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MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement

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  1. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement, Lower Case: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • 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).

    How much weight can I save by removing the optical drive?

    gunes314 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    You can save a lot of weight if lets say your installing a solid state drive or putting in a second hard drive but if you know that you use the CD/DVD disc drive a lot then you might just want to leave the drive alone.

    Marshall WahlstromHelgren -

    Tip: Use one of those weekday pill holders to have a cheep way to store screws you remove and each day of the week can be for different sizes or parts. It has been handy to have (much less expensive than the magnetic mat.

    Robert Wacker - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Hello, where can I buy the screws I need in case I lose one of them?

    taylornya - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I have one stripped screw... How opening without drill it?! Any suggestions please?

    rodrigosady - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I also stripped a couple screws. I wasn’t able to open it up without drilling. After drilling the heads and removing the cover it was easy to hacksaw the tip and unscrew with a standard driver.

    Michael Wilkens -

    My top tip - make sure you buy good quality Phillips screwdrivers and a magnetic holder. Cheap screwdrivers won’t get the screws undone safely. Without a magnetic holder you have no chance of getting the tiny crews in and out safely.

    jeremyyoung - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    A good Phillips 00 is your friend here. Also, when reinserting the screws, gently start anticlockwise and you wil feel a click at the start of the thread. This tells you you’re in the right place and less likely to cross-thread through force in the wrong place.

    Iain Boyd - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I feel like these are 000 screws. Amazon sales describe them as such and my 000 screwdriver fits better

    cam2000deluxe -

    Before ordering a new Trackpad remove the existing battery and try clicking the Trackpad. If it clicks OK with the battery out the source of problem is likely a swollen battery, which should to be replaced even if it still works to some degree. From the side of the battery you will likely see the soft part of the battery bulging beyond the hard case.

    Patrick Langvardt - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    That’s absolutely correct as I can testify. With the battery removed I also adjusted the T6 set screw that adjusts the sensitivity of the trackpad click, evidently someone had cranked mine down tighter than the factory setting.

    Gary Register -

    Le quatrième paragraphe dans les instructions en français n’est pas correct : ce ne sont pas les 2 petites vis, mais les 7 petites vis qui sont inclinées. Et les 3 grandes sont bien verticales.

    Degeorges - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Bonjour ! Merci de votre observation. J’ai corrigé la traduction. iFixit étant un wiki, n’hésitez pas à modifiez si vous remarquez une erreur :) Encore merci de votre attention et à bientôt !

    Claire Miesch -

    Tip: if you have a magnetic screw mat or similar, lay the macbook over the mat to make sure it catches any screws that may decide to fall of and hide under your table

    Moritz - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Funny, it's not her hands that are doing the close ups. :)

    Cinemated Man - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    What's the difference between the shouldered and non shouldered screws? They look exactly the same to me.

    MLNLRD - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  2. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • 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 Late 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery Connection: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery Connection: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0
    • 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.

    Is this step of removing the battery connector required?

    manodh - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    yes - as with disassembly of any electronic component you have to remove any power source. You don't want to accidentally turn the Mac on

    khull -

    Prying the battery connector off does not take much force. I did exactly what the guide suggested (walked it off back and forth) with the spudger without any problems. Just be very gentle, much like with anything inside laptops, they are very fragile and need to be worked with carefully. A+ instructions, battery replacement was a success.

    aekinaka - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Be patient on disconnecting this one. It worked for me step by step, little by little.

    Phil Wagner - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I used the nails of thumb and pointer finger simultaneously - worked pretty fine

    Reinhard Kaune - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I whittled down ends of two wooden strips to use, along with my fingernails to start with. I used halves of a wooden clothespin, but popsicle sticks should work too.

    Mike Baker - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  4. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Bend the battery cable slightly away from its socket on the logic board so it does not accidentally connect itself while you work.

    I put some tape between the connector and socket while working on the drive.

    Stephen Smith - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    That's a good tip

    Anrothan -

    Great tip, I did that too

    Ahmed Mahran -

    One other note: The screw heads fit flush with the curvature of the case -- which means that they aren't exactly horizontal. In other words, they aren't perpendicular to the table that the computer is resting on. Don't try to force them straight in vertically, because you'll risk cross-threading them. (nearly ruined one screw hole myself!)

    lelandjordon - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    On my MacBook Pro, the connector seems to be an integral part of the battery.

    Jerry South - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I suspect it’s just like the special screwdriver required for seatbelts on cars – to discourage regular consumers from attempting repairs. Of course, this only encourages consumers to use the wrong tool to attempt to repairs

    colleenthompson - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Dissambling my MacBookPro Premium Mid 2012 (i5-3210M 2.5Ghz) was easily, Careful with the screws, use screwdriver fitting exactly with the screws, you damage them very fast. Work very exactly, relaxed with time, consentration, good Tools and with feelings in your hands. Disconnect the Akku was easy if you take care, remove it to be safe, Two screws more, more space to work & haven`t to think about damaging someting. Apple use diffrent screws, you should have many difffrent scewdrivers. It is also good to clean everything inside, With time everything gets very dusty & dirty, don`t forget the sides and little fittings at the case. Use a pinsel, alcohol, soft peace stuff, it will look like new. If you have knowledge & experience, you can paint it in any colour or airbrushing for individualizing. You can also just polish it with a soft Politure (Sonax car Polish No1, NOT with wax or take an other light Politure you familiar & can do the job, A Laptop should serviced once a year, keeping it good working over years

    Stefan Lindner - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    First thing i do is open & cleanig everything inside,specially the cooling & fan, renew the thermal paste with an high quality product. Install the Nain System, clean up Bloatware and other unnecessary things, install standard software for daily use, additional change system components against better one (Edge to Firefox, Windows Media Player to VLC , an Office Suite and configuring everything for Data Protection, Privacy- & Indentety Protection, install Drivers from the component Manufactur (incedible effect, disable limitations, more functions, work better & faster, increasing performance, additional change the WiFi & Bluetooth Card to a better one a UMTS WWAN to an LTE Card, increase RAM with two Dual-Channel working SODIMMs, Use M2 or 2,5" SSD if no M2 Slot aviable) as System- and Software iDrive, a FAT32 formatted 32GB Partition to be safe of metaviruses comes with harmless downloads, and a big 2,5 HDD to store the user data. What does you guys think about this? Old Computer become a new life,

    Stefan Lindner - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I livein Austria, near Vienna, if someone needs help or anything else, i would be glad to help. I always searching old or broken devices to bring them to new live. I also searching for spare parts, specilly a Bottom & Side Case and a 256GB or higher NGFF Storage Card for a Sony Vaio Tab 11 SVT1144HE (2014), some 14,1" Displays for a HP Probook 440G5 (2016), Elitebook MT 43 Mobile Thin Client, (2011), Dell Vostro 3460 (2012) Lenovo Thinkpad T440s (2014), and a Logic Board for an Lenovo Ideapad 330-15ARR (2017, damaged by Water i think) and a Logic Bord for an Alienware 17R4 with i7-6870HX & Nvidia 1080 (2018, CPU dead, maybe there is a repair Guide or workaround to bring it back to Life). I need always 8GB or 16GB DDR3 and DDR4 RAM Storage (perfectly two ident one for Dual-Channel use for Laptops, M2 SATA 6GB/s and NVMe PCIe SSDs 500GB or more and 2,5"SSD or HDD with 1TB or more and 3,5" HDD with 4GB or above. If you have some of this or other useful parts and doesn`t need them, please make me an offer, maybe

    2

    Stefan Lindner - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    an change something you need. This is not a Business what i do, it`s more a Hobby with challenging new Excercices.. Thats the best Point. Plase forgive me as a Newbie this very long Post in the wrong Section, but if you are start writing you cannot stop.... But now i have to come to an end and would be happy if someone wants to get in contact. My E-Mail is: udontknowme@gmx.at (the adress name is just a notice against Big Data and for Privacy Protection!

    Stefan Lindner - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  5. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement, Battery: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • Remove the following two screws:

    • One 5.6 mm Tri-point screw

    • One 13 mm Tri-point screw

    Something isn’t right here. On my MacBook Pro, the connector is an integral part of the battery.

    Jerry South - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Verify that this is the correct guide for your specific model—if not, we’ve got guides for all the other models, too.

    Jeff Suovanen -

    And which Apple “Genius” decided that a tri-wing screw would be just perfect for the job of holding the batter in place? Not smart for a genius.

    Jerry South - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    These tri-point screws are Y0 size. You’re welcome :)

    Rossi Macri - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Thank you rossi

    James -

    The 13 mm Tri-point screw was very tricky to screw back into place. I had to make several attempts, unscrewing and realigning the battery to get it right. The rest of this fix was very easy, but this one screw was the hardest part.

    Raymond Rinaldi - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    As per Rossi Macri’s comment, I also observed for step 5 that both screws are Tri-point Y0 for my MacBook Pro 13 inch mid-2012 model.

    Tim Telcik - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    For the Tri point 3 wings or however you call them. the proper Screwdriver is really to rcommend; I manageds it with a normal flat but very small screw- driver but it slightly "damages" the screws;(a four winged screwdriver does not grip enough);

    So i recommend to buy the whole package with instruments; (i had all other instruments accept the Tripoint)

    the screws themselves seem to be fragile

    For putting them in again its better to start with longer one but dont fasten it tight keepit loose until the short one grips.. the tighten them but not too fast.

    Applefan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Bought the replacement battery from iFixit but upon reassembly, the 13 mm tri-point screw (the right one) took like 15 minutes to get it properly alined. With the original battery, it was first try, as was the left 5,6 mm. Keep an eye out for that!

    Manuel - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

  6. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • 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.

    What is the reasoning behind not removing the label from the (old) battery?

    tom - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    Probably to help you remove it? Not sure, but I used it along with the clear tab to pull the battery out. Worked pretty good.

    aitorrecalde -

    One of the main thing is that it can weaken an already old battery which is never a good thing, especially if people try to remove the label using a pointy device and piercing the battery (can explode !). Also it is not useful to remove it and it allow tracking of old parts (recycle, dispose, …).

    Cajuteq -

  7. MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 Battery Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0
    • 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.

    My replacement battery came with a clear protective film that should be removed before installation. Be sure not to overlook the film on the bottom of the battery as it covers only a portion of that side and might be easy to overlook.

    Do not over-tighten the bolts holding the battery in place. One of the tabs on the original battery was broken, presumably due to over-tightening.

    Patrick Langvardt - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    The calibration suggestion given in this guide differs a bit from what iFIXIT sent with the battery. What came with the battery went like this…

    For optimal performance, calibrate your newly installed battery. Drain battery below 10%, then charge it uninterrupted to 100%.

    Daniel Lavelle - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    I recommend disregarding those instructions and following the steps in this article:

    1. Charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least two more hours.

    2. Unplug your laptop and use it normally to drain the battery.

    3. Save your work when you see the low battery warning.

    4. Keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery.

    5. Wait at least five hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.

    Sam Omiotek -

    would it be dangerous to use the macbook without a battery in the meantime?

    724 F - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    It’s not dangerous (assuming you have put the back cover back on), though the computer will run slower. The charging assembly cannot supply as much amperage as the battery, so the processor will be throttled.

    Sam Omiotek -

    Oops, i missed step 5. Wait at least five hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%. I charged it to 100% right after it went to sleep. It did seem slow to charge after that, so I reset the SMC. It now seems to be charging normally. I hope I did not damage by skipping that step.

    garyrclark - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

    When i charged the new battery the first time, my macbook pro mid 2012 switched itself on during charge every 2 Hours or maybe 3;

    i reset the smc then it was normal again

    Applefan - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

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

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Phillip Takahashi

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Many thanks to Phillip and the other contributors who put this guide together. My late 2011 MacBook Battery was headed downhill fast. Having used IFixit before, I headed back to the site and found the parts and help that I needed. My new battery arrived two days after placing the order and I went to work. Everything went smooth as silk(again thanks to some IFixit tools, etc.)and I was up and running in no time. Thanks for this great site and for encouraging do-it-yourself repairs with great guides. Hooray to all who like to fix things and boo to manufacturer who design products that make this difficult. Cheers and keep up the great work. Lowell Allen, May 26.

lowellallen2433 - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Thanks a lot, was great help and needed this greatly for one of my macbook.

Best regards from,

http://www.handymandream.com/

Handyman Dream - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Replacing the original battery was easy, but the replacement battery loses a charge very fast.

20 minutes, I’ve lost 11% charge.

Alex - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Thx a lot to everyone at iFixit, now my MacBook Pro Unibody Late 2011 can take a second breath

Franck Bourgeois - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Thanks for the easy to follow instructions! My battery install kit did not come with a spudger, so I used a plastic knife and my finger nails. I was careful to make sure the little seated edges didn’t break off (that’s when I transitioned to my nails).

Christi Ruby - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Having never done this before it was remarkably easy to do following the very clear instructions., the tool kit I ordered that came with the battery was perfect so pleased I ordered that as well. I was warned it would take up to 2 weeks to deliver to UK from Stuttgart but they shipped it right away and arrived with Fedex within a week, great service!

Tip.I made a diagram on a piece of paper of where all the different screws went and laid them on the paper so was easy to replace them in the right place.

Feel so good I have saved a visit to the computer repair shop, thank you so much :))))

Lesley - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

Great guide. Excellent written instructions. I upgraded my mid-2012 MacBook Pro 13 inch two years ago with 2-8 GB sticks for a total of 16 GB, a replacement battery and a new 1T SSD hard drive and it is still going strong. I just pulled this guide out again and updated a friend’s computer. She’s so happy with the speed and performance improvements! I had no issues with any of the hardware swapping and was even able to restore here touchpad to working order by blowing out the dust and debris when we were in doing the upgrades. I love I-Fix-It!

Julie Garbutt - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

I’m super impressed that I’m able to keep my old MacBook Pro going, despite it being older than my oldest child! The old battery was on it’s last legs, with about 30-45 min per charge, meaning I was having to more or less use mains power the whole time. Fitting a new battery was a little nerve-wracking, but really easy and I managed to do it really quickly - so fast that I’d ordered a Domino’s before I started and was done well before it was delivered! 😂 I picked up a genuine replacement battery from eBay for less than half the price on iFixit though, and it came with the required screwdrivers. I just used a couple of pen lids to pry the battery connector off. Thanks for the guide. 👍

Dave Dibden - crwdns2934203:0crwdne2934203:0

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