MacBook Air (13-inch, M5) Bottom Case
Before You Begin
Warning
Read Battery Safety and follow workspace and battery handling guidelines before you begin.
Tools
Battery cover
Battery flex cable alignment tool
Cut-resistant gloves
Nylon probe (black stick)
Pentalobe screwdriver
Permanent marker
Suction cup
Torque driver (blue, 0.65 kgf cm)
Torx Plus 3IP 44 mm half-moon bit
Refer to a full list of tools required for all repairs.
Removal
Note: If you’ve already completed the removal steps, skip to reassembly.
Place the computer on a clean, flat surface with the bottom faceup.
Use the pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two pentalobe screws (1) from the front corners of the bottom case.
Note: Use the correct screw color to match the computer finish.
Silver (923-12541)
Sky blue (923-12541)
Starlight (923-12541)
Midnight (923-12544)
Use the pentalobe screwdriver to remove the two pentalobe screws (2) from the rear corners of the bottom case.
Note: Use the correct screw color to match the computer finish.
Silver (923-12542)
Sky blue (923-12542)
Starlight (923-12542)
Midnight (923-12545)
Note the location of the four internal clips that attach the bottom case to the top case.
Align the right edge of the suction cup with the left edge of the groove in the top case as shown.
Then press the suction cup to attach it to the bottom case.
Pull up the handle of the suction cup until the internal clip releases.
Squeeze the edges of the suction cup to release it.
Align the left edge of the suction cup with the right edge of the groove in the top case as shown. Repeat steps 6 through 8 to release the internal clip.
Align the left side of the suction cup in the location shown. Repeat steps 6 through 8 to release the internal clip.
Place the suction cup as shown. Repeat steps 6 through 8 to release the internal clip.
Put on the cut-resistant gloves.
Slightly lift the bottom case to create a narrow opening between the bottom case and top case along the front edge. Then pull the bottom case to remove it from the top case. Set the bottom case faceup on a clean, flat surface.
Caution: Don’t lift the bottom case more than 10 mm.Important: If you’re replacing the bottom case:
Keep the existing bottom case until the repair is complete.
Use a permanent marker to write the computer serial number on the inside of the replacement bottom case.
If you’re replacing only the bottom case and no other parts, skip to reassembly step 11.
Remove the cut-resistant gloves.
Place the battery cover on the battery. Then press the holes in the battery cover onto the screws in the top case until the battery cover clicks into place.
Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to remove the two 3IP screws (923-12573) from the battery connector cowling. Remove the battery connector cowling and save it for reassembly.
Lift the end of the battery flex cable off the connector.
Reassembly
Position the battery flex cable alignment tool pins next to the screw holes as shown (1). Lay the tool flat as you insert the alignment pins into the screw holes (2). Press the end of the battery flex cable to the connector (3).
Remove the battery flex cable alignment tool.
Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to partially reinstall one 3IP screw (923-12573) into the right side of the battery flex cable connector.
Position the battery connector cowling over the end of the battery flex cable. Slide the end of the cowling under the 3IP screw as shown (1). Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to fully reinstall the 3IP screw on the right side of the battery connector cowling (2).
Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to reinstall one 3IP screw (923-12573) into the left side of the battery connector cowling.
Hold the battery cover by the edges and lift it off the top case.
Rotate the computer so the display hinges are closest to you.
Put on the cut-resistant gloves.
Position the bottom case over the top case so that the bottom case brackets align with the two internal screws near the speakers in the top case as shown.
Press the bottom case near the left hinge while pulling the left side of the bottom case toward you. Feel the bottom case brackets hook onto the two internal screws near the speakers in the top case.
- Caution: Don't pull the bottom case beyond the edge of the top case near the display hinge.
Press the bottom case as you slide it toward you to hook the remaining two bottom case brackets onto the two internal screws.
- Caution: Don't pull the bottom case beyond the edge of the top case near the display hinge.
Press the bottom case until the four internal clips in the top case snap into place.
Use the pentalobe screwdriver to reinstall the two pentalobe screws (1) into the rear corners of the bottom case.
Note: Use the correct screw color to match the computer finish.
Silver (923-12542)
Sky blue (923-12542)
Starlight (923-12542)
Midnight (923-12545)
Use the pentalobe screwdriver to reinstall the two pentalobe screws (2) into the front corners of the bottom case.
Note: Use the correct screw color to match the computer finish.
Silver (923-12541)
Sky blue (923-12541)
Starlight (923-12541)
Midnight (923-12544)
Caution
After you’ve completed all reassembly steps, depending on the part replaced, Repair Assistant may be available on the device and is recommended to finish the repair. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.
If you replaced the logic board, the computer will start up in diagnostics mode until you complete Repair Assistant.
If you replaced the Touch ID board, it will function only as a power button until you complete Repair Assistant.
If you replaced the display or lid angle sensor, the computer may not sleep or wake correctly until you complete Repair Assistant.