TL;DR
To add storage to your Mac:
- Connect an external drive for quick, affordable storage.
- Buy extra iCloud storage to free up space.
- Use a NAS device for network-based storage.
- Add storage with an SD card (if your Mac has a slot).
- 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:
- 🖥️ Compatibility: Ensure the storage device matches your Mac’s hardware and OS.
- 💾 Storage Type: Choose between SSDs (fast) and HDDs (large but slower), depending on your needs.
- 📦 Capacity: Plan storage based on your work—more space for video editing, less for basic documents.
- 💸 Cost: Set a budget, as larger SSDs can be expensive. Choose what’s within your range.
- 🔧 Installation: Some upgrades are easy to DIY, but others may require professional help.
How to Add Storage to Your Mac
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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:
- Identify your Mac’s USB port type (USB-A or USB-C) via Apple’s website.
- Pick a compatible external drive with at least 1TB of storage and minimum speeds of 120MB/s (read) and 128MB/s (write).
- If required, install any necessary software for the external drive.
- 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:
- Click the Apple logo > System Settings > Apple ID.
- Select iCloud in your Apple ID.
- Click the Manage button next to Account Storage.
- Select Change Storage Plan… in the new window.
- Choose the amount of additional storage you think would be good enough for your use, and click Upgrade to iCloud+.
- Enter your Apple ID username and password, and click Sign in.
- 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:
- Confirm that your network storage device is connected to the same network as your Mac.
- In Finder, click Go and select Connect to Server.
- Input the network storage’s address (usually a URL) and click Connect.
- Enter your username and password.
- 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:
- Turn off your Mac and unplug all external devices.
- Use the screwdriver to access the internal components.
- Remove the old hard drive and install the new SSD.
- 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:
- Regularly clean your Mac by deleting unnecessary files and uninstalling unused apps.
- Merge and delete duplicate photos to free up space.
- If your Mac is still slow after cleanup, consider upgrading the RAM for better performance.