Hard Drive Replacement for an Apple Computer
- Kunal Pankajkumar Kantawala
- Andrea Reynolds
- Jon Wright (Deactivated)
Overview
Depending on the model of your Apple computer, you may be able to replace your hard drive or solid state drive. First and foremost you will need to figure out what model computer you have. To do so, go to the logo in the upper left corner of your screen and choose "About this Mac"
Once you know your MacBook model, you can compare it to the list below to see if the Hard Drive can be repaired/replaced by the end user (that's you!)
Newest Apple Computers
Many portable Apple computers now have an "on-boarded" Solid State Drive (SSD) which means the drive is soldered onto the main logic board. Do not attempt to remove these. If you have one of these models, it is recommended that you bring the computer directly to an Apple Certified Repair Technician.
User Changeable Hard Drives / Solid State Drives
- MacBook Core 2 Duo
- MacBook Unibody
- MacBook Pro 13″ (2009-2012)
- MacBook Pro 13″ with Retina Display (Late 2012-Early 2015)
- MacBook Pro 15″ (2008-2012)
- MacBook Pro 15″ with Retina Display (Mid 2012-Mid 2015)
- MacBook Pro 17″ (All Models)
- MacBook Air 11″ (2010-2015)
- MacBook Air 13″ (2010-2017)
This means that the Mac models you can’t upgrade the hard drive in are:
- Retina MacBook (All Models)
- MacBook Pro 13” (2016-2017)
- MacBook Pro 13” with Touch Bar (All Models)
- MacBook Pro 15” with Touch Bar (All Models)
- MacBook Air 13″ with Retina Display
MacBook Pro
Instructions and images for replacing the Hard Drive in a 13" MacBook Pro: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_13%22
Instructions and images for replacing the Hard Drive in a 15" MacBook Pro: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Pro_15%22
MacBook Air
Instructions and images for replacing the Hard Drive in a MacBook Air: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/MacBook_Air
Next Steps
To make your computer functional again, you will need to reinstall the operating system on your computer. Start your computer then press and hold one of the following:
Command (⌘)-R
Install the latest macOS that was installed on your Mac.
Option-⌘-R
Upgrade to the latest macOS compatible with your Mac.
Shift-Option-⌘-R
Install the macOS that came with your Mac, or the closest version still available.