What You Need to Know Before Opening Your MacBook

Removing a MacBook Pro battery requires shutting down the machine completely, disconnecting the power adapter, and opening the bottom case. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes and uses only a pentalobe screwdriver — a five-pointed tool that Apple uses on most of its devices. The battery itself is glued to the case, so you will need to peel it away carefully after disconnecting the cable.

Modern MacBook Pro models (2016 and later) have batteries that are soldered directly to the logic board in some configurations, while others use a removable battery connector. Check your specific model year before you start, because the steps differ. If your battery is soldered in place, you cannot remove it yourself without professional equipment.

This guide covers models with removable batteries. If you are unsure whether your machine has a removable battery, look up your exact model on Apple's support site or check the battery itself — if you see a connector cable, it is removable.

Key Takeaways

  • Shut down your MacBook completely and unplug the power adapter before you open the case.
  • You will need a pentalobe screwdriver (size P5) and a plastic spudger or guitar pick to peel away the adhesive holding the battery.
  • Disconnect the battery cable from the logic board before you attempt to remove the battery itself from the case.
  • The battery is held in place with strong adhesive strips, so pull slowly and at a shallow angle to avoid tearing the battery or damaging the case.
  • If the battery is soldered to the logic board, you cannot remove it yourself — take the machine to an Apple Store or authorized repair shop.

Gather Your Tools and Prepare Your Workspace

You will need a pentalobe screwdriver in size P5, which is the standard for MacBook Pro bottom cases. A regular Phillips or flathead screwdriver will not work — the pentalobe has five points instead of four or one, and forcing the wrong tool will strip the screw. You can buy a pentalobe screwdriver for $5 to $15 at electronics retailers or online.

You also need a plastic spudger or a thin, flat tool like a guitar pick or old credit card to separate the battery from the case. Do not use a metal tool, which can scratch the aluminum or puncture the battery. A soft plastic spoon handle works in a pinch.

Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Lay down a soft cloth or towel to protect the screen and keyboard from scratches. Have a small container ready to hold the screws you remove — they are tiny and straightforward to lose. Take a photo of the bottom case before you open it so you remember where each screw goes.

Power Down and Disconnect All Power Sources

Shut down your MacBook Pro completely. Do not put it to sleep — click the Apple menu, select Shut Down, and wait for the machine to turn off. This step is critical because opening the case while the machine is powered or in sleep mode can damage components or cause a short circuit.

Once the machine is off, unplug the power adapter and wait 30 seconds. This drains any residual charge in the system and makes the work safer. Close the lid and flip the MacBook over so the bottom case faces up.

Remove the Bottom Case

Locate the pentalobe screws around the perimeter of the bottom case. Most MacBook Pro models have 8 to 10 screws. Using your pentalobe screwdriver, turn each screw counterclockwise and remove it. The screws are different lengths on some models — the longer ones typically go in the corners, and the shorter ones along the edges. Keep track of which screw came from which hole.

Once all screws are out, gently lift the bottom case away from the body of the MacBook. It may be slightly stuck due to adhesive or a tight fit — lift slowly and evenly from all sides. Do not force it or you risk cracking the aluminum. Set the case aside on your cloth.

Locate and Disconnect the Battery Cable

Inside the MacBook, you will see the battery — a rectangular component with a cable running from it to the logic board. The cable connects to a small connector on the logic board, usually near the center or edge of the battery. This is the first thing you must disconnect before you touch the battery itself.

Look at the connector closely. It is a small plug with a tab or a pull-cord attached. Gently pull the tab or the cord straight out toward you to disconnect the battery from the logic board. Do not pull at an angle or you may damage the connector. Once the cable is free, the battery is no longer powered, and it is safe to remove.

Peel Away the Battery and Remove It

The battery is held in the case with strong adhesive strips underneath. You will see pull-tabs sticking out from under the battery — these are the ends of the adhesive strips. Grab one tab and pull it slowly and steadily toward you at a shallow angle (about 30 degrees from the case). The adhesive should peel away cleanly if you pull slowly. If you pull too fast or at a steep angle, the tab will tear and the adhesive will stick to the battery instead of coming free.

If there are multiple tabs, pull them one at a time. Work your way around the battery until all the adhesive is loose. Once the tabs are gone, use your plastic spudger to gently lift the battery away from the case. Be patient — if it does not lift easily, there is still adhesive holding it. Keep working around the edges until it comes free.

Once the battery is out, set it aside on a safe surface away from water or heat. Do not throw it in the trash — lithium batteries must be recycled. Check your local waste management site or take it to an electronics retailer that accepts batteries.

Reinstall the Bottom Case

Before you close the case, make sure the new battery (if you are installing one) is connected to the logic board. The connector should click into place. Then align the bottom case with the body of the MacBook and press it down gently until it sits flush. Insert the pentalobe screws and turn them clockwise until they are snug — do not over-tighten, or you may strip them.

Once all screws are in, flip the MacBook over and plug in the power adapter. Press the power button to turn it on and verify that the machine starts normally. Check the battery status in the menu bar to confirm the new battery is recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the adhesive tabs tear while I am pulling them?

If a tab tears, use your plastic spudger to work under the battery from the side where the tab broke. Lift slowly and work your way around the battery, peeling the adhesive away bit by bit. It will take longer, but the battery will come free. Do not force it or you risk damaging the battery case.

Can I reuse the adhesive strips to hold the new battery in place?

No. The old adhesive strips lose their stickiness once they are removed and stretched. You will need new adhesive strips designed for MacBook batteries. These are sold as kits online and cost $5 to $15. explore them to the bottom of the new battery before you install it in the case.

My MacBook has a soldered battery — what do I do?

If the battery is soldered to the logic board, you cannot remove it without professional equipment. Take your MacBook to an Apple Store or an authorized repair shop. They can replace the battery and logic board if needed, though the cost will be higher than a DIY replacement.

How do I know if my battery is removable or soldered?

Open the bottom case and look inside. If you see a cable running from the battery to the logic board, it is removable. If the battery appears to be fused directly to the board with no visible connector, it is soldered. You can also check your model year — most 2016 and later MacBook Pro models have soldered batteries, while 2015 and earlier models have removable ones.

What should I do with the old battery?

Lithium batteries cannot go in the trash. Take the old battery to an Apple Store, Best Buy, or your local electronics recycling center. Many retailers accept batteries for free. Some areas also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries at no cost.