The 2020 MacBook Air M1 (model A2337) is one of the most popular MacBooks ever. It is fast, silent and efficient. But the screen is thin and fragile. If your MacBook Air M1 screen is broken, with a crack, a black ink blot, lines or a screen that stays completely black, this article explains why, what you can do and how a screen replacement works.
Blue Apple repairs MacBook Air screens in Amsterdam, including the M1.
Which model do you have?
Check About This Mac. If it says "MacBook Air (M1, 2020)", this article is for you. The model number A2337 is also printed small on the bottom. See which MacBook do I have.
How does the screen break?
Often without the MacBook having been dropped. The lid is thin, and the glass and panel can crack from pressure:
- Something on the keyboard when closing: a pen, earbud, piece of paper or crumbs.
- Pressure in a full backpack.
- Closing the lid by pressing the middle instead of the edge.
- A camera cover or thick screen protector.
Also read screen cracked without a drop.
How to recognise the damage
- Black or coloured ink blots that sometimes grow.
- Vertical or horizontal lines through the picture.
- A crack in the glass, often from a corner or the bottom middle.
- Black screen while the MacBook otherwise works and you hear sound.
- Light pressure marks; see white spot on your screen.
Can you keep working?
Temporarily, with an external display. Connect a monitor via USB-C or an adapter. The MacBook Air M1 supports one external display. See connecting to a monitor or TV. Note: glass splinters can damage the keyboard when you close the lid, and panel damage often grows.
Your data
The storage is on the logic board, not in the screen. With a screen repair your data stays. Do make a backup first, if needed with an external display. See backing up.
How is the screen replaced?
On the MacBook Air M1 the glass and panel are not replaced separately: the whole display assembly is replaced, including the lid housing and camera. The old screen is detached at the hinges and cables, the new one connected and tested for picture, brightness, camera and Wi-Fi, because the antennas are in the lid too.
Original or compatible?
There are original and compatible screens. The difference is in brightness, colour rendering and price. Read original or compatible screen.
Repair or replace?
The MacBook Air M1 still gets the newest macOS and is fast enough for daily use. A screen repair is therefore often worth it. Also read our repair guide for the MacBook Air M1 to M5.
Prevention
- Check the keyboard is clear before closing.
- Use a sleeve and do not put chargers against the lid.
- Close the lid at the edge, not in the middle.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We test the screen and the rest of the MacBook, tell you which screen we fit and what it costs, and test everything after the replacement. More on our page about MacBook screen repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the M1 Air screen break so easily?
The lid is thin and the screen is sensitive to pressure. A small object between screen and keyboard is enough.
Does the camera still work after a screen repair?
Yes, the camera is in the new display assembly and is tested too, along with Wi-Fi and the ambient light sensor.
Is an M2 or M3 screen the same?
No, the M2 and newer Air have a different design with a notch. Each model has its own screen.
