How to replace the ThinkPad T490 M.2 SSD

The T490 takes an M.2 2280 SSD, or an M.2 2242 SSD in a bracket (HMM FRU 1030).

Source: every step below is paraphrased from the official ThinkPad T490 and P43s Hardware Maintenance Manual (Fifth Edition, August 2020) (Lenovo, pp. 66-72). Screw sizes and torque values are quoted from the manual's own tables. The manual's illustrations show each step, so keep it open while you work. Service manuals are written for trained technicians; work at your own risk.

Applies to

ThinkPad T490

Before you start

  • Back up the data first. Do not press on the SSD, touch its contact edge, or expose it to shock.
  • For hybrid SSDs with Intel Optane memory, Lenovo points to support.lenovo.com/docs/tg_ssd for the procedure.

Tools

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • Plastic pry tool

Steps

  1. Turn off Fast Startup in Windows. In Control Panel (Large or Small icons view), open Power Options, choose "Choose what the power buttons do", click "Change settings that are currently unavailable", clear "Turn on fast startup" and save.
  2. Disable the built-in battery in ThinkPad Setup. Restart and press F1 at the logo screen to enter ThinkPad Setup. Go to Config > Power, choose "Disable built-in battery", and confirm with Yes. The computer powers off by itself; Lenovo says to wait three to five minutes for it to cool.
  3. Remove the nano-SIM tray if fitted. If the computer has a nano-SIM card, remove the card and its tray before servicing, and reinstall them firmly afterwards.
  4. Remove the base cover. Loosen the base cover screws, pry up the latches in the marked order and remove the cover.
  5. Remove the SSD. Remove the single screw holding the SSD and slide it out of the slot. The HMM lists one M2 x 2.5 mm big-head nylon-coated screw, black, torque 0.181 Nm (1.85 kgf-cm), for both the 2280 and the 2242 version.
  6. Reinstall. Seat the new SSD, refit its screw and reinstall the base cover.

Matching ssd part numbers

We have not indexed a ssd part number for this model yet. See the ThinkPad T490 page for the parts we have documented.

Official manual

ThinkPad T490 and P43s Hardware Maintenance Manual (Fifth Edition, August 2020) (PDF, Lenovo)