MacBook Pro data recovery, 2016 to 2020

The Touch Bar generation: soldered storage, and from 2018 the T2 security chip.

Ask about data recovery Call 020 7237 6805

What decides whether the data can be reached

This generation is where MacBook Pro data recovery became difficult. On Touch Bar models the SSD is soldered to the logic board. On 2016 and 2017 models the data is not tied to a security chip and can be read through the board once the board is powered correctly.

From 2018 the T2 chip encrypts the storage with keys that exist only inside that chip. If the logic board fails, the board has to be brought back to life before a single file can be read. The one exception in this generation is the 13-inch model without a Touch Bar, which kept a removable SSD.

Models, years and storage

Model	Years	Model number	Storage	How data is recovered
MacBook Pro 13-inch, no Touch Bar	2016 to 2017	A1708	SSD module	The SSD module is removed and read with the correct adapter.
MacBook Pro 13-inch Touch Bar	2016 to 2017	A1706	Soldered	Storage is soldered. Data is read through the logic board, which is repaired first if it has failed.
MacBook Pro 15-inch Touch Bar	2016 to 2017	A1707	Soldered	Storage is soldered. Data is read through the logic board, which is repaired first if it has failed.
MacBook Pro 13-inch, four ports	2018 to 2019	A1989	Soldered, T2	Storage is soldered and encrypted by the T2 chip. The original logic board must be working, and the password is needed.
MacBook Pro 13-inch, two ports	2019	A2159	Soldered, T2	Storage is soldered and encrypted by the T2 chip. The original logic board must be working, and the password is needed.
MacBook Pro 13-inch	2020	A2251, A2289	Soldered, T2	Storage is soldered and encrypted by the T2 chip. The original logic board must be working, and the password is needed.
MacBook Pro 15-inch	2018 to 2019	A1990	Soldered, T2	Storage is soldered and encrypted by the T2 chip. The original logic board must be working, and the password is needed.
MacBook Pro 16-inch	2019	A2141	Soldered, T2	Storage is soldered and encrypted by the T2 chip. The original logic board must be working, and the password is needed.

If another repairer has already replaced the logic board on a T2 model, the data on the old board can only be recovered from that old board. Ask for it back.

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

Apple replaced my logic board and said the data was gone. Is it?

The data stayed on the old board. If you still have it, or can get it back, recovery may be possible by repairing that board.

Does FileVault make any difference on a T2 MacBook Pro?

The storage is encrypted by the T2 chip either way. With FileVault on, your password is also needed to unlock it. Without the password the data cannot be read.

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