MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 Battery Replacement

Written By: Walter Galan
  • Comments: 70
MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2009 Battery Replacement

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

5

Time Required

5 - 10 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace an old or faulty battery and revitalize your MacBook Pro. If your battery is swollen, take appropriate precautions.

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    • Remove the following 10 screws securing the lower case to the MacBook Pro 13" Unibody:

    • Seven 3 mm Phillips screws.

    • Three 13.5 mm Phillips screws.

    Compare the short screws carefully before reinstalling them. The shouldered screws go in the holes on the front edge.

    David Kilbridge -

    Before I started removing any screws I took a piece of paper and drew the bottom of the laptop and put a piece of double-sided tape in the spot where each screw goes. That way when I took out the screws, I could put them on the tape so I knew exactly which screw went in which spot. I did the same thing for dismantling the inside on another sheet of paper, then a third sheet for the screen after getting the front glass off.

    mastover -

    I use a similar technique: I print out the iFixit manual for the job, and Scotch-tape down the screws/brackets/cables I remove at each step next to the component descriptions. That way, when I'm reassembling, the bits are taped right next to the photo of where they came from.

    adlerpe -

    That's exactly what I do for all my repairs! It's the best way to keep track of all of the parts ' original location and to make sure that you don't miss any parts during reassembly.

    joyitsjennie -

    Great idea and one I use often

    Thomas Overstreet -

    Excellent idea! Thanks for sharing it here.

    Laura Sharkey -

    I used a 00 that fit but the screws were very tight so I used a tiny paintbrush with some wd40 on it and put it around the edges of the screws. Worked like a charm

    valentinedhdh -

    I use a magnetic mat and place the screws in order on that :)

    Cary B -

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    • Slightly lift the lower case and push it toward the rear of the computer to free the mounting tabs.

    In the introduction you should link fixers to this excellent doc: https://www.ifixit.com/Misc/HD_Software_...

    It is really critical, super easy, and free(!) to clone your existing drive onto the new one you will install. I ran into one error, but SuperDuper! support replied immediately on how to fix it...Thanks ifixit and SuperDuper! (I ponied up the $28 for the software anyway, I was so impressed!)

    Mike -

    Long story short: I drank the AppleKoolAid back in 1984 and have always left the guts of my machines up to Apple - until recently when I needed to swap the SATAs from my original MacDaddy (2009 13" MBPro that I killed in 2018 - coffee + blackout = OOOOPS) into a pristine 2009 MBPro from a Goodwill in North Carolina through eBay. I need the files from iCal and MacMail that can't be opened in my newer machines.

    Well . . . I ain't never done nuttin' like that, before!

    Enter Luke Miani on YouTube. He raves about you guys! So, I watched everything I could, read your site, bought the right tools and at the ripe old age of 72, I sat down, this morning and did the work. Now my original MacDaddy lives in MacDaddy2.0.

    Am I allowed to cry?

    Seriously, I can't thank you enough for your bitchen site and killer tools. I wish I'd'a been turned on to this shizzle 30+ years ago.

    IFIXIT - IDIGIT!

    kath myers -

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

    That was a brilliant read.

    Yes, I came across ifixit a few years ago. Totally helped me out on several occasions.

    Glad your Mac repair journey worked out.

    :)

    Cary B -

  3. 6MSUYFmPK6UkdPye

    • Remove the following tri-point screws securing the battery to the upper case:

    • One 5.5 mm tri-point screw.

    • One 13.5 mm tri-point screw.

    Mine does not have triwing screws.... They have 5 points but none of my torx stuff works? What is it? I have one of your sets of 20 or so pieces and nothing works.....

    Chris Babcock -

    pentalobe. its an apple specific driver to keep you out. The bottoms of the airs use this as well. You can fid one on eBay

    ryan rochford -

    Where in the world can I find a tri-point screw bit?

    Mason Darien -

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    • Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the battery connector up out of its socket on the logic board.

    use two spudgers, one of each side of the connector.

    Sebastien CHAPUIS -

    I was able to use 1 spudger. Just wiggled a little on each of the 3 free sides of the connector, and kept going around until the connector freed up.

    Brian -

    I used the nails of thumb and pointer finger simultaneously - worked pretty fine

    Reinhard Kaune -

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    • Lift the battery out of the upper case.

    • If you're installing a new battery, you should calibrate it after installation:

    • Charge it to 100%, and then keep charging it for at least 2 more hours. Next, unplug and use it normally to drain the battery. When you see the low battery warning, save your work, and keep your laptop on until it goes to sleep due to low battery. Wait at least 5 hours, then charge your laptop uninterrupted to 100%.

    • If you notice any unusual behavior or problems after installing your new battery, you may need to reset your MacBook's SMC.

    Did everything correctly, but now the battery doesn't charge. Do I have to do something in particular to make it work now that's installed? Thanks

    Olivier -

    I am answering a 2 year old post but this is for those who may have the same or similar issue in the future.

    When I was putting the battery connector back on that it didn't sit flat against the board before I put pressure on the top of the connecter to press it back into its socket. I then took time to examine the battery connector socket and saw it consisted of long thin vertical pins. I deduced that if the battery connector was not aligned correctly to the pins on the motherboard then it may be very easy to bend one or more of the pins in a way that they wouldn't mate up with the opposing female part on the connector. That sure would cause a battery charging issue. If you feel too much resistance when pressing the connector back into the socket then stop and make sure it is all aligned correctly. I know, not easy with the size, the black connector and black socket. A spudger can be used on the battery side of the connector to raise it to a level position prior to applying pressure to the top of it.

    Joseph King -

    I too encountered the same problem. After resetting the SMC (http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295), it resolved the problem.

    2CentsNoneTheRicher -

    I put the battery in ok, then placed it on charge and tried to start it. It didn't like this at all, letting out evenly spaced unfamiliar beeps. I felt sure i had done something terrible. I held down the start button and turned it off. Half an hour later I turned it back on, upon which it sprung back to life, much to my relief. The battery needed to be charged before starting it seems.

    Guy Wishart -

    Yes, you should charge your battery before using.

    Cary B -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Walter Galan

685236 Reputation

48 comments

My laptop wouldn't believe the battery was new until I reset the SMC as well ( http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964 ).

penguinofdeath -

Perfect! I didn't want to wait for the Tri-wing screwdriver to ship, so I gave it a try by wedging a FH 1 in between two of the wings. It worked well to unscrew, but you must be very careful when resetting the screws that hold the battery. If you get them started with your finger (a little pressure with your thumb pushing straight down will get the job done) then you can do a few final turns with the FH 1. If you try to start resetting the screws with the off-center-FH1-workaround, you will strip the screw! Keep the screws centered and don't force anything.

Laurence Benson -

worked like a charm. my old battery had bulged and made it so that the track pad would not click :-( replacing the battery did the trick.

statprof -

My local Apple Store wants $179 plus tax to change this battery, AND I have to leave my laptop for "a couple of days." This is one store that clearly doesn't get it (Cherry Creak Mall, Denver). Thus, a DIY fix is mandatory... but, they won't sell just the battery.

channonholiday -

iFixit sells the battery you need for $119 ([linked product missing or disabled: IF163-019-1]), and once you get it, doing the replacement shouldn't take more than 30 minutes, even if you've never done a repair like this before.

Taylor Arnicar -

This is really easy if you got right tools, just tested and in few minutes I changed my old battery with new :)

scapolupo -

Worked like a Champ ! Directions were perfect. Tools were right on. A few minutes later, my MacBook is back in biz. This is great stuff. Thanks !!

Rbwham -

I followed the instruction carefully and the battery works great. However, now my trackpad won't depress in all but the lower right corner. Anyone know how to fix this?

john -

I found out the battery tab screw holes are slightly misaligned by about 1/2 mm. This causes the battery to wedge in too tightly to the track pad which is directly above. Using a small drill bit I moved the holes slightly allowing the battery to move slightly toward the center of the laptop. This took the pressure off the track pad. Also I took the clear plastic covering off as well. It works great now.

john -

The longer tri-wing bolt won't fit properly into the new battery I got through ifixit. The hole is too small and appears the wrong shape. It seems like this was the case with the old battery too, as there a crack in the corner near the hole where someone had to widen it. In the end I used the tip of a metal knitting needle (the sturdiest thing of the right size I had to hand) to widen the hole slightly, causing a similar crack. I guess since the bolt's thread is only at the tip where it enters the metal laptop casing this shouldn't affect how securely the battery is joined.

I had no joy with a 00 Phillips either, but this was probably due to the crappy quality of my socket set.

Dan Chambers -

I added this battery on my Macbook Pro 2009 edition. I still only get 2 hours of online video (youtube or netflix). is that normal? And the Maximum Capacity of my battery is 93% at arrival??

Any tips to increase the battery life of my laptop? I don't mind going back to mavericks or earlier versions..

Sundeep S -

A very step by step guide to replace battery on Macbook Pro's that are not covered under Apple Technical Service... and less expensive. Totally helpful... thanx iFixit for provide help and parts

Jorcorand -

Success! My mid 2009 MBPro is still going strong thanks to this battery change. HDD upgrade to SSD is due soon... Thanks iFixit.

tomvalkeapaa -

Yes, very helpful text.

Praska -

The new battery will not charge. All the lights are flashing. I tried resetting SMC and reinstalling the battery but nothing worked.

Christopher Rempel -

If you buy this battery new from OWC (macsales), they include--for free--the two screwdrivers you will need. Got this battery today for 99.00, installed it myself based on this instructional in 10 minutes. And I have never opened a macbook before, first time. The main things: don't lose the screws, most of them are incredibly tiny (I lost one when dusting with microfiber), don't forget to put the screws back on battery housing, and be gentle and patient when removing small, semi-rigid battery wire cable. Best wishes.

Chase W -

Thanks a lot for a descriptive guide. Battery was replaced like a breeze.

Soham Shah -

I bought a new battery from ifixit.de, was around 100€. I have to say I'm a bit dissapointed, charge is nowhere near full it's around 3500, battery barely manages an hour and a half. Have to say it was not worth it. Cocconut battery says it's 3,1 years old and lost around 20-25% of it's original capacity. I feel I got robbed for 100€

Mario Markovic -

Thank you SO much.

This was easy and worked very well.

I used a battery from Duracell Direct, which cost £50 (inc. delivery) which has a one year warranty.

I took the opportunity of cleaning the inside while it was open, using a soft sable-hair paintbrush, to lift the dust off the circuit board, and a microfibre cloth on the inside of the case.

It read 46% charge when first put in , (which may not be correct until it has calibrated itself) which dropped on use to 18%, and has recharged happily and just now it has reached 100% - brilliant!

Thanks again,

Kate

Kate Bagenal -

The date of the above post is 28th October 2016,

Kate

Kate Bagenal -

I upgraded my macbook pro 13" mid 2009:

replaced optical drive with 250GB SSD.

replaced 2x2GB RAM with 2x4GB.

replaced old battery..

Things work, except the fan never slows down and makes a lot of noise.

The fan start at full speed as soon as I click the power button, even before the screen lights up.

Please help.

Also the bluetooth and camera stopped working :(

abhi -

Did you solve the fan problem? Otherwise perhaps try "smcFanControl"?

Emanuel Edner -

Thanks for this guide!!

Anthony Tan -

The replacement battery was 50% charged with Cycle Count of 1, nice :)

Ces -

Very helpful and easy process. Go the local laptop service store if you cannot get the battery screws to open, as it's not easy to get the screw driver for it

abbas ehetesham -

Great and easy. Well done

macpap1311 -

Will the 2009 battery and replacement guide work for a 13" unibody from late 2008?

Jeff Martell -

Check your model carefully—I don't think any 13" unibody MacBook Pro was made in 2008. You might be thinking of the regular MacBook, in which case the guides you are looking for are right here.

Jeff Suovanen -

I did the following:

Replaced old battery.

Replaced 2x2GB RAM with 2x4GB.

The step by step works precisely. I see improvements in speed and holding a charge. Thanks W Galan and 7 other contributors.

Echo Sierra -

Decided to hold off on replacing the track pad until I had successfully replaced the battery first (my first project). I didn’t realize my trackpad not working could be because of battery swelling, but I’m pretty sure that is what happened. My gratitude is overflowing. And I can use my trackpad again. :)

Thanks!

Andrew Olsen -

Any tips on what to do with an old battery? Landfill? Recycle it… somewhere?

Andrew Olsen -

@abolsen It should absolutely get recycled! You can’t just drop it in the bin though. You can find some guidance on finding a recycler here. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to take it to big box store as a lot of them freely accept batteries for recycling (OfficeMax, Staples, Best Buy, etc.).

Jeff Suovanen -

I did the replacement of the battery on the my wife’s Macbook Pro 13” Mid 2009 and the guide was really useful. Perfect and easy.

Amedeo Cogliati -

Excellent instructions! May want to add that until the replaced battery has charged, the operating system may throttle the CPU speed. Among other things, this can lengthen the time to boot considerably.

rfilcoff -

The holes on the battery for the battery mounting screws may not line up exactly with the threaded receptacles on the MacBook chassis. You may have to exert some pressure on end of the battery to get the holes to line up. Recommend installing the longer screw (adjacent to the memory chip) first.

rfilcoff -

Worked like a charm! Took a little more than 5 mins, but who’s counting? My old battery had more than 3,300 days on it and although it still worked fine, after almost 10 years of service, probably better to go ahead and replace it. Thanks for the instructions!

Michael Faris -

I changed the battery, the HDD to a SSD and the RAM from 2GB to 6GB (or 8, can't remember). When I try CMD + R it doesn't go into OS recovery. When going into diagnostics (holding D when booting) and start the hardware test it gives me a error code: ‘4SNS/1/40000000:TB3T-128.000’.

When Googling this error I find that this is a system sensor for the battery temperature that is not working. Did I buy a broken battery? Please help!

Steve Popping -

Changed the battery and increased the RAM. Super easy. Thanks for these easy to follow guides!!!

Philipp Brekenkamp -

Replacement done on my Macbook Pro 13” Mid 2009 & the guide was really useful. Super easy.

Battery was 57% charged with Cycle Count of 1 / Max 5800 mAh. Thanks for the instructions!

CRS VAN YORK -

Piece of cake. Thank you for the terrific instructions and parts. The battery replacement was quick and easy and my computer runs great. I thought that I was going to have to replace the trackpad, but the swelled battery must have been interferring with it. It works great now.

Kimberly Ferrier -

Merci beaucoup pour toutes les explications, j’ai réussi à changer ma batterie sans aucun souci. J’espère que le prochain tuyo sera de comment nettoyer l’ordinateur à l’intériorité car quand j’ai l’ouvert, il était plain de poussière. Donc, j’ai rien touché, seulement la batterie. Je suis contente. merciiiiiii infiniment.

Yudith Ugalde -

Have spent over an hour trying to get the long trip tip screw to seat and screw in

Tried screwing in the short one first and that didn’t work.

Any advice? will the battery stay put if we don’t use this screw?

karen spangenberg -

Now after over 2 hours of trying to screw in the long tri tip screw which holds the battery, I decided to put the old battery in place to see how it screwed in. IT WENT RIGHT IN!!!. So eyeballing some more, we can see that the plastic screw hole on new battery DOES NOT LINE UP with that screw hold. Comparing the new and old battery back to back they appear exactly the same size etc, but obviously not. The old battery will lay right over the screw hold (without securing the battery under the 3 cover tabs) but the new battery hits on the side and top when trying to lay it down directly on top of the screw hole.

My question now is, can I secure the new battery with just the short tri head screw or is that absolutely a no no. Thank you anyone in advance for advice, suggestion, answer.

karen spangenberg -

Did a combination of the hard drive replacement cable, a hard drive swap to SSD, and battery swap. Super easy. Great instructions! Thank ya!

Aaron Dimatulac -

HELP HELP Just received battery from my mid 2009 Macbook pro 13” , & it went i without a hitch Now it seems that I can’t turn it on, or else the screen will not come on The keyboard is lighting up fine any advice or information would be great

Rebecca Csiszar -

Successfully replaced my Macbook battery on my own using this guide. I just bought a replacement battery from ebay for $39. Thanks for the helpful guide.

Vito Butardo -

Another great guide! Done in 15 minutes and saves a TON! Small blessings…there is no glue in this repair!

mkeehnel -

I changed the battery on my MacBook Pro mid-2009 and it is not detected. I put the old battery back (which still worked) and now it is not detected either! I tried to reset SMC but it's not working. Any idea ??

Julien Faye -