MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 SSD Replacement

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Apr 09, 2019 - 04:44:58

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Introduction

Use this guide to upgrade or replace the solid-state drive in a MacBook Pro 15” Late 2013. This MacBook Pro uses a proprietary storage drive connector, and is therefore not compatible with common M.2 drives without the use of an adapter.

Before you perform this repair, if at all possible, back up your existing SSD. Then, either familiarize yourself with internet recovery or create a bootable external drive so you’ll be ready to install macOS onto your new drive and migrate your data to the new SSD.

Finally, we strongly recommend installing macOS 10.13 High Sierra (or a later macOS) before replacing the original SSD from your MacBook Pro. Most new SSDs require updated storage drivers not found in versions of macOS prior to High Sierra.

What you need

Step 1 Lower Case

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 SSD Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1

Remove the following P5 pentalobe screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro:
Eight 3.0 mm
Two 2.3 mm

Step 2

Lifting from the edge nearest the clutch cover, lift the lower case off the MacBook Pro.
Set the lower case aside.

Step 3 Battery Connector

MacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Late 2013 SSD Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 1 of 1

Peel back the warning label covering the battery connector.

Step 4

Using the flat end of a spudger, gently pry the battery connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
Bend the battery cables back and out of the way, ensuring that the battery connector doesn't accidentally make contact with the logic board.