iPad Air 11-inch (M3) Top Button
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
Adhesive removal tool
ESD-safe tweezers
Ethanol wipes or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes
JCIS bit for crosshead screws
Micro stix bit
Nylon probe (black stick)
Torque driver (black, 0.35 kgf cm)
Torque driver (green, 0.45 kgf cm)
Refer to a full list of tools required for all repairs.
Important
If you replace this part, it is required to run Repair Assistant in order to enable security features. Repair Assistant will be available on the device after you’ve completed all reassembly steps.
Removal
Note: If you’ve already completed the removal steps, skip to reassembly.
If you're removing the top button from a Wi-Fi model, skip to step 3. If you're removing the top button from a Wi-Fi + Cellular model, continue to step 2.
Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Use a torque driver and the JCIS bit to remove one crosshead screw from the camera connector cowling (1), one crosshead screw from the top button flex cable (2), and two crosshead screws from the top button bracket (3). Set aside the screws. Remove the cowling and save it for reassembly.
Wi-Fi models only:
Use a torque driver and the Micro stix bit to remove two trilobe screws from the antenna. Set aside the screws.
Use a torque driver and the JCIS bit to remove one crosshead screw from the camera connector cowling, one crosshead screw from the top button flex cable, one crosshead screw from the top button bracket, and one crosshead screw from the antenna coaxial cable grounding clip. Set aside the screws. Remove the cowling and save it for reassembly.
Remove the screw cover from the left screw in the top button bracket. Then use a torque driver and JCIS bit to remove the screw from the bracket. Set aside the screw.
Lift the end of the top button flex cable off the connector. Then gently peel the flex cable off the enclosure.
Use the adhesive removal tool to pry the top button from the enclosure.
Reassembly
Use ethanol wipes or IPA wipes to clean any residual adhesive from the enclosure.
Peel the adhesive liner off the bottom of the replacement top button. Then slide the new top button and bracket into the enclosure.
Press the top button to ensure that it clicks as expected. If the button clicks as expected, continue to step 4. If it doesn't, remove the top button and bracket. Then repeat reassembly steps 1 through 3.
Use the green torque driver and JCIS bit to install two new crosshead screws (452-05534) into the top button bracket.
Wi-Fi models only: Adhere a new screw cover over the left screw.
Peel the adhesive liner off the replacement top button flex cable.
Press the end of the top button flex cable to the connector. Then press along the flex cable to adhere it to the enclosure.
Use the black torque driver and JCIS bit to install one new crosshead screw (452-09968) into the top button flex cable.
Wi-Fi models only:
Use the black torque driver and JCIS bit to install one new crosshead screw (452-09967) into the antenna coaxial cable.
Use the black torque driver and Micro stix bit to install two new trilobe screws (452-08732) into the antenna.
Position the camera connector cowling over the ends of the flex cables. Then use the green torque driver and JCIS bit to install one new crosshead screw (452-08786) into the cowling.
Reinstall the following part to complete reassembly:
Important
After you’ve completed all reassembly steps, Repair Assistant will be available on the device and is required to enable security features. Learn how to initiate Repair Assistant.
Note: If you have not run Repair Assistant, the device’s parts and service history may show a part status of “finish repair,” and Apple Diagnostics for Self Service Repair may show a part status of “unknown.”