The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
There is no single safe removal procedure for every iMac. First identify your iMac’s year, screen size, and model or EMC number, then use the repair guide for that exact machine. On the adhesive-bonded Intel models covered below, the hard drive sits behind the display, which must be separated before the drive can be reached.
Identify your iMac and its storage before opening it
Check the iMac’s model information and confirm whether it has a spinning hard disk drive (HDD), an SSD, or a Fusion Drive configuration. These are not interchangeable descriptions: a guide for removing a hard drive does not establish what storage is installed in your particular computer.
The procedures differ even among Intel iMacs. The iFixit 21.5-inch EMC 2544 hard-drive guide and the separate iFixit 27-inch 2017 guide show different access and bracket details. Do not combine their steps or assume that a similar-looking iMac uses the same tools, screws, or cable layout.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteApple’s repair manual for the 24-inch M1 iMac concerns a newer Apple-silicon generation; it does not provide the HDD removal procedure described for the Intel models here.
#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 display to reach the hard drive?
For the cited adhesive-bonded models, yes: the hard drive is behind the display, and the model-specific guides start by cutting the display adhesive. The display is connected by power and data cables, so separating its adhesive does not mean it can be lifted freely. Follow the guide for your exact iMac, including its opening method and instructions for supporting and disconnecting the panel.
How the documented removal paths differ
| iMac covered | Access and drive details | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 21.5-inch Intel iMac, EMC 2544 | Display adhesive is cut; the display is lifted carefully while its power and data cables remain connected. After the drive brackets are removed, the drive is lifted with its cables attached, then SATA power and data are disconnected. | iFixit repair guide |
| 27-inch iMac, 2017 | Uses a separate model-specific opening procedure and drive-bracket layout. Its guide also gives power-supply safety precautions. | iFixit repair guide |
Apple’s 21.5-inch 2017–2019 iMac recycling guide depicts HDD bracket removal and unplugging the drive connector, but it is a recycling disassembly document, not a substitute for a repair guide.
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 cited 21.5-inch EMC 2544
This is an orientation to that model’s guide, not a universal iMac procedure. Use the complete guide for the confirmed EMC 2544 and stop if your machine does not match.
- Prepare the correct materials. The guide uses an iMac opening tool or wheel, plastic cards, a spudger, Torx drivers, and model-matched replacement display adhesive for reassembly.
- Separate the display adhesive. Cut the adhesive using the guide’s method, then use plastic cards to free remaining adhesive. Avoid the iSight camera area while cutting the upper adhesive.
- Lift the display only enough to access its connections. The display’s power and data cables remain attached. Lift it only a few inches before disconnecting them; pulling or stressing the connections can damage them.
- Remove the drive brackets. Follow the guide’s screw and bracket order; do not assume the 27-inch 2017 bracket arrangement is the same.
- Lift the drive, then disconnect it. The EMC 2544 guide says the drive remains connected by two cables when lifted from its recess. Disconnect SATA power and data before removing the drive completely.
- Plan for reassembly. Display adhesive has been removed, so have replacement adhesive strips that match the model before closing the iMac.
Safety and common damage risks
- Unplug the iMac first. The 27-inch 2017 guide instructs users to unplug the computer and hold the power button for ten seconds before proceeding. It also warns against touching capacitor leads or exposed solder joints around the power supply. This is the precaution specified by that guide, not a guarantee that every internal component is safe to touch.
- Do not pry by guesswork. Opening tools and adhesive-cutting paths vary; verify the exact model before choosing a tool or direction.
- Protect display connections. On the EMC 2544, the display remains tethered after the adhesive is cut. Do not lift it far or let it hang by its cables.
- Keep hardware organized. Set aside screws and brackets by removal step. Their positions and arrangement vary by model.
- Do not close the display with removed adhesive. Use replacement strips made for the confirmed model and screen size.
Should you replace the HDD with an SSD?
An SSD can be a replacement option for some configurations, but removal instructions alone do not establish compatibility. Check the exact iMac model and storage configuration before selecting a drive or adapter. The 27-inch 2017 guide includes an SSD replacement path, while Apple’s 2019 iMac parts document lists hard-drive options; neither makes one replacement part suitable for every iMac.
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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
