MacBook Pro data recovery, 2009 to 2015

The unibody MacBook Pro with a standard hard drive, and the first Retina models with removable SSD modules.

Ask about data recovery Call 020 7237 6805

What decides whether the data can be reached

These are the most recoverable MacBook Pros. The 2009 to 2012 unibody models use an ordinary 2.5-inch SATA drive, and many are still on their original hard drive, now well past its expected life. Slow running, a spinning beach ball and a flashing folder are the usual warnings.

The Retina models from 2012 to 2015 replaced that with a removable SSD module. Either way the storage comes out of the Mac, so a dead logic board does not stand between you and your files.

Models, years and storage

Model	Years	Model number	Storage	How data is recovered
MacBook Pro 13-inch	2009 to 2012	A1278	2.5-inch SATA drive	The drive is removed and copied directly. The Mac does not need to work.
MacBook Pro 15-inch	2008 to 2012	A1286	2.5-inch SATA drive	The drive is removed and copied directly. The Mac does not need to work.
MacBook Pro 17-inch	2009 to 2011	A1297	2.5-inch SATA drive	The drive is removed and copied directly. The Mac does not need to work.
MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch	2012 to 2013	A1425	SSD module	The SSD module is removed and read with the correct adapter.
MacBook Pro Retina 13-inch	2013 to 2015	A1502	SSD module	The SSD module is removed and read with the correct adapter.
MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch	2012 to 2015	A1398	SSD module	The SSD module is removed and read with the correct adapter.

Some owners fitted a second drive in place of the DVD drive, or a third-party SSD. Tell us if yours has been modified, and send any drive that was taken out.

What to do now

Do not keep trying to start it. Each attempt can make a failing drive or a damaged board worse.
Have your Mac login password ready, and your FileVault recovery key if you turned FileVault on.
Find the model number: "Model A" followed by four digits, printed on the underside or the foot of the stand.
Tell us whether there is a Time Machine or iCloud backup, even an old one.

Recovery starts with a professional evaluation, charged at £94.80. It tells you what has failed and what can be recovered, and you then receive a fixed price for the recovery itself.

We collect drives and devices by insured courier from anywhere in the UK, or you can post yours tracked and insured, or bring it to the workshop in London SE1. See how to send a drive safely.

Common questions

The hard drive in my 2011 MacBook Pro clicks. Can it be recovered?

Often. It is a standard laptop drive and is treated like one. See clicking and beeping drives, and stop using it.

Can I put the old SSD module in a USB case and read it myself?

Adapters exist for some of these modules. If the Mac failed from liquid or a power fault, the module may be damaged too, and it is safer to have it copied properly first.

Get a price from a technician

Tell us the make, the model and what has gone wrong. A technician replies with a price and the quickest way to get your laptop to us – normally the same working day.

020 7237 6805

Creative IT workshop
Unit 1, 80 Willow Walk, London SE1 5SY
Monday to Saturday, 9am–6pm