DIY MacBook Pro 15 Hard Drive Replacement Guide
Duration: 45 minutes
Steps: 16 Steps
Heads up! You might encounter some tiny screws and delicate parts. No worries, though. Just keep cool, work patiently, and if you get stuck, you can always schedule a repair.
Feel free to pop in hard drives that are up to 9.5mm thick. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair!
Step 2
– Take out the three matching Phillips screws from the memory door and get ready for your next move!
Step 3
– Give the memory door a gentle lift to get a good grip, then slide it towards you like you’re opening a treasure chest, pulling it away from the casing with confidence!
Step 4
– Time to get your screwdriver ready! Unscrew those two 2.8 mm Phillips screws hanging out in the battery compartment by the latch. You’ve got this!
Step 5
– Time to get your screwdriver ready! Let’s tackle those 6 screws and get this repair party started!
Step 6
– Unscrew those four 3.2 mm Phillips screws on the port side of your device and let the adventure begin!
Step 7
– Give your computer a little twist and turn it 90 degrees! Now, let’s get those two 3.2 mm Phillips screws out from the back. You’ve got this!
Step 8
– Give your computer a little twist and turn it 90 degrees once more. Now, let’s tackle those four 3.2 mm Phillips screws hanging out on the side. Time to show them who’s boss!
Step 9
Take your time when lifting off the upper case. It’s connected to the logic board by a delicate ribbon cable, so gentle does it!
– Lift up the back of the case and run your fingers along the sides, freeing it as you go. Once you’ve got the sides loose, you might need to wiggle the case up and down to pop the front free (there are some sneaky plastic clips hidden in there). If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
Step 10
– Unhook the trackpad and keyboard ribbon cable from the logic board, peeling off any tape that’s in the way.
– Pop off the upper case.
Step 11
– Pop that orange hard drive ribbon cable off the logic board.
Step 12
The ribbon cable might be a bit stuck to the hard drive with some glue. No worries! Just take your time and gently lift it up little by little using a spudger. You’ve got this!
– Time to bust out your trusty spudger! Gently work that adhesive to free the sleep light and IR sensor connectors from the top of the hard drive, they’ll be buddies no more.
Tools Used
Step 13
Keep an eye out for those sneaky Phillips screws that might show up in some models!
– First things first, let’s tackle those two T6 screws that are keeping the hard drive retaining bracket snug as a bug on the right side of the drive. Time to unscrew them!
– Now, gently lift that hard drive retaining bracket up and out of the computer. You’re doing great!
Step 14
– With one hand, lift the hard drive and with your other hand, unplug the hard drive cable. Need help? You can always schedule a repair.
Step 15
When changing drives, be sure to transfer those screws and bumpers over to your new hard drive! If you need help, you can always schedule a repair
– Go ahead and take out those two shiny silver T6 Torx screws and the black rubber bumpers from the right side of the hard drive. You’ve got this!
Step 16
Make sure to transfer those screws and bumpers to your shiny new hard drive if you’re swapping it out.
Thinking about installing a new hard drive? Don’t worry, we’ve got a handy OS X install guide to help you get everything set up smoothly.
– Take out those two black T6 Torx screws and the black rubber bumpers from the left side of the hard drive. If you need help, you can always schedule a repair.
