Installing MacBook Air 11" Late 2010 Solid-State Drive

Replace the SSD on your MacBook Air 11" Late 2010.

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Use this guide to replace your MacBook Air's removable solid-state drive (SSD).

Sections
Tools
Tools (continued)
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Lower Case  ¶ 

  • Before proceeding, close your computer and lay it on a soft surface top-side down.

  • Remove the following ten screws:

    • Two 8 mm 5-point Pentalobe screws

    • Eight 2.5 mm 5-point Pentalobe screws

  • The special screwdriver needed to remove the eight 5-point Pentalobe screws can be found here.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Wedge your fingers between the display and the lower case and pull upward to pop the lower case off the Air.

  • Remove the lower case and set it aside.

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Add Note Edit Step 3 — Battery  ¶ 

  • In this step you will disconnect the battery to help avoid shorting out any components during service.

  • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry both short sides of the battery connector upward to disconnect it from its socket on the logic board.

  • Bend the battery cable slightly away from the logic board so the connector will not accidentally contact its socket.

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Add Note Edit Step 4 — Solid-State Drive  ¶ 

  • Remove the single 2.9 mm T5 Torx screw securing the SSD to the logic board.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Use a spudger to help lift the free end of the SSD just enough to grab it with your other hand.

  • Do not lift the end of the SSD excessively.

  • Pull the drive straight out of its socket and remove it from the logic board.

  • When reinstalling the SSD, be sure it is properly seated before reinstalling its retaining screw.

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

For more information, check out the MacBook Air 11" Late 2010 device page.

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