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Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove and replace the Solid State Drive (SSD) in your Dell XPS 15 9520.

Before you perform this repair, back up your existing SSD if possible. If you’re replacing the SSD where your operating system is installed, familiarize yourself with a disk cloning utility so you’ll be ready to migrate your data to the new SSD.

What you need

  1. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unfasten the back cover: step 1, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unfasten the back cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • For your safety, discharge the battery below 25% and power down your device before disassembly.

    • Use a Torx T5 screwdriver to remove the eight 3.3 mm-long screws securing the back cover.

    Edit

  2. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Insert an opening pick: step 2, image 2 of 2

    • Insert an opening pick between the bottom-left corner of the aluminum back cover and the chassis.

    • Leave the pick inserted before continuing to the next step.

    Edit

  3. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Release the corner clip: step 3, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Release the corner clip: step 3, image 2 of 2

    • Insert the flat end of the spudger into the gap you just created.

    • Pry up to release the corner clips.

    • Repeat this process for the opposite corner of the back cover.

    Edit

  5. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unclip the front edge: step 4, image 1 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unclip the front edge: step 4, image 2 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unclip the front edge: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Reinsert your opening pick under the aluminum cover at the front edge of the laptop.

    • Pry to loosen the cover.

    • Pry at multiple locations along the front edge to release all of the retaining clips.

    • Do not use a sliding motion along the front edge. This may damage cables near the trackpad.

    Edit

  6. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 5, image 1 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 5, image 2 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the back cover: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • The edges of the back cover are very sharp. Use caution when handling it.

    • Lift the back cover off the chassis and remove it.

    • If the back cover feels stuck to the chassis, use an opening pick to release any remaining clips around the back cover's perimeter.

    Edit

  7. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 6, image 1 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 6, image 2 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Disconnect the battery: step 6, image 3 of 3

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to push the battery connector's square tab away from the socket and disconnect it.

    Edit

  8. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unfasten the SSD cover: step 7, image 1 of 2 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Unfasten the SSD cover: step 7, image 2 of 2

    • Use your Phillips screwdriver to remove the 2.6 mm-long screw securing the SSD cover.

    Edit

  9. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD cover: step 8, image 1 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD cover: step 8, image 2 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD cover: step 8, image 3 of 3

    • Grip edges of the SSD cover near the screw indent.

    • Pull the cover from the chassis to free it from the silver retaining peg.

    • Remove the SSD cover.

    Edit

  10. Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 9, image 1 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 9, image 2 of 3 Dell XPS 15 9520 SSD Replacement, Remove the SSD: step 9, image 3 of 3

    • Grip the edges of the SSD near the screw indent.

    • Pull the SSD straight out of its socket and remove it.

    • If it feels stuck, wiggle it side to side as you pull.

    Edit
Conclusion

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

Take your e-waste to an R2 or e-Stewards certified recycler.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Dell XPS answers community for help.

2 other people completed this guide.

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Clay Eickemeyer

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