Macbook Pro 15 Retina Display Mid 2015 Battery Replacement Repair Guide

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

                          2 - 3 hours

Sections

Lower Case
3 steps
Battery Connector
2 steps
AirPort/Camera Cables
4 steps
I/O Board Cable (Top)
4 steps
Right Fan
3 steps
Left Fan
4 steps
I/O Board
5 steps
Logic Board Assembly
15 steps
Left Speaker
2 steps
Right Speaker
3 steps
Battery
29 steps

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BackMacBook Pro 15" Retina Display Mid 2015
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Introduction

Apple issued a battery recall for this model in June of 2019—so before replacing your battery, you can check to see if you are eligible to receive a replacement for free from Apple.

iFixit adhesive remover is highly flammable. Perform this procedure in a well-ventilated area. Do not smoke or work near an open flame during this procedure.

To minimize risk of damage, turn on your MacBook and allow the battery to fully discharge before starting this procedure. A charged lithium-ion battery can create a dangerous and uncontrollable fire if accidentally punctured. If your battery is swollen, take extra precautions.

Note: The solvent used to dissolve the battery adhesive can damage your speakers if it comes in contact with the plastic speaker enclosures. Therefore, this guide instructs you to remove the speakers before proceeding to the battery. Removing the speakers requires also removing several other components including the logic board.

What you need

Step 1

              Lower Case

Remove the following P5 pentalobe screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro:
Eight 3.1 mm
Two 2.3 mm

Remove the following P5 pentalobe screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro:

Eight 3.1 mm

Two 2.3 mm

1024

Step 2

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

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

Step 3

The lower case has two plastic pegs (red) that fit into plastic clips in the upper case (orange).
During reassembly, gently push down the center of the lower case to reattach the case to its two plastic clips.

The lower case has two plastic pegs (red) that fit into plastic clips in the upper case (orange).

During reassembly, gently push down the center of the lower case to reattach the case to its two plastic clips.

Step 4

              Battery Connector

Peel back the sticker covering the battery connector.

Peel back the sticker covering the battery connector.

Step 5

Gently lift each side of the battery connector to pry the connector out of its socket on the logic board.
Bend the connector back toward the battery, ensuring that the battery connector doesn’t accidentally make contact with the logic board.

Gently lift each side of the battery connector to pry the connector out of its socket on the logic board.

Bend the connector back toward the battery, ensuring that the battery connector doesn’t accidentally make contact with the logic board.

Step 6

              AirPort/Camera Cables

Use a spudger or tweezers to pry the three AirPort antenna cables straight up off of their sockets on the AirPort board, and bend them up and out of the way.
The cable connection points are very fragile. Be careful to lift only on the connector, and not on the socket or cable.
To reconnect, align the connector carefully into position over the socket, and press it down firmly with the flat of your spudger.

Use a spudger or tweezers to pry the three AirPort antenna cables straight up off of their sockets on the AirPort board, and bend them up and out of the way.

The cable connection points are very fragile. Be careful to lift only on the connector, and not on the socket or cable.

To reconnect, align the connector carefully into position over the socket, and press it down firmly with the flat of your spudger.

Step 7

Peel the right rubber cover up off the fan and fold it out of the way.

Peel the right rubber cover up off the fan and fold it out of the way.

Step 8

Use the tip of a spudger to push the camera cable connector out of its socket on the logic board.
Be sure to push parallel to the board, pushing first on one side, then the other to “walk” the connector out of its socket.

Use the tip of a spudger to push the camera cable connector out of its socket on the logic board.

Be sure to push parallel to the board, pushing first on one side, then the other to “walk” the connector out of its socket.

Step 9

Use your fingers to pull the AirPort/Camera cables up off the fan.
The cables are adhered to the fan, so peel them up carefully to avoid damaging them.
Carefully de-route the cables from the plastic cable guide.
On reassembly, there should be enough adhesive still on these cables to stick them back down to the fan.

Use your fingers to pull the AirPort/Camera cables up off the fan.

The cables are adhered to the fan, so peel them up carefully to avoid damaging them.

Carefully de-route the cables from the plastic cable guide.

On reassembly, there should be enough adhesive still on these cables to stick them back down to the fan.

Step 10

              I/O Board Cable (Top)

Remove the four 2.2 mm T5 Torx screws securing the I/O board cable connector covers.

Remove the four 2.2 mm T5 Torx screws securing the I/O board cable connector covers.

Step 11

Remove the left connector cover.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left end of the I/O board cable up from its socket on the logic board.

Remove the left connector cover.

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left end of the I/O board cable up from its socket on the logic board.

Step 12

Remove the right connector cover.
Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the right end of the I/O board cable up from its socket on the logic board.

Remove the right connector cover.

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the right end of the I/O board cable up from its socket on the logic board.

Step 13

Peel the I/O board cable up from the adhesive securing it to the fan.
Remove the cable.

Peel the I/O board cable up from the adhesive securing it to the fan.

Remove the cable.

Step 14

              Right Fan

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the following three screws securing the right fan to the logic board:
One 5.0 mm screw with a 2.0 mm long shoulder
One 4.0 mm screw with a wide head
One 4.4 mm screw

Use a T5 Torx driver to remove the following three screws securing the right fan to the logic board:

One 5.0 mm screw with a 2.0 mm long shoulder

One 4.0 mm screw with a wide head

One 4.4 mm screw

Step 15

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the right fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the right fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.

Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

Step 16

Lift the fan and push it gently towards the back edge of the MacBook to free the fan cable from its socket.
The fan cable may be adhered to the logic board—to avoid tearing the cable, gently peel it up while lifting the fan.
Remove the fan.

Lift the fan and push it gently towards the back edge of the MacBook to free the fan cable from its socket.

The fan cable may be adhered to the logic board—to avoid tearing the cable, gently peel it up while lifting the fan.

Remove the fan.

Step 17

              Left Fan

Peel the left rubber cover up off the fan and fold it out of the way.

Peel the left rubber cover up off the fan and fold it out of the way.

Step 18

Remove the following three screws securing the left fan to the logic board:
One 3.6 mm T5 Torx screw with a wide head
One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw with a 2.0 mm long shoulder
One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw

Remove the following three screws securing the left fan to the logic board:

One 3.6 mm T5 Torx screw with a wide head

One 5.0 mm T5 Torx screw with a 2.0 mm long shoulder

One 4.4 mm T5 Torx screw

Step 19

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the left fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the left fan ribbon cable ZIF socket.

Step 20

Step 21

SSD

Remove the single 2.9 mm T5 Torx screw securing the SSD to the logic board.

Remove the single 2.9 mm T5 Torx screw securing the SSD to the logic board.

Step 22

Lift the end of the SSD up enough to pass over the speaker directly behind it.
Do not lift the SSD too high, or you could damage the contacts or socket.
Pull the SSD straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Lift the end of the SSD up enough to pass over the speaker directly behind it.

Do not lift the SSD too high, or you could damage the contacts or socket.

Pull the SSD straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 23

Use the point of a spudger to flip up the locking mechanism on the I/O board connector.
Flip the spudger around and use the flat end to slide the I/O cable out of the connector.
Push on the opened locking mechanism for an easy way to slide the I/O cable out of the connector. This could help prevent accidental damage to the cable or connector contacts.

Use the point of a spudger to flip up the locking mechanism on the I/O board connector.

Flip the spudger around and use the flat end to slide the I/O cable out of the connector.

Push on the opened locking mechanism for an easy way to slide the I/O cable out of the connector. This could help prevent accidental damage to the cable or connector contacts.

Step 24

Remove the two 3.1 mm T5 Torx screws from the I/O board.

Remove the two 3.1 mm T5 Torx screws from the I/O board.

Step 25

Slightly lift the interior edge of the I/O board and pull it toward the center of the MacBook, away from the side of the case.
Remove the I/O board.

Slightly lift the interior edge of the I/O board and pull it toward the center of the MacBook, away from the side of the case.

Remove the I/O board.

Step 26

              Logic Board Assembly

Remove the two 2.2 mm Torx T5 screws securing the touchpad cable connector cover to the logic board.
Remove the cover.

Remove the two 2.2 mm Torx T5 screws securing the touchpad cable connector cover to the logic board.

Remove the cover.

Step 27

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the touchpad cable connector from its socket in the logic board.
Slightly twisting the flat end of a spudger is an easy way to pry up the cable connector from these types of sockets.
Be careful to only pry up against the connector, and not the logic board socket.

Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the touchpad cable connector from its socket in the logic board.

Slightly twisting the flat end of a spudger is an easy way to pry up the cable connector from these types of sockets.

Be careful to only pry up against the connector, and not the logic board socket.

Step 28

Remove a small rubber cap off the screw at the end of the heat sink.

Remove a small rubber cap off the screw at the end of the heat sink.

Step 29

Remove the following six screws securing the logic board assembly to the upper case.
One 3.8 mm T5 Torx screw
Two 5.7 mm T5 Torx screws
One 5.6 mm T5 Torx screw (this one is silver and has a taller head than the others)
One 2.6 mm T5 Torx screw
One 3.2 mm T5 Torx screw
On reassembly, start all six screws but do not tighten any of them. Move the logic board around until all of the screws are centered in their holes and the ports are lined up with their openings in the side of the upper case. Then tighten all of the screws.

Remove the following six screws securing the logic board assembly to the upper case.

One 3.8 mm T5 Torx screw

Two 5.7 mm T5 Torx screws

One 5.6 mm T5 Torx screw (this one is silver and has a taller head than the others)

One 2.6 mm T5 Torx screw

One 3.2 mm T5 Torx screw

On reassembly, start all six screws but do not tighten any of them. Move the logic board around until all of the screws are centered in their holes and the ports are lined up with their openings in the side of the upper case. Then tighten all of the screws.

Step 30

The following steps will detail disconnecting these six connectors. Be sure to read each step, as these connectors come in different styles that disconnect differently.
Microphone cable
Left speaker cable
Keyboard data cable
Right speaker cable
Keyboard backlight cable
Display data cable
On reassembly, check to make sure all of these connectors are connected and fully seated in their sockets.

The following steps will detail disconnecting these six connectors. Be sure to read each step, as these connectors come in different styles that disconnect differently.

Microphone cable

Left speaker cable

Keyboard data cable

Right speaker cable

Keyboard backlight cable

Display data cable

On reassembly, check to make sure all of these connectors are connected and fully seated in their sockets.

Step 31

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the microphone ribbon cable ZIF socket.
Pull the microphone ribbon cable out of its socket, parallel to the logic board.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the microphone ribbon cable ZIF socket.

Pull the microphone ribbon cable out of its socket, parallel to the logic board.

Step 32

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker connector up and out of its socket on the logic board.
Be sure to pry on the cable connector and not on the socket on the logic board. Prying on the socket may cause it to separate from the logic board.
Gently fold the cable up and out of the way of the logic board.

Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the left speaker connector up and out of its socket on the logic board.

Be sure to pry on the cable connector and not on the socket on the logic board. Prying on the socket may cause it to separate from the logic board.

Gently fold the cable up and out of the way of the logic board.

Step 33

Peel back the tape covering the top of the keyboard data cable connector.

Peel back the tape covering the top of the keyboard data cable connector.

Step 34

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the keyboard data cable ZIF socket.
Be sure you are prying up on the hinged retaining flap, not the socket itself.
Pull the keyboard data cable out of its ZIF socket. Be sure to pull parallel to the logic board, and not straight up.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the retaining flap on the keyboard data cable ZIF socket.

Pull the keyboard data cable out of its ZIF socket. Be sure to pull parallel to the logic board, and not straight up.

Step 35

Use the tip of a spudger to pry the right speaker connector up and out of its socket on the logic board.
Be sure to pry on the cable connector and not on the socket on the logic board. Prying on the socket may cause it to separate from the logic board.
Gently fold the cable up and out of the way of the logic board.

Use the tip of a spudger to pry the right speaker connector up and out of its socket on the logic board.

Step 36

Use the point of a spudger to pry the keyboard backlight connector up from its socket on the logic board.

Use the point of a spudger to pry the keyboard backlight connector up from its socket on the logic board.

Step 37

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the display data cable lock and rotate it toward the MagSafe 2 power port side of the computer.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the display data cable lock and rotate it toward the MagSafe 2 power port side of the computer.

Step 38

Pull the display data cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.
Do not lift up on the display data cable, as its socket is very fragile. Pull the cable parallel to the face of the logic board.
Do not touch the contacts on the data connector or its socket with your fingers or any tools, as you may deposit oils or damage the pins.
Gently bend the display data cable toward the display hinge, to expose the screws on the MagSafe 2 board.

Pull the display data cable straight out of its socket on the logic board.

Do not lift up on the display data cable, as its socket is very fragile. Pull the cable parallel to the face of the logic board.

Do not touch the contacts on the data connector or its socket with your fingers or any tools, as you may deposit oils or damage the pins.

Gently bend the display data cable toward the display hinge, to expose the screws on the MagSafe 2 board.

Step 39

Remove the two 4.0 mm T5 Torx screws from the MagSafe 2 board.

Remove the two 4.0 mm T5 Torx screws from the MagSafe 2 board.

Step 40

Lift and pull the entire logic board assembly away from the wall of the upper case.
When reassembling, be sure to line up the ports with their cutouts in the upper case.

Lift and pull the entire logic board assembly away from the wall of the upper case.

When reassembling, be sure to line up the ports with their cutouts in the upper case.

Step 41

              Left Speaker

Remove the following screws securing the left speaker to the upper case:
2.7 mm T5 Torx screw
6.9 mm T5 Torx screw (with 4.5 mm shoulder)
5.6 mm T5 Torx screw

Remove the following screws securing the left speaker to the upper case:

2.7 mm T5 Torx screw

6.9 mm T5 Torx screw (with 4.5 mm shoulder)

5.6 mm T5 Torx screw

Step 42

Remove the left speaker by pulling it slightly away from the side of the upper case, and out from under the aluminum tab blocking it in.

Remove the left speaker by pulling it slightly away from the side of the upper case, and out from under the aluminum tab blocking it in.

Step 43

              Right Speaker

Remove the following screws securing the right speaker to the upper case:
2.7 mm T5 Torx screw
6.9 mm T5 Torx screw (with 4.5 mm shoulder)
5.6 mm T5 Torx screw

Remove the following screws securing the right speaker to the upper case:

Step 44

The right speaker cable is lightly adhered to the upper case.
Peel the right speaker cable up to free it from the upper case.
On reassembly, tuck the cable up against the aluminum frame above the battery.

The right speaker cable is lightly adhered to the upper case.

Peel the right speaker cable up to free it from the upper case.

On reassembly, tuck the cable up against the aluminum frame above the battery.

Step 45

Remove the right speaker by pulling it slightly away from the side of the upper case, and out from under the aluminum tab blocking it in.

Remove the right speaker by pulling it slightly away from the side of the upper case, and out from under the aluminum tab blocking it in.

Step 46

              Battery

Peel back the tape covering the trackpad connector ribbon cable, near the front edge of the MacBook Pro.

Peel back the tape covering the trackpad connector ribbon cable, near the front edge of the MacBook Pro.

Step 47

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the black locking tab on the trackpad ribbon cable ZIF connector.

Use the tip of a spudger to flip up the black locking tab on the trackpad ribbon cable ZIF connector.

Step 48

Insert an opening pick between the trackpad ribbon cable and the battery.
Carefully slide your pick underneath the length of the ribbon cable to separate the adhesive securing it to the battery.
The ribbon cable is easily damaged. If necessary, use a little heat from an iOpener or hair dryer to soften the adhesive so you can remove it with less force.

Insert an opening pick between the trackpad ribbon cable and the battery.

Carefully slide your pick underneath the length of the ribbon cable to separate the adhesive securing it to the battery.

The ribbon cable is easily damaged. If necessary, use a little heat from an iOpener or hair dryer to soften the adhesive so you can remove it with less force.

Step 49

Remove the trackpad ribbon cable.

Remove the trackpad ribbon cable.

Step 50

Remove the two 3.2 mm T5 Torx screws securing the battery board.

Remove the two 3.2 mm T5 Torx screws securing the battery board.

Step 51

The liquid adhesive remover provided in your kit can affect the antireflective coating on your MacBook Pro’s display.
To protect your display, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the display and keyboard and leave it there while you work.

The liquid adhesive remover provided in your kit can affect the antireflective coating on your MacBook Pro’s display.

To protect your display, place a sheet of aluminum foil between the display and keyboard and leave it there while you work.

Step 52

With the front edge of the MacBook Pro facing you, lift the right side and prop it up at a slight angle, using a sturdy foam block or book.
In the following steps, you’ll apply liquid adhesive remover to the right (outer) edge of the battery. Keeping this side of the MacBook Pro elevated will help the adhesive remover flow underneath the battery.

With the front edge of the MacBook Pro facing you, lift the right side and prop it up at a slight angle, using a sturdy foam block or book.

In the following steps, you’ll apply liquid adhesive remover to the right (outer) edge of the battery. Keeping this side of the MacBook Pro elevated will help the adhesive remover flow underneath the battery.

Step 53

Now that your MacBook Pro is fully prepped, it’s time to prep yourself.
iFixit adhesive remover contains acetone, a mild skin and eye irritant.
Wear eye protection when handling and applying the adhesive remover. (Eye protection is included in your kit.)
Do not wear contact lenses without eye protection.
Protective gloves are also included in your kit. If you are concerned about skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

Now that your MacBook Pro is fully prepped, it’s time to prep yourself.

iFixit adhesive remover contains acetone, a mild skin and eye irritant.

Wear eye protection when handling and applying the adhesive remover. (Eye protection is included in your kit.)

Do not wear contact lenses without eye protection.

Protective gloves are also included in your kit. If you are concerned about skin irritation, put your gloves on now.

Step 54

Pull off the black rubber stopper from your bottle of adhesive remover.
Twist to loosen or remove the bottle cap before you cut the applicator tip.
This unseals the bottle and allows the pressure to equalize before you cut the applicator tip. If you skip this step, the adhesive remover may spray out unexpectedly when the tip is cut.
Use scissors to cut off the sealed tip of the applicator.
Cutting close to the narrow tip will give you better control so you can apply the adhesive remover in small amounts.
Twist and close the bottle cap securely before you proceed further.

Pull off the black rubber stopper from your bottle of adhesive remover.

Twist to loosen or remove the bottle cap before you cut the applicator tip.

This unseals the bottle and allows the pressure to equalize before you cut the applicator tip. If you skip this step, the adhesive remover may spray out unexpectedly when the tip is cut.

Use scissors to cut off the sealed tip of the applicator.

Cutting close to the narrow tip will give you better control so you can apply the adhesive remover in small amounts.

Twist and close the bottle cap securely before you proceed further.

Step 55

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly along the elevated edge of the outer right battery cell.
You don’t need to use very much. The small bottle contains more than twice the amount of solvent needed to remove all the battery cells.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the liquid adhesive remover to penetrate underneath the battery cell before you proceed to the next step.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly along the elevated edge of the outer right battery cell.

You don’t need to use very much. The small bottle contains more than twice the amount of solvent needed to remove all the battery cells.

Wait 2-3 minutes for the liquid adhesive remover to penetrate underneath the battery cell before you proceed to the next step.

Step 56

Slide one corner of a plastic card under the outer edge of the battery cell.
It may help to gently twist the card to open up a slight gap between the battery cell and the MacBook Pro’s case.
Slide the card farther underneath the battery cell to separate it from the adhesive securing it to the MacBook Pro’s upper case.

Slide one corner of a plastic card under the outer edge of the battery cell.

It may help to gently twist the card to open up a slight gap between the battery cell and the MacBook Pro’s case.

Slide the card farther underneath the battery cell to separate it from the adhesive securing it to the MacBook Pro’s upper case.

Step 57

Lift the battery cell to separate it from the MacBook Pro’s upper case, but don’t try to remove it.
Leave the plastic card underneath the battery cell to prevent it from re-adhering as you proceed to the next step.

Lift the battery cell to separate it from the MacBook Pro’s upper case, but don’t try to remove it.

Leave the plastic card underneath the battery cell to prevent it from re-adhering as you proceed to the next step.

Step 58

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly along the elevated edge of the next battery cell.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the liquid adhesive remover to penetrate underneath the battery cell before you proceed to the next step.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover evenly along the elevated edge of the next battery cell.

Step 59

Slide one corner of your plastic card underneath the second battery cell.
Push the card underneath the second battery cell, and slide it side to side to separate the adhesive underneath.
Leave the plastic card underneath both battery cells (or flip them over) to prevent them from re-adhering as you proceed to the next step.

Slide one corner of your plastic card underneath the second battery cell.

Push the card underneath the second battery cell, and slide it side to side to separate the adhesive underneath.

Leave the plastic card underneath both battery cells (or flip them over) to prevent them from re-adhering as you proceed to the next step.

Step 60

It’s time to switch sides. Remove your book or foam block and place it under the opposite side of your MacBook Pro.

It’s time to switch sides. Remove your book or foam block and place it under the opposite side of your MacBook Pro.

Step 61

Repeat the procedure from the prior steps to separate the two battery cells on this side:
Apply your adhesive remover to the elevated edge of the outer left battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate.
Work one corner of a plastic card underneath the battery cell, and slide the card fully underneath the battery cell to separate it.
Do the same for the adjacent cell.
Leave your plastic card in place or flip the battery cells over to prevent them from re-adhering during the following steps.

Repeat the procedure from the prior steps to separate the two battery cells on this side:

Apply your adhesive remover to the elevated edge of the outer left battery cell, and wait 2-3 minutes for it to penetrate.

Work one corner of a plastic card underneath the battery cell, and slide the card fully underneath the battery cell to separate it.

Do the same for the adjacent cell.

Leave your plastic card in place or flip the battery cells over to prevent them from re-adhering during the following steps.

Step 62

With the left edge of your MacBook Pro still propped up, apply a few drops of adhesive remover down the center line between the two middle battery cells.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the adhesive remover to penetrate before you continue.

With the left edge of your MacBook Pro still propped up, apply a few drops of adhesive remover down the center line between the two middle battery cells.

Wait 2-3 minutes for the adhesive remover to penetrate before you continue.

Step 63

Slide one corner of a plastic card between the middle two cells, and under the elevated edge of the center-right battery cell.
Slide the card farther underneath the battery cell to slice through the adhesive securing it in place.
Don’t try to fully separate this battery cell yet. Leave your plastic card in place to prevent it from re-adhering.

Slide one corner of a plastic card between the middle two cells, and under the elevated edge of the center-right battery cell.

Slide the card farther underneath the battery cell to slice through the adhesive securing it in place.

Don’t try to fully separate this battery cell yet. Leave your plastic card in place to prevent it from re-adhering.

Step 64

Flip the two de-adhered right-hand battery cells over the front edge of the MacBook Pro, if you haven’t already. This will allow access to the outside edge of the center cell.

Flip the two de-adhered right-hand battery cells over the front edge of the MacBook Pro, if you haven’t already. This will allow access to the outside edge of the center cell.

Step 65

Push one corner of a plastic card below the plastic battery frame and underneath the remaining adhered edge of the lower center cell.
Do not pry along the edge nearest the battery connector, or you risk damaging the keyboard ribbon cable.
Slide your card all the way under the battery cell, and leave it to prevent the battery cell from re-adhering.

Push one corner of a plastic card below the plastic battery frame and underneath the remaining adhered edge of the lower center cell.

Do not pry along the edge nearest the battery connector, or you risk damaging the keyboard ribbon cable.

Slide your card all the way under the battery cell, and leave it to prevent the battery cell from re-adhering.

Step 66

Remove the first plastic card that you inserted under the center-right battery cell.
Push the other card in a little further and leave it in place to prevent the battery cell from re-adhering as you continue.

Remove the first plastic card that you inserted under the center-right battery cell.

Push the other card in a little further and leave it in place to prevent the battery cell from re-adhering as you continue.

Step 67

Remove your book or foam block.
With the front edge of the MacBook Pro facing you, lift the right side and prop it up once again.

Remove your book or foam block.

With the front edge of the MacBook Pro facing you, lift the right side and prop it up once again.

Step 68

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover between the two center battery cells, so that it flows underneath the remaining battery cell.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the adhesive remover to penetrate before you continue.

Apply a few drops of adhesive remover between the two center battery cells, so that it flows underneath the remaining battery cell.

Step 69

Slide one corner of a plastic card under the elevated edge of the final battery cell.
Push the card farther underneath the battery cell to slice through the adhesive securing it in place.
Don’t try to fully separate this battery cell yet. Leave your plastic card in place to prevent it from re-adhering.

Slide one corner of a plastic card under the elevated edge of the final battery cell.

Push the card farther underneath the battery cell to slice through the adhesive securing it in place.

Step 70

If you haven’t already done so, lift and flip the two outer left battery cells to clear access to the outside edge of the final battery cell.

If you haven’t already done so, lift and flip the two outer left battery cells to clear access to the outside edge of the final battery cell.

Step 71

Repeat the process you used on the center-right battery cell to finish separating the adhesive on the center-left cell:
Push one corner of a plastic card below the plastic battery frame and underneath the remaining adhered edge of the final battery cell.
Slide your card all the way underneath the battery cell, and leave it to prevent the battery cell from re-adhering.

Repeat the process you used on the center-right battery cell to finish separating the adhesive on the center-left cell:

Push one corner of a plastic card below the plastic battery frame and underneath the remaining adhered edge of the final battery cell.

Slide your card all the way underneath the battery cell, and leave it to prevent the battery cell from re-adhering.

Step 72

Remove the first card that you inserted under the final battery cell.

Remove the first card that you inserted under the final battery cell.

Step 73

With one plastic card underneath each of the two center battery cells, twist and lift both cards to fully separate the battery cells, together with the plastic frame and battery board, from the MacBook Pro.

With one plastic card underneath each of the two center battery cells, twist and lift both cards to fully separate the battery cells, together with the plastic frame and battery board, from the MacBook Pro.

Step 74

Lift and remove the battery.
Before installing your new battery, remove all the old adhesive from the MacBook Pro’s case.
With a little luck, you can slowly pull out each strip of adhesive with your fingers.
Otherwise, soak each strip of adhesive with a bit of adhesive remover for 2-3 minutes, and then scrape it out with a plastic tool. This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.
Mop up any remaining adhesive remover and give your MacBook Pro a few minutes to air dry.
The replacement battery included in your iFixit kit comes with adhesive pre-installed. Test the battery’s fit and alignment carefully before peeling off the film covering the adhesive, and then press each cell firmly into place. If any additional films/liners are present that weren’t on your original battery, remove them now.
Calibrate your newly installed battery: charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. 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 Pro’s SMC.

Lift and remove the battery.

Before installing your new battery, remove all the old adhesive from the MacBook Pro’s case.

With a little luck, you can slowly pull out each strip of adhesive with your fingers.

Otherwise, soak each strip of adhesive with a bit of adhesive remover for 2-3 minutes, and then scrape it out with a plastic tool. This can take quite a bit of work, so be patient.

Mop up any remaining adhesive remover and give your MacBook Pro a few minutes to air dry.

The replacement battery included in your iFixit kit comes with adhesive pre-installed. Test the battery’s fit and alignment carefully before peeling off the film covering the adhesive, and then press each cell firmly into place. If any additional films/liners are present that weren’t on your original battery, remove them now.

Calibrate your newly installed battery: charge it to 100%, and keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. 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 Pro’s SMC.

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

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                    Jeff Suovanen

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Tony - Jun 11, 2017

Do I need to remove all these things just to replace the battery or can I just remove the connectors above the battery than the battery?

Edward Harvey - Aug 18, 2018

I just went through this process yesterday, and today wondered why I needed to take all that crap out, because I don’t remember anything blocking the battery removal, that would require removing the speakers, logic board, etc. I think it’s because of the acetone adhesive solvent. It’s powerful stuff that can easily damage the system. Maybe, if you are able to get the battery out without the solvent, you can skip all the other stuff. I will say, however, that in my system, it seemed like the adhesive is real solid. It felt like I was pressing the card up against aluminum studs in the frame, until the solvent loosened it up. If you try to remove the battery without the solvent, be very careful not to use excessive force and warp your frame.

Daniel Christie - Aug 25, 2021

See the post I just added, it seems that this is all to be able to remove one of the speaker cables, which I don’t think in necessary. I really don’t like messing with delicate connectors and ribbon cables that I don’t have to.

pzhivulin - Jun 24, 2017

I made it within 1 hour doing Steps 1-5, then Steps 46-50.

I removed battery heating the aluminium frame in the location of battery pack on the opposite side of the frame with NTE HG-300D Mini Heat Gun, and then gently peeling this battery pack with plastic spudger. You may need to reheat the area several times.

For 2 central battery elements you can’t heat aluminium frame because they are below touchpad, so I peeled batteries a little bit with spudger, heated the underneath gently, and then peeled it again. Also dental floss could help cutting the glue underneath the battery.

Tom Vandepoel - Mar 6, 2019

Thanks for your fast approach, worked fine for me as well! I did not use any glue dissolver at all.

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