Screen replacement MacBook Air 13 Late 2020

Before beginning this procedure, disable the Auto Boot feature on your Mac. Auto Boot activates your Mac when you open the lid and could be unintentionally triggered during disassembly.

For MacBooks running Big Sur v11.1 or later, disabling Auto Boot may not be effective. You can continue with the steps, but remember to disconnect the battery as soon as you access the interior.

1. Fully power down and unplug your MacBook before you start. Close the display and flip the laptop over so it’s upside-down.

2. Using a T5 screwdriver, remove these screws

• Two 7.9 mm screws
• Two 7.3 mm screws
• Six 2.6 mm screws

Throughout the repair, carefully track each screw to ensure it’s returned to its original position, preventing potential damage to your MacBook.

Insert opening pick between the display and the lower case then separate it.

Next, insert your fingers under lower case and detach it.

Take off the lower case.

To reattach the lower case

Align it properly and press down firmly to secure the two hidden clips underneath. You should feel and hear them click into place.

Use the flat end of a spudger to lift and disengage the metal locking arm on the battery connector.

Ensure the metal arm is fully released from the locking tab before pulling out the battery connector. The arm should come free easily.

Lift the metal arm upward to disconnect the battery from its socket on the logic board.

When reassembling, carefully press the battery connector into its socket, ensuring it fits snugly.

If necessary, start by inserting the rear (wire side) of the connector, then gently tilt the front of the connector into place.

Using a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the 1.4 mm screw holding the antenna cable cover in place.

If the T3 feels loose, you might need to switch to a T4 screwdriver.

Use tweezers to remove the antenna cable cover.

Again use tweezers to grasp the antenna connector near its base.

Pull straight upward to disconnect the cable.

Repeat the process for the second antenna cable.

During reassembly

Hold the connectors in place and gently press them straight down. You should feel the connectors “snap” into their sockets.

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws holding the display cable connector cover in place.

Remove the display cable connector cover.

Use the flat end of a spudger to gently lift the display cable connector off the antenna board to disconnect it.

For reassembly, carefully align the connectors, then press down on one side until it clicks into place. Repeat on the other side. Avoid pressing down on the center of the connector, as misalignment can bend the pins and cause permanent damage.

Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to unscrew the six screws securing the antenna bar:

Four 7.4 mm silver screws

Two 4.7 mm black screws

Put the pointed end of a spudger into the gap between the antenna bar and the display hinge.

Gently pivot the spudger against the hinge to lift one end of the antenna bar.

Repeat the process for the other end of the antenna bar.

Use your fingers to carefully pry the antenna bar straight up and away from the case.

The antenna bar is held in place by adhesive and may require some force to detach.

Thread the antenna board through the opening in the middle of the antenna bar.

Warning: Be cautious not to put any strain on the antenna bar's ribbon cables.

Take out the antenna bar.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove two 5.0 mm screws from each hinge (four screws total).

Each hinge also has a third central screw, which should be left in place for now.

With the MacBook still screen-side down, carefully lift the upper case to open the MacBook as far as it will go.

Lift the MacBook and place it on its side, with the display facing away from you.

Use a T8 Torx screwdriver to remove the two remaining 5.0 mm screws securing the display, one from each hinge.

Once these screws are removed, the display will no longer be connected to the upper case. Hold both halves steady.

Carefully begin to close the display until it's at a 90-degree angle with the upper case.

As the display moves toward the case, the hinges should begin to pull out of the case slightly.

While keeping the display at a 90-degree angle with the case, move the display away from the case, holding the case steady, so that the hinges slide out from the bottom of the case.

Remove the display.

To install new display follow these orders in reverse order.

When installing the replacement screen, the MacBook may not start until you plug in the power supply.