iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, Two ports) Audio Board
Before You Begin
Remove the following parts before you begin:
Tools
3.5 mm hex nut driver
EarPods with 3.5 mm headphone plug
ESD-safe tweezers
Nylon probe (black stick)
Support wedges
Torx T3 screwdriver
![](https://cdsassets.apple.com/live/SZLF0YNV/service-documentation/ssr/imac-24-m1-2021-2-ports-j457/100820-audio-board/000_RP1739_Locator.jpg)
Important
The power button flex cable connects to the audio board. Damage to the power button flex cable requires a replacement housing.
Removal
Partially peel up the audio board flex cable (1) to access the connector near the edge of the housing.
Use the flat end of the black stick to press and hold the “PUSH” button on the audio board zero-insertion force (ZIF) connector (2). Use ESD-safe tweezers to grasp the end of the flex cable and slide it out of the connector (3).
Use the T3 screwdriver to remove the upper three T3 screws (923-05574) and the lower T3 screw (923-05668) from the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna.
Note: The bottom screw has a larger head than the top three screws.
Gently move aside the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna to access the power button flex cable underneath.
Flip up the locking lever of the power button flex cable connector. Then use ESD-safe tweezers to slide the end of the power button flex cable out of the connector on the audio board.
Caution: The power button flex cable is a nonremovable part. If the flex cable is damaged, you must replace the housing.
Use the T3 screwdriver to remove the upper T3 screw (923-05670) and the lower T3 screw (923-05669) from the audio board.
Use the 3.5 mm hex nut driver to remove the 3.5 mm hex screw (923-05671) from the audio board.
Insert the flat end of the black stick under the audio board to loosen the adhesive in the areas shown (1, 2). Then use ESD-safe tweezers to gently peel up the audio board and remove it from the housing.
Reassembly
Align the screw holes in the audio board with the screw holes in the housing.
Use the T3 screwdriver to partially reinstall the upper T3 screw (923-05670) and the lower T3 screw (923-05669) into the audio board.
Use the 3.5 mm hex nut driver to partially reinstall the 3.5 mm hex screw (923-05671).
Plug the EarPods into the 3.5 mm headphone jack to ensure audio board alignment. Adjust the alignment of the audio board until the plug is easy to insert and remove.
Use the T3 screwdriver to fully reinstall the T3 screws. Then use the 3.5 mm hex nut driver to fully reinstall the 3.5 mm hex screw.
Unplug the EarPods.
Readhere the top portion of the audio board to the housing.
Note: If you’re installing a replacement part, remove the adhesive backing from the top portion of the audio board, then adhere it to the housing.
Slide the end of the audio board flex cable into the ZIF connector.
Caution: Ensure that the audio board flex cable is fully inserted into the ZIF connector. A partially connected flex cable may prevent the computer from turning on.
Slide the end of the power button cable into the connector on the audio board. Then flip down the locking lever.
Position the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna in the housing.
Use the T3 screwdriver to reinstall the upper three T3 screws (923-05574) and the lower T3 screw (923-05668) into the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna.
Important: Reinstall the T3 screw with the larger head into the bottom screw hole on the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna.
Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly: