MacBook Air (15-inch, M4, 2025) USB-C Boards

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)

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torque driver (blue, 0.65 kgf cm)

  • Torx Plus 3IP 44 mm half-moon

  • Torx Plus 5IP 50 mm bit

  • USB-C charge cable

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

Note

  • This procedure requires input/output (I/O) connector cowling tape, which is included with a replacement logic board, but can also be ordered separately.

  • The images in this procedure show the removal and reinstallation of only one USB-C board. However, the procedure is the same for both.

  • 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. Peel up the lower right corner of the I/O connector cowling tape. Then peel off the tape from the I/O connector cowling.

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

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

  4. Lift the end of the USB-C board flex cable (1) as you use the black stick to loosen the adhesive (2). Then peel the USB-C board flex cable off the top case.

  5. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to remove the two 5IP screws (923-12554) from the USB-C board.

  6. Tilt up the USB-C board and lift it out of the top case.

  7. Use an ethanol wipe to clean the remaining adhesive residue from the top case.

    • Caution: Don't touch any other parts or flex cables near the area you're cleaning.

Reassembly

  1. If you’re installing a replacement USB-C board, peel off the release liner from the USB-C board flex cable.

  2. Position the USB-C board in the top case.

  3. Use the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to partially reinstall the two 5IP screws (923-12554) into the USB-C board.

  4. Plug one end of the USB-C charge cable into the port to ensure USB-C board alignment (1). Adjust the alignment of the USB-C board until the end of the cable is easy to insert and remove.

    • Danger: Ensure that the USB-C charge cable isn't plugged into power.

  5. Set the torque value on the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver to 11.5 Ncm. Use the adjustable torque driver and 5IP bit to fully reinstall the two 5IP screws (923-12554) into the USB-C board (2).

  6. Remove the USB-C charge cable.

  7. Use the flat end of the black stick to gently press and hold the USB-C board flex cable against the USB-C board (1). Then press the end of the USB-C board flex cable to the connector (2).

  8. Press and hold the USB-C board flex cable for 10 seconds to adhere it to the top case.

  9. Position the I/O connector cowling over the ends of the flex cables.

  10. Use the blue torque driver and 3IP bit to reinstall the three 3IP screws (923-12556) into the I/O connector cowling.

  11. Remove the adhesive backing from the replacement I/O connector cowling tape. Then align the tape with the top edge and right edge of the I/O connector cowling as shown.

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

  12. Press along the length of the I/O connector cowling tape to adhere it to the I/O connector cowling.

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

Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly:

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