MacBook SSD Upgrade Risks and Safe Alternatives for Soldered Storage

Upgrading the internal storage of a MacBook is a common desire for users running out of space. However, if you own a newer MacBook model, you may be shocked to learn that a MacBook SSD upgrade is often not possible in the traditional sense. In recent years, Apple has designed many MacBooks with the SSD (solid-state drive) soldered directly onto the mainboard, meaning it cannot be removed or replaced like in older models. Attempting to upgrade such soldered SSDs is risky and can lead to serious damage or data loss.

As experienced Apple repair professionals at Esmond Service Centre, we have assisted many clients dealing with storage limitations and related issues on their MacBooks. Our goal with this article is to inform you about the risks of trying to upgrade a soldered-on MacBook SSD, and to provide safe, practical alternatives for managing your MacBook’s storage. By understanding these risks and solutions, you can avoid costly mistakes and keep your data safe.

Not all MacBooks are created equal when it comes to storage upgrades. Older MacBook models (generally before 2016–2017) featured removable SSD modules that could be swapped out for a larger drive. In contrast, most modern MacBooks have their SSD chips permanently soldered to the logic board. Apple began this design shift around 2016 with the MacBook Pro, soldering the SSD directly to the motherboard so it cannot be taken out. By 2018, this soldered-storage approach became standard on all new Mac laptops, including MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. For example, the 13″ MacBook Pro (Touch Bar version, 2016–2017) has its SSD chips soldered, meaning “the SSD drive is not upgradable”. Likewise, Apple’s own support community confirms that newer MacBook Pros have the SSD attached to the board, so “you cannot upgrade the internal storage.”

How to check your model: If you’re unsure whether your MacBook’s storage is soldered, consider its year and model. Generally, MacBook Air models from 2010–2017 and MacBook Pro models up to 2015 had upgradeable storage modules. Any MacBook produced in the last few years (2016 onward for Pros, 2018 onward for Airs, and all Apple Silicon M1/M2 models) almost certainly uses soldered SSD chips. In short, if you have a recent MacBook, a traditional pull-and-replace SSD upgrade is off the table.

When dealing with soldered storage, a MacBook SSD upgrade becomes extremely challenging and hazardous. The SSD chips are physically attached to the logic board, so a DIY upgrade isn’t as simple as unscrewing a drive and plugging in a new one. Instead, it would involve microscopic desoldering and soldering of flash memory chips – a procedure well beyond the scope of normal repairs. One tech expert plainly states: “The chips for the SSD are soldered on the motherboard. This is the case for any/all MacBooks since 2018 or 2019.” Attempting such an upgrade is “not for the faint of heart” and “will definitely void your warranty and risks damaging your MacBook.” In other words, only an extremely skilled engineer with specialized tools could even attempt this, and even they proceed with caution.

Let’s break down the challenges behind upgrading a soldered-on MacBook SSD:

• Specialized Equipment Needed: Upgrading soldered chips requires professional micro-soldering stations, heat guns, and precision tools to remove and reattach NAND flash chips without destroying the board. Most home users or IT generalists do not have access to this level of equipment or skill.
  
  

• Firmware and Configuration Complexity: On newer Macs, the storage isn’t just soldered – it’s also tied into the system’s firmware and security. For instance, after physically replacing SSD chips, one must perform a DFU restore (Device Firmware Update) and reconfigure the Mac’s software to recognize the new storage. Without following Apple’s intricate procedures, the MacBook will not boot correctly.
  
  

• High Chance of Irreversible Damage: Removing soldered components always carries the risk of lifting circuit board traces or damaging other components due to heat. A slight mistake can render the entire logic board useless. Users on tech forums point out that the chances of an average consumer successfully doing this are “so close to nil as to be irrelevant,” and a “normal consumer with no electronics skills will run a very high risk of destroying the MacBook.”
  
  

Why Apple designed it this way: Apple’s move to soldered SSDs was partly to save space and improve performance, but it means sacrificing upgradability. They expect customers to choose an adequate storage capacity at purchase, as post-purchase upgrades are effectively blocked. While this design can improve reliability (fewer removable parts) and security (as we’ll see with the T2 chip), it puts users in a bind if they run out of space.

Trying to perform a MacBook SSD upgrade on a soldered drive can lead to severe consequences. It’s important to understand what’s at stake before considering any such attempt:

1. Permanent Logic Board Damage: The most immediate risk is destroying the logic board. The SSD chips sit very close to other critical components. Applying too much heat or using improper technique can fry your CPU, memory, or other parts. This could leave your MacBook completely non-functional, requiring a full logic board replacement.
   
   

2. Data Loss or Inaccessibility: Even if you manage to solder on new storage chips, all existing data on the old chips will be lost in the process. In fact, on 2018–2020 Intel Macs, Apple introduced the T2 security chip which encrypts the SSD. Any damage or change to the soldered SSD or T2 chip renders data unrecoverable. In practical terms, if you haven’t backed up your files before an upgrade attempt, you could lose everything. And if the MacBook doesn’t recognize the new SSD due to firmware/security mismatches, you may not be able to access any data at all.
   
   

3. Voiding Warranty and Support: Opening up the MacBook and desoldering components will void any warranty or AppleCare you have. Apple technicians can usually detect tampering. This means if something goes wrong, Apple may refuse to service the device or charge you for an out-of-warranty logic board repair (which can be very expensive). Essentially, you’re on your own if the DIY upgrade fails.
   
   

4. Unintended Side Effects: Modern MacBooks are finely engineered, and altering hardware can lead to unforeseen issues. For example, the system might refuse to install macOS if it detects an unauthorized hardware change, or you might encounter instability. You could end up with a MacBook that has a larger drive in theory, but is buggy or unreliable in practice.

Why these risks are so serious: Unlike swapping a part in a desktop PC, a MacBook’s integrated design means one wrong move affects the whole system. Apple’s use of the T2/security enclave further ties the SSD to the logic board. This tight integration is great for security and speed, but terrible for tinkering. The bottom line is that a failed DIY upgrade attempt can leave you with a dead MacBook – turning a storage issue into a much bigger (and costlier) problem.

Precautions (if you absolutely must try): We highly discourage attempting a soldered SSD replacement yourself. If you are still considering it (perhaps your MacBook is out of warranty and you feel adventurous), at the very least take these steps: (a) Backup all your data to an external drive or Time Machine before doing anything. (b) Only allow a qualified electronics technician with MacBook experience to handle the soldering – do not attempt it with basic tools. (c) Be prepared for failure; have funds ready for a new logic board or new computer if it goes wrong. Following these precautions might save your data and sanity, but again, the safest approach is to avoid the risk entirely.

Given the high stakes of physical upgrades, it’s wise to explore alternatives to a MacBook SSD upgrade. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective ways to manage or expand your storage without ever cracking open your laptop:

• Use External Storage (Thunderbolt/USB-C Drives): Instead of risking your MacBook’s life, invest in a fast external SSD. A Thunderbolt 3 or 4 external NVMe drive can deliver speeds comparable to the internal drive. One Apple expert noted there is “no reason to open up the Mac and risk destroying it when a cheap NVMe in a Thunderbolt enclosure is... just as efficient, completely safe and can be kept for use on another Mac”. In practice, you can keep your large files, photos, or video projects on an external drive and work off of it seamlessly. This avoids any warranty issues and you can easily move that external drive to a new Mac in the future. (Visual suggestion: A photo of a MacBook connected to a slim Thunderbolt external SSD, illustrating how easy and compact external storage can be.)
  
  

• Cloud Storage and Offloading Files: Another safe approach is to offload seldom-used data to cloud services or another computer. Services like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive allow you to store files online and free up space on your Mac. macOS also offers the “Optimize Storage” feature which can automatically offload older files and keep your disk lean. While cloud storage may require an internet connection to retrieve files, it’s a convenient way to add virtual storage without any hardware changes.
  
  

• Upgrade at Purchase or Trade In: If you haven’t bought your MacBook yet or you’re considering an upgrade, the best time to get more internal storage is at purchase. Yes, Apple’s upgrade prices for larger SSDs are high, but it’s the only opportunity to get a bigger internal drive. If you already own the MacBook and it’s desperately low on space, consider selling or trading it in for a model with a higher capacity. Sometimes the cost of upgrading to a better model (or an Apple-certified logic board replacement) is comparable to the hassle of juggling external drives. This way, you get a clean storage slate without jeopardizing your current machine.
  
  

• Regular Maintenance and Cleanup: It may sound obvious, but often the cheapest solution is organizing and cleaning your data. Remove applications you don’t use, delete or offload large videos and backups, and empty the trash. Use a tool (or macOS’s Storage Management) to find what’s occupying the most space. By periodically cleaning up, you might reclaim significant space and delay the need for more storage.

By embracing these alternatives, you can effectively sidestep the risks of hardware tinkering. External drives, for instance, are plug-and-play solutions that instantly give you terabytes of extra space. Cloud storage extends your capacity virtually, and good data hygiene ensures you’re not wasting precious SSD space on junk. All these methods are safe, preserve your warranty, and protect your MacBook – which is a far better outcome than a failed soldering experiment.

While avoiding a DIY MacBook SSD upgrade is the safest course, there are times when you might need professional assistance. If your MacBook’s soldered SSD is failing, or if you’ve already attempted an upgrade/replacement and things have gone awry, it’s crucial to get expert help immediately. Do not continue using a failing drive or keep experimenting on the logic board, as this can worsen the damage.

Here are scenarios where a professional consultation is warranted:

• SSD or Logic Board Failure: If your MacBook suddenly can’t boot, isn’t recognizing the drive, or you suspect the internal SSD has died, a repair specialist can diagnose the issue. They have tools to attempt data recovery or board repair that an average user won’t possess. For instance, specialists familiar with MacBook logic boards know how to work with the T2 security chip and may attempt to transplant chips or use donor boards to retrieve data. Keep in mind, even professionals have limited options with soldered, encrypted SSDs – but they will give you the best possible chance to save your files.
  
  

• Out-of-Warranty Upgrades or Repairs: Maybe your MacBook is out of warranty and you desperately need more internal storage for professional reasons. A certified technician or a service center with micro-soldering expertise might offer an upgrade service (as experimental as it may be). They can inform you of the success rate and risks. In some cases, they might recommend a logic board swap (replacing your board with one that has a higher capacity SSD, if obtainable) rather than physically soldering new chips. This kind of job should only be done by someone who fully understands MacBook circuitry.
  
  

• Attempted DIY – Now Problems Arise: If you or someone else already tried to mess with the SSD chips and the MacBook is exhibiting problems (errors, not booting, etc.), stop and take it to a professional immediately. The more you continue to power on or reheat the board, the lower the chances of a successful fix. An expert can assess whether the board can be salvaged or if data can be recovered via specialized techniques (such as Target Disk Mode or chip-off recovery, if feasible).

In any of these situations, engaging a professional not only increases the likelihood of a solution but also provides peace of mind. Esmond Service Centre, for example, has Apple repair specialists on staff who have dealt with numerous MacBook storage issues. When a customer brings in a MacBook with soldered SSD problems, we carefully evaluate the device and advise on the safest path forward – whether it’s a board repair, data recovery attempt, or using alternative storage options. Remember, seeking help early can prevent a total disaster. It’s better to have an expert take a look when your MacBook shows signs of trouble, rather than after it’s been irreversibly damaged by repeated unsafe attempts.

Upgrading a soldered MacBook SSD is inherently risky, and for most users it’s simply not a viable option. The key takeaways are clear: if you own a modern MacBook, plan your storage needs upfront and utilize safe solutions like external drives and cloud storage when you need more space. We’ve seen that Apple’s design – soldering SSDs to the board – makes user upgrades impractical and dangerous. While it can be frustrating to have this limitation, trying to force a MacBook SSD upgrade through DIY soldering is usually not worth the potential harm. Instead, by using the alternatives and best practices discussed, you can enjoy your MacBook without running into storage roadblocks.

Remember, technology is always evolving – but so are the solutions. By staying informed and cautious, you’ll keep your MacBook safe and your data secure. If you found this information useful, consider following our blog or community for more expert advice. After all, managing technology wisely is an ongoing journey, and we’re here to help each other along the way!

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