Do you want to increase the space available on your MacBook, or replace an old faulty hard drive? Removing a hard drive from your MacBook is one of the simplest maintenance tasks to perform - you can complete it in minutes. Replacing your old hard drive with a new one is as quick and easy as snapping your fingers, and all you need to do next is reinstall the operating system.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Open the MacBook
Step 1. Backup your files
If you are replacing the hard drive, you will need to reinstall OS X. Since the files are stored on the drive you are replacing, you will need to back up any files you want to transfer to the new drive. This will make the reinstallation less traumatic.
See this guide for detailed backup instructions
Step 2. Turn off your MacBook
Disconnect the power. You must shut down your Mac before opening the panel, or you run the risk of causing a short circuit.
Please note: You cannot remove the hard drive from a MacBook Pro with Retina display, as these models use built-in flash memory, as opposed to traditional drives
Step 3. Turn the MacBook over and place it on a surface you can work on
You will need to access the rear panel of the MacBook. Put it on a table or workbench, so you can work without having to bend over.
Step 4. Remove the 10 panel retaining screws
These are positioned along the edges of the back panel. The exact location of the screws varies by model, but in total there are always 10. To remove them you will need a Phillips screwdriver. There are usually two types of screws:
- 7 screws 3 mm.
- 3 x 13.5mm screws.
- The 13-inch MacBook Pro may have a slightly different configuration, but the screws are still 10.
Step 5. Lift the back panel
Put your fingers in the opening between the fan and the lower case and lift the panel. Doing so will detach the panel fixing clips.
Step 6. Disconnect the battery connector
This connector powers the motherboard, and should be disconnected before proceeding, to avoid short circuits. It is black, located on the edge of the motherboard, and is the largest connector connected to the motherboard. Disconnect it without twisting it so as not to damage it.
- If there is a fin attached to the connector, use it to pull it out.
- If there is no flap, you can use an inserter or cocktail toothpick to push the connector out.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Hard Drive
Step 1. Locate the hard drive
It is rectangular in shape and is located in one of the corners. Most hard drives have a speed and capacity label, so check the label if you are unsure. A bright metallic part is visible on many hard drives, but not all.
Step 2. Remove the drive retaining screws
There are 2 small Phillips screws that secure the disc, positioned along the edge, and must be removed in order to extract it.
The two screws will remain attached to the hard drive bracket
Step 3. Lift the stand
Once the screws are loosened, you can take out the disk holder to which they are attached by pulling it out of the case.
Step 4. Pull the flap that comes out from under the disc
Gently pull the flap to eject the hard drive. Do not pull it out completely, as there is still a cable connected to the rear of the disc.
If there is no flap you can use your fingers to take out the disc
Step 5. Disconnect the hard drive
Take the connector attached to the drive from both sides. Disconnect the disc connector without twisting. Since it may be firmly connected to the disc, pull it out by gently pulling first on one side and then on the other.
Pull the drive completely out of the MacBook, so you have access to the screws on the side of the drive
Step 6. Remove the screws from the drive
The hard drive has four T6 (Phillips) Torx screws, two on each side. They are used to fix the disc to its seat. You will need to put them back on the new hard drive, so set them aside.
You can also detach the flap of the old disk and set it aside, to later attach it to the new one
Part 3 of 3: Install the New Hard Drive
Step 1. Make sure your new hard drive is compatible
The new hard drive must be a 2.5 notebook drive, up to 9.5 mm high. It can also be a standard hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD).
An SSD drive can increase loading speed significantly, but it is usually more expensive than a normal hard drive
Step 2. Mount the four Torx screws to the drive
Mount the screws in the same position they were on the old drive. Screw them in by hand, but don't overdo it, as you could damage the disc casing.
You can reattach the tab if you wish. Attach the tab to the back of the drive (make sure it is not in contact with any circuitry), so that it comes out from underneath when the drive is inserted
Step 3. Connect the cables to the drive
Insert the disk connector into the slot located on the top. You can only enter it one way. Make sure the connector is fully seated and secured.
Step 4. Insert the disc into the compartment
Gently insert the disc into its compartment, making sure it is properly aligned. The Torx screws should easily fit into the mounting slots on both sides.
Step 5. Secure the stand
Reinsert the holder on the side of the drive and secure it with the two screws provided. Again, screw them by hand without tightening them too much.
Step 6. Connect the battery
Snap the battery connector back onto the motherboard. Be careful not to touch any circuits, especially after resetting the connection.
Step 7. Close the case
Put the back panel back on and secure it with the 10 screws. Make sure the back panel fits snugly into the slot.
Step 8. Install OS X
When you mount a new hard drive, you need to reinstall the operating system. You can do this using the installation disc or via the internet if you have a network connection. Check out this guide for detailed instructions.
Step 9. Convert your old hard drive to an external drive
If your old hard drive works and you just wanted to improve your system performance, you can convert it to a portable external USB drive. All you need is an external hard drive case, which you can find at any electronics store.
