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MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement

What you need

  1. MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Lower Case: step 1, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the following ten screws securing the lower case to the upper case:

    • Three 13.5 mm (14.1 mm) Phillips screws.

    • Seven 3 mm Phillips screws.

    • When removing these screws, note how they come out at a slight angle. They must be reinstalled the same way.

  2. MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1
    • Using both hands, lift the lower case near the vent to pop it off two clips securing it to the upper case.

    • Remove the lower case and set it aside.

  3. MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 1 of 2 MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery Connector: step 3, image 2 of 2
    • For certain repairs (e.g. hard drive), disconnecting the battery connector is not necessary but is recommended as it prevents any accidental shorting of electronics on the motherboard. If you do not disconnect the battery connector, please be careful as parts of the motherboard might be electrified.

    • 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.

  4. MacBook Pro 15" 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 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery: step 5, image 1 of 1
    • Remove the two 7.4 mm Tri-point screws securing the battery to the upper case.

  6. MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 Battery Replacement: step 6, image 1 of 1
    • Carefully peel the battery warning label rounded end (the one without glue) off the upper case between the battery and the optical drive to reveal an additional Tri-point screw.

    • Remove the last 7.4 mm Y0 Tri-point screw securing the battery to the upper case.

    • Do not remove the label from the battery.

  7. MacBook Pro 15" 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

Compare your new replacement part to the original part—you may need to transfer remaining components or remove adhesive backings from the new part before installing.

To reassemble your device, follow the above steps in reverse order.

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

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Check out our Answers community for troubleshooting help.

393 other people completed this guide.

41 Comments

Very well documented and easy to follow.

russlein - Reply

I'd say this difficulty should be rated as easy, not moderate - it's well written and easy to follow, and documents one of the more simple procedures.

graham - Reply

I think they rate it as "moderate" for needing to acquire the "Y" type screwdriver, but, (and here's a protip for first timers...) A small straight-blade actually fits and turns the screw as normal, with no need for special tools. :)

pyrodice -

hello everybody

I am looking for a genuine brand new for my APPLE MACBOOK PRO 15.4 2.2GHZ early 2011 A1286

Someone cane help find it?

BOLLE - Reply

The guide says to use a Y1 Triwing for the battery screws. The Triwing heads are smaller than that. I had a Y1 and it didn't fit. I kludged it with pliers and a Philips P000.

ecomm - Reply

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