CPP-GMR sensors and methods for making them are disclosed. In an implementation, a CPP-GMR sensor comprises: a substrate; an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer formed on the substrate; a magnetic pin layer formed on the AFM layer; a first wire electrically coupled to the pin layer; a non-magnetic spacer layer formed on the pin layer, the spacer layer insulated from the first wire by electrical insulation material; a sensing layer formed on the spacer layer; a protective layer formed on the sensing layer; and a second wire formed on the protective layer, the second wire electrically coupled to the first wire through the protective layer, the sensing layer, the spacer layer and the pin layer.