MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) Battery Replacement
Compatible models: A2179, EMC 3598
The MacBook Air 13-inch A2179 is the last Intel MacBook Air, released in early 2020 with a Retina display, True Tone and Touch ID. It uses a 49.9Wh battery and charges through either of its two USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports. Intel efficiency is lower than Apple Silicon, and tasks such as video conferencing, browser-heavy workflows and external display use place real demands on the battery. After four to five years of this pattern, capacity loss becomes a practical problem rather than a statistic.
- Turnaround: Same day where possible, subject to stock and workload
- 6-month warranty on the replacement battery
- Walk-in near Liverpool Street Station or use our UK mail-in service
Signs your MacBook Air 13" A2179 battery may need replacing
The Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors in the A2179 draw more power under load than their Apple Silicon successors. Users moving from this machine to an M-series Mac often notice the battery difference acutely. On the A2179 itself, demanding tasks accelerate degradation.
- Battery draining significantly faster than it used to
- Device shutting down unexpectedly, particularly at lower charge percentages
- Only running reliably when connected to power throughout the day
- Battery percentage dropping suddenly or behaving inconsistently
- MacBook running warmer than usual during normal tasks
- Screen lifting slightly from the chassis (can indicate a swollen battery, book as soon as possible)
- True Tone display behaving inconsistently when running on battery power alone
- Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > System Information > Power, then check Cycle Count and Condition
What is included
- Safe removal of the bottom case and existing battery
- Fitting of a quality replacement 49.9Wh battery cell
- Post-repair charging and power stability checks
- Full function test covering power, USB-C charging, keyboard, trackpad and display
- 6-month warranty on the replacement battery
How to confirm your model
Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > System Report > Hardware Overview to check your model identifier.
This repair covers: A2179, EMC 3598.
The model number is also printed on the underside of the machine near the hinge. If you are unsure, bring the MacBook in and we will confirm the model before starting any work.
The A2179 charges via USB-C on either port. If charging only works on one of the two ports, the faulty port may need separate repair. We will assess both during the appointment.
Our repair process
- Book or drop in: Book online or visit us near Liverpool Street Station. Mail-in customers can send their MacBook from anywhere in the UK by tracked post.
- Assessment: We inspect the machine before starting. If we find anything unexpected, we tell you before proceeding.
- Battery replacement: We remove the bottom case, extract the old battery and fit the replacement, then reassemble and reseal carefully.
- Testing: Full post-repair checks covering power, charging and all core functions before the machine is returned.
- Collect or return post: Pick up in store or we return your MacBook by secure tracked post.
Why choose Square Repair?
- Established repair centre near Liverpool Street since 2015
- 6-month warranty on every battery replacement
- No data loss, battery replacement is a hardware-only procedure
- Post-repair testing before handover on every job
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
- Walk-in and UK mail-in options available
Before you book
- If the chassis is bent or the machine has been previously opened, we will advise on any complications before starting
- If there has been liquid exposure, a battery replacement may not resolve all issues. We confirm our findings before proceeding
- If the screen is lifting slightly from the chassis, book as soon as possible. This can indicate a swollen battery that needs urgent attention
- If the machine is completely dead, we carry out a diagnosis before confirming the repair
Related MacBook Air 13" A2179 repairs
- All MacBook Air 13" A2179 repairs
- MacBook Air 13" A2179 charger port repair
- Book your battery replacement
- How our repair service works
- MacBook diagnosis service
Book your repair
Walk-ins are welcome during opening hours near Liverpool Street Station. For mail-in repairs, place your order online so we can track your MacBook from arrival. Any questions about the battery options for your MacBook Air 13" A2179? Contact us and we will help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) needs a new battery?
The usual signs are a battery that drains far faster than it used to, unexpected shutdowns even when there is charge left, and the device only running reliably while plugged in. You may also see sudden percentage drops, the device running warm, or slow charging. You can check the battery condition under System Settings, then Battery. If the back or screen is lifting, treat it as urgent, as that can mean the battery has swollen.
Check current turnaround and reserve a slot on our booking page.
How quickly can you replace the MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) battery?
Most MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) battery replacements are completed the same day when the part is in stock, often within a couple of hours of dropping in near Liverpool Street Station in London. We inspect the device first and confirm the timeframe before starting any work. Mail-in customers can post the device from anywhere in the UK and we turn it around as quickly as the post allows.
Not sure? It is worth booking a quick diagnosis first.
What quality of battery do you use for the MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020)?
We fit a quality replacement battery matched to the MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) and test charging, power stability and capacity before return. Replacing the battery restores the runtime the device had when it was newer and resolves shutdowns caused by a worn cell. Every battery replacement carries a 6-month warranty.
See exactly how we work on our how we work page.
Will my data be wiped when the battery is replaced?
No. A MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) battery replacement is a hardware-only repair, so your photos, apps and settings stay exactly as they are. We still recommend a recent backup beforehand as good practice, in case the device has damage beyond the battery. Nothing about the battery procedure touches your storage.
Browse all MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) repairs while you decide.
My battery looks swollen, what should I do?
A swollen battery is a safety issue and should be dealt with promptly. Stop charging the MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020), avoid pressing on the bulge, and arrange a replacement as soon as you can. Swelling can lift the screen or back panel and, left too long, can damage nearby parts. Bring it in or post it to us and we will replace the battery and check the surrounding components.
It is also worth checking your MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) screen repair.
What warranty is included?
Every MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) battery replacement includes a 6-month warranty, which covers the replacement battery and our fitting. If a warranty-covered fault appears within that period, we put it right at no extra cost. The warranty does not cover fresh liquid exposure or new accidental damage, which we always explain before you book.
Still unsure? get in touch, or explore MacBook Air 13" A2179 (2020) charging port repair and we will help.