If you don't have Time Machine backup available, you can reinstall macOS.While it is possible to replace the hard drive on any Mac not listed above, how difficult it is varies wildly with the model. Then restore your macOS from the Time Machine backup and choose the new SSD as the destination. Now that your new SSD is set in place, you need to boot into Recovery Mode to format the new startup drive.

Check if the new drive works before putting it on the bottom cover.

Add the black bar to the SSD, then secure it with the Phillips screws.

Connect the ribbon cable connector to the SSD.Put the mounting/Torx screws from the old hard drive into the sides of the new SSD.Remove the mounting/Torx screws from the old drive.Wiggle the connector to detach the hard drive. There's maybe another SATA ribbon attached to the hard drive.

Pull the plastic tab to take out the hard drive.Unscrew the two black Phillips screws on the black bar, then pull it off and set it aside.The hard drive is often located in the bottom left corner, often labeled with information such as storage and capacity. Remove the screws holding the hard drive.Mac Models that are eligible for hard drive replacement: You can check what year your MacBook Pro is by clicking the Apple logo > About This Mac to see whether it can be upgraded. If you are using one of the old Mac Models, you may still stand a chance to get the hard drive replaced. However, Apple has tactically made its RAM and SSD un-upgradeable and unreplaceable to boost the sales of new Macs. The ideal is to perform MacBook Pro hard drive replacement. Moving some big files to an external hard drive seems fine but doesn't solve the real problem. When Mac can't serve you as fast and efficient as it was due to storage shortage, you can either upgrade the hard drive on your MacBook Pro, use an external storage device, or get a new one. How to upgrade your MacBook Pro hard drive? When should you upgrade/replace a MacBook Pro hard drive? Guide to MacBook Pro hard drive replacement: But the question is, can your MacBook Pro model be upgraded?

Is your MacBook Pro running slower than it used to? When you run into unresponsive programs frequently or can't open files as you should, you know it's time to upgrade the hard drive on your Macbook Pro. How to Replace Hard Drive in MacBook Pro

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