MacBook Air 13" 2020 Trackpad Replacement
Complete guide to MacBook Air 13" 2020 trackpad replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
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💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Trackpad Replacement is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Air 13" 2020. This repair involves replacing the damaged input component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
🔩 Replacement Parts
What You'll Need
- Replacement input part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Remove the screws securing the lower case
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. [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Disable+Auto+Boot/110034|Use this guide|new_window=true] 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, [https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Tools/Magnetic-Project-Mat/IF145-167-4|keep track of each screw|new_window=true] and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from to avoid damaging your MacBook.
Step 2: Remove the lower case
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.
Step 3: Disconnect the battery
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.
Step 4: Remove the trackpad cable cover
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.4 mm screws securing the trackpad cable cover.
If your T3 bit feels a bit too loose, you may need to use a T4.
Step 5:
Remove the trackpad cable cover.
Step 6: Disconnect the trackpad cable
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the trackpad cable connector up and out of its socket.
Step 7:
Carefully peel the trackpad cable off of the battery.
The trackpad cable is secured to the battery with some light adhesive.
Step 8: Disconnect the trackpad cable
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to peel back the tape covering the trackpad cable connector.
Step 9:
Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up the small locking flap on the trackpad cable's [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s64969|ZIF connector].
Step 10:
Slide the cable out of its connector.
If possible, grip the cable by the tape, not by the cable itself.
Step 11: Remove the trackpad screws
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the nine screws securing the trackpad:
Eight fully-coated 3.1 mm screws
One partially-coated 3.1 mm screw
Step 12: Remove the trackpad
While keeping the laptop screen-side down, carefully open the laptop. The trackpad will stay sitting on the display.
As you lift, make sure the trackpad cable threads through the opening on the case.
Step 13:
As you remove the trackpad assembly, be careful not to lose the five small metal washers resting on the screw posts. (They will fly off and get lost with very little provocation.)
Remove the trackpad.
Take extra care to not scratch the display.
Step 14: Remove the trackpad cable
If your replacement trackpad comes with a trackpad cable preinstalled, this step isn't necessary.
Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the small locking flap on the trackpad's ZIF connector.
Slide the trackpad cable straight out of the ZIF connector.
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Moderate | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $48-$120)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($80-$200)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Air 13" 2020 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 169 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Air 13" 2020 generates 175 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 6 kg of CO₂. That's a 97% reduction in carbon emissions!
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