There is no single safe sequence for removing a hard drive from every iMac. First identify the iMac’s year, screen size, and model or EMC number, then use the repair guide for that exact machine. Some Intel iMacs have a spinning hard disk drive (HDD), while others use an SSD or Fusion Drive; newer Apple-silicon models are a different generation and should not be treated as if they share an Intel iMac’s HDD procedure.
Identify your iMac before opening it
Check the model information on the iMac or in macOS, and confirm the year, screen size, and model or EMC identifier. Use those details to find a repair guide that matches the machine—not just one with a similar-looking screen. The instructions for a 21.5-inch iMac identified as EMC 2544 differ from those for a 27-inch 2017 iMac, including bracket and access details.
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Also confirm the storage configuration. “Hard drive” may mean a spinning HDD, but an iMac may instead have an SSD or Fusion Drive. Do not order a replacement drive or assume a particular connector or configuration until the exact model and storage are known.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11| Documented path | What it covers | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| 21.5-inch iMac, EMC 2544 | iFixit hard-drive replacement guide | Adhesive-bonded display; the display cables remain connected as the panel is opened, and the drive is connected by SATA power and data cables. |
| 27-inch iMac, 2017 | iFixit hard-drive replacement guide | A separate opening sequence and drive-bracket layout; do not transfer the 21.5-inch steps to this model. |
Apple’s recycler disassembly guide for 21.5-inch 2017–2019 iMacs also depicts HDD bracket removal and disconnection of the drive connector. It is intended for recycling, however, and is not a substitute for a repair guide. Apple’s 24-inch M1 repair manual concerns a newer Apple-silicon generation and does not establish an HDD removal procedure that can be applied to the Intel models above.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes all cables and tools necessary for drive installation into main drive bay of Apple iMac 2012 and Later Models-Hard drive sold separately
- Upgrade your iMac with any SATA drive, No Software hacks, AHT Diagnostic compatible
- iMac 2012 and later Models: Compatible with 2012 and Later iMac Models: (2012 Model ID: iMac13,2) (2013 Model ID: iMac14,2) (2014 Model ID: iMac15,1) (2015 Model ID: iMac15,1) (2015 Model ID: iMac17,1) (2017 model ID: iMac18,3) and (2019 model ID: iMac19,1)
- Includes: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor Cable, 2 suction cups for the outer glass removal, OWC Torx T8S Driver, OWC Torx T10S Driver, NewerTech Pry Tool, OWC Microfiber Pro Cleaning Cloth, OWC Pick (for screen separation), Adhesive strips (for screen re-attachment)
- 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty- Free install videos available on manufacturer's site
Do you have to remove the screen?
On the cited adhesive-bonded models, yes: the drive is behind the display, so the repair guides begin by cutting through the display adhesive. The screen is not a hinged access door. Opening it exposes fragile display connections, so the model-specific instructions matter as much as the drive-removal steps.
What tools and parts should you prepare?
The cited repair guides use an iMac opening wheel or opening tool, plastic cards, a spudger, Torx drivers, and, where applicable, a service wedge. Display adhesive strips are needed for reassembly on the adhesive-bonded models. Match both tools and replacement adhesive to the confirmed iMac model and screen size; do not assume a kit for one iMac fits another.
Rank #2
- Complete DIY kit for upgrading your 2012-2015 27" iMac's hard drive with a high-performance OWC 6G Solid State Drive; No software hacks required
- Sequential Reads (Compressible Data): up to 532MB/s; Sequential Writes(Compressible Data): up to 467MB/s
- Compatible with 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 27-inch iMac
- Includes: OWC Mercury 6G SSD, AdaptaDrive 2.5" to 3.5" Drive Converter Bracket, OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor Cable, (2) OWC 2-1/4" Suction Cups, 27" iMac Adhesive tape set for proper display resealing, (4) Installation tools, Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloth
- Backed by free DIY install videos and expert support; 3 Year OWC Limited Warranty
High-level removal sequence for the documented Intel models
This is an orientation, not a universal teardown procedure. Follow the exact guide for your iMac, including its screw locations, cable routing, and display-opening instructions.
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- Prepare the computer. Shut it down and unplug it. For the 27-inch 2017 procedure, the guide also instructs you to press and hold the power button for ten seconds after unplugging.
- Open the display using the matching guide. The EMC 2544 guide uses an opening tool to cut the display adhesive, then plastic cards to free remaining adhesive. Its upper-edge instructions warn against cutting near the iSight camera.
- Support the panel and disconnect its cables as directed. On EMC 2544, lift the display only a few inches before disconnecting its power and data cables. Do not pull the display far away while those connections remain attached.
- Remove the drive’s model-specific brackets or screws. The bracket arrangement and screw details differ by model, so do not use one guide’s layout for another iMac.
- Lift the drive only as far as needed, then disconnect it. In the EMC 2544 guide, the lifted HDD remains attached by two cables. Disconnect SATA power and data before taking the drive out of its recess.
- Keep parts organized for reassembly. Track the screws, brackets, and cable positions, and use replacement display adhesive specified for the machine when closing it.
Safety risks to take seriously
- Display damage: Excessive lifting can strain or tear display cables. On EMC 2544, the guide specifically cautions that the panel must not be lifted too far before its cables are disconnected.
- Power-supply hazards: The 27-inch 2017 guide says to unplug the iMac, hold the power button for ten seconds, and avoid capacitor leads and exposed solder joints on the power supply. This is model-specific guidance, not a guarantee that every internal component is safe to touch.
- Wrong opening approach: Adhesive placement, tool direction, brackets, and screws vary. Verify the identifier before cutting or prying rather than relying on appearance alone.
- Incomplete reassembly materials: The display adhesive is removed during access. Plan for model-matched replacement adhesive rather than expecting the old strips to secure the panel reliably.
When this overview is not enough
If you cannot confirm the iMac’s model or storage type, stop before opening it or buying a drive. The exact procedure and any compatible replacement depend on those details. For a machine outside the documented Intel model paths above—including a newer Apple-silicon iMac—use instructions that explicitly match its model and repair task. A compatible SATA drive or SSD is a possible replacement path for some configurations, not a requirement for removing the existing drive.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2.0TB HDD Upgrade Kit
- Compatible with All 2012 to Mid 2019 27" iMac models
- Capacity Size - 2TB
- including Thermal Sensor, Tools and 2.0TB HDD
Rank #4
- Includes all cables and tools necessary for drive installation into main drive bay of Apple iMac 2011 Models-Hard drive sold separately
- Upgrade your iMac with any SATA drive, No Software hacks, AHT Diagnostic compatible
- Compatibility: 2011 iMac 21.5 inch (Model ID: iMac12,1) 2011 iMac 27 inch (Model ID: iMac12,2)
- Includes: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor Cable, 2 suction cups for the outer glass removal, OWC Torx T8S Driver, OWC Torx T10S Driver, NewerTech Pry Tool, OWC Microfiber Pro Cleaning Cloth
- 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty- Free install videos available on manufacturer's site
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