How to Disassemble an Apple MacBook

MacBooks had aluminum cases in 2008 and 2009.

Disassembling a MacBook is not difficult, and is required to replace components like a hard drive, battery or memory. Depending on the model of your MacBook, the case and position of the internal components may differ. MacBooks sold in 2008 and 2009 had an aluminum case. Apple then returned to the white case they had used before 2008. Refer to your warranty before opening the case to ensure you do not void the warranty by attempting to work on the MacBook yourself.

Instructions

1. Power down the MacBook. Unplug the power adapter, cables and peripherals from it. Place the MacBook upside down on a flat surface like a desk or table. Place it on a newspaper or placemat to avoid scratching the case or table. Wait at least ten minutes to let internal components cool down.

2. Push down on the release hatch located on the bottom of an alumimum MacBook. The battery cover will open. Pull away the battery cover. For a white MacBook, use a small Phillips screwdriver to remove eight screws from the bottom case cover. Set the screws and case cover aside.

3. Touch a metal surface inside the Macbook beside the battery with your finger to discharge any static electricity you may be carrying.

4. Remove the battery by pulling on the plastic tab to unseat it from the MacBook. Carefully lift the battery and set it aside.

5. Find the release screw located on the bracket securing the hard drive. Turn the screw counterclockwise with a small Phillips screwdriver three or four turns to loosen it. There is no need to remove the screw.

6. Pull the plastic tab to unseat the hard drive, then carefully pull the hard drive from the case to reveal the connecting wires and free the bracket. Set the bracket aside. Pull the wire connector straight out from the hard drive without turning or twisting the connector or the wires.

7. Skip to the Step Eight if you have a white MacBook. For an aluminum MacBook, locate and unscrew eight screws from along the edge of the case with the Phillips screwdriver. The screws are different sizes, so make a note on a piece of paper of the location of each screw.

8. Locate the memory modules. Each is secured with two ejection levers, one on each side, and is connected to the MacBook circuit board with thin gold contacts. Press both ejection levers away from the module. The module will pop up. Remove each module without touching the contacts.

References

• Apple Support; MacBook: How to Remove or Install the Battery; November 2009
• Apple Support; MacBook: How To Remove or Install Memory; July 2011
• Apple Support; MacBook (13-Inch Aluminum Late 2008) User Guide (pdf)
• Apple Support; MacBook (13-inch Mid-2010) User Guide (pdf)