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Is the Mac mini M4 SSD upgradeable?

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Yes. Unlike every Mac mini since 2018, the base Mac mini M4 keeps its storage on a small removable module. Swap that module for a larger one, restore macOS, and the machine runs with the new capacity. This page explains what that involves before you order.

What Apple changed in the Mac mini M4

On the Mac mini M1 (2020) and M2 (2023), the flash memory is soldered to the logic board. There is nothing to replace. The Mac mini M4 moved the flash chips to a separate module that plugs into the board underneath the fan.

That module is not a standard M.2 drive. It uses Apple's own connector and layout, and the storage controller lives inside the M4 chip. A regular NVMe SSD from a computer shop does not fit, and the replacement has to be built for this connector specifically.

What the upgrade involves

  1. Back up your Mac with Time Machine. The upgrade wipes the machine.
  2. Open the Mac mini: bottom cover, inner plate, fan, then the old module. The installation guide shows every step with photos, and the tools come with your order.
  3. Fit the new module and close the Mac mini.
  4. Restore macOS in DFU mode from a second Mac using Finder (macOS 14 or later). The DFU restore guide walks through it.
  5. Bring your data back with Migration Assistant from the Time Machine backup.

Count on 45 to 60 minutes for the hardware and 30 to 60 minutes for the restore, most of which is waiting for a download.

What it costs compared to Apple

Apple only sells larger storage at the moment of purchase, as a build-to-order option. Our 2TB module costs €420.00 and the 1TB €324.99, both including VAT, shipped from the Netherlands. The product page shows the comparison with Apple's upgrade prices and the date we checked them.

Keep your original module somewhere safe. You can refit it if the Mac needs service, but back up your data first: changing modules does not transfer your files between them.

Other sellers make modules for the same slot; the comparison of upgrade options sets shipping, returns and warranty side by side.

Other Mac mini models

The M4 is the exception. The Mac mini M1, M2, M6 and M5 Pro have storage and memory fixed at purchase, the 2018 Intel model has soldered storage, and the Intel models from 2010 to 2012 take a standard 2.5-inch SATA drive and laptop memory. The model-by-model list covers every Mac mini since 2010, with the identifier to check yours.

Who should not do this

  • You have an M4 Pro. The Pro uses a different module; see M4 vs M4 Pro.
  • You have no second Mac and nobody to borrow one from. The restore cannot be done from a PC or an iPad.
  • You would rather not open a machine that is under AppleCare. Read the guarantee section of what is in the box first.

Related questions

Does the new module work with any original capacity?
Yes. The module replaces the original completely, so it does not matter whether your Mac mini came with 256GB, 512GB or 1TB.
Is soldering involved?
No. The module is held by one Torx screw and a connector. No soldering or cutting; you need a second Mac for the DFU restore.
Can I clone macOS and my files onto the new module?
No. A new module is blank and has to be initialized by Apple's restore process, which installs a fresh macOS. Your files come back from the Time Machine backup afterwards.
Will the Mac mini be slower or faster?
In our Blackmagic test on a base M4, our 2TB module reached 4441.6 MB/s write and 2992.1 MB/s read; the store owner's original Apple 2TB result was 3217.9 MB/s write and 2668.4 MB/s read. Those are individual sequential runs, not guaranteed speeds for every Mac or workload. In daily use the extra startup-disk space is usually the bigger difference.
Can I upgrade the memory as well?
No. The Mac mini M4's memory is part of the M4 chip package and stays at the configuration you bought. Only the storage module can be replaced.

Ready to upgrade?

See the 2TB module, €420.00Open the installation guide

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