Top Case, Keyboard & Battery Replacement – M1 MacBook Air 2020 Step-by-Step Repair Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In this repair guide, we walk you through the complete replacement of the top case assembly on a 2020 MacBook Air M1 model A2337. This procedure is necessary in cases of significant liquid damage affecting the keyboard and potentially the trackpad. Instead of replacing the keyboard alone, a full top case replacement ensures all key components like the battery, speakers, and trackpad daughter board are included and functioning. We’ll follow a step-by-step teardown and reassembly using the tools listed in the video. Be sure to follow each step carefully to avoid damaging delicate components.

See the official Apple specs for the 2020 MacBook Air M1

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REPAIR TIME & SKILL LEVEL:

This repair is estimated to take about 2 TO 3 HOURS to complete and is of ADVANCED difficulty, requiring extensive disassembly and careful handling of delicate internal components.

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STEPS:

Tools You Need

For this repair, you will need a heating mat set between 70 to 90 degrees Celsius, a Pentalobe screwdriver, a T3, T5, and T8 Torx screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver (1.5mm), a plastic card for safe glass removal, isopropyl alcohol to loosen adhesive, and a plastic spudger for prying components without damage.

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Remove the Bottom Cover

• Flip the MacBook over and use a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the 10 screws (4 at the top, 4 at the bottom, 2 on the sides).
• Carefully lift the bottom case off to expose the internal components.
• Identify and locate the battery connector as the next step involves disconnecting power.

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Disconnect the Battery

• Use a plastic spudger to unhook the metal clasp on the battery connector.
• Gently pull the battery connector out of the logic board.
• Ensure the device is completely powered down before proceeding further.

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Remove the LCD Hinges Screws

• Using a T8 screwdriver, remove the six LCD hinge screws (three on each hinge).
• Set these screws aside for reinstallation later.
• This step secures the display before further disassembly.

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Remove Wi-Fi Antenna and LCD Screws

• Switch to a T5 screwdriver and remove four silver screws holding the Wi-Fi antenna module.
• Then remove the two black T5 screws that secure both the Wi-Fi antenna and LCD to the top case.

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Disconnect Display and Wi-Fi Cables

• Use a T3 screwdriver to remove two screws and a bracket securing the LCD display connector.
• Remove another T3 screw and bracket securing the Wi-Fi antenna cables.
• Use a plastic spudger to carefully unplug both the display connector and antenna cables.

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Disconnect and Remove Audio Board

• Using the T3, remove three screws and a retention bracket securing the audio board.
• Disconnect the Touch ID cable, audio board connector, and speaker wire.
• Use a T5 to remove two screws securing the audio board and lift it out.

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Remove Logic Board Screws

• Use the T5 screwdriver to remove the screws securing the logic board.
• Don’t forget the two screws on the left side of the board.
• Inspect the heat sink and surrounding areas for signs of damage.

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Disconnect Right Side Connectors

• Switch back to the T3 and remove a bracket and two screws covering the USB-C ports.
• Disconnect the USB-C port cables, right speaker, keyboard backlight, and trackpad flex cable.
• Remove the logic board and set it aside.

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Remove Touch ID and Trackpad

• Open the laptop and push the Touch ID module through the opening, gently pulling it out.
• Disconnect and peel the trackpad flex cable from the battery.
• Remove the five T5 screws (two in each corner, one in the center) and lift out the trackpad.

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Remove Wi-Fi Vent Module

• The module is glued into the top case and must be gently pried loose from one corner.
• Pull slowly to avoid damaging the flex cable.
• With this removed, the LCD assembly can now separate from the top case.

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Remove USB-C Ports

• Take a T5 screwdriver and remove two screws holding the USB-C ports in place.
• Set them aside for reinstallation into the new top case.

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Install New Top Case Assembly

• Align the hinges of the LCD with the new top case.
• Use T8 screws (six total) to secure the hinges.
• Reinstall the USB-C ports using two T5 screws.

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Reinstall Touch ID and Trackpad

• Feed the Touch ID module through its slot and position it.
• Insert the new trackpad, aligning the flex cable through the opening.
• Connect the flex cable, secure the trackpad with the five T5 screws.

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Secure Touch ID and Reinstall Audio Board

• Use six T3 screws to secure the Touch ID bracket.
• Inspect and reinstall the audio board, aligning with the speaker.
• Use one T3 and two T5 screws to fasten it.
• Reconnect the speaker cable.

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Install Logic Board and Connect Cables

• Inspect the logic board and set it in place.
• Use T5 screws to loosely install, then tighten them in once all are started.
• Connect the logic board to the audio board, keyboard backlight, right speaker, and USB-C ports.

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Install Wi-Fi Vent Module

• Make sure the LCD flex cable routes on the correct side of the vent module.
• Secure with four long T5 screws and two black T5 screws in the center.
• Reconnect the display cable and Wi-Fi antennas.

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Reattach All Retention Brackets

• Secure the brackets for the trackpad, USB-C port, Touch ID, speaker, Wi-Fi, and LCD.
• All retention screws in this step use the T3 screwdriver.

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Reconnect Battery and Final Test

• Reconnect the battery connector and close the clasp.
• Before closing the MacBook, plug in the charger to ensure everything powers up.
• Check functionality of the keyboard and trackpad.

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Reinstall Bottom Case

• Place the bottom case back onto the MacBook.
• Install all 10 Pentalobe screws: longest two in the top center, shorter ones in corners, and smallest on the sides.

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CONCLUSION:

Replacing the top case on a MacBook Air M1 requires careful disassembly of nearly all internal components. While challenging, it’s the most effective solution for fixing severe keyboard or trackpad damage due to liquid exposure. This guide ensures that each step is clearly explained so users can follow along with confidence. Always test your MacBook thoroughly before closing it up. If you’re unsure, our repair team is ready to assist.

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MAIL-IN REPAIR SERVICE:

We offer professional screen replacement services. If you’re unsure about doing this repair yourself, send your device to our expert technicians for fast and reliable repair.

https://tekdep.com/device-repair/

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SHOP PARTS:

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SHOP TOOLS:

Using precision tools ensures a safe and efficient repair. Always use the right tools to prevent damage to delicate components. Proper tools also help maintain the integrity of your device throughout the process.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us: 

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: [email protected]

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