Introduction
Use this guide to replace the trackpad in your MacBook Air 15" 2023.
You may need to replace the trackpad if it's behaving erratically, unresponsive to touch inputs, or the cursor movement is inconsistent.
What you need
-
-
Unplug all cables and fully power off your MacBook.
-
Close the display and lay your MacBook upside down. Keep your laptop closed until you've physically disconnected the battery.
-
-
-
Use a P5 pentalobe screwdriver to remove the four 6.4 mm‑long screws securing the lower case.
-
-
-
Apply a suction handle to the center of the lower case's front edge.
-
Pull up on the suction handle to create a gap between the lower case and the frame.
-
Insert an opening pick into the gap.
-
-
-
Slide the pick to the bottom right corner to release the first clip.
-
Slide the pick around the corner and up the right edge to release the next two clips.
-
-
-
Keep the lower case flat and firmly pull it straight away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding tabs.
-
-
-
Remove the lower case.
-
Set the lower case in place and align the sliding tabs with the screw heads they slide over. Press down and slide the lower case toward the back edge to engage the tabs—it'll stop sliding as the tabs engage.
-
Once the lower case is flush with the frame, press down firmly along the perimeter to engage the six snapping clips.
-
-
-
Use blunt nose tweezers or your fingers to remove the piece of tape covering the battery connector cover.
-
-
-
-
Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 1.5 mm‑long screws securing the battery connector cover.
-
Remove the cover.
-
-
-
Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.
-
-
-
Use tweezers or your fingers to remove the tape from the trackpad cable.
-
-
-
Pull the trackpad cable away from its cover to separate the adhesive securing it.
-
If your trackpad cable comes with adhesive, remove the plastic liner and press the cable into place on the trackpad.
-
If the cable doesn't have adhesive, use a strip of double-sided tape to secure it to the trackpad.
-
-
-
Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 1.5 mm‑long screws securing the trackpad cable cover.
-
Remove the cover.
-
-
-
Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable press connector from the logic board.
-
-
-
Heat an iOpener and apply it to the trackpad cable for two minutes to soften the adhesive securing it to the frame.
-
-
-
Pull the trackpad cable toward the bottom of the MacBook to separate it from the frame.
-
If your trackpad cable comes with adhesive, remove the two plastic liners and press the cable into place on the frame.
-
If your trackpad cable doesn't have adhesive, use strips of double-sided tape to secure it to the frame.
-
-
-
Use blunt nose tweezers to gently peel the tape from the screws.
-
-
-
Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the ten 4 mm‑long screws securing the trackpad.
-
-
-
Slowly open your MacBook—the trackpad will stay on the display.
-
Guide the trackpad cable through its slot in the frame.
-
-
-
Use the tip of a spudger or a clean fingernail to flip up the hinged locking flap on the trackpad cable ZIF connector.
-
Secure the cable by flipping the locking flap down.
-
If your trackpad cable comes with adhesive, remove the plastic liner and press the cable into place on the trackpad.
-
If the cable doesn't have adhesive, use a strip of double-sided tape to secure it to the trackpad.
-
-
-
Heat an iOpener and apply it to the bottom edge of the trackpad for two minutes to soften the adhesive.
-
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.
To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.
Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.
