Introduction

This guide will show you how to replace the Wi-Fi card in a Lenovo ThinkPad T480s laptop.

A Wi-Fi card, also known as a WLAN card, enables the laptop to connect to a wireless network. If you cannot connect your laptop to Wi-Fi, or if you are experiencing intermittent connectivity, you may have a faulty Wi-Fi card. Be sure to rule out other connectivity issues listed here before replacing your Wi-Fi card.

Make sure to disable the internal battery, power down your device, and disconnect from any external power sources before you begin.

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    • Disable the battery, power down the device, and unplug the power adapter from your device before proceeding/beginning the guide.

    • Loosen the six captive screws with a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

    Somehow I find the screws for the T480s bottom cover to be slightly more prone to stripping, compared to the ThinkPad T480 and X1 Carbon Gen 6. However, the #1 Phillips screws on the T480s have drives that are cut in a way that also let you use a #3 flathead.

    Tai Lam -

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    • Remove the bottom cover with an opening tool.

    • Start from the top edge near the hinge and work your way along the edge until all of the clips are unsnapped.

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    • Lift the bottom cover off.

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    • Using the nylon spudger, pop the coaxial antenna wires off the Wi-Fi card.

    • When reassembling, reattach the gray wire closest to the screw and the black wire on the other side of the gray wire.

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    • Use the Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove one 2.8mm screw holding the Wi-Fi card down to the motherboard.

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    • Slide the Wi-Fi card out from the slot.

Conclusion

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 ask our Answers community for help.

Sarah Westberg

Member since: 11/03/19

29423 Reputation

One comment

Hi, thanks a lot the helpful guide. I have just replaced the WiFi card in my Lenovo T480s with a Intel AX210NGW. My laptop won't boot up. Even when I plug the power adapter into the laptop, the status indicator does not light up. I have removed the WiFi card and tried to power it on without it but no luck. I put back the one that was in before still no luck. I'm stuck, what can I do? Did some power component get disturbed or something? I'd appreciate any help. Thank you.

Michael Kasede -