Upgrading Your MacBook's Internal SSD: A Possible Solution for M1 Chip Owners

In recent years, Apple has made it increasingly difficult for users to upgrade their own Macs. The introduction of the M1 chip on their latest devices seemed to solidify this trend, with all computing components heavily physically integrated and the RAM and SSD components soldered in place. However, a group of technicians in Guangzhou, China have discovered that it is possible to detach the RAM from the M1 chip and its nearby SSD module and replace them with larger capacity components without breaking the device.

The process involves upgrading the base model M1 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, which is correctly recognized by macOS Big Sur. This achievement has sparked hope among users who want to expand their Mac's memory and storage capacity.

If you're experiencing issues with your new SSD not being recognized by your MacBook, here are some steps you can take:

1. Ensure the cable connecting the SSD to the logic board is securely attached.

2. Verify that the SSD is correctly seated in its bay.

3. Restart your MacBook and enter recovery mode (hold the Command + R keys while booting).

4. In recovery mode, open Disk Utility and select the new SSD as the target disk. From there, you can format and restore it.

If these steps don't work, you may need to consider other solutions, such as reinstalling macOS or seeking professional assistance from an authorized Apple service provider.

It's worth noting that upgrading your Mac's internal SSD is not without its risks. Apple's warranty may be void if the upgrade is performed unofficially, and there is a high chance of failure due to the complex nature of the process. However, for those who are willing to take on the challenge, this possible solution could be a game-changer.

In your case, you've already replaced the SSD twice, but it's not being recognized by macOS. You've checked that the cable and SSD are correctly seated, and you've even used Time Machine to restore your files from an external backup. To troubleshoot further, you may want to try booting in recovery mode and using Disk Utility to format and restore the new drive.

If you're still having issues, it's possible that there's a problem with the logic board or another component of your MacBook. In this case, seeking professional assistance from an authorized Apple service provider may be your best bet.

Macbook internal ssd