Headphone · Apple · AirPods Max 1st Gen
Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen Cable Repair
Cable Repair guide for the Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen
Before you begin
Tools
- SIM card eject tool
- Torx T3 screwdriver
- Plastic spudger
- Tweezers
- Anti-static wrist strap
Parts / materials
- Replacement AirPods Max headband flex cable
- Isopropyl alcohol (99%)
Safety
- Wear eye protection to prevent injury from small hardware or springs.
- Handle delicate internal flex cables with precision tools to prevent tearing.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Remove the Magnetic Ear Cushions
1 minPull both magnetic ear cushions directly off the left and right earcups. Set them aside on a clean surface.
- 2
Locate the Headband Release Pinhole
2 minRotate the earcups flat and look inside the top edge of the driver assembly for the tiny pinhole. Align the hole directly under the headband joint.
- 3
Insert the SIM Eject Tool
2 minInsert a SIM eject tool into the pinhole while applying slight pressure. Push until you feel the locking mechanism release.
- 4
Detach the Left Ear Cup
2 minPull the headband stem straight out from the left earcup connector socket. Take care not to twist the connector pins during removal.
- 5
Detach the Right Ear Cup
2 minInsert the SIM tool into the right earcup pinhole to unlock it. Slide the right headband stem out from the earcup.
- 6
Remove the Hinge Stem Cover Screws
3 minUse a Torx T3 screwdriver to remove the two screws securing the inner metal cover on the headband hinge stem.
- 7
Pry Open the Stem Housing
3 minInsert a plastic spudger into the seam of the stem housing. Gently pry open the housing to expose the ribbon cable connector.
- 8
Disconnect the Damaged Ribbon Cable
2 minUse fine-tipped tweezers to carefully lift the flex cable connector straight up out of its socket. Avoid bending the surrounding contacts.
- 9
Remove the Faulty Flex Cable
3 minUnthread the damaged flex cable from the guide channel inside the headband hinge assembly. Inspect the channel for any debris.
- 10
Thread the Replacement Cable
4 minGuide the new ribbon flex cable through the hinge channel in the exact orientation of the old cable. Ensure it sits flush in the groove.
- 11
Connect the New Flex Cable
2 minAlign the cable connector with the socket on the stem. Press down gently until it clicks securely into place.
- 12
Reinstall the Stem Cover Screws
3 minPlace the metal stem cover back over the housing. Secure it using the two Torx T3 screws.
- 13
Reattach the Headband to Ear Cups
3 minPush each headband stem back into its corresponding earcup socket until you hear a distinct click confirming it is locked.
- 14
Replace the Ear Cushions
1 minAlign the magnetic ear cushions with the earcups. Snap them back into position.
After your Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen cable repair
Power the AirPods Max 1st Gen back on and test the cable repair function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Apple AirPods Max 1st Gen repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
