The M4 Mac Mini is a powerful desktop machine with excellent performance and energy efficiency. However, its official storage upgrade options from Apple are quite expensive. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to expand your Mac Mini’s storage, this video shows you how to install a 2TB SSD and upgrade your device’s storage capacity by yourself.

Before You Start: What You Need to Know

Before upgrading your Mac Mini SSD, make sure you are fully prepared:

1. Backup Your Data

Replacing the internal SSD will erase all existing data. If your Mac Mini contains important files, back them up using Time Machine or an external drive before proceeding.

2. Another Mac is Required

To complete the system restore process, you’ll need another Mac running macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later. You will use Apple Configurator (available only on Mac) to reinstall macOS on the upgraded device.

3. Apple ID Considerations

• If your Apple ID was registered with a phone number, you must sign out of iCloud before removing the original SSD to avoid Activation Lock.

• If your Apple ID was created with an email address, signing out is usually not

How to Upgrade the SSD on M4 Mac Mini

Step 1: Disassemble the Mac Mini and Remove the Original SSD

• Power off your Mac Mini and disconnect all cables.

• Remove the bottom screws and lift off the metal base cover.

• Disconnect the fan and power supply, then carefully remove the stock SSD.

Step 2: Install the New 2TB SSD

• Insert a compatible NVMe SSD into the SSD slot (we recommend models like Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN850X, or Crucial P5 Plus).

• Secure the drive and reconnect internal components.

Step 3: Enter DFU Mode

• Connect your M4 Mac Mini to the second Mac using a USB-C data cable.

• Put the Mac Mini into DFU mode by pressing a combination of buttons (screen will stay blank—this is normal).

Step 4: Restore macOS Using Apple Configurator

• Launch Apple Configurator on the second Mac.

• Right-click the DFU-recognized Mac Mini, then choose Restore.

• Wait for the process to complete. Your Mac Mini will restart once the OS is successfully reinstalled.

Performance Test: Is It Worth It?

After the installation, we ran a performance test on the new 2TB SSD using Disk Speed Test.

We show the read/write speed test near the end of the video.

The performance is very close to Apple’s official SSDs at a fraction of the cost, making this Mac Mini storage upgrade a great value option.

Important Tips and Warnings

• This SSD upgrade requires technical skills. Beginners should proceed with caution or consult a professional.

• Disassembling your Mac Mini may void the Apple warranty.

• Never interrupt the power during the restore process to avoid system corruption.

• Not all SSDs are compatible. Ensure your SSD supports the right NVMe protocol and form factor.

If you want to learn more about Apple device repairs, SSD upgrades, and performance tips, please visit:batterymall.com/blogs/support