MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Hard Drive Replacement

Written By: Andrew Bookholt

Comments: 6

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Hard Drive Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

Internal prerequisite.

Tools

Phillips #00 Screwdriver

Step 1

Remove the two Phillips screws securing the hard drive bracket to the upper case.
These screws will remain attached to the hard drive bracket.

These were Philips #0 screws in my computer.

Church Tucker - 26/12/15

FYI my used Mac didn’t have the bracket or screws. 3D printed the bracket someone did (it’s on Thingiverse), M2x10mm screws were short but worked.

sbierly - 05/01/20

Step 2

Remove the hard drive bracket.
The hard drive bracket may be firmly seated against the upper case.

Don't miss this step: I almost did and of course couldn't get the disk out until I looked at the video !

francistasset - 21/04/15

Step 3

Use the attached pull tab to lift the hard drive out of the upper case.
Don't try to completely remove the hard drive just yet. It is still attached to the hard drive cable.

Step 4

Pull the hard drive cable away from the body of the hard drive.
Remove the hard drive.

The hard drive cable is a recalled part on these machines. You may need to replace it before your drive will be read correctly. The Apple Store will replace your cable for free if it's problematic.

Eric March - 09/01/17

@emarch wrote "The hard drive cable is a recalled part on these machines. You may need to replace it before your drive will be read correctly. The Apple Store will replace your cable for free if it's problematic."

Thank you, Eric. This is excellent information. I'm reading this guide because my Mac booted with the flashing 'folder with question mark' icon. It turns out that my drive is no longer recognized internally, but thankfully it works okay through a USB hard drive adapter cable--phew. I read somewhere (on iFixit?) that some have had success by putting two layers of masking tape on the plastic around the data side of the SATA connector on the hard drive; supposedly this improves the fit and contact. I might try this or otherwise replace the cable (c/o Apple or DIY). Thanks again!

Sean Stewart -

dont forget to save the torx T6 screws froom your old hard drive and install in your new one if you are replaceing the HDD at the same time

Charlie -