MacBook Air 11" Mid 2012 Battery Replacement

Written By: Andrew Optimus Goldheart
  • Comments: 50
MacBook Air 11" Mid 2012 Battery Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

5

Time Required

15 minutes

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the battery on your Mid 2012 MacBook Air 11”.

Note: If there is a thin plastic film on your replacement battery, do not attempt to remove it. It is glued on and protects the battery pack while it is inside the MacBook.

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    • Shut down and close your computer. Lay it on a soft surface top-side down.

    • Remove the following ten screws:

    • Two 8 mm 5-point Pentalobe screws

    • Eight 2.5 mm 5-point Pentalobe screws

    • The special screwdriver needed to remove the 5-point Pentalobe screws can be found here.

    When you say:

    Remove the following ten screws:

    Two 8 mm 5-point Pentalobe screws

    Eight 2.5 mm 5-point Pentalobe screws

    Do the 8mm & 2.5mm dimensions refer to the LENGTH of those screws, or the size of the pentalobe? That is, are there other sizes of pentalobe drivers like there are for hex, phillips and torx? When only one dimension is provided, it is usually the socket/driver size, not the screw length, maybe since the length cannot be seen when the screw is installed.

    Can I suggest that you clarify your instructions so folks are confident they are only in need of _one_ pentalobe driver?

    Nerdily yours,

    Larry (whose iPhone 4S can now get through a day without 6 recharges thanks to ifixit.com ;-)

    larryleveen -

    The 8mm and 2.5mm are the length of the screws. One pentalobe P5 screwdriver suffices for all the screws (P5 is implicitly the size of the pentalobe screw heads).

    Michael Welham -

    I sourced all the parts from ifixit, plus a magnetic project mat which I found to be very useful for organising the teardown and reassembly.

    Allen -

    The magnetic mat is

    GERARD SZAREK -

    Keep the 2.5mm tiny screws away from the MagSafe connector as they will be attracted and sucked in to the magnet.

    Frank O'Carroll -

    A tip an old bench tech taught me that has saved me many times: I put clear “Scotch” tape over the case screws as they became “free”. The tape kept them in place while I lifted the lid off, cleaned it etc.

    Michael Mee -

    Thank you for a really smart tip! I will be using that countless more times!

    Lilljedahl -

    I’m confused about internet recovery and installing MacOS. Is all of this done before placing in the new ssd card or after. I don’t have any files that I would like to safe/transfer, is all of this necessary, if I don’t do it before placing new ssd, will I still be able to instal/upgrade macOS afterwards.

    It’s an old Mac and now it won’t start or charge, I know I will have to replace battery and put new battery first and turn on Mac before doing the ssd stuff. Since it won’t effing start.

    I’m really clueless about backing up old ssd, since I don’t need any files, besides MacOS(software) ,and is that related to the ssd?

    AMG -

    The answer to your question: You need to insert your SSD into the computer before internet recovery. If you start the recovery before inserting SSD, it won’t affect the setup, you won’t damage anything. But your SSD will not be detected (as there isn’t one inserted.)

    Also, a little tip: If you bought a used SSD, go into Disk Utility and format the drive with the highest security level to permanently remove all of the previous files.

    Also a FYI: Internet Recovery will load up Mac OS X 10.9.5 Mavericks, so I would recommend making a recovery drive from a Big Sur (or desired version) through another Mac, and a USB. You can visit this support doc: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

    Hope this helps! -Dan

    danielwen -

    I got a macbook air with a damaged and swollen battery. I could remove all screws, except one 2,5 mm screw. I’m afraid it got damaged while attempting to remove it, I have no grip with the P5 pentalobe screwdriver. How can I proceed?

    Robert Hermans -

    Hi Robert!

    Try some techniques found in this stripped screw removal guide. Good luck!

    Arthur Shi -

    Hello I have a macbook air they are say they do not have parts for my laptop macbook air 11 inches 2013 mid need to replace battery which one to buy

    vensilver -

    Hello! This is the part you want—maybe we’re not able to ship it to you if you’re out of the United States. The battery in your MacBook Air should be the same for all 11” between mid-2011 to early-2015.

    Arthur Shi -

    The smaller screws went in more easily when I put back all the screws along the hinge edge first.

    Rachel Slatkin -

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    • Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop the lower case off the Air.

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    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry both short sides of the battery connector upward to disconnect it from its socket on the logic board.

    • Bend the battery cable slightly away from the logic board so the connector will not accidentally contact its socket.

    I performed this on my MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2011), model A1370. Rather than using the spudger to un-attach the batter connector, I gripped either side with my fingers as the second photographs indicated, and gently pry/wiggled it up and out by initially pinching into the side gap with my finger nails. The reason I did it this way is that the spudger works by leverage and I was afraid to rest it against the components surrounding the connector. The photos and instructions are excellent and illustrate the maneuver perfectly.

    Allen -

    Hello there... In my case by battery exploded.... Can I still try to change it using these instructions?

    Fabio Matos -

    The instruction to lift the edges of battery connector before disconnecting is certainly not clear. In my case, the cconnector pins came off the board with the battery, requiring further costly repairs. I would suggest that this instruction be more specific and include a caution.

    Deirdre Rogan -

    It worked fine for me, but as others mentioned, you need to be careful to remove the battery connector from the motherboard connector and not accidentally remove the motherboard connector from the motherboard itself.

    Additionally, on reassembly, I found that quit a bit of pressure was needed to get the new battery's connector to snap in place. More than I was comfortable applying, but it was necessary and it worked without a problem.

    shamino -

    I just used my finger(nails), came off easily (even though i have a full iFixIt set).

    Dennis van der Pool -

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    • Remove the following five screws securing the battery to the upper case:

    • Two 5.2 mm T5 Torx screws

    • One 6 mm T5 Torx screw

    • Two 2.6 mm T5 Torx screws

    In my case the screw points connecting the old battery the case had fractured or broken. The broken bits needed to be cleaned out of the case before installing the replacement battery. Didn't want any loose fragments rattling about inside.

    Allen -

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    • When handling the battery, avoid squeezing or touching the six exposed lithium polymer cells.

    • Lift the battery from its edge nearest the logic board and remove it from the upper case.

    • If you're installing a new battery, you should calibrate it after installation:

    • Charge it to 100%, and then keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Next, 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 reset your MacBook's SMC.

    What if new battery comes with what looks like plastic around the 6 cells?

    Allison -

    I'm having trouble reconnecting the pins to the new battery cable. Any suggestions?

    Deirdre Rogan -

    The cable on my new battery needed to be massaged to reconnect with the pins. Use your old battery as an example for how the cable should sit in the empty space.

    Joe Ponce -

    In my case, the replacement battery cable was quite stiff. In order to properly connect it to the logic board, BEFORE screwing the battery into the board, I carefully bent the cable and I connected it to the board. AFTER connecting the cable, carefully move the part of the batter closest to the logic board into place, and take care of those screws first.

    Chris 1000 -

    Followed the instructions and everything went smoothly. Less than 20 minutes later everything assembled and my MacBook Air working very well.

    Thanks

    Luis Lopes -

    Two of the battery cells were “blown up” in my laptop. We simply removed it with these instructions and now it’s working again, when plugged in only, of course.

    bob -

    As with Chris 1000, the replacement battery cable is stiff. First position the battery loosely into it's slot, then align the cable connector over the pins & press gently but firmly to seat the connector. Secondly, seat the battery to line up with all of it's screw fasteners for the reassembly.

    Steve G -

    Instructions did not mention the plastic film on top of the battery. Similar to a peel away film on a new phone. But it had screws holes in it and does not peel away as easily as a phone Peels away from edge easily enough but had a little "pull" to it over the cells. For now I left it. Quick google searches did not clarify the issue. If anyone can confirm I should pull it off I'll open it up again and remove. The install is easy.

    Eric Strausser -

    I think I saw a note that said to leave it. But side-note, i'm glad to see someone replacing the battery more recently, as I just purchased myself a new macbook but my son asked if we can replace the battery and I honestly didn't even realize that it was possible for some reason. I think for the minimal cost involved and the fact that my 2011 still works flawlessly he'll enjoy it for a few more years to come as well. I hope the new ones are made as well quality wise!!

    Teresa Powell -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Andrew Optimus Goldheart

Member since: 17/10/09

502341 Reputation

21 comments

I followed the directions in the reverse order, but now I have the old battery in my laptop again. Help?

Jenny Doehammer -

I love you Jenny. That is all.

Darren Embry -

Great guide. Identified my parts, ordered them per the suggestions, and had the battery swapped out in 10 minutes. I like to use a magnetic sheet to hold and organize my screws for repairs like this - it keeps the proper size screws in the proper holes. If you don't have access to magnetic sheeting like I do from my graphics shop, an oval car magnet or a fridge magnet will work as well. The screwdriver recommended are of better quality than I expected. Thanks Ifixit.

rick -

I want to marry Jenny

Pete -

Incredibly easy - done in 15 minutes.

stilesdylan -

After installing new battery Macbook air says "battery not charging" *has an X on the battery indicator*.

The MACsafe2 charger has an orange light.

The battery information indicates;

battery installed: yes

condition: Normal.

Full charge capacity: 5000 (mAh).

Charge remaining: no

Fully charged: no

Charging: no

cycle count: 0

Amperage(mA): 0

Voltage(Mv): 7500

Did a SMC reset a few time.. still no luck. please help

waseem abbas -

awesome instructions…it worked! My MacBook Air 2012 now has a better battery and it was easy. Thank you

Jeffrey Louden -

Please note that the screws holding the lower case on go in at a slight angle. If you don’t hold the screwdriver at this angle the tiny torx bit won’t mate properly with the head of the screw and you could damage the screw or the bit. If you don’t screw them back in at the correct angle you could have the same problem, or strip the threads on the case and/or have the screws sticking out a bit and they could snag on or scratch something. However, the instructions are correct.

rideswithscissors -

A new life for my MacBook Air!

fstoer -

I followed this guide and the batter connector has come loose twice now. The first time I opened the case back up and rearranged the cable before plugging it back in. This fix lasted less than 24 hours.

Does anyone have any advice for me before I go in and try again?

Sarah -

thanks worked perfectly and appreciate the help!

Jim Lukens -

I am now having a problem with my battery install that was very successful and working a week ago. No response yet from ifixit. I think their battery was bad or it has messed up the battery software in the macbook air. Not very happy or satisfied at this point as my mac is no longer functional the new battery battery will no longer hold charge at all. I am very sorry I disposed of the original too quickly now. 80% charge is better than none.

Jim Lukens -

Was super easy to replace the battery in my MBA. It took me about 15 minutes to do it.

Christina -

Thankfully Ifixit has responded and is very helpful and is issuing me a new battery to replace the one that is not working. I will get it a week or so and try again. fingers crossed.

Jim Lukens -

So I ended up with another vendor battery but even it has issues. Apple Store said this age mac air is beyond the range of their diagnostic tools and its about finding a high quality battery vs anything being wrong with the mac itself software/hardware all of the presenting issues are low battery quality related. Apparently battery quality is not the best across all manufacturers. Take that for what its worth but its what I heard.

Apple store agreed even the latest MacAir is not much faster/better because processor is still very similar, Storage / RAM are the largest changes so its hard to justify new Mac cost. They actually said if I could nurse battery as is and try others if they fail is probably the best way to address. It works fine charges to 100, counts cycles, but cuts out randomly under 20%. I still get good 4 hours use which is fine for me.

Ifixit has been extremely helpful and has offered to refund me so I have been happy with Ifixit & this guide was fully correct and will continue to use ifixit.

Jim Lukens -

Installed the new battery and it will not charge. Anyone able to help?

kurtvetterling -

Done in 20 minutes I’m a little slow but very easy

nelsonmartinez -

Hi! I installed this battery successfully on my MBA mid 2012. It works fine but even after calibrating it properly and doing the SMC reset, I do not get longer battery life. Even though the capacity increased (4443 mAh at the moment) I get the same problem as before: at 20% remaining level battery level suddenly drops to 6% and the macbook turns off very quickly. I tried to calibrate multiple times, nothing changed.

Any ideas?

Thank you

Jukka666 -

The installation worked out well. Great guide thanks

peterwordsworth -

Great simple guide, seems like difficulty easy and 5-7 min max though.

Only thing easier is maybe inserting a usb into the computer?

Greg B -

Super easy-For to easy!!

Moritz Ascherl -