Tutorial: MacBook Air 13″ A1466 2013-2017 Screen Replacement

Step-by-step guide

1. 1

   Step 1 of 14 1. Switch off the MacBook

   

   Switch off your MacBook Air and unplug the power supply

   🚨 Never carry out any disassembly on a MacBook that is powered on

2. 2

   Step 2 of 14 2. Unscrew the bottom case

   

   Remove the 10 external MacBook Air screws securing the bottom cover using a P5 pentalobe screwdriver

3. 3

   Step 3 of 14 3. Remove the bottom case

   

   

   

   Gently lift the bottom case from the top edge to remove it from the Mac.

   💡 If the cover won't lift off, you have probably missed a screw!

4. 4

   Step 4 of 14 4. Disconnect the battery

   

   

   

   Pull the plastic tab to gently remove the battery connector.

   🚨 Always start with this step before touching any other components of the Mac

5. 5

   Step 5 of 14 5. Unscrew the battery

   

   

   

   Remove the 5 Torx T5 screws holding the MacBook Air battery in place

   If a screw is missing, you can find it in the complete screw kit for this model.

6. 6

   Step 6 of 14 6. Remove the battery

   

   

   

   Gently lift the battery to remove it.
   The battery should come away easily, without any resistance

7. 7

   Step 7 of 14 7. Remove the MagSafe cable

   

   Disconnect both ends of the cable linking the MagSafe board to the logic board, then remove it completely

8. 8

   Step 8 of 14 8. Unscrew the fan

   

   Remove the 4 Torx 5 screws holding the fan and the MagSafe board of the MacBook Air in place.

   The lower fan screw is often hidden behind the display and MagSafe cables; move these two cables aside without pulling on them to reveal the screw

9. 9

   Step 9 of 14 9. Disconnect the display cable

   

   

   

   ⚠️ The display cable on the MacBook Air A1466 is fragile and cannot be replaced, so proceed with care

   Gently pull the cable downwards, rocking it slightly from side to side.
   If the cable won't come out, push on each side in turn using the plastic tool

10. 10

    Step 10 of 14 10. Disconnect the MagSafe board cable

    

    Disconnect the MagSafe connector cable at the logic board end to free the MagSafe board.

    Work from left to right and never pull upwards, or you risk ripping the connector off the logic board

11. 11

    Step 11 of 14 11. Free the display cable

    

    

    

    Lift the MacBook Air MagSafe board to free the display cable completely.

    The cable should come away easily, without resistance

12. 12

    Step 12 of 14 12. Disconnect the left-hand display cable

    

    

    

    Lift the metal latch holding the cable in place and gently pull the cable to remove it

13. 13

    Step 13 of 14 13. Unscrew the display hinges

    

    To separate the MacBook Air display from the top case, remove the 6 Torx 7 screws holding the hinge in place.

    These screws can be difficult to remove, so it is best to support the MacBook Air firmly before unscrewing

14. 14

    Step 14 of 14 14. Remove the display

    

    

    

    

    Check that all connectors and screws have been removed, then lift the keyboard fully to raise the hinges.

    You should then be able to remove the MacBook Air display easily.
    If the display won't separate from the rest of the Mac, check that the hinges are fully raised. The ideal hinge position is at 90° to the keyboard case