Computer Tips

Apple MacBook Pro Battery Replacement – Replacement Procedure and Cost

How to Replace a MacBook Pro Battery

Depending on your particular model of Apple MacBook Pro, replacing the battery can range from relatively straightforward and cost-effective procedure to one which is more complex and expensive.

An Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement for anyone who still owns a Non-Unibody 15 or 17 inch MacBook Pro is an easy, do-it-yourself procedure. It’s less easy for anyone with one of the follow-on Unibody 13, 15 or 17 inches, but not as difficult as it will end up being for anyone owning a 13 or 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro. Good luck to anyone attempting this repair themselves and we suggest that you don’t try unless you are confident to do so. You might end up wishing that you bought a MacBook Air instead.

MacBook Pro Retina

If your MacBook Pro Retina is 3 years old or less or covered by Apple Care and you believe that your battery is faulty (ie. not holding charge / or sufficient charge or not recharging), contact Apple as soon as possible and get them to diagnose the problem. Even if your MacBook Pro is no longer under warranty, you may be covered under Australian consumer law and entitled to a no-cost repair or replacement.

Otherwise, contact us here at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service. We’ll diagnose the issue to assess whether you need an Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement, or you might require some other form of repair.

Apple MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Cost

replace a macbook batteryMacBook Pro Retina Models A1502, A1706, A1398, A1707, A1708

Changing a battery yourself can be risky and may result in damage to your computer, particularly if yours is a 13 or 15 inch MacBook Pro Retina (with model numbers A1502, A1706, A1398, A1707, A1708).

Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement kits for these models are available for around $200 to $250 depending upon your particular model. Just be aware that this is no simple task and Apple’s motivation is to get you to replace your MacBook Pro, rather than getting it repaired. Contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service for further information and to get a quote.

MacBook Pro Unibody A1278, A1286 or 1297

It’s a far less risky procedure if your MacBook Pro is a Unibody A1278, A1286 or 1297.

You will need a Tri-Lobe screwdriver to remove the 2 or 3 Tri-Lobe screws holding the battery in place.  A Tri-Lobe screwdriver is a specialist item that isn’t stocked by every hardware store. You will also need a small Philips head small to remove the computer base plate.

Your new battery needs to be chosen carefully using the relevant four-digit model (prefixed with the letter A) and EMC numbers. This information is generally found on the base plate in very small letters/numbers.

Alternatively, you can refer to the system information contained in About This Mac from the Apple symbol on the taskbar at the top of the screen.

Buying a MacBook Pro Battery

There are several options to purchase the new battery from, such as on eBay (which is often a cheaper option) or reputable resellers that specialise in Apple computer parts like Macfixit (based in Melbourne) and RamCity (located in Sydney). Prices tend to range (as at September 2018) from $150 to nearly $200 for a battery replacement “kit” depending on the models of Mac, and often includes the screwdriver(s) which are needed to remove the battery from your MacBook Pro. It is worth checking when ordering as to what exactly is included.

If you do require assistance for Apple MacBook Pro battery replacement then please contact us here at Affordable Computer Repairs. Contact us for further information and to get a quote.

How to Remove a MacBook Pro Battery

(Non-Unibody 15 and 17 inch A1150/ 1151, A1211/ 1212, 1226/ 1229 or 1260/ 1261 models)

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect any cables such as the power cable, the Ethernet cable, mouse and external keyboard, and any other cords connected to the MacBook to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Close the lid securely.
  3. Turn the computer over.
  4. Locate the battery release latches on each side of the battery.
  5. Slide both latches up.
  6. Lift the old battery out and insert the replacement

How to Remove a MacBook Pro Battery

(Unibody A1278, A1286 or 1297 models)

For these newer MacBook Pros, the base aluminium plate needs to be removed. This is usually held in place with Philips head screws. Be advised to keep the screws in a safe place and take careful note of where the 2 or 3 longer screws are positioned. These MacBooks are generally referred to as Unibody.

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect any cables such as the power cable, the Ethernet cable, mouse and external keyboard, and any other cords connected to the MacBook to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Close the lid securely and turn the MacBook over.
  3. Remove the base plate using a Philips screwdriver.
  4. Locate the battery (usually at the front and black in colour, and carefully disconnect the battery connector from the logic board.
  5. You require a Tri-Lobe screwdriver to remove the 2 or 3 screws holding the battery in place. Carefully remove the old battery and insert the replacement.
  6. Reconnect the battery connector and reassemble your Mac.

For further help and advice, contact us at Affordable Computer Repairs and Service in Brisbane on 3397 1215 or 0409 974 707. For a full list of our Apple services, please visit our Mac Repair page.