MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove or replace the antenna bar in a Late 2020 MacBook Air (M1).

What you need

Step 1 Remove the screws securing the lower case

MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement, Remove the screws securing the lower case: step 1, image 1 of 1

Tool used on this step:

Magnetic Project Mat

$19.95

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Before starting this procedure, you should disable your Mac's Auto Boot feature. Auto Boot powers on your Mac when you open the lid, and may be accidentally triggered during disassembly. Use this guide to disable Auto Boot.
If your MacBook is running Big Sur v11.1 or later, disabling Auto Boot may not work. You can proceed normally, but make sure to disconnect the battery as soon as you're inside.
Completely power off and unplug your MacBook before you start. Close the display and flip the entire laptop upside-down.
Use a P5 driver to remove the following screws:
Two 7.9 mm screws
Two 7.3 mm screws
Six 2.6 mm screws
Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your MacBook.

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Step 2 Remove the lower case

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Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop off the lower case.
Remove the lower case.
To reinstall the lower case:
Set it in place and press firmly to engage the two hidden clips underneath. You should feel and hear them snap into place.

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Step 3 Disconnect the battery

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Use the flat end of a spudger to pry up and unlatch the metal locking arm on the battery connector.
Make sure the metal arm is completely free of the locking tab before lifting the battery connector. The metal locking arm should easily unlatch.
Lift straight up on the metal locking arm to pull the battery connector out of its socket on the logic board.
During reassembly, press the battery connector straight down into its socket, making sure it sits flush within the socket.
If necessary, push the rear, wire side of the connector into place first, then rock the front of the connector into place.

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Step 4 Disconnect the antenna cables

MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement, Disconnect the antenna cables: step 4, image 1 of 1

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the 1.4 mm screw securing the antenna cable cover.
If your T3 bit feels a bit too loose, you may need to use a T4.

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Step 5

Remove the antenna cable cover.

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Step 6

MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement: step 6, image 3 of 3

Tool used on this step:

Tweezers

$4.99

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Use a pair of tweezers to grip the antenna connector close to its base.
Pull straight up to disconnect the cable.
Repeat for the second antenna cable.
During reassembly, hold the connectors in place and gently press them straight down. The connectors “snap” into their sockets.

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Step 7 Disconnect the display cable

MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement, Disconnect the display cable: step 7, image 1 of 1

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the display cable connector cover.

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Step 8

Remove the display cable connector cover.

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Step 9

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the display cable connector straight off of the antenna board to disconnect it.
To re-attach press connectors like this one, carefully align and press down on one side until it clicks into place, then repeat on the other side. Do not press down on the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend, causing permanent damage.

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Step 10 Remove the antenna bar screws

MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement, Remove the antenna bar screws: step 10, image 1 of 1

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the six screws securing the antenna bar:
Four 7.4 mm silver screws
Two 4.7 mm black screws

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Step 11 Remove the antenna bar

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Insert the pointed end of a spudger into the gap between the antenna bar and display hinge.
Pivot the spudger against the hinge to pry up the end of the antenna bar.
Repeat for the other end of the antenna bar.

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Step 12

MacBook Air 13" Late 2020 Antenna Bar Replacement: step 12, image 3 of 3

Use your fingers to pry the antenna bar straight up and away from the case.
The antenna bar is secured with some adhesive and may require some force to dislodge.
Thread the antenna board through the opening in the middle of the antenna bar.
Be careful to not put any strain on the antenna bar's ribbon cables.
Remove the antenna bar.

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Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

Once you've completed your repair, your laptop may not power back on until connected to power.

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

10 other people completed this guide.