13.6″ MacBook Air M2 Starlight A2681 (2022) Full Teardown & Disassembly Repair Guide

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OVERVIEW:

In this teardown guide, we walk you through the complete disassembly of the 13.6-inch MacBook Air A2681 in the Starlight finish, featuring Apple’s M2 processor. This model introduces several new design elements compared to its predecessors, including internal layout changes and revised mechanisms. We’ll take a deep dive into each component, showing step-by-step how to dismantle the machine safely. If you’re planning to repair or replace any parts, this detailed guide will help you understand what to expect.

See the official Apple specs for this model

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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 careful handling of delicate connectors, glued components, and knowledge of multi-step disassembly procedures.

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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, T3, T5, and T8 screwdrivers, a P2 driver, a plastic spudger for prying components without damage, isopropyl alcohol for loosening adhesive, a suction cup to remove the bottom case, and a magnetic parts tray or pickup tool to safely remove small screws.

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Remove the Bottom Case

• Power off the MacBook to ensure safety and prevent damage.
• Remove the four Pentalobe screws along the edges of the unit.
• Use a suction cup to release the magnets holding the bottom case, then slide it toward the trackpad to disengage the four prongs at the top.

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Disconnect Battery and Trackpad Cables

• Remove the two T3 screws on the battery bracket and pry off the retention bracket to disconnect the battery flex cable.
• Repeat the same process on the trackpad cable; gently break it free from adhesive securing it to the top case.

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Unfasten Wi-Fi and Speaker Assembly Screws

• Remove four T5 screws anchoring the Wi-Fi and speaker assemblies.
• These screws also act as anchor points for the bottom case prongs.

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Prepare Logic Board for Removal

• Unscrew all visible T3 and T5 screws securing the logic board.
• Use a magnet carefully to pull out loosened screws—confirm they’re free before using the magnet.

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Remove Hinge Covers

• Unfasten two T5 screws from each hinge.
• Use a pry tool to pull-push the hinge covers out, as they are tucked under the casing.

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Remove I/O Ports and MagSafe Connector

• Remove the T5 screws from the ports you plan to extract.
• The MagSafe 3 charging port has two additional T5 screws at its base.

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Disconnect USB-C Ports and Logic Board Anchors

• Remove T3 screws and brackets securing USB-C ports.
• Extract USB-C ports to reveal another hidden T5 screw on the logic board and remove it.

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Remove Hinges and LCD Bracket Screws

• Dislodge hinge covers completely and unscrew six T8 screws securing the LCD assembly.
• Don’t forget the two T5 screws on both sides of the Wi-Fi/speaker assembly hidden earlier.

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Remove Left and Right Wi-Fi/Speaker Assemblies

• Lift out the right-side Wi-Fi/speaker module.
• For the left side, remove two T3 and two P2 screws from the LCD bracket, peel black tape, and remove an additional T3 screw hidden beneath it.

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Disconnect LCD and Other Flex Cables

• Disconnect all three LCD connectors at the top.
• Unscrew two T3 screws to remove the hideaway panels and access more logic board connections.

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Disconnect AUX and Sensor Cables

• Carefully detach the LCD proximity sensor, which is glued to the AUX port board.
• Remove the AUX board after sensor separation.

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Remove the Logic Board

• Once all cables and screws are detached, lift the logic board and place it on an anti-static bag or cardboard box to prevent damage.

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Prepare Daughterboard for Removal

• Disconnect keyboard and battery daughter cables.
• Unfasten the T3 screw and bracket holding the Touch ID flex cable.

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Free the Daughterboard and Touch ID Cable

• The Touch ID flex cable is glued; prep it for future removal.
• Unscrew the T5 screws holding the daughterboard, then pry along the edges to remove it fully.

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Remove Touch ID Sensor

• Unscrew six T5 screws and remove the bracket.
• Then use a T3 screwdriver to remove the final screw holding the sensor.

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Remove the Trackpad

• Remove 10 T5 screws holding the trackpad in place.
• Open the unit a quarter way, thread the cable through, and lift the trackpad—avoid sliding to prevent scratching the LCD.

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Final Removal of Touch ID and Top Case Separation

• Open the unit halfway and gently fish out the Touch ID sensor.
• Rotate the bottom of the top case upward to lift it away from the LCD.
• Finally, disconnect the trackpad flex cable by lifting the retention bar and pulling the cable toward yourself.

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CONCLUSION:

Disassembling the 13.6-inch MacBook Air A2681 is a meticulous process requiring care, precision, and the right tools. With many components glued or hidden beneath others, each step must be followed carefully to prevent damage. By completing this teardown, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Apple’s new M2-based internal layout. Whether you’re repairing or upgrading, this guide will walk you through the journey. Take your time, stay organized, and follow each step closely.

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VIDEO TUTORIAL:

Looking for a more in-depth tutorial? Check out our complete teardown video for a detailed step-by-step walkthrough.

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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. Quality tools make every step easier and more reliable.

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HAVE QUESTIONS?

We’re here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 818-456-4479
• Email: support@tekdep.com

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YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS: