MacBook repair now for expert board-level diagnostics, transparent pricing, and our 27-month warranty.
Questions about your specific MacBook issue? Call us on 07700 143573 (Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm) or email mail@celltechmobilerepairs.co.uk.