MacBook: Install SSD - Here's how

If you add an SSD to your MacBook afterwards, you will significantly improve the storage and loading speed. So you can launch programs faster and your Mac will boot up in seconds. If you are not sure about the installation, have the intervention in your Mac carried out by a specialist dealer.

Install the SSD in the MacBook

With a retrofitted SSD, your MacBook can work much faster. Here we give you a guide to SSD conversion:

1. First of all, you have to choose an SSD. Any SATA SSD will fit in a MacBook as long as it is a 2.5-inch SSD hard drive. An overview of possible hardware can be found here.
2. Then you have to copy the contents of your current hard drive to the SSD. You can find out how to clone your hard drive in the video at the end of this article.
3. Place your MacBook on a flat table. You must shut down the device completely and disconnect it from the power supply. Also remove all other cables.
4. When installing, you should be constantly grounded to protect the computer. This is the only way to be absolutely sure that you will not destroy the hardware by static discharge. An ESD kit will help you with this.
5. Now the respective models are very different from each other. There are series where you only have to release part of the rear cover with one lever. The SSD can then be installed immediately. For other devices, you need to remove the entire back of the MacBook. To do this, use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the ten screws that hold the bottom cover of the MacBook. Note that three of the screws are longer. It is therefore best to mark which screw was where.
6. Now you can see the SSD in front of you. However, before continuing, you should disconnect the battery. Depending on the MacBook, you can now lift the battery out by a tab, or unlock and remove it using a small lever. With the newer MacBook Pro variants, however, you have to cut off the power supply manually. To do this, you must carefully disconnect the small black cable that comes out on the middle of the battery from the mainboard.
7. Now loosen the clip on the side of the built-in hard disk so that you can take it out. You will also need a screwdriver for this.
8. The hard disk is provided with small screws on both sides. Remove them and screw them into the appropriate threads on the side of your new SSD.
9. Now you can install the SSD in the MacBook, screw the retaining clip back on and reconnect the battery.
10. When attaching the cover, be sure to reattach each screw to its original location. If you never use force when screwing it on, you could destroy your MacBook.

Notes on installing an SSD in your MacBook

You can carry out the conversion without an ESD kit and without disconnecting the battery, but note that parts of the computer are still live and components could be destroyed by electric shock.

Of course, you can also install another hard drive instead of an SSD. In the article "Upgrading MacBook" you will also find further tips on how to make your MacBook faster. You can also install your current hard drive with a few additional components in the drive slot of your MacBook and thus install the SSD and hard drive in the MacBook at the same time. We will show you this in detailed instructions.