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

Has the trackpad on your MacBook Air 13″ A1466 stopped responding, started clicking poorly or begun behaving erratically? This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to replace the faulty trackpad easily, with no technical knowledge required.

Compatible with the 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017 A1466 models, this illustrated guide shows you how to carry out the repair simply and safely, using the right tools.

Get a smooth, responsive trackpad back on your MacBook Air 13″ — avoid a costly workshop repair and do the job yourself, at home.

Compatible models:
MacBook Air 13″ A1466 Mid 2013
MacBook Air 13″ A1466 Early 2014
MacBook Air 13″ A1466 Early 2015
MacBook Air 13″ A1466 2017

Difficulty: 2/5
Estimated time: 20 min

Step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1 of 11 1. Switch off the MacBook

    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 switched on

  2. Step 2 of 11 2. Unscrew the bottom case

    2. Unscrew the bottom case

    Remove the 10 external MacBook Air screws holding the bottom cover in place using a P5 pentalobe screwdriver

  3. Step 3 of 11 3. Remove the bottom case

    3. Remove the bottom case (1/2)
    3. Remove the bottom case (2/2)

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

    💡 If the cover won't lift, you've probably forgotten a screw!

  4. Step 4 of 11 4. Disconnect the battery

    4. Disconnect the battery (1/2)
    4. Disconnect the battery (2/2)

    Pull the plastic tab to gently remove the battery connector.

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

  5. Step 5 of 11 5. Unscrew the battery

    5. Unscrew the battery (1/2)
    5. Unscrew the battery (2/2)

    Undo 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. Step 6 of 11 6. Remove the battery

    6. Remove the battery (1/2)
    6. Remove the battery (2/2)

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

  7. Step 7 of 11 7. Disconnect the trackpad cable

    7. Disconnect the trackpad cable (1/2)
    7. Disconnect the trackpad cable (2/2)

    To remove the MacBook Air A1466 trackpad and its cable, start by disconnecting both ends of the cable

    ⚠️ Caution: these latches are extremely fragile, so proceed with the utmost care and close the latch once the cable has been disconnected

     

  8. Step 8 of 11 8. Remove the trackpad cable

    8. Remove the trackpad cable

    Once the cable is disconnected, carefully remove it.

    Be careful, however: the cable is stuck to the backlight, so it must be peeled off millimetre by millimetre to avoid tearing the MacBook Air's backlight

  9. Step 9 of 11 9. Unscrew the trackpad

    9. Unscrew the trackpad (1/2)
    9. Unscrew the trackpad (2/2)

    Remove the 12 Phillips screws securing the trackpad to the MacBook Air keyboard.

    Then remove the metal bracket

  10. Step 10 of 11 10. Remove the trackpad from the keyboard

    10. Remove the trackpad from the keyboard

    Push the trackpad from above to separate it from the keyboard.

    ⚠️ Caution: the trackpad cable is still attached, so proceed carefully

  11. Step 11 of 11 11. Disconnect the keyboard cable

    11. Disconnect the keyboard cable (1/2)
    11. Disconnect the keyboard cable (2/2)

    Carefully turn the trackpad over to give easy access to the back.

    Then lift the latch holding the keyboard cable and disconnect it

    ⚠️ Caution: these latches are extremely fragile, so proceed with the utmost care and close the latch once the cable has been disconnected