How to Upgrade Your M4 Mac Mini SSD
Watch this video on YouTube. Why Upgrade the SSD in Your Mac Mini M4?
The base 256GB SSD in the Mac Mini M4 may quickly become insufficient for users who work with large files, resource-intensive applications, or extensive media libraries. Upgrading to a 2TB SSD offers several tangible benefits: Expanded Storage: Gain ample space for files, applications, and backups, reducing the need for external drives.
Gain ample space for files, applications, and backups, reducing the need for external drives. Enhanced Performance: Enjoy faster read and write speeds, leading to smoother multitasking and quicker file transfers.
Enjoy faster read and write speeds, leading to smoother multitasking and quicker file transfers. Cost Efficiency: Upgrading the SSD is often more affordable than purchasing a higher-storage Mac Mini model directly from Apple.
However, this process is specific to the Mac Mini M4 and requires a compatible third-party SSD. It's important to note that opening the device will void its warranty. Proceed only if you are confident in your technical skills and comfortable with the risks involved. What You'll Need for the Upgrade
Before starting the upgrade, gather the necessary tools and prepare your Mac Mini. Here's what you'll need: Screwdrivers: T3, T5, and T8 screwdrivers to disassemble the device.
T3, T5, and T8 screwdrivers to disassemble the device. Prying Tools: Essential for carefully removing the back cover and internal components without causing damage.
Essential for carefully removing the back cover and internal components without causing damage. Backup Software: Use Time Machine or similar software to create a complete backup of your data.
Use Time Machine or similar software to create a complete backup of your data. Second Mac: Required for configuring the new SSD using DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode.
Backing up your data is a critical step, as the upgrade process involves erasing the existing SSD. Ensure your backup is complete and reliable before proceeding to avoid data loss. Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your SSD Step 1: Disassembling the Mac Mini
To access the SSD, you'll need to carefully disassemble the Mac Mini. Follow these steps: Power off the Mac Mini and disconnect all cables.
Use prying tools to gently remove the back cover, taking care not to damage the casing.
Unscrew and remove the fan to expose the internal components.
Locate the SSD and use the appropriate screwdriver to remove it from its slot.
Handle all components with care to avoid damaging sensitive parts. Keep track of screws and other small pieces to ensure a smooth reassembly later. Step 2: Installing the New SSD
Once the old SSD is removed, you can install the new 2TB SSD: Insert the new SSD into the designated slot, making sure it is properly aligned and securely connected.
Fasten the SSD in place using the appropriate screws to prevent movement during operation.
After installation, the new SSD must be configured using DFU mode to make it functional. Step 3: Configuring the SSD in DFU Mode
DFU mode is necessary to restore and update the Mac Mini's firmware for the new SSD. Here's how to do it: Connect the Mac Mini to a second Mac using the center Thunderbolt 4 port.
Boot the Mac Mini into DFU mode by following Apple's instructions for your specific model.
On the second Mac, use Apple Configurator to restore the Mac Mini's firmware and install macOS on the new SSD.
This step ensures the new SSD is fully functional and compatible with your Mac Mini. Step 4: Reassembling the Mac Mini
After configuring the new SSD, reassemble the Mac Mini by reversing the disassembly steps: Reattach the fan and secure it with screws.
Replace the back cover, making sure it snaps into place securely.
Reconnect all cables and power on the Mac Mini to verify the upgrade.
Once the system is operational, restore your data from the Time Machine backup or other backup software. Performance Benefits of the Upgrade
Upgrading to a 2TB SSD delivers noticeable improvements in both storage and performance: Increased Storage: Easily manage large files, applications, and backups without worrying about running out of space.
Easily manage large files, applications, and backups without worrying about running out of space. Faster Speeds: Experience write speeds of up to 3,300 MB/s and improved read speeds, allowing faster file transfers and application loading.
Experience write speeds of up to 3,300 MB/s and improved read speeds, allowing faster file transfers and application loading. Enhanced User Experience: Enjoy quicker boot times, smoother multitasking, and better overall system responsiveness.
These enhancements make the Mac Mini M4 a more versatile and capable device, especially for users with demanding workloads. Key Considerations Before Upgrading
Before proceeding with the SSD upgrade, keep the following factors in mind: Warranty: Opening the Mac Mini will void its warranty, so only attempt this upgrade if you are confident in your technical skills.
Opening the Mac Mini will void its warranty, so only attempt this upgrade if you are confident in your technical skills. Compatibility: Ensure the new SSD is specifically designed for the Mac Mini M4 to avoid compatibility issues.
Ensure the new SSD is specifically designed for the Mac Mini M4 to avoid compatibility issues. Precision: The process requires patience and attention to detail to prevent damage to internal components.
By carefully considering these factors, you can minimize risks and ensure a successful upgrade. Final Thoughts
Upgrading the SSD in your Mac Mini M4 is a practical way to enhance its storage capacity and performance, making it better suited for modern computing needs. By following this guide, you can replace the factory-installed SSD with a 2TB drive, making sure your device meets your storage and speed requirements. While the process demands careful preparation and technical precision, the benefits of increased storage and improved performance make it a worthwhile investment for users seeking to maximize the potential of their Mac Mini M4.
Here are more guides from our previous articles and guides related to Mac Mini M4 SSD Upgrade that you may find helpful.
Source & Image Credit: GOT good old tech Filed Under: Apple, Guides, Hardware
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Geeky Gadgets
an hour ago
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone 17 Pro's New Orange and More: A Look at All Rumored Colors
Apple's iPhone 17 series introduces a combination of innovation and refinement, offering new colors, upgraded hardware, and advanced features that cater to a wide range of users. With four models—iPhone 17, 17 Air, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max—this lineup builds on Apple's signature design while pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology. Each model brings unique enhancements, making sure there's something for everyone. Here's a detailed look at what the iPhone 17 series has to offer in a new video from Zollotech. Watch this video on YouTube. Fresh Color Options for Every Model Apple continues to emphasize personalization with a refreshed color palette across the iPhone 17 lineup. Each model offers distinct finishes designed to appeal to a variety of tastes: iPhone 17: Available in white, black, purple/lavender, green, and light blue, offering a mix of classic and vibrant tones. Available in white, black, purple/lavender, green, and light blue, offering a mix of classic and vibrant tones. iPhone 17 Air: Features white/silver, black, gold, and light blue finishes, combining elegance with versatility. Features white/silver, black, gold, and light blue finishes, combining elegance with versatility. iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: Comes in blue, orange, black, and white/silver, providing bold and sophisticated options. These colors strike a balance between subtle sophistication and bold vibrancy, making sure users can find a style that resonates with their personality. Design and Build: Subtle Yet Meaningful Changes The iPhone 17 series refines Apple's iconic design with subtle but impactful updates that enhance both aesthetics and functionality: Materials: The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro feature durable aluminum frames, while the 17 Air introduces a titanium chassis, offering a premium feel and improved durability. The iPhone 17 and 17 Pro feature durable aluminum frames, while the 17 Air introduces a titanium chassis, offering a premium feel and improved durability. Display Sizes: Slightly larger screens range from 6.3 inches on the iPhone 17 to 6.9 inches on the Pro Max, delivering an immersive viewing experience. Slightly larger screens range from 6.3 inches on the iPhone 17 to 6.9 inches on the Pro Max, delivering an immersive viewing experience. Display Enhancements: ProMotion technology and anti-reflective coatings improve brightness and clarity, particularly in outdoor environments. Additionally, Apple has standardized USB-C ports across all models, making sure faster data transfer and more convenient charging. The Pro models also feature a redesigned camera bar, housing three 48MP rear cameras and a 24MP front-facing camera, underscoring Apple's focus on photography and videography. Performance Boosts with Hardware Upgrades The iPhone 17 series is powered by the new A19 chipset, which delivers faster processing speeds and improved thermal efficiency. These hardware upgrades ensure the devices meet the demands of modern users: RAM: Standard models come with 8GB, while Pro versions are equipped with 12GB, allowing seamless multitasking and enhanced performance. Standard models come with 8GB, while Pro versions are equipped with 12GB, allowing seamless multitasking and enhanced performance. Battery Life: Incremental improvements across the lineup, with capacities ranging from 2,800mAh on the iPhone 17 Air to 4,700mAh on the Pro Max, making sure longer usage times. Incremental improvements across the lineup, with capacities ranging from 2,800mAh on the iPhone 17 Air to 4,700mAh on the Pro Max, making sure longer usage times. Connectivity: Apple-designed 5G and Wi-Fi 7 modems provide faster, more reliable wireless performance, ideal for streaming, gaming, and productivity. These enhancements cater to users who prioritize speed, efficiency, and reliability in their devices. Camera Features for Professionals and Creators Photography and videography are central to the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max models, which introduce advanced camera capabilities designed to meet the needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike: 8x Telephoto Zoom: Capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity and detail. Capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity and detail. 8K Video Recording: Redefines mobile video quality, offering unparalleled resolution for creators. Redefines mobile video quality, offering unparalleled resolution for creators. Dual-Camera Recording: Enables simultaneous use of the front and rear cameras, opening up new creative possibilities for content creation. These features position the Pro models as powerful tools for photography and videography, appealing to users who demand high-quality visuals. Enhanced Charging and Accessory Compatibility Charging technology and accessory compatibility see significant improvements in the iPhone 17 series, reflecting Apple's commitment to user convenience: MagSafe Support: 25W wireless charging ensures faster and more efficient power delivery, reducing downtime. 25W wireless charging ensures faster and more efficient power delivery, reducing downtime. Qi 2.2 Standard: Broader compatibility with third-party accessories provides greater flexibility for users. These updates enhance the overall user experience, making charging and accessory integration more seamless than ever. Release Timeline and Pricing Expectations The iPhone 17 series is set to launch on September 9, with pre-orders beginning on September 12. Public availability will follow shortly after. While official pricing details have yet to be announced, the release of the iPhone 17 lineup is expected to result in price reductions for the iPhone 16 series, offering more options for budget-conscious buyers. This staggered pricing strategy ensures that Apple's offerings remain accessible to a broad audience. A Refined Evolution of Apple's Flagship Lineup The iPhone 17 series represents a thoughtful evolution of Apple's smartphone lineup. From larger displays and enhanced cameras to faster charging and improved connectivity, the new models cater to a diverse range of users. Whether you prioritize design, performance, or photography, the iPhone 17 lineup offers compelling options that deliver on Apple's promise of quality and innovation. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on iPhone 17. Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Two telltale signs someone has looked at your phone without your permission – set it up today & it'll catch ANY snooper
I-CAUGHT! Two telltale signs someone has looked at your phone without your permission – set it up today & it'll catch ANY snooper Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WANT to expose a snooper looking through your phone? There's a simple setting that'll catch them red-handed. But you'll need to switch it on ahead of time or it won't work. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Screen Time is a godsend if you're looking to expose a snooper Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun The trick works using Screen Time, which is a built-in Apple feature on your iPhone. It's switched off by default, but you can turn it on to track snoopers. Screen Time is meant to be used as a way to keep track of how much you're using your mobile. And you can even use it to set limits – even on specific apps – if you think you're spending too much time scrolling. Once you activate Screen Time, it stays on in the background. And it'll pull together loads of data about how you're using your phone. This is the key to seeing if someone has been having a peek at your mobile while you're not looking. HOW TO TURN ON SCREEN TIME There's an entire section dedicated to Screen Time in your Settings app. Just go to Settings > Screen Time and then toggle the feature on. Then it'll get to work – but keep in mind it'll only show data collected after it was turned on. iPhone 16e review – I've secretly tested Apple's cheapest mobile and I love the new button but that's not the best bit Anything that happened on your phone before you activated Screen Time won't appear on the feature. If you change your mind at any time, you can turn Screen Time off by following the same steps. USE SCREEN TIME TO SEE IF SOMEONE IS SNOOPING Screen Time reveals exactly when certain apps have been used. This is a great way to see if someone has been using an app when you know you weren't on your phone. 3 You can see exactly when specific apps were used – and for how long Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Maybe you were fast asleep and it was a 3am WhatsApp check – or perhaps someone looked through your photos while you were in the toilet. Whatever the case, it's easy to check. Just go to Settings > Screen Time > See All App & Website Activity. Make sure you have it set to Today and look at the list at the bottom. Also, make sure it's showing the apps view and not categories. SCREEN TIME'S SECRET EYE PERK There's another benefit of Screen Time – a clever eye strain reducing feature... Go into Settings > Screen Time and then tap on Screen Distant. Then turn the Screen Distance feature on. It's meant to protect you from eye strain by warning you if you're holding your iPhone too close to your face. "Viewing something like a device or book too closely for an extended period of time can increase eye strain and the risk of myopia," Apple explained. "The Screen Distance feature in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera to detect when you hold your iPhone closer than 12 inches for an extended period, and encourages you to move it farther away. "Screen Distance can help children engage in healthy viewing habits that can lower their risk of myopia and can give people of all ages the opportunity to reduce digital eyestrain." If you get the alert, it'll appear as a whole-screen pop-up. And you'll need to either tap Continue or move your iPhone more than 12 inches away from you're face. Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun Then simply tap on the app in question – like Instagram, Photos, or WhatsApp. You can then see the exact hour slots where that specific app was used. And if you hold your finger on it, it'll even show how many minutes it was used for. So if you had a lovely night's sleep and your Messages app was opened at 2am, you know something is up. 3 You can even see when your phone was picked up – and when specific apps were opened Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun Another option is to go to Settings > Screen Time > See All App & Website Activity, and then scroll down to the Pickups setion. This will show the times when your phone was picked up. And it'll also flag the time of the "First Pickup" of the day. That's another great way of catching suspicious movement, especially in the night.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Two telltale signs someone has looked at your phone without your permission – set it up today & it'll catch ANY snooper
I-CAUGHT! The 'pick-up' trick is a dead giveaway Published: 7:30, WANT to expose a snooper looking through your phone? There's a simple setting that'll catch them red-handed. But you'll need to switch it on ahead of time or it won't work. 3 The trick works using Screen Time, which is a built-in Apple feature on your iPhone. It's switched off by default, but you can turn it on to track snoopers. Screen Time is meant to be used as a way to keep track of how much you're using your mobile. And you can even use it to set limits – even on specific apps – if you think you're spending too much time scrolling. Once you activate Screen Time, it stays on in the background. And it'll pull together loads of data about how you're using your phone. This is the key to seeing if someone has been having a peek at your mobile while you're not looking. HOW TO TURN ON SCREEN TIME There's an entire section dedicated to Screen Time in your Settings app. Just go to Settings > Screen Time and then toggle the feature on. Then it'll get to work – but keep in mind it'll only show data collected after it was turned on. iPhone 16e review – I've secretly tested Apple's cheapest mobile and I love the new button but that's not the best bit Anything that happened on your phone before you activated Screen Time won't appear on the feature. If you change your mind at any time, you can turn Screen Time off by following the same steps. Screen Time reveals exactly when certain apps have been used. This is a great way to see if someone has been using an app when you know you weren't on your phone. 3 Maybe you were fast asleep and it was a 3am WhatsApp check – or perhaps someone looked through your photos while you were in the toilet. Whatever the case, it's easy to check. Just go to Settings > Screen Time > See All App & Website Activity. Make sure you have it set to Today and look at the list at the bottom. Also, make sure it's showing the apps view and not categories. SCREEN TIME'S SECRET EYE PERK There's another benefit of Screen Time – a clever eye strain reducing feature... Go into Settings > Screen Time and then tap on Screen Distant. Then turn the Screen Distance feature on. It's meant to protect you from eye strain by warning you if you're holding your iPhone too close to your face. "Viewing something like a device or book too closely for an extended period of time can increase eye strain and the risk of myopia," Apple explained. "The Screen Distance feature in Screen Time uses the TrueDepth camera to detect when you hold your iPhone closer than 12 inches for an extended period, and encourages you to move it farther away. "Screen Distance can help children engage in healthy viewing habits that can lower their risk of myopia and can give people of all ages the opportunity to reduce digital eyestrain." If you get the alert, it'll appear as a whole-screen pop-up. And you'll need to either tap Continue or move your iPhone more than 12 inches away from you're face. Picture Credit: Apple / The Sun Then simply tap on the app in question – like Instagram, Photos, or WhatsApp. You can then see the exact hour slots where that specific app was used. And if you hold your finger on it, it'll even show how many minutes it was used for. So if you had a lovely night's sleep and your Messages app was opened at 2am, you know something is up. 3 Another option is to go to Settings > Screen Time > See All App & Website Activity, and then scroll down to the Pickups setion. This will show the times when your phone was picked up. And it'll also flag the time of the "First Pickup" of the day. That's another great way of catching suspicious movement, especially in the night.
