Now start separating the keyboard from the aluminum frame. The tape will help to keep rivets attached to the keyboard during the disassembly process.Īgain, make sure the keyboard cable is disconnected from the trackpad.
If you proceed with a bad quality screwdriver, it will be a nightmare to remove and install all those microscopic screws.Īfter all 40 black screws removed, cover the back side of the keyboard with clear tape. I suggest using a Wiha PH00 or something similar. Remove all screws using a hight quality precision Phillips screwdriver. The keyboard is secured to the top case by 40 black screws (marked with yellow circles) along the perimeter and 52 rivets (green circles). The backlight has been removed! A little bit damaged but still can be used again. While removing the backlight keep heating it up with a hair dryer. I was very careful but still damaged the lower layer of the backlight assembly. Heating up the backlight with a hair dryer made it much easier. I found the backlight glued to the keyboard very well and hard to remove. Start separating the backlight from the keyboard.īasically, you will have to remove all layers located above the metal keyboard surface. It’s better to remove the display completely to be on a safe side. It will help to prevent any accidental scratches. I would suggest covering the screen with a soft cloth.
If you break the connector you will have to replace the trackpad. Lift up the keyboard cable and VERY CAREFULLY unlock the connector on the trackpad.ĭo it by lifting up the right side of the cable retainer. It’s not necessary to remove the display. Cheap and difficult.Īpple designed the top case assembly to be not serviceable but it’s still possible to replace just the keyboard.ĭisassemble the laptop so you have only to top case with the keyboard and trackpad attached to it. This is the most complete guide which you can follow in order to replace the top case keyboard assembly.
Select the upper case replacement instructions. Select your screen size from the disassembly categories.ģ. The model number can be found on the bottom cover.Īlternatively, you can search for the replacement part using the model year and screen size (for example 11.6″ Mid 2013, 13″ Early 2014, etc…).įind the correct disassembly procedure here.ġ. Make sure it matches your laptop model number (for example A1369, A1466, etc…). There are plenty of them available on eBay. On the following picture you can see the 5 point pentalobe screw.įind a new (recommended) or used replacement top case assembly.
Models 2010-2014: Phillips #00, T5 torx, T6 torx, 5 point pentalobe (this is a special one).Ĭomplete MacBook Air screwdriver kits are available on eBay. Make sure you have all necessary screwdrivers before starting the disassembly process. If the keyboard is damaged you can replace the entire top case assembly which includes the palm rest and keyboard. One is relatively easy but expensive and another one is pretty difficult but cheap. Unfortunately, the keyboard is permanently attached to the top case and cannot be easily replaced like on a MacBook Pro.