MacBook Air (M1, 2020) Touch ID Board

Before You Begin

Remove the following parts before you begin:

Tools

ESD-safe tweezers
Kapton tape
Torx T3 screwdriver
Touch ID alignment kit

Caution

This procedure requires System Configuration. After you’ve completed all removal and reassembly steps, learn how to initiate the System Configuration process.

Important

This procedure may require a Touch ID board shim kit, which only comes with a replacement Touch ID board. It’s not a separate orderable part.

Removal

Use the T3 screwdriver to remove the six T3 screws (923-02888) from the Touch ID board flexible cowling.
Use ESD-safe tweezers to remove the Touch ID board flexible cowling. Save the flexible cowling for reassembly.
Open the display and stand the computer on its side.
Support the Touch ID board as you route the Touch ID board flex cable through the slot as shown. Remove the Touch ID board from the keyboard side of the top case.
- Important
  - If the Touch ID board wasn’t clicking properly before removal or the Touch ID shim falls out when you remove the Touch ID board, continue to step 5 to replace the Touch ID shim.
  - Ensure that your work surface is clean. Under the Touch ID board is the Touch ID shim, which is a small circular part. If it falls out, you can more easily find it on a clean surface.
  - If you’re using the existing Touch ID shim, skip to reassembly step 1.
Place the computer right side up. Spread the tips of the ESD-safe tweezers and use one tip to remove the Touch ID shim.
- Note: The shim has a small amount of adhesive and may stick to the top case.

Reassembly

Place the computer right side up with the display still open.
- Caution: Ensure that you place the computer on a clean surface to avoid damaging internal parts.
- Important: If you’re replacing the Touch ID shim, follow steps 2 through 4. If you’re using the existing shim, skip to step 5.
Use ESD-safe tweezers to pick up the medium Touch ID shim from the shim kit.
- Note: The shim is black on the adhesive side and silver on the opposite side.
Align the Touch ID shim in the recessed circle in the top case with the adhesive side down.
Gently press the Touch ID shim to adhere it to the top case.
Set two Y-shaped alignment tools in the Touch ID board opening in the top case as shown. Secure the Y-shaped tools in the corner edges with Kapton tape.
Stand the computer on its side. Route the Touch ID board flex cable through the slot in the top case. Then position the Touch ID board in the opening in the top case.
- Note: If you’re installing a replacement Touch ID board, remove the protective film from the glass surface.
Place the computer on the edge of the table with the display hanging down.
Use ESD-safe tweezers to position the Touch ID board flexible cowling as shown.
Use the T3 screwdriver to partially reinstall the four corner T3 screws (923-02888) into the Touch ID board flexible cowling.
Use the T3 screwdriver to partially reinstall the two middle T3 screws (923-02888) into the flexible cowling.
Use the T3 screwdriver to fully reinstall the four corner T3 screws. Then use the same screwdriver to fully reinstall the two middle T3 screws.
Place the computer right side up with the display open.
- Caution: Don’t bend the Touch ID board flex cable.
Remove the two Y-shaped alignment tools. Look directly over the Touch ID button. The spaces on each side should appear equal, and the Touch ID button should align with the function keys. If the gaps around the sides are unequal, repeat reassembly steps 5 through 12.
Press the Touch ID button to ensure that it clicks. If the button doesn’t click, determine the required shim size. Then repeat the Touch ID board removal procedure to install the shim.
- Important
  - If the Touch ID button feels too loose or doesn’t click, install a larger shim.
  - If the Touch ID button feels too stiff or doesn’t move, install a smaller shim.