MacBook Air 2022 (M2) Trackpad Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day
  • Comments: 1
MacBook Air 2022 (M2) Trackpad Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

18

Time Required

30 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the trackpad in your MacBook Air 2022 (M2).

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    • Before you begin, discharge your battery below 25%, as a charged lithium-ion battery can be dangerous if accidentally punctured.

    • Power off your MacBook Air and unplug all cables.

    • Close the display and flip the laptop upside down. Keep the lid closed until you've physically disconnected the battery.

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    • Use a P5 Pentalobe driver to remove the four 6.4 mm screws securing the lower case:

    • Two screws with a short threaded portion near the hinges

    • Two screws with a long threaded portion near the front of the MacBook

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

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    • Apply a suction handle to the center of the lower case's front edge.

    • Pull up on the suction handle with strong, steady force to create a small gap between the lower case and the frame.

    • Insert an opening pick into the gap.

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    • During the next two steps you'll feel and hear four snapping clips release. If a clip doesn't release, insert your opening pick farther and try again.

    • Slide the pick to the bottom right corner to release the first clip.

    • Slide the pick around the corner and up the right edge to release the next two clips.

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    • Insert the opening pick in the original gap created with the suction handle.

    • Slide the opening pick to the bottom left corner and up the left edge to release the three remaining snapping clips.

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    • Four sliding tabs along the back edge of the MacBook firmly secure the lower case. Separating these tabs requires a lot of force—consider using gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the lower case.

    • Keep the lower case flat and firmly pull it straight away from the back edge, one corner at a time, to disengage the sliding tabs.

    • Don't pull up until the cover is completely separated.

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    • Remove the lower case.

    • During reassembly:

    • Set the lower case in place and align the sliding tabs with the screw heads they slide over. Press down and slide the lower case toward the back edge to engage the tabs—it'll stop sliding as the tabs engage.

    • When one side is engaged, it may push the other out of alignment. Check both sides as you push, there should be no gap along the back edge.

    • Once the lower case is flush with the frame, press down firmly along the perimeter to engage the four snapping clips.

    • You'll hear and feel a distinct click as each clip snaps into place.

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    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the battery connector cover.

    • Due to screw variances, you may need to use a T4 Torx instead. Keep this in mind whenever you encounter T3 Torx screws during this repair.

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    • Remove the battery connector cover.

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    • Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the battery connector.

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    • Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the trackpad cable cover.

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    • Use a spudger or your fingers to move the trackpad cable cover out of the way so you can access the press connector underneath.

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    • Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the trackpad cable press connector.

    • To re-attach press connectors 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 in the middle. If the connector is misaligned, the pins can bend and cause permanent damage.

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    • Small bits of mild adhesive secure the trackpad cable to the frame.

    • Gently pull up to detach the trackpad cable from the frame.

    • During reassembly, you may need to apply new adhesive if the old adhesive is no longer sticky.

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    • Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the ten 4 mm screws securing the trackpad.

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    • Be careful not to lose the six washers resting on the trackpad's screw posts. Without them, your trackpad won't fit properly.

    • Slowly open your MacBook—the trackpad will stay on the display.

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    • Carefully feed the trackpad ribbon cable through its slot in the frame.

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    • Remove the trackpad.

    • Before installing a new trackpad:

    • Make sure your trackpad has a ribbon cable. If necessary, transfer the old cable, or install the one your new trackpad came with.

    • Make sure that the six washers are in their places on the screw posts.

Conclusion

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before you install it.

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting or check out our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

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