Introduction:
Replacing a cracked or damaged display on a MacBook Air can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, tools, and parts, it is a doable DIY repair project. Specifically, the MacBook Air A2179 is a thin and light model popular with college students and travellers, meaning its display is especially vulnerable to drops, dings, and pressure damage. This step-by-step walkthrough will guide you through the full display replacement process on the MacBook Air A2179 from start to finish. With patience and care, you can breathe new life into your laptop and save money in the process.
Please read the disclaimer at the bottom.
Prerequisites
Before beginning any complex repair, it is critical to have the proper tools, workspace, skills, and precautions in place. For a MacBook Air A2179 screen replacement you will need the following:
- A clean, spacious work area with good lighting
- A new replacement display assembly specific to the A2179 model
- A fine-tip Phillips screwdriver and spudger pry tool
- MacBook Pro Torx Screwdriver set
- MacBook Pro Pentalope Screwdriver
- MacBook Air a2179 retina 13-inch LCD screen replacement
- Nitrile gloves to avoid skin oils and ESD wrist strap for static discharge
- Small organize trays for screws/components
- A PDF copy of the take-apart repair manual
- 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. Use this guide 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.
It is also highly advised to run a full MacOS backup beforehand in case any data is lost or overwritten. Additionally, ensure you allot 1-2 hours for the full repair. Rushing or impatience is often the cause behind botched DIY fixes.
Shut Down, Disconnect Power and Battery
The first key step is properly powering down and disconnecting all power sources from the laptop. Begin by fully shutting down the MacBook via the Apple menu. Once off, flip the laptop over and loosen the 10 screws holding the bottom case in place. Set them aside in your magnetic tray. Use the pry tool and lift starting from the USB-C side until the case detaches.
Inside you will immediately see the rectangular battery pack. Peel up the black tape covering the connector socket. Use your finger or flat tool to gently slide the connector left, releasing the battery’s power connection. Taping over the contacts prevents any accidental reconnection.
With battery power fully cut off, we can now safely handle the sensitive internal components without risk of shorts, sparks or ESD damage.
Remove the Foot Bracket and Detach All Connectors
On the upper right area of the logic board, you will see a small metal bracket covering the lower end of the display cables. This fits around the hinged foot and must be taken off to free the display. Remove the single screw holding it in place then lift the bracket out.
Next, methodically disconnect all thin, delicate cable connectors branching off from the logic board towards the display. Lift each cable straight up then set them aside, taking care not to bend or crease them. There will be one wide connector for the main display ribbon cable as well as up to 3 smaller connectors for things like the webcam and keyboard backlight.
Loosen and Remove the Display Bezel
With all connectors detached, our next task is to take off the plastic display bezel from around the perimeter of the LCD screen and glass digitizer layer. Use a plastic opening tool and gently insert between the bezel and screen, starting from the bottom left corner. Carefully slide along the entire bottom edge, releasing the plastic clips. Work slowly around the left, top and right sides in a similar fashion, gradually separating the bezel until it can lift fully off the laptop. Keep a light grip so it does not snap or break.
The LCD screen should now be fully accessible, with just the display cables remaining at the hinge. Handle just the outer edges to avoid touching any sensitive areas.
Disconnect and Remove the Old Screen
At this phase, we are ready to fully remove the original, broken display starting with the cables. You will find two sets of small ribbon cables branching up from the logic board to the hinge and screen. Grasp the wide one—Be careful not to tear or crease the ribbon. Rock it gently side to side while pulling straight up to pop it out evenly. Repeat for the other smaller cable(s).
With cables freed, carefully tilt the laptop lid open at a 90-degree angle. Support the base with one hand while lifting the screen body upwards with the other hand until it detaches fully. Sometimes gentle prying is needed to get past the sticky hinge tape. With the display removed, lay it down and inspect any glass cracks, dead pixels or backlight issues.
Attach and Secure a New Replacement Display
With the original, faulty display removed, we can now install your brand-new replacement screen. Carefully unpack it from the antistatic bag and line up the ports and screw holes on the rear housing to match the empty hinge enclosure. Keep a firm grip on both sides and join the two pieces together. You may need to wiggle or adjust alignment before the ports fully seat.
Get assistance lowering the lid back down and securing it in place. Reattach both connector cables—the wider one clicks audibly signalling a solid connection. Visually check small reinforcement brackets and tape have been transferred from the old screen to properly align the new one within the lid.
Replace All Screws and Components
Our last major step is cleanly rebuilding all the surrounding components and sealing the laptop closed. Reattach any small cable connectors that fit discrete keyboard, trackpad, and camera modules. Ensure the Wi-Fi antenna sits in its bracket slot before screwing the bracket back down over the display cable terminals.
Finally, lower case bottom slowly back into position, starting from the hinged side. Apply gentle pressure to fully reseat then replace the identical 10 case screws previously set aside. Inspect for any final alignment or fitting gaps before powering on.
Initial Checkout and Calibration
With the machine fully reassembled, reconnect the battery cable inside to restore power flow. Turn the MacBook on and log in normally, keeping the lid open during the initial boot. Let it run for 5-10 minutes so MacOS can automatically detect new display hardware.
Interact with the mouse cursor and run a visual check of the screen for dead or stuck pixels, uneven backlighting or colour accuracy. If issues emerge, promptly power down and verify all connections were properly made.
Upon visual verification, put the laptop through a range of video, color and motion-based tests. Playback 4K YouTube videos and RGB colour gradient slides at 100% brightness testing for defects. Finally, go into Displays settings and calibration menu adjusting color balance to your liking. With tailored alignment complete, enjoy your revived MacBook Air!
Conclusion
Fixing valuable electronics yourself not only saves money but gives great technical confidence moving forward. By taking your time, following best practices and using quality parts, even inexperienced folks can pick up DIY mobile repair. Hopefully, this A2179 MacBook Air display replacement guide gave you the exact details needed to get your specific model back up and running. Remember patience and double-checking connections prevent most post-repair issues. Feel free to reference online repair communities like iFixit for any additional troubleshooting after you finish. Great job reviving your MacBook on a budget!
Disclaimer: This DIY repair guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any damage, accidents, injuries or data loss that results from readers attempting their own unauthorized repairs, even when closely following all provided instructions, or even if the instructions provided are not complete or following excepted guidelines. All individuals perform MacBook repairs at their own risk. It is highly recommended to have an experienced technician handle any complex fixes to sensitive electronic devices. By utilizing these repair guide instructions, you indemnify the author from any repercussions related to attempted procedures on your own Apple laptops or other devices described herein.
