MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011 Battery Replacement

You're viewing a previously published version of this guide. View latest version

Feb 21, 2024 - 12:38:39

Feb 21, 2024 - 12:40:18 Feb 21, 2024 - 12:38:39 Apr 16, 2019 - 02:38:03 Apr 01, 2019 - 09:06:34 Mar 11, 2019 - 03:42:00 Mar 11, 2019 - 03:41:09 Jan 07, 2019 - 05:07:58 Jul 11, 2018 - 10:04:51 Jun 18, 2018 - 11:32:17 Mar 28, 2018 - 05:29:45 Mar 06, 2018 - 01:04:18 Jun 16, 2017 - 09:34:21 Nov 14, 2016 - 03:28:30 Apr 08, 2016 - 06:33:40 Sep 04, 2013 - 05:17:27 Jul 31, 2013 - 04:24:41 Oct 17, 2012 - 12:08:57 Aug 31, 2011 - 10:53:29 Aug 26, 2011 - 03:47:43 Aug 26, 2011 - 11:33:15 Aug 25, 2011 - 01:27:24 Aug 25, 2011 - 01:27:21 Aug 25, 2011 - 01:27:10 Aug 25, 2011 - 01:27:07 Aug 25, 2011 - 01:26:46 Aug 25, 2011 - 01:26:44 Aug 23, 2011 - 02:57:18

Newer

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a worn-out battery.

Note: If there is a thin plastic film on your replacement battery, do not attempt to remove it. It is glued on and protects the battery pack while it is inside the MacBook.

What you need

Step 1 Lower Case

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011 Battery Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1

Tool used on this step:

P5 Pentalobe Screwdriver Retina MacBook Pro and Air

$5.99

Buy

Before proceeding, power down your MacBook. Close the display and lay it on a soft surface, top-side down.
Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove ten screws securing the lower case, of the following lengths:
Two 9 mm screws
Eight 2.6 mm screws

Step 2

Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop the lower case off the Air.
Remove the lower case and set it aside.

Step 3 Battery

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery: step 3, image 1 of 2

MacBook Air 13" Mid 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery: step 3, image 2 of 2

Grab the clear plastic pull tab attached to the battery connector and pull it toward the front edge of the Air to disconnect the battery from the logic board.
Do not lift upward on the connector as you disconnect it.
Note: when attaching the new battery, it may be easier to push the connector in to the logic board before placing the new battery in position. You may also need to press down on the connector after it is attached, so that it is not curled upwards.

Step 4

Remove the following five screws securing the battery to the upper case:
Three 6.3 mm T5 Torx screws
Two 2.4 mm T5 Torx screws

Step 5

When handling the battery, avoid squeezing or touching the four exposed lithium polymer cells.
Lift the battery from its edge nearest the logic board and remove it from the upper case.
When installing the new battery, if there is a thin plastic film on your replacement battery, do not attempt to remove it. It is glued on and protects the battery pack while it is inside the MacBook.
If you're installing a new battery, you should calibrate it after installation:
Charge it to 100%, and then keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Then, unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.
If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to reset your MacBook's SMC.