How to upgrade, replace, and migrate to a larger SSD on your Mac

How can I upgrade my Mac's SSD to a larger capacity without losing data?

Question: Can you upgrade or replace the SSD in a MacBook Pro? How do you do it? Yes, you can upgrade or replace the SSD in a MacBook Pro, but the steps vary depending on the specific model. Here's a general outline, but make sure to consult your device's official guide for exact instructions before proceeding: 1. **Back up your data**: Before making any hardware changes, ensure you've backed up important data using Time Machine or another backup method. 2. **Verify compatibility**: Check your MacBook Pro model (e.g., Retina display, non-Retina display, Touch Bar) to confirm which SSD models are compatible. Apple or third-party retailers will often provide this information. 3. **Purchase the right SSD**: Choose an SSD that is compatible with your MacBook Pro. Some models may require an Apple Authorized Service Provider or direct contact with Apple for the replacement. 4. **Shut down the computer**: Make sure your MacBook Pro is completely powered off and disconnected from the power adapter. 5. **Disassemble the MacBook Pro**: Carefully disassemble your MacBook Pro using a precision screwdriver and other tools. This usually involves removing the bottom cover, but the process can differ by model. 6. **Remove the old SSD**: Locate the built-in SSD and disconnect it according to the manufacturer's instructions. You might need plastic spudgers or similar tools to release any securing mechanisms. 7. **Install the new SSD**: Mount the new SSD in the same location, ensuring all connectors are properly seated. 8. **Reassemble the MacBook Pro**: Reassemble your MacBook Pro in reverse order of disassembly, making sure all screws and components are correctly aligned. 9. **Restore your system**: Use Migration Assistant or another recovery method to restore your data and operating system from your backup. Note that for some newer MacBook Pro models, particularly those with a T2 security chip, replacing the SSD yourself may void Apple's warranty. In such cases, it's advisable to seek professional assistance.

"Can you upgrade or replace the SSD in a MacBook Pro without losing any data? I'm considering upgrading my MacBook's SSD to a larger one. However, I'm worried that the computer won't boot properly after the replacement. Also, I'm unsure how to transfer the data from my old SSD to the new, larger one. Do you have any idea how to do this? If you have any solutions, please share them with me."

As we all know, all Mac computers and devices come with SSD drives, which speed up the performance of macOS, allowing Mac users to benefit from a snappy experience when using their machines. It's an amazing experience.

However, the SSD on a Mac also has an issue with a very small storage capacity. Most Macs come with only 120GB or 128GB SSD out of the box. This leaves you with very little room to store large applications, software, games, and important data. It's very easy for your Mac's SSD to get filled up, forcing you to regularly clean and delete files. Fortunately, you now have another option. You can choose to replace and upgrade your Mac's SSD to a higher capacity SSD to expand your Mac's storage. How? Follow these steps to expand your Mac's storage space and upgrade its SSD.

Three steps to upgrade your Mac's SSD to a larger capacity

You can replace and upgrade the SSD in your Mac yourself, without losing any data, by following these steps.

Step 1: Erase and prepare the new SSD for the upgrade

1. Connect the new SSD drive to your Mac > Go to Mac Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility;
2. Click on Repair Disk > Check if the S.M.A.R.T status is Supported or Not Supported, and if the Partition Map Scheme is Formatted or Unformatted;
3. If not, go to Erase > Select the new SSD as the format target in the Format column > Click Erase > Click Erase again to confirm formatting;
4. Verify if the Partition Map Scheme has been changed to GUID Partition Map;
If not, go to Partition > Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) > Select GUID Partition Map and click OK > Click Apply to initialize the new SSD as a GPT disk.

Step 2: Clone the data to a larger SSD without any damage

To avoid any unexpected data loss during upgrading Mac SSD to a new hard drive, the best choice is to clone Mac hard drive with a powerful Mac disk cloning software.
Todo Backup for Mac enables you to clone the whole SSD drive, including Mac OS, files and folders to a new one with only several clicks. It is fully compatible with the new macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and previous OS X 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, etc. Download it for free and follow the steps below to upgrade and clone Mac SSD to a larger SSD without any data loss right now:

1. Connect the new SSD to your Mac and run Todo Backup for Mac tool; 2. Select "Clone" from the drop-down list, choose the old Mac SSD as the "Source Disk" in the "From" column, and select the new SSD drive as the "Destination Disk" in the "To" column;

3. Set the SSD cloning options to clone everything from the old SSD to the new one; Hit the blue Start button to commence the upgrade and clone your Mac's SSD to the new SSD drive right away.

This clones your old Mac's SSD to the new one, but don't swap them yet. There's one more thing you need to do: Set your Mac to boot from the new SSD. How? By following Step 3.

Step 3: Change the boot settings and replace the old SSD with the new one

1. Keep both the old and new SSD connected to your Mac. 2. Go to System Preferences > click on Startup Disk > select the new SSD as your new startup drive. 3. Replace the old SSD with the new one: right-click on the old SSD drive in Finder > choose Eject Macintosh HD. 4. Shut down your Mac, then install the new SSD into your Mac > restart your Mac again.

You've now successfully upgraded your Mac's SSD to a larger one without losing any data. If you want to replace your Mac's drive or expand its storage with a higher-capacity drive, this is how you do it.