Recovery from MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with failed removable drives, board-integrated storage, liquid damage, logic-board faults, FileVault encryption or non-booting macOS installations.
Mac storage architecture varies by model
Older MacBooks may contain removable SATA hard drives or SSDs that can be removed and imaged independently. Many later models use proprietary removable modules, while newer T2 and Apple-silicon Macs integrate encrypted storage with the logic board. The exact model number and year determine the appropriate path.
What to do now
- Shut down a Mac that clicks, freezes, repeatedly restarts or reports disk errors.
- Disconnect power from a liquid-damaged Mac and do not keep trying to charge it.
- Do not erase, reinstall macOS or run repeated repair operations when the only copy of the data is at risk.
- Keep the original logic board and storage components together after any prior repair attempt.
Problems we assess
Failed HDD or removable SSD
Mechanical, electronic, firmware and logical failures can often be approached by imaging the storage separately.
Liquid or logic-board damage
Data-focused board repair may be required to obtain temporary operation from systems with integrated storage.
FileVault and hardware encryption
A login password, recovery key or viable original hardware state may be essential. Encryption cannot be treated as a simple file-system issue.
Recovery process
- Identify the exact Mac model and storage arrangement.
- Review symptoms, previous repair attempts, FileVault status and credential availability.
- Diagnose the storage or logic board without erasing it.
- Provide a written quote for imaging, board work, donor parts or logical reconstruction.
- Extract agreed files to separate storage and verify priority folders.
Time Machine and external backup problems
If the internal Mac is healthy but a Time Machine disk is damaged, use the dedicated Time Machine data recovery service page. Do not allow macOS to erase or repair the only backup before it has been imaged.
Limitations
Severe damage to integrated storage, the T2 or Apple-silicon system, missing encryption credentials, completed erasure, overwrite or unavailable paired components can prevent recovery. A successful temporary boot does not mean the Mac is safe for continued use.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need my Mac password?
Not for the initial assessment. It may be required later to decrypt FileVault or access the user account. Supply it only through the agreed method after a case is accepted.
Can Apple recover the files?
Apple and repair providers may replace failed assemblies, but replacement does not normally recover data stored only on the original failed component. Ask for the original parts to be returned where possible.
Can data be recovered from a liquid-damaged MacBook?
Sometimes, depending on the model and which components remain viable. Stop powering it to limit corrosion and electrical damage.
Start a MacBook data recovery case
Tell us what happened, what device you have and which files matter most. We will provide packing instructions for a tracked mail-in case or arrange a Timaru drop-off.
Submitting an enquiry does not authorise paid recovery work. Any applicable assessment, parts, media, courier or recovery charges are explained before you approve them.