Upgrade Your M4 Mac mini SSD: A Complete 2025 Guide

How to Upgrade the SSD in Your M4 Mac mini

The M4 Mac mini has revived a long-missed feature that Apple fans have been craving for years—upgradeable storage. While Apple hasn’t officially supported SSD upgrades since the Intel-based models, the M4 version surprises users with a slotted SSD, making aftermarket upgrades possible. If you're wondering how to upgrade the SSD in your M4 Mac mini, what tools to use, how to ensure compatibility, and what performance improvements to expect, this guide covers everything in detail. Whether you’re upgrading for speed, storage capacity, or futureproofing your system, this blog will walk you through what you need to know.

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Why Upgrade the SSD in Your M4 Mac mini?

Apple’s shift to proprietary silicon with the M1 and M2 series saw the end of easy upgrades, disappointing many Mac mini enthusiasts. The M4 Mac mini, however, reintroduces a removable SSD slot, opening the door to affordable DIY upgrades once again. If you're working with demanding applications, editing large files, or simply need more storage than what Apple offers by default, upgrading your SSD is a cost-effective and performance-enhancing solution.

An upgraded SSD not only expands your storage but can also improve read/write speeds depending on the drive you choose. Brands like ExpandMacMini.com offer SSDs specifically tailored for M4 compatibility, with 2TB options now available for around $320. While Apple hasn’t given its blessing to this upgrade path, thousands of users have reported success without any hardware or OS issues. As long as you're careful, the risk is minimal, and the reward is substantial.

What You Need to Upgrade the SSD in the M4 Mac mini

Before diving into the upgrade process, it’s essential to gather the right tools and compatible components. Most SSD upgrade kits for the M4 Mac mini include the following:

  • A PCIe NVMe SSD (preferably from a vendor like ExpandMacMini.com for guaranteed fit)

  • Precision screwdriver kit

  • Plastic opening tools

  • Anti-static wrist strap

  • External SSD enclosure (optional for cloning your existing drive)

Follow iFixit’s M4 Mac mini teardown guide for a reliable step-by-step walkthrough. Be aware that tampering with your Mac mini may void any remaining warranty, so consider this if your device is still under AppleCare. If you’re comfortable with electronics and have prior experience handling PC internals, the procedure is straightforward and takes less than 30 minutes.

Also, note that this upgrade is currently only viable for the base M4 Mac mini, not the M4 Pro version, due to different internal SSD form factors. So, double-check your model before purchasing any hardware.

Speed, Stability, and What to Expect After the SSD Upgrade

Once installed, your new SSD should be recognized immediately by macOS. You may need to format it using Disk Utility and reinstall macOS if you're starting fresh. For those migrating from an older drive, use macOS's built-in Migration Assistant or third-party tools like Carbon Copy Cloner to clone your existing system to the new SSD.

Performance-wise, many users have reported a noticeable increase in system responsiveness, app load times, and data transfer speeds. A quality NVMe SSD can offer read/write speeds well over 3,000 MB/s, which is a significant leap compared to Apple's entry-level configurations.

After six months of daily use, upgraded M4 Mac minis have shown consistent stability, no thermal throttling, and no issues with macOS updates recognizing the new hardware. That said, always back up your system regularly and monitor your SSD’s health using built-in tools or apps like DriveDx to ensure longevity.

Is It Worth Upgrading the SSD in Your M4 Mac mini?

Absolutely—if you're hitting storage limits or want more control over your Mac's performance. While Apple still doesn’t advertise or encourage SSD upgrades on the M4 Mac mini, its internal design makes it far more DIY-friendly than any Mac in recent years. With SSD prices dropping and upgrade kits becoming more available, this is an excellent time to invest in more speed and space.

Just be sure to use a trusted guide (like iFixit), opt for compatible SSDs from reliable vendors, and take necessary precautions to avoid static damage. With the right approach, upgrading the SSD in your M4 Mac mini is not only possible—it’s a smart move for power users and creatives alike.

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