iFixit

Disconnect the trackpad and keyboard ribbon cable from the logic board, removing tape as necessary.

Note: It is possible to replace the hard drive without disconnecting the keyboard from the chassis, but it will need to be held upright to keep it out of the way, while still allowing you both hands to work on the drive removal. Be careful when removing the keyboard-trackpad ribbon cable to ensure that the rear of the upper case is disengaged from the area near the hinge. It is easy to accidentally bend the screw receivers on either side of the keyboard.

• Remove the upper case.

Disconnect the orange hard drive ribbon cable from the logic board.

Remove tape as necessary and use a spudger (or carefully push a credit card under the tape) to carefully loosen the adhesive securing the sleep light and IR sensor connectors to the top of the hard drive.

Remove the two 8.2 mm T6 Torx screws securing the hard drive retaining bracket to the lower case.

• Use a spudger if the hard drive ribbon cable is firmly glued to the top of the drive. You might have to work slowly in order to not damage it.

Lift the hard drive retaining bracket up and out of the computer.

Lift up the hard drive with one hand and use your other hand to disconnect the hard drive cable.

Remove the two silver T6 6 mm Torx screws from the left side of the hard drive.

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

Remove the two black T6 Torx screws and white rubber bumpers from the right side of the hard drive.

You'll need to transfer these screws and bumpers 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.