MacBook Air 15" 2017 Microphone Repair
Complete guide to MacBook Air 15" 2017 microphone repair. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
🌍 Share Your Environmental Impact
Inspire others to repair instead of replace! Share how much CO₂ you're saving.
💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Microphone Repair is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Air 15" 2017. This repair involves replacing the damaged audio component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 30 min - 1 hour and requires moderate skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
🔩 Replacement Parts
What You'll Need
- Replacement audio 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:
Before proceeding, power down your MacBook. Close the display and lay it on a soft surface, top-side down.
Use a [product|IF145-090|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:
To ensure that everything is de-energized and won't turn on while you're working, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery.
Grab the clear plastic pull tab attached to the battery connector and pull it parallel to the board toward the front edge of the Air.
Do not lift upward on the connector as you disconnect it or you risk damage to the connector socket.
Step 4:
Remove the following five screws securing the battery to the upper case:
Three 6.9 mm T5 Torx screws
Two 3.0 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.
Your replacement battery may arrive with a [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/cnvRXQ116RJu45HW.full|plastic film|new_window=true] lightly adhered to the top surface. Remove this film when you install the battery. However, [https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/K4YshkbhZqtwY1M5|if the film is glued on and is difficult to remove|new_window=true], you should leave the film in place.
If you're installing a new battery, you should [https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Battery_Calibration|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 [https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201295|reset your MacBook's SMC|new_window=true].
Step 6:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker cable connector up and out of its socket on the I/O board.
Pry up from beneath the wires.
Step 7:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker off the adhesive securing it to the upper case.
Remove the left speaker from the upper case.
Step 8:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the I/O board cable connector up out of its socket on the I/O board.
You do not need to remove the I/O board cable, simply bend it out of the way.
Carefully peel, but do not remove, the I/O board cable off the adhesive securing it to the top of the fan.
Step 9:
Use the tip of a spudger to carefully flip up the retaining flap on the microphone ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Make sure you are flipping up the retaining flap, '''not''' the socket itself.
Carefully push the microphone ribbon cable straight out of its socket on the I/O board.
Step 10:
Use the tip of a spudger to pry the microphone off the adhesive securing it to the left side of the upper case.
Remove the microphone from the upper case.
📖 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: $27-$78)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($45-$130)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Air 15" 2017 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 187 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Air 15" 2017 generates 190 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 3 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!
Get a Personalized Repair Estimate
Upload a photo of your MacBook Air 15" 2017 and get an AI-powered cost estimate in seconds. See exactly what's damaged and how much it'll cost to fix.