MacBook Air 2022 (M2) Screen Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day

Comments: 48

MacBook Air 2022 (M2) Screen Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

1 - 2 hours

Introduction

Use this guide to replace a broken screen on your MacBook Air 2022 (M2).

Replacing your screen disables its True Tone functionality.

Before starting this repair, check if your replacement screen has a lid angle sensor pre‑installed on the hinge. If it doesn't, you'll need a 1IP Torx Plus bit to remove and transfer the sensor.

Note: This laptop uses a combination of standard Torx and Torx Plus (IP) screws. In the case that you don't have all the necessary Torx Plus drivers, you can use standard Torx drivers instead. If you do, make sure to use constant, downward force to avoid stripping.

Tools

Parts

MacBook Air M2 2022 (A2681) Display Assembly

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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 clip.

Step 5

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 two remaining snapping clips.

Step 6

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.

It's obvious once you know how, but I think that stating the direction of force you apply to the lower case (towards the front) to separate the sliding tabs would be helpful.

Thank you for the great instructions!

Tatsuya Takahashi -

The back tabs are meant to slide down towards the track pad. Do not pull up on the back tabs

nick mulvaine -

Using the iFixit opening tool from the toolkit and applying a moderate amount of force between the edge of the lower case and the inner lip of the main body (not the hinge!) worked better for me.

Zach -

Step 7

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.

Nice !

Clay Eickemeyer -

I'd bet that if iFixit was to source upgraded replacement lower case 'feet' with a material like nearly any earlier macbook air or pros had--less hard and slippery--they'd sell a lot of them. I'd buy several sets. The OEM feet are horrible and not very 'Apple' in quality.

Walt Keyes -

Step 8

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

Step 9

Remove the battery connector cover.

Step 10

Use an opening pick to pry up and disconnect the battery press connector.
To reconnect a press connector, align it over the socket and gently press down on one side until it clicks into place, then press down on the other side. It might take a few tries to align the connector.

Step 11

Peel up and remove the foam pad from the lower display cable cover to reveal a hidden screw.

Step 12

Use a T3 Torx driver to remove the nine 1.5 mm screws securing the four metal covers.

As noted above these might also be T4 instead of T3, I stripped one with a T3 bit. Mine were definitely T4

Aron List - 20/06/24

Using a brand new Wiha kit (which I needed to order because I lacked the needed T1 for step 25), the screws were T3, a T4 was too big.

maccentric -

Step 13

Remove the four metal covers:
Two speaker cable covers
One display cable cover
One antenna cable cover

Step 14

Remove the four screws securing the upper display cable cover:
Two 2.5 mm P2 Pentalobe screws
Two 2.5 mm 3IP Torx plus screws
During reassembly, the Pentalobe screws must thread into the display cable securing bracket.

I found that using a P1 was necessary as the P2 doesn't fit. It could also be the screws that were installed vary slightly.

Tech Medic - 23/02/24

I think you need a new p2 bit

James Swafford -

Mucho cuidado, aunque los tornillos estén duros, si se hace demasiada fuerza hacia abajo pueden romperse los soportes inferiores.

Alquimista - 04/07/24

Step 15

Remove the upper display cable cover and plastic securing bracket.
During reassembly, make sure the top edge of the upper display cable cover is under the securing bracket.

Step 16

Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect both display cable press connectors.

Replacement display did not include metal bracket shown here, which has adhesive on both sides. Pay close attention to how ribbon cables wrap around this bracket.

MotorMac -

Step 17

Disconnect the left and right speaker press connectors.

Step 18

Use a pair of tweezers to grip the first antenna connector, as close to its base as possible.
Lift straight up to disconnect the cable.
The antenna connectors on the logic board are very fragile. When disconnecting the cables, pull straight up—don’t bend them to the side.
Repeat for the second antenna cable.
To reattach antenna connectors like these, align the connector over its socket and press down with the flat end of a spudger. The connector should snap into place. This can be tricky and may take a few tries.

Step 19

These screws strip easily. Apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.
Use a 3IP Torx Plus driver to remove the two 2.6 mm screws securing the right and left hinge covers.

These screws were really hard to remove. I suggest being VERY careful. They both stripped almost immediately and getting them out was nearly impossible. I'd suggest VERY carefully making sure that your driver bit fits before applying any force at all here. The first one I tried didn't work at all.

fiddlefro -

Thanks for advice.
Found them a bit hard to wiggle loose after getting the screws out - they seemed glued in. Was terrified of applying force, slipping and then breaking something, but I was okay. Left one was harder.

James Waters -

I was able to use a S2 T4 bit that I found in a odd set that I have. It seems to work well on the ones that I have tried.

NotAnonymous -

Step 20

Grip the left hinge cover with blunt nose tweezers.
Pull the cover towards the bottom of the laptop and upwards to free it from its recess.
Pull up and remove the hinge cover.

Step 21

Repeat the previous step to remove the right hinge cover.

Step 22

Remove the six screws securing the left and right speakers:
Four 5.6 mm 4IP Torx Plus screws (two on each speaker)
Two 3.5 mm T5 Torx screws (one on each speaker)

On the A2681 that I am working on, the Four 5.6mm (highlighted in red) were T3 screws, ( not T5 as noted as of 1/2/2025 )

Brendan Cheever -

Do not remove

Justin Davis -

Step 23

Lift the speakers straight up and remove them.

Do not remove

Justin Davis -

With the speakers installed the lid fouls on them and can't be removed. Maybe subtle differences between different units...

John McKee -

Step 24

Use a T3 Torx screwdriver to remove the two 1.5 mm screws securing the lid-angle sensor connector cover.

Step 25

Remove the lid-angle sensor connector cover.

Step 26

Use the pointed end of a spudger to pry up and disconnect lid angle sensor press connector.

Step 27

Gently peel the lid angle sensor cable from the top of the headphone jack and move it out of the way.

Step 28

Check if your replacement screen has a lid‑angle sensor installed on the hinge. If it does, skip this step. Otherwise, follow this step to remove the sensor—you'll need to transfer it to your replacement screen.
Use the point of a spudger to lift the flap covering the lid‑angle sensor screw, located on the left hinge.
Use a 1IP Torx Plus driver to remove the screw securing the lid‑angle sensor.
Remove the lid‑angle sensor and set it aside for reassembly.

Step 29

Use an 8IP Torx Plus driver to loosen (not remove) the six hinge screws.

Step 30

Fully open your MacBook and gently place it keyboard side down on a table so the screen hangs over the edge.

Fully open the screen. I didn't first time, then had too. Small point, but if not fully open, it won't slide out.

James Waters -

Bonjour,

Super tuto, mais il manque l'étape du capteur d'angle à la fin. Ce n'est pas trop gênant et j'ai bien réussi le changement de mon écran...

Bravo et merci

Bonne journée

Emmanuel Perez -

Step 31

Support the screen with one hand and use your free hand to remove the six 4.3 mm 8IP Torx Plus screws securing the hinges.
Keep a firm grip on your laptop, as it can easily fall off the table.

Step 32

Hold the screen with both hands and lift the hinges out of their recesses to remove the screen.
During reassembly:
Make sure the screen hinges are fully open and guide them into their recesses in the frame.
Install and partially tighten the eight hinge screws.
Close your laptop and make sure the screen is properly aligned. If it clicks or snaps, readjust the alignment.
Fully tighten the hinge screws.

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

95583 Reputation

28 comments

Does the screen display normally after replacing it with the aftermarket screen? As far as I know, after 2021, MacBooks have problems with screen output when they are replaced with aftermarket screens.

https://www.ifixit.com/News/73288/m2-mac...

wellbinnn -

Hi! We tested swapping screens between two M2 MacBook Airs and didn't find any issues with the screen. The problem is with the MacBook Pros.

Spencer Day -

I checked your comment. Thanks for checking!

wellbinnn - 11/05/23

Is this doable without scratching or chipping the body if done using the ifixit tool kit?

John Mashconzone -

Hello! It's definitely doable! If you're worried, I would take extra care when standing the laptop up to make sure you set it on a surface that won't scratch the body. Also, be careful when guiding the hinges out of the frame to avoid brushing against the frame.

Spencer Day -

If I swap screens between two macbooks will they lose the true tone?

Без Имени -

Yes, unfortunately the true tone functionality will be lost even between two of the same devices.

Spencer Day -

500$ for the screen is too expensive :(( Can you replace it for me for free ? ;))

Eliot LeDragon - 20/09/23

I'm having an issue with the screen angle. I had to replace screens on three MacBooks. One worked great and the other two didn't. It works fine if the screen angle is open less than 30°. Opening further than this disables the screen and touchpad.

James Swafford -

Hi James! It sounds like there might be a problem with the lid-angle sensor. It might be folded in a weird way, at a strange angle, or damaged, causing the laptop to think it's closed when it's open. I would suggest taking the lower case off and checking the cable.

Spencer Day -

I've checked and reseated that cable. Tried another cable and no difference. If I put the original screen back on it works fine. It makes me think it has something to do with whatever actually transmits the angle to that cable. Is there a magnet or sensor in the hinges or screen itself? Is there a way to recalibrate it?

James Swafford -

Unfortunately, the only way to recalibrate it is by going through Apple. I'm surprised it was still happening after trying a different cable. As for magnets or sensors, I can check tomorrow and get back to you.

Spencer Day -

Hi James, I checked the area of the laptop around the lid angle sensor with magnetic viewing film today and it looks like there's a magnet very close to the lid angle sensor on the frame near the power button. I didn't see anything on the screen.

Spencer Day -

I’m having an issue of “water marks” inside the screen, so my macbook got washed up in a rain and the water is going inside the screen, right now the condition is all functioning well, the water already dried up but it left a huge marks inside the screen. Is it doable to tear the screen and clean it up and reassembly it again, thanks

Ichwanul Hakim -

Hi! No,You need to get new display.Cheers

Jerry Butcher -

Very nice presentation!

Do you know if the Air 13" M2 and M3 display screens are interchangeable?

Thanks.

Liem Nguyen -

I have followed these instructions and installed the new screen. I turned it on and everything started to work. Then after about 5 minutes the screen went off and it stopped working again. I opened the bottom again, undid the screen connectors and redid them. The computer turned on again and then went off after a couple of minutes. Is there a trick to getting those connectors seated correctly?

Samuel Lopez -

Hi Samuel! Reconnecting press connectors can be tricky. Here's a guide that covers some general information about them. For larger connectors like the screen ones, press down on one side until it clicks into place, and then press down on the other side. Don't try pressing down in the middle.

Spencer Day -

With regards to the lid angle sensor. My T2 from the fixit Manta driver kit doesn't fit and there is not a T1 in the kit. I had to abandon the repair :(

Jack -

Add this to your tool Kit! Precision T1 Torx Screwdriver, JAKEMY Professional Electronics Repair Screwdriver, Reinforced S2 Tool Steel

https://a.co/d/hqDGzdz

Macrepair SF -

Any suggestions to diagnose a blank screen after install ? Cable seems seated well. Are there steps or connections that if not properly made will disable the display ?

The removal part went well. Would love tips for re-attaching the tiniest screws like the lid angle sensor. It was often pulled toward the magnetized hinge metal before I could seat it.

befix -

Angle position sensor. I noticed on new aftermarket they now have an adjustment on the side on the hinge to correct this issue.

James Swafford -

I see various listings on eBay for "raw displays". Those type of listings are much cheaper compared to the fully assembled displays. Is it possible to change the display without changing the back cover?

Leonardo -

so... to replace a cracked LCD, one must replace the entire top of the laptop?

ioinva -

Excellent guide - thank you! MacBooks are getting like phones these days in how tightly everything fits. I do think this was an easier swap than older MacBooks. Having the antennae cables and everthing go up through the middle is easier than the old unibodies.
Anyway, fitted a new screen for a friend - 200GBP - considerable saving over Apple's pricing!

James Waters -

take this out of the guide "lid angle sensor cable screw" you dont have to mess with that. matter of face speakers can all stay too smh

Justin Davis - 16/01/25

After replacing my screen, the machine no longer sleeps when I close the lid. Yes, I checked pmset. It seems like the lid angle sensor needs to be recalibrated (my replacement screen did not include a lid angle sensor). The official Apple guide says that I need to perform System Configuration after replacing the screen (https://support.apple.com/en-us/108333), but I am not able to follow the steps there after step 7 - instead it asks me something about an offline session.

For now at least I have a working screen which is good.

There is a lid angle sensor recalibration tool https://notebooknerds.de/en/nerd-tool-1/ which I will probably try next.

David C -

Where can I purchase the Display Cable Cover Foam (step 11) and Upper Display Cable Cover & Plastic Securing Bracket (steps 14 &15). I can't seem to find them anywhere. These parts didn't come with my new screen, and I don't have my old screen to salvage them from

Jamie -