iPad Air 13-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

  • 13-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.

  1. Use a torque driver and the JCIS bit to remove two crosshead screws from the camera connector cowling (1), one crosshead screw (2) from the top button flex cable, and two crosshead screws (3) from the top button bracket. Set aside the screws. Remove the camera connector cowling and save it for reassembly.

    • Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Use a torque driver and the Micro stix bit to remove one trilobe screw from the grounding spring. Set aside the screw. Remove the grounding spring and save it for reassembly.

  2. Lift the end of the tweeter cable off the connector and gently bend it out of the way. Then lift the end of the top button flex cable off the connector.

  3. Use the adhesive removal tool to break the glue between the top button bracket and enclosure. Then lift the bracket and top button out of the enclosure.

Reassembly

  1. Use the black stick to break away any remaining glue from the top button area in the enclosure. Then use ethanol wipes or IPA wipes to clean any residual adhesive.

  2. Slide the new top button and bracket into the enclosure.

  3. 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.

  4. Use the green torque driver and JCIS bit to install two new crosshead screws (452-01802) into the top button bracket.

  5. Press the end of the top button flex cable to the connector. Then use the black torque driver and JCIS bit to install one new crosshead screw (452-08479) into the top button flex cable.

  6. Press the end of the tweeter cable to the connector.

    • Wi-Fi + Cellular models only: Position the grounding spring in the enclosure. Then use the black torque driver and Micro stix bit to install one new trilobe screw (452-08732) into the grounding spring.

  7. Position the camera connector cowling over the ends of the flex cables. Then use the black torque driver and JCIS bit to install two new crosshead screws into the camera connector cowling.

    • One screw (452-06436) (upper)

    • One screw (452-05343) (lower)

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.”

Published Date: