How to Save Hundreds by Upgrading Your M4 Mac mini SSD to 2TB [Video]

How to Upgrade the M4 Mac Mini SSD and Save Hundreds [Video]

The base model of the M4 Mac mini is a cost-effective option, but upgrading its storage to 2TB through Apple can increase its price significantly. Apple charges $800 for this upgrade, making it a pricey proposition. However, Expand Mac mini offers a more affordable solution with their 2TB SSD upgrade kit, which costs only $320.

This article provides a step-by-step video guide on how to perform the upgrade yourself. Here's what you need and what you can expect:

What You’ll Need

• Base M4 Mac mini
• Expand Mac mini 2TB SSD
• Second Mac running macOS Sonoma 14 or later (for DFU restore)
• External SSD for Time Machine backup and restore
• USB-C to USB-C cable (supporting data and charging)
• Torx drivers (T3, T5, T8)
• Jimmy tool
• Opening pick
• Tweezer (optional)
• Spudger (optional)

Steps to Upgrade the M4 Mac Mini SSD

1. Backup Your Mac Using Time Machine

• Connect an external SSD.
• Open Settings → General → Time Machine and select your backup disk.
• Ensure Encrypt Backup is selected and set a password.
• Start the backup by selecting Back Up Now in the menu bar.
• Verify the backup completion in Settings.
• Eject the external SSD for later use.

2. Erase All Content and Settings (Optional)

• Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings.
• Follow the prompts to erase the drive.

3. Install the New SSD

• Power down the M4 Mac mini and place it face down on a soft surface.
• Use the Jimmy tool and opening pick to remove the bottom cover.
• Remove the inner plate screws and slide the plate away from the heat sink.
• Carefully disconnect the fan ribbon cable and remove the fan.
• Unscrew and remove the existing SSD, then install the new 2TB SSD.

4. DFU Restore

• Connect the Mac mini to a second Mac using a USB-C cable.
• Enter DFU mode by holding the power button while connecting the power cable.
• Use Finder on the second Mac to restore the M4 Mac mini to factory settings.

5. Migrate Time Machine Backup Data

• Power on the upgraded Mac mini and connect it to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Connect the external SSD with the Time Machine backup.
• Follow the prompts to transfer data using Migration Assistant.

6. Finish Reassembly

• Reattach the inner plate and bottom cover using the screws you removed earlier.

Conclusion

The upgrade process is straightforward and can save you a significant amount of money compared to Apple’s official upgrade price. The new SSD offers better performance, especially in write speeds, and appears reliable based on initial tests.