iMac Introduction
This manual includes technical instructions for replacing genuine Apple parts in Mac and is intended for individual technicians with the knowledge, experience, and tools required to repair electronic devices.
Important
Read the entire manual first. If you’re not comfortable performing the repairs as instructed in this manual, don’t proceed.
Always use the latest version of this manual available at support.apple.com/docs/mac.
Warning
Failure to follow the repair instructions or to use genuine Apple parts or proper tools may cause electric shock or other safety issues and lead to personal injury or death.
Caution
Failure to follow the repair instructions or to use genuine Apple parts or proper tools may damage the Mac, parts, or other property, or compromise the device’s functionality.
Warranty information
Damage caused by repairs performed outside of Apple or the Apple Authorized Service Provider network is not covered by Apple’s warranty or AppleCare plans. Such damage may cause future repairs to be subject to out-of-warranty costs or render the device ineligible for future repairs by Apple or Apple Authorized Service Providers.
Tools and parts
Ordering tools and parts
You can learn how to order genuine Apple parts and tools at support.apple.com/self-service-repair. Parts are available shortly after product release. During the purchase process, enter the manual ID located at the bottom of the Contents pageto indicate that you’ve read this manual in its entirety and agree that you have the knowledge and experience to perform your intended repair.
Software tools
Apple Diagnostics can check your Mac for hardware issues.
A System Configuration step may be required at the end of your repair. System Configuration is a postrepair software tool that completes the repair for genuine Apple parts. Running System Configuration has a number of purposes that vary based on the part replaced.
What System Configuration does | Why it’s important |
|---|---|
Updates replacement logic board with device serial number | Replacement logic boards must be updated with your device’s serial number to ensure that Apple Pay, FaceTime, iMessage, and iCloud services, such as Find My, can communicate safely and securely with your device. |
Transfers factory calibration values | Certain parts like displays, cameras, and ambient light sensors have calibration values that are customized to each individual part during manufacturing. Transferring these values ensures maximum performance and quality after a repair. |
Links Secure Enclave and biometric authentication parts | After repair of a logic board or a biometric authentication part (Touch ID), linking the biometric sensors to the Secure Enclave on the logic board is required to ensure device security. |
Ensures repair integrity | After a hardware repair, software checks are performed to ensure repair integrity. Repair integrity means that a genuine Apple part has been correctly installed. |
Assigns wireless region | To comply with regional communications regulations, a wireless region must be assigned to your logic board. |
Updates firmware | Keeping firmware up to date ensures that the device has all the latest security and performance features. |
System Configuration requires a strong Wi-Fi network capable of 1.0 Mbps download and upload speeds, with less than 400 ms latency and less than 2% packet loss. Estimated data usage to run System Configuration is 6–22 MB.
The repaired device must be running the latest version of macOS and not a beta version.
Learn how to initiate the System Configuration process.
Alerts
Failure to follow alerts could result in electric shock, injury, data loss, or damage to the device, parts, or other property.
 | Danger | Instructions for reducing risk of electric shock and electrocution |
 | Warning | Instructions for reducing risk of personal injury |
 | Caution | Instructions for reducing risk of data loss or device hardware damage |
Important | Supplemental information for successfully completing procedures; neither a Warning nor a Caution |