MacBook Air 15" 2020 Logic Board Repair
Complete guide to MacBook Air 15" 2020 logic board 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
Logic Board Repair is one of the most common repairs for MacBook Air 15" 2020. This repair involves replacing the damaged logic component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 3-6 hours and requires difficult skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
🔩 Replacement Parts
What You'll Need
- Replacement logic 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 audio board cable
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the three 1.4 mm screws securing the audio board connector cover.
If your T3 bit feels a bit too loose, you may need to use a T4.
Step 5:
Remove the audio board connector cover.
Step 6:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the audio board connector straight up to disconnect it from the board.
Step 7: Disconnect the USB-C board cable
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.4 mm screws securing the USB-C connector cover.
Step 8:
Remove the USB-C connector cover.
Step 9:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the USB-C cable connector up and out of its socket on the logic board.
Step 10: Disconnect the antenna bar connections
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the 1.4 mm screw securing the antenna cable cover.
Step 11:
Remove the antenna cable cover.
Step 12:
Use a pair of [product|IF145-020|tweezers] to grip the antenna connector close to its base.
Pull straight up to disconnect the cable.
Repeat for the second antenna cable.
Step 13:
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the display cable connector cover.
Step 14:
Remove the display cable connector cover.
Step 15:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the display cable connector straight off of the antenna board to disconnect it.
Step 16: Disconnect the trackpad cable
Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.4 mm screws securing the trackpad cable cover.
Step 17:
Remove the trackpad cable cover.
Step 18:
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the trackpad cable connector up and out of its socket.
Step 19: Disconnect the left speaker cable
The '''left''' speaker will be on your '''righthand side''' when working on the MacBook, as it's laying upside down.
Slide the pointed end of a spudger underneath the left speaker cable and pry straight up to disconnect it from the logic board.
Step 20: Disconnect the microphone cable
Use a pair of tweezers to peel back any tape covering the microphone cable connector.
Use the pointed end of a spudger to lift up the small locking flap on the microphone cable's [link|https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Recognizing+&+Disconnecting+Cable+Connectors/25629#s64969|ZIF connector|new_window=true].
Slide the microphone cable out of its connector.
If possible, grip the cable by the tape, not by the cable itself.
Step 21: Remove the logic board screws
Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the six screws securing the logic board to the upper case:
Three 3.5 mm screws
One 6.0 mm cushioned screw
Two 3.4 mm screws
Step 22: Remove the logic board
Remove the logic board.
Step 23: Check cables during reassembly
When you reinstall the logic board assembly, verify that no cables get trapped under the board as you lower it into place. Check each of the seven locations carefully:
Battery cable
Audio board cable
USB-C board cable
Antenna bar cables
Display cable
Trackpad cable
Left speaker and microphone cables
📖 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: $180-$480)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($300-$800)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your MacBook Air 15" 2020 instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 170 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new MacBook Air 15" 2020 generates 190 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 20 kg of CO₂. That's a 89% reduction in carbon emissions!
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