Introduction
How to upgrade Macbook Air. This is a step by step process video showing how to upgrade the SSD (memory) on MacBook Air models (Early 2015-2017).
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It's a relatively straightforward computer upgrade that will have a big effect. For this upgrade you will need to order an SSD of your choice. I ordered a Samsung 1Tb. This SSD also requires a small adaptor to work with MacBook Air. Pay attention to the pin shape of this adaptor to learn what fits into the MacBook Air, in case you should choose a different SSD. You will also need a MacBook screwdriver set. MacBook has 6 pointed star screws. My files on this MacBook Air were moved previously to an external hard drive, and those files will be moved back onto my Mac with the new ssd.
Cost:
The MacBook screwdriver set cost: $6.99
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Samsung SSD cost $159.90
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MFZY2F2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00
The SSD adaptor cost: $14.69
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FYY3H5F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00
In total the upgrade cost: $181.58
Step 1: is to unscrew all of the screws on the bottom of the MacBook Air. Be sure to keep the screws In a safe place because they are very small and can get easily lost. Make sure you are on a static free surface because we will be disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. Once all of the screws are removed, you can remove the back panel of the MacBook Air.
Step: 2 is to show the Mac a little TLC and you can purchase a duster to remove any dust that could have accumulated.
Step 3: Is to remove the battery connector. Pull the tab gently.
Step 4. Place the adaptor onto the new SSD. There is a disclaimer for this adapter. Each adaptor is tested, but If you find that you device does not register the new ssd, it could be that the adaptor is faulty. Insert the adaptor carefully into the socket in the MacBook. Screw in the screw and reconnect the battery.
Errors
The first error you can encounter is the question mark folder.
support.apple.com/mac/startup
Cmd + r + power = recovery mode.
Error 2:
UNTRUSTED_CERT_TITLE
open terminal by clicking on Utilities,
Type in terminal: date
Press Enter
Type in:
Ntpdate -u time.apple.com
press Enter
It retrieves the information
Press date again
Press restart
Press command r+ power to start into recovery
#macbookair #upgrade #macbook
Video
Hello! This is a 2017 MacBook Air.
This machine is special because it is one of the last upgradable Macs.
You can upgrade the storage (the SSD card).
That's.
What I'm going to do? Today.
I have this 970 EVO Plus Samsung 1 TB.
It's, going to give this machine a lot more space for working.
Let's get into it!.
This is a step-by-step process, video with some troubleshooting of errors that you might encounter when doing this.
For this upgrade.
You will need to order an SSD of your choice.
I ordered a Samsung 1 TB.
This SSD also requires a small adapter to work with MacBook Air.
Pay attention to the pin shape of this adapter to learn what fits into the MacBook Air.
You will also need a MacBook screwdriver set.
MacBook has six pointed star.
Screws.
Everything you need for this upgrade is provided in the description.
Below.
Step one is to unscrew all of the screws on the bottom of the MacBook Air.
Be sure to keep the screws in a safe place because they are very small and can easily get lost.
.
Ensure.
You are on a static free surface because we will be disconnecting and reconnecting the battery.
Once.
All of the screws are removed.
You can remove the back panel of the MacBook Air.
You might see years of dust that have collected in your MacBook Air.
You can buy a multi-purpose air duster to clear out the components and the fan.
Step three is to remove the battery connector.
Pull.
The tab gently to disconnect.
This is the SSD that came with the mac that will be changed.
Here is a six-pointed star, screw.
Find, your six-pointed star, screwdriver, to unscrew it.
Now, with the screw out of the way you can gently, lift up and pull it out.
This is the new SSD.
You can see how the pins on the new SSD and the old SSD are different, which is why an adapter on the new SSD is necessary.
The adapter comes in this little bag.
You can see how the adapter has the same shape as the old SSD.
There is a disclaimer for this adapter.
Each adapter is tested.
If.
You find that your device does not register the new SSD.
It could be that the adapter is faulty.
Step four: Place, the adapter into the new SSD.
Insert, the adapter carefully into the socket of the MacBook.
Find, the screw for the SSD and screw it in.
So it fits nice and snug.
Now.
We need to reconnect the battery.
Gently, pull the tab and insert it back into the slot.
Cover up.
The back.
Panel.
There is no need to replace the screws.
Just yet.
You might find that the SSD might not be properly inserted., Make sure your computer is plugged in and power 'on'.
The first error you can encounter.
Is the question mark folder., It, says, "support.apple.com/mac/startup".
In order to get around this error, we're going to power off the computer.
Then press, 'command, +, r, + power' at the same time to enter recovery.
Mode.
Now follow the setup.
Choose, your wi-fi network.
Put in your wi-fi password, so that your MacBook can connect to wi-fi.
My computer indicates that it's going to take 23 minutes.
This is the old SSD, which was apple.
Approved.
This also supports the existing battery life that was created.
With this MacBook Air model.
Because we're putting.
In a new one.
It has been said that the battery life will now go down quicker.
That's okay, since I'm going to be using this computer, mostly at home.
After, the 'world' finishes.
It goes to the 'apple page', and then it takes you to this set-up.
Page.
We're, going to click on 'reinstall, Mac OS' and follow the menu prompts.
This error is the "untrusted_cert_title" error.
In order to get around this error.
We need to click on 'utilities'.
Then, open the 'terminal'., In 'terminal' type, in:, 'date' and press enter.
The date is 'december 31st 2019'.
That is not the current date, so we're going to have to fix the date.
Type in, "ntpdate, -u, time.apple.com" and press enter and wait.
Now.
It says the current date: (February).
Very good!, Type, 'date' again and press 'enter'.
That, is the current date! Go back to the Mac? Os install.
You, can restart the computer and then press: 'command + r? ' to see the menu.
You? Can always press 'command? +? Q' to take you back to the menu with the 'disk utility'.
Now, it is necessary to format the new SSD using 'disk utility' so that it can work with Mac.
Selecting.
The new SSD.
Click: 'erase'.
Format is going to be: 'mac OS Extended (Journaled)' I'm, going to name this: 'new TB'., "GUID Partition Map" This is the standard.
Click 'erase' Formatting done! Now.
We can see the NEW TB here.
Now we're going to press again.
'command +, Q'.
It takes us back to this window.
Then 'reinstall macOS, Big, Sur.', Press, 'continue'., The terms and agreements menu has appeared.
Select the 'newtb' ! Press Continue.
"44 minutes remaining".
It just provided an update.
It says about 4 hours and 27 minutes.
Remaining.
This is just to give you an idea of how much time yours should take.
Mine has taken four hours.
After about two hours of downloading macOS Big Sur.
It gave me this error: "This operation couldn't be completed.
(Pkdownloaderror error.
8.)" This happened because my power went out on my street in the middle of installation.
The wi-fi cut, out.
This error can occur during installation of macOS.
If the internet connection is interrupted or disconnected.
Make sure that mac has an active wi-fi connection and that the internet works.
Then try to install macOS again.
Let's do this process one more time.
Select the new drive.
Press: 'continue'.
'44 minutes, remaining'.
Once.
You have made it to this menu page.
You are home, free.
Follow the menu prompt, and set up your Macbook as you like.
This, is such a nice sight.
It is like a new computer.
Even, though the mac is now six years.
Old, by upgrading the storage you give it new.
Life.
It can work excellently as a backup computer or your main computer.
The webcam works.
Well.
The video is quite clear for zoom meetings.
You can also download gaming software, like UNREAL Engine.
Unfortunately.
We cannot upgrade the memory.
It is currently at 8GB, but the storage is at 1TB.
This is excellent for storing lots of videos, photos, and applications.
Thank you so much for watching this video and please subscribe to this channel to support its growth.
FAQs
The Last Upgradable Mac? How to Upgrade MacBook Air 2015-2017. Step by Step Process Samsung 1TB SSD? ›
Use this guide to upgrade or replace the solid-state drive in a MacBook Air 13” Early 2017. This MacBook Air uses a proprietary storage drive connector, and is therefore not compatible with common M. 2 drives without the use of an adapter. Before you perform this repair, if at all possible, back up your existing SSD.
Can you put an SSD in a MacBook Air 2017? ›Use this guide to upgrade or replace the solid-state drive in a MacBook Air 13” Early 2017. This MacBook Air uses a proprietary storage drive connector, and is therefore not compatible with common M. 2 drives without the use of an adapter. Before you perform this repair, if at all possible, back up your existing SSD.
How do I update my MacBook Air 2015 to the latest OS? ›Choose Apple menu > System Settings. Click General on the left side of the System Settings window, then click Software Update on the right. Or choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Software Update.
How do I upgrade my MacBook Air to SSD? ›- When You Need to Upgrade MacBook Air SSD?
- Step 1: Select a Proper SSD and Tools.
- Step 2: Back up Data on the MacBook Air SSD.
- Step 3: Replace MacBook Air SSD by a New One (Assembly)
- Step 4: Make MacBook Air Boot from the New SSD.
- Step 5: Rescue Data from the Damaged/Corrupted MacBook Air SSD.
- Bottom Line.
Highest performance drive ever created compatible with MacBook Air. At 1TB usable capacity, now you can work the way you want to and lessen your need for lower performing, expensive external drives. 5 Year Warranty! Compatibility: Compatible with MacBook Air 2015 - 2017 running macOS 10.13.
Will Samsung SSD work for MacBook Air? ›There are many brands available. Toshiba, OWC, Crucial, Samsung, Transcend, Sandisk. Technically any SSD drive will work on a Macintosh computer. So any of the above brands should work.
Can you put an SSD in a MacBook Air 2015? ›The 11-Inch "Early 2015" MacBook Air models (MacBookAir7,1) also have a default PCIe 2.0 x2 SSD, but the underlying notebook is capable of using a faster PCIe 2.0 x4 SSD, as well.
Can you replace SSD in MacBook 2015? ›The SSD in MacBook Pro isn't user-upgradable. FYI, a 2015 model does have a removable internal SSD. OWC makes a third party drop in replacement SSD, but many people opt to use a standard M. 2 NVMe SSD combined with an SSD Adapter (Sintech brand seems to be the best choice).
Can I expand RAM on MacBook Air 2015? ›Unfortunately, you can't upgrade RAM on any MacBook Air devices.
How do I add more storage to my MacBook Air 2017? ›- Use an External Hard Drive or SSD. You may already have an external hard drive. ...
- Buy Thunderbolt RAID Systems. ...
- Use SD Cards. ...
- Upgrade Your Internal SSD. ...
- Use Network Storage. ...
- Leverage Cloud Storage Solutions. ...
- Get a USB Hub With Built-In Storage.
How do I update my MacBook Air 2017? ›
To download macOS software updates, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then click Software Update on the right. To update software downloaded from the App Store, click the Apple menu—the number of available updates, if any, is shown next to App Store.
How much is it to upgrade MacBook Air SSD? ›MacBook Pro SSD upgrade costs $330-$700, MacBook Air SSD upgrade costs $350-$550 depending on the SSD drive capacity and MacBook model.
Why can't i update my Mac Air 2015? ›What to Do if Your Mac Won't Update. If you're having issues updating your Mac, make sure that you have enough RAM and storage space to download the update. You can also try restarting your computer and downloading the update manually. Finally, try booting in safe mode or repairing your hard drive in Disk Utility.
Is Apple still updating MacBook Air 2015? ›Can I upgrade MacBook Air(Early 2015) to latest level of iOS(i.e. 13)? Yes. macOS 10.15 Catalina. If you're using one of these computers with OS X Mavericks or later, you can install macOS Catalina.
Can I upgrade my 2015 Mac? ›MacBook Pros: Both 13-inch and 15-inch models 2015 and older can be upgraded. Non-Retina MacBook Pro units up to late 2016 may also have an option, but most units from 2016 on are very limited on both upgrades and replacement options.
What SSD is compatible with MacBook Air 2015? ›LEVEN 1TB Mac Upgrade NVMe SSD PCIe Gen3x4 Compatible with Apple MacBook Air (2013-2017) & Pro (2013-2015), Mac Mini (2013) & Pro (2014), iMac (2013-2019)
What is the max SSD capacity for MacBook Air 2017? ›2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache. 256GB or 512GB SSD.
Which SSD is best for Apple MacBook Air? ›- Samsung SSD T7.
- LaCie Rugged SSD.
- SanDisk Professional G-Drive SSD.
- Crucial X6 Portable SSD.
- Seagate One Touch SSD.
- Glyph Atom RAID Rugged SSD.
- Final tips before you go.
- Get the most out of SSDs.
To do this, open the Apple menu > System Settings… On the left sidebar, select Privacy & Security and scroll down on the right pane until you see the Security section. The Allow accessories to connect setting will tell you if it blocked access to your SSD (and you'll be able to allow it from here).
How do I get my Mac to recognize my SSD? ›- Fix 1: Make Sure the External SSD is Properly Inserted. ...
- Fix 2: Restart your Mac. ...
- Fix 3: Use Disk Utility to Check the Not Detected External SSD. ...
- Fix 4: Use First Aid to Fix the Unrecognized External SSD. ...
- Fix 5: Repair the Unrecognized External SSD with Terminal.
What is the max storage for MacBook Air 2015? ›
Storage. Configurable to 512GB flash storage.
Can my 2015 MacBook Air run Monterey? ›MacBook Air models from 2015 or later
At least the 2015 MacBook Air can run Monterey, but unfortunately MacBook Air models from 2013, that were able to run Big Sur, will not run Monterey.
An external SSD can expand the storage available to your Mac or MacBook and add some serious speed.
What is the maximum SSD size for MacBook Pro 2015? ›Up to 1TB PCIe-based SSD.
What SSD works with MacBook Pro 2015? ›LEVEN 1TB Mac Upgrade NVMe SSD PCIe Gen3x4 Compatible with Apple MacBook Air (2013-2017) & Pro (2013-2015), Mac Mini (2013) & Pro (2014), iMac (2013-2019)
What is the maximum SSD speed for MacBook Pro 2015? ›Whilst the MacBook Pro, Early 2015 - Mid 2015** models are able to take advantage of slightly higher speeds than previous MacBook Pro models, thanks to an upgrade from PCIe 2.0 x 2 to PCIe 3.0 x 4, the internal wiring still limits the installed SSD's speed to a max of 2800MB/s.
How much does it cost to upgrade MacBook Air RAM? ›The price to upgrade RAM from 8GB to 16GB is $200 on other Macs, including the iMac and MacBook Air, and this change is meant to keep the fee consistent. Apple says it will honor the earlier pricing for those who purchased the cheaper RAM upgrade before the price change went into effect.
How do I increase RAM on my Mac Air? ›To learn whether you can add RAM to your Mac, press and hold the Option key, then choose Apple menu > System Information. Under Hardware on the left, click Memory. In the Memory Slots pane, go to Upgradeable Memory to find out whether you can replace or install memory.
Can you add more RAM to your MacBook Air? ›Can you upgrade RAM on MacBook Air? Apple has soldered RAM onto the motherboard in MacBook Air laptops to make the computers thinner. That's why a MacBook Air RAM upgrade isn't possible.
How do I buy storage on my MacBook Air? ›- Choose Apple menu > System Settings or System Preferences.
- Click Apple ID.
- Click iCloud.
- Click Manage. Or scroll down and tap Upgrade to iCloud+.
- Click Change Storage Plan or Buy More Storage, and choose a plan.
- Click Next and enter your Apple ID password.
How do I get more storage on my old MacBook? ›
- Upgrade Mac storage with SSD.
- Use external storage to add memory to your Mac.
- Buy more storage via iCloud.
- Clean up your Mac to get more disk space.
To change these settings, go to Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Storage on the right. Shows used and available storage on your Mac. The chart shows the amount of storage used by different apps and file types, and lists the amount of free storage available for use.
Can I still update my 2017 MacBook Air? ›Who Is It For? MacOS 13.2 supports the 2017 MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac and newer. You can find Apple's official list of compatible Macs here. Users should be automatically prompted to update, but it is possible to trigger the update manually by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.
Why won t my Mac let me update to Monterey? ›It's possible that there isn't enough space available on your Mac. According to reports, macOS Monterey requires about 20GB of disc space for download and installation. You must clean your computer first and make room if you don't have enough already. Ensure that your Wi-Fi is operational.
How do I install macOS 10.15 on my MacBook Air 2017? ›- Open the System Preferences menu and select Software Update. ...
- Click the Upgrade Now or Download button to start downloading the Catalina installer.
Following the introduction of the Apple silicon Mac Pro, Apple today added SSD upgrade kits to its online store. The kits offer 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB of storage space for $1,000, $1,600, and $2,800, respectively.
How much does it cost to upgrade Mac storage? ›Adding Internal storage. The best option is to get more internal storage in your Mac mini, but Apple's custom-built pricing means upgrading a 512GB model to 1TB will cost you an extra $200, and 2TB will cost $600, while M2 Pro options cost even more: 4TB is $1,200 and 8TB will set you back a whopping $2,400.
Can the SSD of Mac be upgraded? ›Similarly, the SSD storage on the MacBook Pro (2023) isn't user-accessible or replaceable. Apple explicitly mentions that users can't upgrade the RAM and SSD after the purchase is done.
Can you upgrade memory on MacBook Air 2017? ›Can you upgrade RAM on MacBook Air? Apple has soldered RAM onto the motherboard in MacBook Air laptops to make the computers thinner. That's why a MacBook Air RAM upgrade isn't possible.
Can I add external SSD to my MacBook Air? ›Using an external SSD as a startup disk is supported by any Mac with an Intel processor with an Apple hard disk or Fusion Drive, with USB 3 ports, running macOS High Sierra 10.13 or later. Learn how to update the software on your Mac. These Mac models are compatible with using an external SSD.
Can a 2017 Mac be updated? ›
macOS Catalina compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019, and the latest version is macOS 10.15.7 with Security Update 2022-05 and can run on the following Macs: MacBook (2015 to 2017) MacBook Air (Mid-2012 to 2019) MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 to 2019)
2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache. 256GB or 512GB SSD.
How much does it cost to upgrade SSD on MacBook Pro 2017? ›MacBook SSD Upgrade and Replacement. MacBook Pro SSD upgrade costs $330-$700, MacBook Air SSD upgrade costs $350-$550 depending on the SSD drive capacity and MacBook model.
Can MacBook Air 2017 be upgraded to 16GB RAM? ›MacBook Airs can not be upgraded. You need to purchase the MacBook Air with enough RAM for what you'll be using it for.
Can I add storage to my MacBook Air? ›You can purchase additional storage directly from your Apple device.
What is the maximum RAM for a MacBook Air? ›16GB unified memory. 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB SSD.
Can you upgrade MacBook Air storage yourself? ›Storage upgrade for 2018-2023 Macbook Air
Macbook Air's from 2018 to 2023 have an SSD (storage) that is not upgradeable, it is soldered onto the main board. However the Thunderbolt 3 and 4 port is as fast as internal storage. For more storage, add an external SSD. It can be used to save file or as a new boot drive.
Storage options for the 2017 MacBook Air include 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB.
Can Macbook storage be upgraded? ›The short answer is, unfortunately, no.
Can I use any external hard drive for MacBook Air? ›Generally, yes—for the most part, a hard drive is a hard drive, and any hard drive you buy for a Windows PC should work fine on a Mac as well.
Can I use an external hard drive on my MacBook Air? ›
External hard drives, thumb drives, USB drives, and Flash memory cards are examples of storage devices that you can connect to your Mac using Thunderbolt, USB, or USB-C cables, or connect wirelessly using Bluetooth wireless technology.