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AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement

Introduction

Follow this guide to replace the speaker housing (aka speaker grille) on the left ear cup of your AirPods Max headset.

What you need

  1. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Prepare your headset for disassembly: step 1, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Prepare your headset for disassembly: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Before starting your repair:

    • Unplug and remove all cables and accessories.

    • To help stabilize the ear cups and prevent scratching them, consider placing your AirPods Max on a soft, clean cloth.

    Edit

  2. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the left earpad: step 2, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the left earpad: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • The earpads are secured with magnets.

    • Lift the left earpad (labeled L) straight up and remove it.

    Edit

  3. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the left ear cup: step 3, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the left ear cup: step 3, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the left ear cup: step 3, image 3 of 3

    • Removing the ear cup isn’t required, but can make the repair easier. You can leave the cup attached and remove it later if needed.

    • Insert a SIM eject tool, bit, or a small, straightened paperclip into the hole on the top edge of the right ear cup (labeled L).

    • Push down with your tool and pull the headband connector straight out of its socket.

    • The headband connector should slide out easily. If you're having trouble, reposition the tool and try again—you may need to angle the bit slightly.

    Edit

  4. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Set the left ear cup down: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Set the left ear cup down on a soft, clean cloth to prevent scratches and help stabilize the cup during your repair.

    Edit

  5. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Turn the housing screws to the open position: step 5, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Turn the housing screws to the open position: step 5, image 2 of 2

    • Turn these screws slowly and gently, stopping when you feel resistance—about 1/4 turn. If turned too far, the locking mechanism will break.

    • Use a P5 pentalobe screwdriver to turn (not remove) the four speaker housing screws to the unlocked position:

    • Turn the top left and bottom right screws counterclockwise.

    • Turn the top right and bottom left screws clockwise.

    Edit

  6. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Soften the speaker housing adhesive: step 6, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Soften the speaker housing adhesive: step 6, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Soften the speaker housing adhesive: step 6, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    iOpener
    $14.95
    Buy

    • The perimeter of the speaker housing is secured to the cup with adhesive. This step shows a few methods to soften the adhesive so you can pry up the housing. If one isn't working, try a different method.

    • Option 1: Apply a few drops of high-concentration isopropyl alcohol (>90%) in the gap around the perimeter of the speaker housing. Wait one minute to allow the alcohol to soften the adhesive.

    • Option 2: Heat the speaker housing with an iOpener or hair dryer. Focus the heat around the perimeter, applying small amounts for short periods of time.

    • Don't heat the center of the speaker housing, or you'll damage the fragile mesh under the speaker cutouts and possibly the speaker.

    • For a detailed look at best practices for using a hair dryer, check out this guide.

    Edit

  7. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Pry up the speaker housing: step 7, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Pry up the speaker housing: step 7, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Pry up the speaker housing: step 7, image 3 of 3
    Tool used on this step:
    iSesamo Opening Tool
    $9.99
    Buy

    • The gap between the speaker housing and ear cup is extremely small. You'll need a thin tool such as a metal opening pick, iSesamo, or iFlex to pry up the housing.

    • Don't grip the iFlex or similar metal tools by the edges—they're sharp and may cut you. Consider wearing gloves to protect yourself.

    • Insert the flat side of your opening tool into the gap between the right side of the speaker housing and the lip of the ear cup (opposite the L marking).

    • Pry up the speaker housing until you can grip it with your fingers, applying constant pressure to allow the adhesive to separate.

    • If the housing isn't coming up, repeat the previous step and try again. Don't try and force the housing out or you may damage it.

    Edit

  9. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 8, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 8, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Don't try to fully remove the speaker housing yet—a delicate ribbon cable still connects it to the ear cup.

    • Lift the speaker housing out of the ear cup to fully separate the remaining adhesive.

    • Flip the housing over the side of the cup and prop it up so you can access the cable.

    Edit

  10. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the speaker housing cable cover: step 9, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the speaker housing cable cover: step 9, image 2 of 2
    Tool used on this step:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    Buy

    • Don’t let any screws snap onto the speaker driver diaphragm or they'll damage it. The screws will be drawn towards the center by the speaker's magnet.

    • Remove the four screws securing the cable cover:

    • One 7.5 mm‑long Torx Plus 3IP screw

    • Three 1.7 mm‑long Torx Plus 1IP screws

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

    Edit

  11. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 10, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 10, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 10, image 3 of 3

    • Use tweezers to slightly lift the cover and slide it towards the center of the ear cup to remove it.

    Edit

  12. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Disconnect the speaker housing: step 11, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Disconnect the speaker housing: step 11, image 2 of 2

    • Use a spudger to pry up and disconnect the speaker housing press connector.

    Edit

  13. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Remove the speaker housing: step 12, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the speaker housing.

    Edit

  14. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Disassembly complete: step 13, image 1 of 1

    • Congratulations on completing disassembly! The remaining steps will show how to reassemble your AirPods Max.

    Edit

  15. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Replace the speaker housing adhesive: step 14, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Replace the speaker housing adhesive: step 14, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Replace the speaker housing adhesive: step 14, image 3 of 3

    • Before installing the speaker housing, check the condition of its adhesive—it will be on the underside of the housing, on the metal lip of the ear cup, or on both.

    • Use tweezers and scissors to remove any sections of bunched-up or overlapping adhesive that would prevent the housing from sitting perfectly flat.

    • Try to remove as little adhesive as possible. If all the adhesive looks fine, you can skip this step.

    • Apply thin, double-sided adhesive where you removed the original, using short sections to help match the curve of the lip.

    • Don't remove the top adhesive liners yet—the adhesive should not be exposed.

    • Make sure not to double up on any sections (i.e. don't apply adhesive on the ear cup if it's already on the corresponding spot on the housing).

    Edit

  16. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Reconnect the speaker housing: step 15, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Reconnect the speaker housing: step 15, image 2 of 2

    • Hold the speaker housing up and use your finger to press down and reconnect its press connector.

    Edit

  17. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the connector cover: step 16, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the connector cover: step 16, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the connector cover: step 16, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the tab on the connector cover into its slot and lay the cover down.

    • Make sure the cover isn't covering the cable. Otherwise, it will get damaged when installing the screws.

    Edit

  18. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 17, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement: step 17, image 2 of 2

    • Install the four screws securing the cable cover:

    • One 7.5 mm‑long Torx Plus 3IP screw

    • Three 1.7 mm‑long Torx Plus 1IP screws

    Edit

  19. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the speaker housing: step 18, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the speaker housing: step 18, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the speaker housing: step 18, image 3 of 3

    • If you installed replacement adhesive, remove any liners to expose the adhesive.

    • Flip the speaker housing into the cup and press it into place around the perimeter.

    • Don't press on the center of the housing or you may damage the grille and/or speaker underneath.

    Edit

  20. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Turn the housing screws to the closed position: step 19, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Turn the housing screws to the closed position: step 19, image 2 of 2

    • Turn these screws slowly and gently, stopping when you feel resistance—about 1/4 turn. If turned too far, the locking mechanism will break.

    • Use a P5 pentalobe screwdriver to turn the four speaker housing screws to the locked position:

    • Turn the top left and bottom right screws clockwise.

    • Turn the top right and bottom left screws counterclockwise.

    Edit

  21. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the left ear cup: step 20, image 1 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the left ear cup: step 20, image 2 of 3 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the left ear cup: step 20, image 3 of 3

    • The headband and ear cup should be oriented in the "closed" position (how they would be when stored in a case) when installing them.

    • Hold the ear cup steady with one hand, and use your free hand to firmly push the headband connector into its slot, twisting it slightly—it should click into place.

    • The connector should slide in easily. If it's not, make sure you're installing the ear cup on the correct side.

    Edit

  22. AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the left ear pad: step 21, image 1 of 2 AirPods Max Left Speaker Housing Replacement, Install the left ear pad: step 21, image 2 of 2

    • Place the earpad into its cup—it should "snap" into place.

    Edit
Conclusion

Congratulations on completing your repair!

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.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 09/14/22

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