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How to Add Storage to Your Mac: 5 Practical Options

Maximize Mac storage with easy ways and save more data.

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Last updated: October 19, 2024

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TL;DR

To add storage to your Mac:

  1. Connect an external drive for quick, affordable storage.
  2. Buy extra iCloud storage to free up space.
  3. Use a NAS device for network-based storage.
  4. Add storage with an SD card (if your Mac has a slot).
  5. Upgrade to an SSD for faster, larger storage.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Running out of space on your Mac can be frustrating. It slows everything down, and you can’t save new files. Luckily, there are easy ways to add more storage. In this post, I’ll share simple solutions to free up space and keep your Mac running smoothly.

Things to Consider Before Adding Mac Storage

Here are some key points to consider before you add more storage to your Mac:

  1. 🖥️ Compatibility: Ensure the storage device matches your Mac’s hardware and OS.
  2. 💾 Storage Type: Choose between SSDs (fast) and HDDs (large but slower), depending on your needs.
  3. 📦 Capacity: Plan storage based on your work—more space for video editing, less for basic documents.
  4. 💸 Cost: Set a budget, as larger SSDs can be expensive. Choose what’s within your range.
  5. 🔧 Installation: Some upgrades are easy to DIY, but others may require professional help.

How to Add Storage to Your Mac

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Below, I’ve put together some easy ways to add storage to your Mac:

1. Use External Storage

Using an external drive is a quick and affordable way to add more storage to your Mac. Follow these steps to install an external hard drive:

  1. Identify your Mac’s USB port type (USB-A or USB-C) via Apple’s website.
  2. Pick a compatible external drive with at least 1TB of storage and minimum speeds of 120MB/s (read) and 128MB/s (write).
  3. If required, install any necessary software for the external drive.
  4. Plug the drive into your Mac and start using the extra space.

If your MacBook only has USB-C ports, you may need a USB-C adapter to connect the drive.

2. Buy More Storage via iCloud

iCloud allows you to store less-used files in the cloud, freeing up local storage on your Mac. If you want to purchase more iCloud storage, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Apple logo > System Settings > Apple ID.
  1. Select iCloud in your Apple ID.
click your apple id and select icloud
  1. Click the Manage button next to Account Storage.
click the manage button next to account storage
  1. Select Change Storage Plan… in the new window.
click change storage plan in account storage
  1. Choose the amount of additional storage you think would be good enough for your use, and click Upgrade to iCloud+.
choose a storage plan you need and click upgrade to icloud plus
  1. Enter your Apple ID username and password, and click Sign in.
enter your apple id and password and click sign in
  1. Click Buy to complete your purchase.

    3. Connect to Network Storage (NAS)

    Network-Attached Storage (NAS) lets you use storage across your home network. It’s ideal for backing up files or storing large media libraries. Here are the detailed steps to connect to NAS:

    1. Confirm that your network storage device is connected to the same network as your Mac.
    2. In Finder, click Go and select Connect to Server.
    3. Input the network storage’s address (usually a URL) and click Connect.
    4. Enter your username and password.
    5. Once connected, the storage will appear in Finder for easy access.

    4. Use SD Cards

    For Macs with an SD card slot, expanding storage with an SD card is a budget-friendly option. SD cards are easy to upgrade and cost-effective, though some models may have the card protruding from the slot.

    Tip: If the card sticks out, be cautious when moving your Mac to avoid damaging the card or port.

    5. Upgrade Mac Storage with an SSD

    Upgrading your Mac’s storage with a Solid State Drive (SSD) can significantly improve both storage capacity and performance.

    Upgrading the internal SSD may void your warranty and is not possible on newer Mac models where the SSD is soldered to the motherboard. Always check your Mac’s compatibility before proceeding.

    What You Need to Upgrade:

    • A compatible SSD
    • Screwdrivers to open your Mac
    • An external drive or enclosure for the old drive (for cloning data)

    Follow these steps to upgrade Mac storage with SSD:

    1. Turn off your Mac and unplug all external devices.
    2. Use the screwdriver to access the internal components.
    3. Remove the old hard drive and install the new SSD.
    4. Boot up your Mac and restore your data from a backup.

    Optimize Existing Storage Before Adding More

    Before expanding your Mac’s storage, it’s a good idea to free up existing space by removing unnecessary files. Tools like MacKeeper can simplify this process by quickly scanning for junk files and safely deleting them, saving you time and effort.

    Add Storage to Your Mac and Improve Its Performance

    Now that you know how to add storage to your Mac, you may want to use the available storage to maximum capacity. Here are a few tips to consider:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you upgrade the storage on a MacBook Pro?

    Yes, you can upgrade the storage on a MacBook Pro. However, the upgrade process and compatibility may vary depending on the model and year of your MacBook Pro. For example, the 1TB SSD Kit for Mac Pro replaces your system’s current SSD module(s), and installation requires a second Mac running Apple Configurator 2 and a USB-C cable.

    How much storage space should I add to my Mac?

    The storage space you should add to your Mac depends on your needs. If you store a lot of media files such as photos and videos, getting an external hard drive with at least 1TB of storage is recommended. But if you use your Mac mainly for work and don’t require large storage capacity, purchasing more iCloud storage may be sufficient.

    Is it worth getting a MacBook with 256GB of storage?

    Whether a MacBook with 256GB of storage is worth it depends on your storage needs. If you need a lot of locally stored files like photos, videos, music, or games, 256GB of internal storage should be enough. But if you anticipate needing more storage in the future or you work with large files, consider a MacBook with more storage.

    How much RAM do I need for my MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?

    For basic tasks such as web browsing and watching movies, the default 8GB RAM should be sufficient. However, for memory-intensive tasks like video editing, photo editing, audio production, and 3D rendering, getting at least 16GB RAM or more is recommended.

    Does RAM increase storage?

    No, RAM doesn’t increase RAM storage. Random Access Memory is a volatile memory used to temporarily store data your computer is currently using or processing. Upgrading the RAM can improve the performance of your computer, but it will not add storage to your Mac.

    Ojash

    Author

    Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

    Hashir Ibrahim

    Reviewer

    Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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