If I replace the battery in my m1 macbook air do I need a battery press?

First, the quality of third party Lithium-ion Batteries is extremely poor so if an official Apple battery is still an option, then that is the best option for multiple reasons as already mentioned here by myself and others.

As the others have mentioned OWC does provide installation videos which may prove informative here.

When using an adhesive, it is necessary to add some pressure to help create & activate a strong adhesive bond. Apple has made a special add-on to their iPhone press to allow for safely pressing against the battery on a MBAir when the battery has been replaced. This special press and add-on tool is only available to Apple Authorized Service Providers and is very expensive anyway.

Using any other method to press the battery to the palmrest and adhesive is risky to both the battery and the laptop. The battery is easily damaged as it is only covered in a thin mylar sheet that is easily punctured. Plus too much pressure against the battery can damage the battery cells which could lead to battery damage which could lead to a defective battery or even worse a battery fire. Be extremely careful.

Also keep in mind these Apple batteries are extremely fragile and must be handled very carefully to avoid damage and risk of fire or leaking of toxic chemicals. In addition, you must take care to properly recycle the Lithium-ion battery with a recycling center capable of handling Lithium-ion batteries.

While I personally will only choose an official OEM battery whenever possible, the next best option is one from OWC, however, over the years I have received a lot of poor quality batteries from them as well for our organization's thousands of laptops.

ku4hx wrote:

What's a battery press?

It is an Apple iPhone tool used to press the new Display Assembly to the frame of the phone so that the adhesive is "activated" to hold the glass and help seal the iPhone from water. Apple made an adapter to use this press to install the battery for a newer MBAir.

See this article which shows what is included in the Apple iPhone self repair kit which shows the press:

https://appleinsider.com/articles/22/04/30/apples-self-repair-program-toolkit---hands-on-with-whats-inside

Actually, that is the answer here.

You will forfeit any warranty and/or Apple will refuse to do any work on a device if you open it. And, we are not allowed to post any do-it-yourself methods. If you want a different answer, you will need to ask elsewhere.

babowa wrote:

And, we are not allowed to post any do-it-yourself methods.

so I'm wondering why 4 or 5 times, (at least) I have provided links to OWC's DIY videos where that post was then recommended by apple.

Don't ask me, I have posted links to OWC install videos; maybe because they identify problematc installs or those that should be done by a professional. They do not list subject battery (or the entire device) at all. That makes them different from the true take apart/strip any device sites - a link to those will disappear promptly. I have had mine disappear and no longer mention it.

You are welcome to experiment yourself. Or, better yet, this is a question for the lounge or the hosts.

ok, maybe it depends on the level of difficulty needed for the hardware swap. I normally don't recommend DIY installs because of the level of difficulty involved. I will only recommend things that should be easy for most end users to accomplish. and it hasn't been just the "recommended by apple" posts. I haven't had any other one removed by the moderators yet either.

If you take it to Apple for service, you don't need anything.

babowa wrote:

Or, better yet, this is a question for the lounge or the hosts.

unfortunately I'm not yet welcome in the lounge. :(

Ahh,forgot about that - it'll be soon enough!

babowa wrote:

it'll be soon enough!

thanks for the confidence boost! :) and I enjoy participating here regardless of levels and points. :)

I think points are pointless and my point of view is well known, LOL.

What's a battery press?