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How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure

Introduction

iFixit’s SSD enclosure allows you to repurpose a factory-installed Mac SSD as a portable external drive. Follow this guide to learn how to install your SSD into the enclosure.

If you still need to complete your SSD upgrade, find your Mac and look for the SSD Replacement guide.

Note: These enclosures are designed to be used with factory-installed Mac Solid State Drives, and will not work with other PCIe replacement drives and adapters, including OWC Aura Pro drives.

What you need

  1. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Disassemble the enclosure: step 1, image 1 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Disassemble the enclosure: step 1, image 2 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Disassemble the enclosure: step 1, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the SSD sled out of the metal enclosure to remove it.

  2. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Install the SSD into the enclosure: step 2, image 1 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Install the SSD into the enclosure: step 2, image 2 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Install the SSD into the enclosure: step 2, image 3 of 3

    • Carefully insert your Mac OEM SSD as shown, with the golden contact pads below the connector pins facing upward.

    • The SSD and enclosure are both keyed, so the SSD can only be installed one way.

    • The SSD might take a significant amount of force to insert. Make sure you have the orientation correct before you apply any pressure.

    • When the SSD is fully inserted, the notch at the bottom of the drive should be aligned with the hole for the screw in the enclosure.

  3. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips driver to install the 4.5 mm screw securing the bottom of the SSD.

  5. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Reassemble the enclosure: step 4, image 1 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Reassemble the enclosure: step 4, image 2 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Reassemble the enclosure: step 4, image 3 of 3

    • Slide the SSD sled into the metal enclosure, SSD connector end first.

    • Make sure the enclosure is in the correct orientation—the sled slides in on the thin rails.

    • The USB-C port should be facing out once installed.

  6. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure: step 5, image 1 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure: step 5, image 2 of 3 How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Place the port cover plate onto the end of the enclosure, aligning the USB-C port with its cutout.

    • The screw hole chamfers should face outwards.

  7. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Use a Phillips driver to install the two 8 mm screws onto the end of the enclosure.

  8. How Install a Mac SSD into an External Enclosure, Use your new external SSD: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • The drive is now ready to be connected to your computer with either of the included USB cables.

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Carsten Frauenheim

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