iPad Air 11-inch (M3) USB-C Connector

Before You Begin

Warning

Read Battery Safety and follow workspace and battery handling guidelines before you begin.

Remove the following part before you begin:

Tools

  • 11-inch repair tray

  • ESD-safe tweezers

  • JCIS bit for crosshead screws

  • Nitrile or lint-free gloves

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torque driver (black, 0.35 kgf cm)

Refer to a full list of tools required for all repairs.

Removal

Note: If you’ve already completed the removal steps, skip to reassembly.

  1. Use a torque driver and the JCIS bit to remove three crosshead screws from the USB-C connector cowling and the USB-C connector. Set aside the screws. Remove the cowling and save it for reassembly.

  2. Lift the end of the USB-C connector flex cable off the connector.

  3. Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Gently lift the two coaxial cables to release them from the USB-C connector flex cable.

  4. Peel the USB-C connector flex cable off the enclosure.

    • Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: After you peel off the flex cable, slide it out from underneath the two coaxial cables.

  5. Lift the USB-C connector out of the enclosure.

Reassembly

  1. Use ethanol wipes or IPA wipes to clean all residual adhesive from the enclosure.

    • Important: Don't clean the two coaxial cables.

  2. Install the replacement USB-C port gasket in the enclosure.

  3. Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Install the following parts onto the USB-C connector before installing the replacement USB-C connector into the enclosure.

    • Flex tape top

    • Flex tape bottom

    • Three polyester dots

    • Polyester film

    • USB-C connector bottom foam

  4. Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Route the USB-C connector flex cable under the two coaxial cables.

  5. Use the black torque driver and the JCIS bit to install two new crosshead screws into the USB-C connector.

    • Space gray (452-02932)

    • Silver (452-06436)

  6. Peel the liner from the USB-C connector flex cable and adhere the flex cable to the enclosure.

  7. Press the end of the USB-C connector flex cable to the connector.

  8. Install the USB-C connector foam onto the top of the USB-C connector flex cable.

  9. Use the black torque driver and the JCIS bit to install one new crosshead screw (452-10396) into the USB-C connector cowling.

Reinstall the following part to complete reassembly:

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