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MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement

What you need

Video Overview

  1. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following ten screws:

    • Three 14.4 mm Phillips #00 screws

    • Three 3.5 mm Phillips #00 screws

    • Four 3.5 mm shouldered Phillips #00 screws

    • When replacing the small screws, align them perpendicular to the slight curvature of the case (they don't go straight down).

  2. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 2, image 2 of 2
    • Use your fingers to pry the lower case away from the body of the MacBook near the vent.

    • Remove the lower case.

  3. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery Connection: step 3, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery Connection: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • Use the edge of a spudger to pry the battery connector upwards from its socket on the logic board.

    • It is useful to pry upward on both short sides of the connector to "walk" it out of its socket. Be careful with the corners of the connectors, they can be easily broken off.

  4. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1
    • Bend the battery cable slightly away from its socket on the logic board so it does not accidentally connect itself while you work.

  5. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following two screws:

    • One 5.6 mm Tri-point screw

    • One 13 mm Tri-point screw

  6. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Carefully peel the battery warning label off the upper case between the battery and the optical drive.

    • Do not remove the label from the battery.

  7. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1
    • Use the attached plastic pull tab to remove the battery from the upper case.

    • If you're installing a new battery, you should calibrate it after installation:

    • Charge it to 100%, and then keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Next, unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.

    • If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to reset your MacBook's SMC.

Conclusion

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

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13 Comments

Be careful with the four little "shouldered" screws on the bottom of the case towards the touchpad. They go back in at a slight angle. If you can't get the screws flush with the case, try tilting them a bit before screwing them in.

tim - Reply

That was extremely helpful!

LeFixur -

Just replaced the battery of MacBook Pro Early 2011. Shipment was blazing fast. I ordered on Saturday and received the battery on Monday morning. It took me just 15 minutes with the right tools to change the battery. iFixit's step by step guide helped me to accomplish the task perfectly in the right way.

naveednajam - Reply

I ordered a replacement battery from iFixit to squeeze some more life out of my early 2011 Macbook Pro. The new battery is great, my computer lasts way longer now which is super helpful. The guide helped me easily swap out the battery in less than 20 minutes. :)

Drew Dittmann - Reply

I ordered a new battery and the required supplied to replace the batter in my early-2011 13" MacBook Pro. The process was extremely easy and took about 15-20 minutes. I was a little disappointed with the actual battery performance. Before replacing, my battery lasted about 30 minutes. Now it's about 2-2 1/2 hours. I was hoping the new battery replacement I purchased from them would have a longer life than 2 1/2 hours.

Cara Bunker - Reply

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