“ Your startup disk is almost full ”… Before deleting everything or buying a new Mac, know that on many models the storage can be changed. Here’s how to find out whether yours is upgradeable — and how to gain space for years to come.
A full SSD slows the Mac down and blocks updates. The lasting fix : move to a larger drive — but it all depends on your model. Some Macs have a removable SSD (user-replaceable), others have it soldered to the logic board (not upgradeable). The first step is therefore to identify your Mac by its model number. When it’s possible, the upgrade changes everything — for far less than a new Mac.
Three families, three answers. The model number (A1502, A2141…), engraved under the Mac, settles the question — our product pages confirm compatibility.
Many Retina MacBook Pro/Air models from a certain era, and older Macs, use a plug-in SSD that can be replaced in a few minutes. This is the ideal scenario : you clip in a higher-capacity SSD, and you’re done.
With us : compatible SSDs from a few tens of euros.Other models use an SSD in a specific Apple format : it can also be replaced, but with the right compatible part for your exact reference. Our pages state precisely which Macs are concerned — hence the importance of the model number.
On the most recent Macs (Apple Silicon and some recent Intel models), the storage is soldered to the logic board : it cannot simply be replaced. Here, you optimise space, add an external drive, or consider a refurbished Mac with the right capacity.
Good to know : choosing the capacity at purchase avoids this wall.Changing an SSD means starting over on a blank drive. We protect your data first :
On an upgradeable Mac, the operation is doable with a little care :
Would you rather not open the Mac ? The workshop takes care of it :
“ SSD full: you have to buy a new Mac. ”
Not necessarily. If your Mac has a removable SSD, a larger drive solves the problem for far less than a new machine — and you keep your Mac. It’s only on models with a soldered SSD that the refurbished option really comes into play.
Does your Mac have a removable SSD ? A larger drive gives it years back, for a fraction of the price of a new one. Soldered SSD ? You optimise, offload externally, or look at a refurbished model with the right capacity. In every case : back up before anything else.
No: it depends on the model. Some Macs have a removable SSD (user-replaceable), others have it soldered to the logic board (not upgradeable). The model number, engraved under the Mac, tells you which case you’re in.
Find the model number (A1502, A2141…) under the Mac: our SSD pages list the compatible models. If in doubt, contact us with this number and we’ll confirm it for you.
At Place du Mac, compatible SSDs start at a few tens of euros and vary by capacity and Mac model. It’s far less than the price of a new machine.
The new SSD is blank: you must back up first (Time Machine or an external copy), then reinstall macOS and restore. If you entrust us with the upgrade, we transfer your data for you.
You optimise space (files, iCloud storage), add a fast external drive, or consider a refurbished Mac with a larger capacity. Next time, choosing the capacity at purchase avoids the problem.
Above all, it prevents the slowdown caused by a full disk (macOS needs free space to breathe). On a Mac whose disk was full, the effect is very noticeable day to day.
Place du Mac guide — compatible SSDs tested, 2-year warranty, workshop at 51 rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, Paris 9th. Storage upgradeability depends on the Mac model; always back up your data before any replacement. Apple, Mac and MacBook are trademarks of Apple Inc. ; Place du Mac is an independent repairer, not affiliated with Apple Inc.
