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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published May 9, 2016
All Mac Q&As >> Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A | Also See: All MacBook Pro Specs
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How do you replace the battery in the 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?
Please note that this Q&A covers battery replacement for the 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models. EveryMac.com also covers battery replacement for the 13-Inch and 15-Inch models.
Unfortunately, the battery in the 17-Inch MacBook Pro "Unibody" models is fully "integrated" with the notebook and is not designed to be easily replaced by end users.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (17-Inch Unibody MacBook Pro)
Nevertheless, it is possible to replace the battery in the 17-Inch MacBook Pro "Unibody" -- the "Early 2009," "Mid-2009," "Mid-2010," "Early 2011" and "Late 2011" lines alike -- and it is a straightforward procedure, too.
Identification Help
Different 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models use different batteries and proper identification is important as a result.
If you're not sure which 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro you have, these systems all share the same A1297 Model Number, unfortunately. EMC Numbers are not externally listed on most of these notebooks, either. As a result, they only can be externally differentiated by the Serial Number courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.
However, in software, it also is possible to get "close enough" to an exact match to determine the compatible battery type by Model Identifier.
In turn, each model can be uniquely identified via model identifier and one or more secondary identifiers (like processor speed and/or processor type).
Model identifiers for each of these models follow:
17" Unibody MacBook Pro |
Subfamily |
Model ID |
Early 2009 |
||
Early 2009 |
||
Mid-2009 |
||
Mid-2009 |
||
Mid-2010 |
||
Mid-2010 |
||
Mid-2010 |
||
Early 2011 |
||
Early 2011 |
||
Late 2011 |
||
Late 2011 |
Different 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models use different battery types. Specifically, models from 2009 and 2010 use one type of battery and those from 2011 use another. All are attached by fairly obscure Tri-Lobe screws.
These specific details are simplest to visualize as a chart:
17" MBP |
Model ID |
Batt. Model No |
Buy (OWC) |
Early 2009 |
A1309* |
||
Mid-2009 |
A1309* |
||
Mid-2010 |
A1309* |
||
Early 2011 |
A1383* |
||
Late 2011 |
A1383* |
*These model numbers are listed on the original battery in each notebook.
Click the "Buy" link to see compatible batteries available for sale from site sponsor Other World Computing. These batteries are of high quality, are available for worldwide shipping, and include the exact size and type of screwdrivers needed to perform the battery swap.
Battery Replacement Instructions
Although the battery replacement procedure is practically identical between lines, specific video instructions are helpful particularly because of the differences in batteries and screws.
In addition to providing compatible battery upgrade kits, site sponsor Other World Computing offers this useful instructional video, as well:
2009-2010 17" Unibody MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Video
Model Identifiers: MacBookPro5,2 & MacBookPro6,1
2011 17" Unibody MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Video
Model Identifier: MacBookPro8,3
After watching the video for your specific 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro, it should be clear that replacing the battery is straightforward.
However, if you do not feel comfortable doing the work yourself, hiring a professional is a good idea.
Unibody MacBook Pro Battery Replacement Summary & Purchase Options
Ultimately, those with even modest technical skills can easily replace the battery in the 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro models if they wish.
However, be sure to buy from a quality company to ensure that the batteries will function properly. Low quality batteries may not only have a short lifespan, but even could leak or cause a fire.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for all 17-Inch MacBook Pro models for do-it-yourself replacement.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells OWC batteries for all MacBook Pro models with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
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