Guide: Cloning and Replacing MacBook Air/Pro SSD

Do you have a MacBook Air (Mid 2013-2017) or a MacBook Pro Retina (Late 2013-Mid 2015) that is starting to feel cramped or slow? Don’t throw it away yet! In this comprehensive guide, I will show you step-by-step how to clone your current SSD (Solid State Drive) and replace it with a larger and faster one, such as the Transcend JetDrive 855 (link sponsorizzato). It’s an operation that can give new life to your trusty Mac, improving space and performance without having to buy a new computer. We will cover preparation, the actual cloning with specific software, the physical replacement of the drive, and final checks. Get ready to give your MacBook a significant boost!

Why Upgrade Your MacBook’s SSD?

Before diving into the technical procedure, let’s understand why you should consider this upgrade. The MacBook Air and Pro models indicated (Mid 2013-2017 for Air, Late 2013-Mid 2015 for Pro Retina) use SSDs with a proprietary Apple connector, but fortunately, third-party solutions exist, like the Transcend one we will use as an example, designed specifically for these models. The upgrade brings tangible benefits that can transform your daily user experience, making your Mac longer-lasting and higher-performing. Let’s analyze the main advantages.

More Storage Space

One of the most common limitations of laptops, especially as years go by, is storage space. High-resolution photos, 4K videos, increasingly heavy applications, and macOS system files can quickly fill even the largest SSDs offered at the time. If you constantly find yourself struggling with “Disk almost full” messages or having to move files to external drives, a larger SSD is the solution. Moving from a 128GB or 256GB drive to a 960GB one, like our Transcend JetDrive 855 (link sponsorizzato), means having much more breathing room for your data, media libraries, and applications, without compromise. This eliminates the frustration of continuous space management and allows you to keep everything at your fingertips. It is an investment that directly improves your productivity and convenience.

Improved Performance

In addition to space, a new SSD can offer a notable performance increase. Modern SSDs, like the Transcend JetDrive 855, use NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) technology on the PCIe Gen3 x4 interface. This translates to read and write speeds significantly higher than the original Apple SSDs mounted on 2013-2015 models, which, while already PCIe, might not reach the performance of newer drives. You will notice the difference in operating system boot times, application loading, large file transfers, and general system responsiveness. Even if your Mac isn’t brand new, this upgrade can make it feel snappier and more responsive, almost like a recent model, especially in operations that rely heavily on disk access.

Extending Your Mac’s Life

Replacing the SSD is a cost-effective way to extend the useful life of your MacBook. Instead of investing a considerable sum in a new computer just because space or speed are no longer sufficient, you can spend much less for a targeted upgrade. These MacBook models, although not the very latest, still have capable processors, quality Retina displays (on the Pros), and excellent build quality. By resolving storage and disk performance bottlenecks, you can continue to use them profitably for several more years, perhaps even receiving macOS updates (checking compatibility). It is a sustainable and financially smart choice that maximizes the value of your initial investment. Consider that a new SSD is also generally more reliable than a drive that already has several years of usage behind it.

What You Need for the Upgrade

Now that we’ve seen the benefits, let’s move on to the practical part: what do you need to perform the upgrade? The good news is that by choosing a complete kit like the Transcend JetDrive 855 (link sponsorizzato), much of what is needed is already included. However, it is good to have a clear checklist so as not to be unprepared. Preparation is key to a smooth and trouble-free process. Make sure you have everything at hand before starting.

The New SSD: Transcend JetDrive 855

The heart of the upgrade is obviously the new SSD. As an example, we are using the Transcend TS960GJDM855 JetDrive 855 960 GB (link sponsorizzato). This model is specifically designed to be compatible with:

• MacBook Air 11″ and 13″ (Mid 2013 – 2017)
• MacBook Pro Retina 13″ and 15″ (Late 2013 – Mid 2015)

The great advantage of this Transcend kit is that it includes not only the NVMe PCIe Gen3 x4 SSD, but also a sleek and compact Thunderbolt external enclosure. This enclosure is fundamental because it allows you to:

1. Insert the new SSD and connect it to the Mac for the initial cloning.
2. Insert your old Apple SSD after the replacement, transforming it into a fast portable external drive.

In addition to the SSD and the enclosure, the Transcend kit usually also includes the necessary screwdrivers (Pentalobe P5 for the case and Torx T5 for the SSD screw), potentially making the purchase of additional tools superfluous. Always check the package contents at the time of purchase.

Essential Tools

Even if the Transcend kit includes screwdrivers, it is always good to be prepared. The indispensable tools are:

• Pentalobe P5 Screwdriver (1.2mm): Necessary to remove the screws on the bottom of the MacBook Air/Pro case. These are particular 5-point screws, specific to Apple.
• Torx T5 Screwdriver: Necessary to remove the single screw that secures the SSD to the logic board inside the Mac.
• (Optional but Recommended) Antistatic Wrist Strap (link sponsorizzato): To discharge static electricity from your body and avoid damaging sensitive electronic components inside the Mac. Alternatively, frequently touch a grounded metal surface (like the unpainted metal case of a PC that is turned off but plugged in) before touching internal components.
• (Optional) Tweezers or Spudger: Can be useful for handling small screws or gently disconnecting the battery connector.

Ensure you work on a clean, well-lit, and non-conductive surface (avoid carpets!). Keep a small container so as not to lose the tiny case screws.

Your MacBook

Naturally, you need your compatible MacBook Air or Pro. Let’s recap the models:

• MacBook Air (11-inch and 13-inch): Models from Mid 2013, Early 2014, Early 2015, up to the 2017 model (which was identical hardware-wise to the 2015).
• MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch and 15-inch): Models from Late 2013, Mid 2014, up to Early 2015 (for the 13″) and Mid 2015 (for the 15″).

It is fundamental to verify the exact compatibility of your model before purchasing the SSD. You can find the exact model by going to the Apple menu () > About This Mac. The window that opens will show the model and year (e.g., “MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015)”). Compare this information with the compatibility specifications of the SSD you intend to buy.

Cloning Software

To copy the content of your old SSD exactly onto the new one, you will need cloning software. While Time Machine is great for backups, it doesn’t create a bootable “bit-for-bit” clone in the same simple and direct way. The most recommended and reliable option for macOS is Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC).

• Carbon Copy Cloner: It is paid software (around 42 euros at the time of writing), but it offers a fully functional 30-day free trial. This period is more than enough to perform the cloning needed for our upgrade. CCC is renowned for its reliability in creating bootable clones of macOS disks, correctly handling the complexities of the APFS file system and the hidden partitions needed for booting. We will download and use the trial version for this guide.

Alternatives exist like SuperDuper! (also paid with free basic functions) or Get Backup Pro, but CCC is often considered the de facto standard for this operation.

The Crucial Phase: Cloning the Old SSD

This is the most delicate part from a software perspective. Cloning consists of creating an identical, sector-by-sector copy of your current startup disk onto the new SSD. This process ensures that, once the new drive is installed, your Mac starts up exactly as before, with all your files, applications, settings, and operating system intact, but with more space and speed available. We will follow the steps carefully using the Transcend kit and Carbon Copy Cloner.

Initial Preparation

Before starting the cloning, it is highly recommended to perform a full backup of your current system using Time Machine or another backup method of your choice. Although cloning is generally safe, having a recent backup provides a safety net in case of unforeseen events. Connect an external hard drive (different from the new SSD you will use for cloning) and start a backup with Time Machine from System Settings (or System Preferences in older versions of macOS). Ensure the backup is completed successfully before proceeding. This step is a standard precaution before any significant operation on the system disk.

Preparing the New SSD in the Enclosure

Take your Transcend JetDrive 855 kit. Open the package and locate the NVMe SSD and the Thunderbolt external enclosure. Installing the SSD into the enclosure is usually very simple:

1. Open the enclosure (it might have small screws or a sliding mechanism).
2. Locate the M.2 slot inside the enclosure.
3. Gently insert the JetDrive 855 SSD into the slot, respecting the orientation of the notch on the connector. Insert it at a slight angle and then push it down.
4. Secure the SSD with any screw or retention clip present in the enclosure.
5. Close the external enclosure.

You now have your new and spacious SSD ready to be connected to the Mac.

Connecting the Enclosure to the Mac

Use the Thunderbolt cable provided with the Transcend JetDrive 855 enclosure to connect the enclosure to a free Thunderbolt port on your MacBook Air or Pro. The Mac should immediately recognize the new external disk. A message might appear asking if you want to use the disk for Time Machine; ignore or cancel this message, as we will need to initialize it correctly first. The drive will appear on the Desktop or in Finder, likely with a generic name and not yet usable for cloning.

Initializing the New SSD

Before Carbon Copy Cloner can use it as a destination, the new SSD in the enclosure must be formatted (initialized) with the correct file system and partition scheme for macOS.

1. Open Disk Utility (you can find it in Applications > Utilities).
2. In the Disk Utility sidebar, you might need to select “Show All Devices” from the “View” menu in the top left.
3. Locate the external Transcend drive in the list. Be very careful to select the correct external drive and NOT your internal disk! Look for a name that matches the manufacturer (Transcend or the enclosure controller) and the capacity (e.g., ~960 GB). Select the main device, not the volumes already present under it.
4. Click the “Erase” button in the toolbar at the top.
5. A dialog box will open. Set the following options:
   • Name: Choose a meaningful name for the new disk (e.g., “Macintosh HD New” or “SSD 960GB”).
   • Format: Select APFS (Apple File System). This is the modern format required by recent versions of macOS (from Mojave/Catalina onwards) for SSD startup disks. If for some reason you are using a very old version of macOS (High Sierra or earlier), you might need to choose “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)”, but for most users today, APFS is the correct choice.
   • Scheme: Select GUID Partition Map. This is fundamental to make the disk bootable on Mac.
6. Double-check the settings (you are erasing the right external drive, with APFS and GUID).
7. Click “Erase”. The process will take a few seconds or a minute.
8. When finished, click “Done” and close Disk Utility.

Your new SSD in the enclosure is now ready to receive the system clone.

Using Carbon Copy Cloner

It’s time to use Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC). If you haven’t already, download the trial version from the official site (bombich.com), install it by dragging it to the Applications folder, and launch it.

1. Upon launch, CCC might ask for permissions (Full Disk Access, helper tool). Grant them by following the on-screen instructions, entering your administrator password when requested. Accept the license terms and click “Trial” to use the 30-day trial.
2. The CCC interface is simple. You will mainly see two boxes: Source and Destination.
3. Click on the “Source” box (or “Select a source”). From the dropdown menu, select your current internal startup disk (usually called “Macintosh HD” or similar). CCC will show the details of the selected volume.
4. Click on the “Destination” box (or “Select destination”). From the dropdown menu, select the new SSD in the enclosure that you just initialized (with the name you gave it, e.g., “Macintosh HD New”). Be very careful to choose the correct destination!
5. CCC will warn you that the content of the destination volume will be erased and replaced with that of the source. This is normal.
6. Verify that the Source and Destination selections are correct.
7. Click the “Clone” button in the bottom right.
8. You might be asked for the administrator password again.
9. The cloning process will begin. The duration will depend on the amount of data on your source disk and the speed of the disks and Thunderbolt connection. It could take from 30 minutes to several hours. Be patient and do not interrupt the process. You can continue to use the Mac for light operations, but it is better to let it work quietly. CCC will show a progress bar.
10. When finished, CCC will give you a confirmation message.

Your new SSD now contains an exact and bootable copy of your old system.

Verifying the Clone

Before proceeding with disassembling the Mac, it is crucial to verify that the clone works correctly. We can do this by trying to boot the Mac directly from the external SSD in the Transcend enclosure.

1. Leave the enclosure connected to the Mac.
2. Restart the Mac.
3. Immediately after the startup sound (or as soon as the screen goes black), hold down the Option key (⌥ / Alt) on the keyboard.
4. Keep holding it until the Startup Manager appears, showing the icons of available bootable disks.
5. You should see at least two options: your original internal disk (“Macintosh HD”) and the new cloned SSD in the enclosure (“Macintosh HD New” or the name you chose).
6. Select the external disk (the clone) using the arrow keys or the mouse/trackpad.
7. Press Enter or click the arrow under the icon to boot from it.
8. The Mac should boot from macOS on the external drive. It might be slightly slower than usual due to the external connection, but everything should work as on the internal disk. Open a few applications, check your files.
9. If everything works correctly, you have confirmation that the cloning was successful! You can shut down the Mac.

If the Mac does not boot from the external clone or you encounter problems, there might have been an error in the cloning or initialization. Review the previous steps or consult the CCC documentation. Do not proceed with the physical replacement until you are sure the clone is functional.

Physical Replacement of the SSD

With a working and verified clone on the external SSD, we are ready for the hardware part: opening the MacBook and physically replacing the internal unit. This part requires delicacy and attention. If you don’t feel confident, you could turn to a specialized technician, but with the right tools and by following the instructions, it is a feasible operation even for a moderately experienced user. Remember the antistatic precautions!

Safety Precautions

Safety first, both for you and your Mac:

1. Shut down the MacBook completely: Go to Apple menu () > Shut Down. Wait until it is completely off (black screen, no noise).
2. Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter and any other cable or peripheral connected (including the enclosure with the clone).
3. Work on a stable, clean, and well-lit surface. Avoid carpets that generate static electricity.
4. Discharge static electricity: Wear an antistatic wrist strap (link sponsorizzato) connected to a metal part of the table or frequently touch a grounded metal object before touching any internal component of the Mac. Static electricity can irreparably damage components.

Opening the MacBook

1. Flip your MacBook over onto a soft surface (so as not to scratch the lid).
2. Locate the Pentalobe P5 screws on the bottom of the case. The number and length may vary slightly depending on the exact Air or Pro model. Take note of the position of any screws of different lengths (often those near the hinge are shorter).
3. Using the Pentalobe P5 screwdriver (included in the Transcend kit or purchased separately), carefully remove all screws and set them aside in a safe container, perhaps on a sheet of paper drawing their position so as not to mix them up.
4. Once all screws are removed, gently lift the bottom cover starting from the side opposite the hinge. You might need to pry slightly with your fingernails or a thin plastic spudger (link sponsorizzato). Do not force it.
5. Completely remove the bottom cover and set it aside. You now have access to the Mac’s internal components.

Disconnecting the Battery

This is the most important safety step before touching any other component. Locate the battery connector on the logic board. It is usually a wide, flat connector, near the battery cells.

1. Very gently, using a plastic spudger (recommended) or your fingernail (with caution), lift the battery connector vertically from the socket on the logic board. Do not pull the cables. Some models might have a tab to pull or a small locking lever to lift. Refer to specific guides for your model if you are unsure (iFixit.com is a great resource).
2. Once disconnected, ensure the connector cannot accidentally fall back into the socket. Bending the cables slightly backward can help.
3. (Optional but good practice) Hold down the power button for 5-10 seconds to discharge any residual charge in the circuits.

It is now safe to work on the other components.

Removing the Old SSD

1. Locate the original Apple SSD. It is a long, thin board, usually black or green, inserted into a specific slot on the logic board.
2. The SSD is secured by a single Torx T5 screw at one end.
3. Using the Torx T5 screwdriver, remove this screw. Keep it aside (it is different from the Pentalobe screws of the case).
4. Once the screw is removed, the end of the SSD will lift slightly at an angle of about 20-30 degrees.
5. Gently grasp the SSD by the edges (avoid touching the gold contacts) and gently slide it out of the slot pulling backward along the same angle at which it lifted. Do not force it.
6. Set aside the old SSD. You can use it later in the Transcend enclosure.

Installing the New SSD

1. Take the new Transcend JetDrive 855 SSD (the one you cloned and which is now out of the enclosure).
2. Align it with the slot on the logic board, maintaining the same angle (about 20-30 degrees) at which you removed the old one. Ensure the notch on the SSD connector matches the key in the slot.
3. Gently but firmly insert the SSD into the slot until the gold contacts are fully inserted and no longer visible.
4. Gently push down the free end of the SSD until it is parallel to the logic board and the screw hole is aligned with the mount on the board.
5. Reinsert the Torx T5 screw and screw it in (do not overtighten) to secure the new SSD.

The new SSD is installed!

Reconnecting the Battery and Closing the Case

Now let’s perform the reverse steps:

1. Gently realign the battery connector with the socket on the logic board.
2. Press vertically and evenly on the connector until it clicks into place. Ensure it is fully inserted and straight.
3. Take a final general look to ensure everything is in order, that there are no stray screws or disconnected cables.
4. Reposition the bottom cover of the case, aligning it correctly. Start by inserting the side near the hinge and then lowering the rest.
5. Reinsert all Pentalobe P5 screws into their original positions. Screw them in but do not overtighten them at first. Once all are inserted, you can go over them to tighten them a bit more evenly (but without exaggerating).

The physical replacement is complete!

First Boot and Post-Installation Checks

The moment of truth! With the new SSD installed and the case closed, it’s time to verify that everything works as expected. This phase serves to confirm that the boot occurs correctly from the new internal disk and that the operating system recognizes the full capacity of the new drive. We will also perform some basic checks and consider an important setting like TRIM.

Booting from the New Internal SSD

1. Connect the MagSafe power adapter to your MacBook.
2. Press the power button.
3. If the cloning and installation went well, the Mac should boot normally, showing the login screen or the Desktop, just as it did with the old SSD, but potentially faster! You shouldn’t notice differences in software, files, or settings.
4. If the Mac does not boot and shows an icon with a flashing question mark or a prohibition symbol, something went wrong. It could be a problem with the cloning, the physical installation of the SSD, or the battery connection. In this case, you will need to reopen the Mac and check the connections, or possibly reboot from the external clone (if still assembled in the enclosure) to attempt cloning again or to reinstall macOS from scratch and then migrate data.

Verifying Operation and Space

Once macOS has successfully booted from the new internal SSD:

1. Go to Apple menu () > About This Mac.
2. Click on the “Storage” tab.
3. You should see your new disk (with the name you gave it during initialization, e.g., “Macintosh HD New” or simply “Macintosh HD” if CCC renamed it) and its total capacity should reflect that of the new SSD (e.g., about 960 GB for the Transcend JetDrive 855). You will also see the used and free space. Verify that the total capacity is as expected.
4. Open a few applications you use frequently to ensure they work correctly and that the system is responsive. Try copying a large file to test write/read speeds (although a “feeling” test is already indicative).

Enabling TRIM

TRIM is a command that allows the operating system to communicate to the SSD which data blocks are no longer in use and can be internally wiped. This helps maintain high SSD performance over time and extend its useful life.

• Original Apple SSDs have TRIM enabled by default.
• For third-party SSDs like the Transcend, macOS might not enable it automatically.
• Transcend often provides software called JetDrive Toolbox which, among other things, allows you to monitor the SSD status and enable TRIM with one click. Check the Transcend website if it is available and recommended for your JetDrive 855 model.
• Alternatively, it is possible to enable TRIM manually via Terminal with the command sudo trimforce enable. Read carefully the warnings the system will show you before confirming, but it is generally considered safe for modern SSDs.

Enabling TRIM is recommended to maintain optimal performance in the long term.

What to Do with the Old SSD?

Now you have your old original Apple SSD disassembled. Thanks to the enclosure provided with the Transcend JetDrive 855 kit, you can give it a second life!

1. Install the old Apple SSD into the Transcend Thunderbolt enclosure (following the same reverse steps used to put the new SSD in the enclosure at the beginning).
2. Connect the enclosure to the Mac.
3. Open Disk Utility.
4. Erase the old SSD (now external). You can format it as APFS or ExFAT if you want to use it with Windows too. Give it a different name (e.g., “Apple External SSD”). Be careful to erase the right disk (the external one)!
5. You now have a very fast Thunderbolt external drive that you can use for backups, file storage, or data transport. It’s a great way to reuse the original hardware!

Alternatives to Cloning: Time Machine and Clean Install

Although direct cloning with Carbon Copy Cloner is often the preferred method because it replicates the existing system exactly onto the new disk, there are valid alternatives you might consider, especially if you want to take the opportunity to “clean up” your Mac. The two main alternatives are restoring from a Time Machine backup and a clean install of macOS followed by manual data migration.

Restoring from Time Machine

If you have a full and recent Time Machine backup (as recommended in the preparation phase), you can use it to restore your system onto the new SSD after physically installing it.

1. Physically install the new empty SSD into the Mac (following the disassembly/assembly steps described earlier). It is not necessary to clone it first.
2. Start the Mac holding down Command (⌘) + R to enter macOS Recovery. You might need to be connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi.
3. From the macOS Utilities window, choose Disk Utility.
4. Erase the new internal SSD with APFS format and GUID Partition Map scheme (as described in the cloning section).
5. Exit Disk Utility to return to the main Recovery menu.
6. Connect the external drive containing your Time Machine backup.
7. Choose the option “Restore from Time Machine Backup” and follow the on-screen instructions. Select the Time Machine backup disk, choose the most recent backup (or the desired one), and select the new internal SSD as the destination.
8. The restore process will copy the operating system, applications, settings, and user files from the backup to the new SSD. It might take several hours.
9. When finished, the Mac will restart from the new SSD with the restored system.

Pros: Uses Apple’s native backup tool, restores the entire system.
Cons: Requires a full and recent Time Machine backup, the process can be long, it is not a “bit-for-bit” copy like the clone (although the end result is very similar).

Clean Install of macOS

This option is for those who want to start from scratch with a “clean” operating system, without importing old system files or potential issues accumulated over time.

1. Physically install the new empty SSD into the Mac.
2. Start the Mac holding down Command (⌘) + R (or Option + Command + R for the latest compatible macOS version, or Shift + Option + Command + R for the version provided with the Mac).
3. Enter Disk Utility and erase the new SSD (APFS, GUID).
4. Return to the main menu and choose “Reinstall macOS” (or “Install macOS”).
5. Follow the instructions to download and install a clean version of macOS on the new SSD. Requires an Internet connection.
6. At the end of the installation, you will follow the initial setup as if it were a new Mac.
7. Once you reach the Desktop, you will have to manually reinstall your applications and manually copy your documents, photos, music, and other personal files from a backup (Time Machine or other) or from the old SSD (if you put it in the enclosure). The Migration Assistant (which starts during initial setup or can be launched from Applications > Utilities) can help you transfer user accounts, applications, settings, and files from a Time Machine backup, from another Mac, or from the old disk in the enclosure, offering a good compromise between cleanliness and data recovery.

Pros: Fresh and potentially faster operating system, eliminates old files and issues.
Cons: Requires manual reinstallation of apps and data recovery (unless using Migration Assistant), can take more time and effort.

Comparison Table: Cloning vs Time Machine vs Clean Install

Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical comfort level. For most users who simply want more space and speed without reconfiguring anything, cloning with Carbon Copy Cloner is often the most direct and efficient way.

Conclusion

Tackling the SSD upgrade of your MacBook might seem like a complicated undertaking, especially considering the “closed” nature of Apple products. However, as we have seen in this guide, for MacBook Air (Mid 2013-2017) and MacBook Pro Retina (Late 2013-Mid 2015) models, the operation is not only possible, but also highly beneficial. Using a dedicated kit like the Transcend JetDrive 855, which includes the NVMe SSD, the indispensable external enclosure, and even the necessary screwdrivers, greatly simplifies the process.

The cloning of the original disk via reliable software like Carbon Copy Cloner represents the heart of the software operation. This step, if performed correctly after proper initialization of the new SSD (APFS format, GUID scheme), guarantees an almost painless transition. You will find your work environment, your files, and your applications exactly as you left them, but with the tangible benefit of more storage space and, thanks to NVMe technology, significantly improved performance. System startup, app loading, and file management will become noticeably faster, giving new youth to still-capable hardware.

The physical replacement, while requiring attention and the use of specific tools (Pentalobe P5 and Torx T5), is a relatively straightforward mechanical procedure. The crucial step is disconnecting the battery before handling the SSD, to prevent any risk of short circuit. Always remember the antistatic precautions to safeguard delicate electronic components.

We also explored alternatives like restoring from Time Machine or a clean install of macOS, which can be valid options depending on personal preferences, especially if you want to take the opportunity to start fresh with a “clean” system. However, for maximum simplicity and continuity, cloning remains the preferable method for many.

Finally, don’t forget the added value of being able to reuse the old Apple SSD thanks to the external enclosure provided by Transcend, transforming it into a fast and reliable portable storage unit.

In conclusion, investing time and a relatively small expense in upgrading the SSD of your compatible MacBook is one of the best modifications you can make to extend its useful life and significantly improve daily usability. Don’t let limited space or slowness force you to replace a computer that is still capable: with this guide and a little patience, you can give it the boost it deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions