MacBook Unibody Model A1278 Hard Drive Replacement

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Featured Guide

This guide has been found to be exceptionally cool by the iFixit staff.

  • Author: Andrew Bookholt
  • Time required: Example: 15 to 30 minutes
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Add Note x
  • x 104

When replacing your hard drive, you must transfer the Torx screws from the old drive to the new one.

Sections
Tools
Relevant Parts
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Access Door  ¶ 

  • With the case closed, place the Unibody top-side down on a flat surface.

  • Depress the grooved side of the access door release latch enough to grab the free end. Lift the release latch until it is vertical.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • The access door should now be raised enough to lift it up and out of the Unibody.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Battery  ¶ 

  • Be sure the access door release latch is vertical before proceeding.

  • Grab the white plastic tab and pull the battery up and out of the Unibody.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Hard Drive  ¶ 

  • Remove the single Phillips screw securing the hard drive bracket to the upper case.

  • This screw is captive to the hard drive bracket.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Lift the hard drive by its pull tab enough to grab and remove the retaining bracket.

  • Lift the hard drive out of the chassis, minding the cable attaching it to the computer.

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Add Note Edit Step 6  ¶ 

  • Remove the hard drive from its cable by pulling the cable connector straight away from the drive.

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Add Note Edit Step 7 — Hard Drive Replacement  ¶ 

  • Remove the two T6 Torx screws from each side of the hard drive (four screws total).

  • You'll need to transfer these screws to your new hard drive if you're changing drives.

  • If you are installing a new hard drive, we have an OS X install guide to get you up and running.

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

For more information, check out the MacBook Unibody Model A1278 device page.

Required Tools

Spudger

$2.95 · 50+ In stock

T6 Torx Screwdriver

$4.95 · 50+ In stock

Phillips #00 Screwdriver

$4.95 · 50+ In stock

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