MacBook Air 13" 2020 WiFi Antenna Repair
Complete guide to MacBook Air 13" 2020 wifi antenna repair. 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
WiFi Antenna Repair is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Air 13" 2020. This repair involves replacing the damaged connectivity 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 connectivity 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: Disconnect the antenna cables
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.
Step 5:
Remove the antenna cable cover.
Step 6:
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to grip the [guide|25629|antenna connector|stepid=64972|new_window=true] 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.
Step 7: Disconnect the display cable
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the display cable connector cover.
Step 8:
Remove the display cable connector cover.
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 [https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s70308|press connectors|new_window=true] 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.
Step 10: Remove the antenna bar screws
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
Step 11: Remove the antenna bar
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.
Note that the antenna bar may be lightly adhered to the frame.
Repeat for the other end of the antenna bar.
Step 12:
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.
📖 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: $36-$108)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($60-$180)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Air 13" 2020 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 171 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Air 13" 2020 generates 175 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 4 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!
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