MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025) MagSafe 3 Board

Before You Begin

Warning

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

Remove the following parts before you begin:

Tools

  • Adjustable torque driver (10–34 Ncm)

  • ESD-safe tweezers

  • I/O connector cowling tape

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torque driver (blue, 0.65 kgf cm)

  • Torx Plus 3IP 44 mm half-moon bit

  • Torx Plus 3IP 25 mm bit

  • Torx Plus 5IP 50 mm bit

  • USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable

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

Note: This procedure requires I/O connector cowling tape, which is included with a replacement MagSafe 3 board, but can also be ordered separately.

Note: This procedure may show images of different models, but the steps are the same. Ensure that you use the correct tools for the model you’re repairing.

Removal

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

  1. Lift the bottom right edge of the input/output (I/O) connector cowling tape.

  2. Peel the tape off the I/O connector cowling.

  3. Use the blue torque driver and 3IP 44 mm half-moon bit to remove the four 3IP screws (923-12556) from the I/O connector cowling. Remove the cowling and save it for reassembly.

  4. Lift the end of the MagSafe 3 board flex cable off the connector.

  5. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 3IP 25 mm bit to remove the two 3IP screws (923-12551) from the MagSafe 3 board wedge.

  6. Remove the MagSafe 3 board wedge.

  7. Use the adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to remove the two 5IP screws (923-12550) from the MagSafe 3 board (2).

  8. Tilt up the MagSafe 3 board as shown until it clears the edge of the logic board (1).

    • Caution: Don’t touch the logic board while removing the MagSafe 3 board.

  9. Grasp the MagSafe 3 board by the bracket from the connector side of the board and remove it from the top case (2).

Reassembly

  1. Grasp the MagSafe 3 board by the bracket from the connector side of the board. Then position the MagSafe 3 board in the top case as shown.

  2. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to partially reinstall the two 5IP screws (923-12550) into the MagSafe 3 board.

    • Caution: Ensure that the MagSafe 3 board flex cable isn’t pinched or trapped under the 5IP screw during reinstallation. The flex cable should be positioned on top of the screw. If the flex cable is damaged, replace the MagSafe 3 board.

  3. Plug the MagSafe 3 end of the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable into the MagSafe 3 port to ensure alignment.

    • Danger: Ensure that the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable isn’t plugged into power.

  4. Position the MagSafe 3 board wedge in the top case.

    • Important: If you're replacing the MagSafe 3 board, use the wedge included with the MagSafe 3 board replacement kit. If you're reinstalling the same MagSafe 3 board from the removal steps, reinstall the original wedge.

  5. Use the adjustable torque driver and 3IP 25 mm bit to partially reinstall the two 3IP screws into the MagSafe 3 board wedge.

    • Important: If you're replacing the MagSafe 3 board, use the 3IP screws included with the MagSafe 3 board replacement kit. If you're reinstalling the same MagSafe 3 board from the removal steps, reinstall the original 3IP screws (923-12551).

  6. Set the torque value on the adjustable torque driver to 10 Ncm.

  7. Push and hold the MagSafe 3 board wedge against the top case as shown. Then use the adjustable torque driver and 3IP 25 mm bit to fully reinstall the two 3IP screws (923-12551) into the MagSafe 3 board wedge.

  8. Set the torque value on the adjustable torque driver to 17.5 Ncm. Then use the adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to fully reinstall the two 5IP screws into the MagSafe 3 board (1).

  9. Unplug the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable from the MagSafe 3 port (2).

  10. Press the end of the MagSafe 3 board flex cable to the connector.

  11. Position the I/O connector cowling in the top case.

  12. Use the blue torque driver and 3IP 44 mm half-moon bit to reinstall the four 3IP screws (923-12556) into the I/O connector cowling.

  13. Remove the adhesive backing from the replacement I/O connector cowling tape.

  14. Align the I/O connector cowling tape with the right edge and the upper right corner of the I/O connector cowling as shown. Then press along the length of the I/O connector cowling tape to adhere it to the cowling.

    • Caution: Ensure that the I/O connector cowling tape doesn’t extend over the edge of the I/O connector cowling.

  15. Slightly peel back the top left corner of the adhesive liner. Then slowly roll the liner off the I/O connector cowling tape.

Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly:

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