2015 MacBook Air SSD Upgrade (MacBook Air 11” A1465 & MacBook Air 13” A1466 (Mid 2013-2017)

This video shows how to upgrade or replace the SSD in a MacBook Air 2015 very easy project to do. Please make sure you get a M.2 on the list of the adapters website. Please see the compatible NVME M.2 list below.
Supported M.2 NVME/AHCI SSD:
Samsung 960 EVO/PRO
Samsung 970 EVO/PRO
WD Black NVME SSD V1, V2, V3
Crucial P1
HP EX920, EX950
ADATA SX8200
Intel 600p, 660P, 760P
Toshiba XG5
Corsair MP500, MP510
Kingston A1000, A2000, KC1000
Adata SX6000, SX8200/PRO

[@KevinDoylePID]

Great communication - clear, covered everything simply. One point about these wide aluminum bezels is the camera. - when it's on - a green dot appears, When the camera is off it disapears. take a magnifying glass to it and you'll find the micro laser engraved dots next to the lens that lets the light behind shine through the aluminum. Reminded me of Star Trek's Scotty talking about "transparent aluminum" in the Star Trek movie. Well done, Charlee.!

[@charleeeugene]

Thanks Kevin I appreciate your support and kind words !!!

[@michaelwright2986]

Thank you for sparing us the unscrewing--and for using the time saved for such a measured pace in your explanation. It helps comprehension, and it's also a good bit of modelling--I seem to get into difficulties especially when I'm working too fast. The computer is lying there, under an anaesthetic, and it's not going to run away. No hurry.

[@charleeeugene]

Me too I get super excited then I end up doing something stupid. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost screws cracked the case cover Working too fast. Thanks for tuning in I really appreciate it.

[@DavidBermanat_virchow]

Brilliant, very clear, and well-done video. Much appreciated!

[@charleeeugene]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind words much appreciated!!!!!!!!

[@Zoom50z]

didnt even know they had these adapters great info

[@goyoloco702]

Nice upgrade. It would have been nice if you included links in the description of where you purchased the parts you used.

[@charleeeugene]

Next time i will drop links in the description I pretty much just grab what I need from microcenter. Thanks for watching much appreciated!!!!!!

[@charleeeugene]

www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2015-MacBook/dp/B01CWWAENG

[@charleeeugene]

Yes you can use 1TB make sure you get one on the list Samsung 960 EVO/PRO Samsung 970 EVO/PRO WD Black NVME SSD V1, V2, V3 Crucial P1 HP EX920, EX950 ADATA SX8200 Intel 600p, 660P, 760P Toshiba XG5 Corsair MP500, MP510 Kingston A1000, A2000, KC1000 Adata SX6000, SX8200/PRO

[@songsan807]

Clear and concise video. Got one of these small 11 inch macbook laying around that only have 128GB of space. Don't know what to do with but not find a reason to get it out and upgrade it.

[@charleeeugene]

Yes indeed pop a 512 gb or 1 tb in there !!!!!

[@rodlokow9471]

Great video, really useful! Thanks a lot. Do you have other videos making differents upgrades on the same kind of laptop, like the one in the video?

[@charleeeugene]

Thank You Very Much!!!! I don't come across older macbooks that often but will continue to make content whenever I get my hands on them. What would you like to see?

[@rodlokow9471]

@@charleeeugene im the one that have to thank you, i was searching for videos of this laptop being upgraded for a long time. But i would really aprecciate if you could do a RAM upgrade on it.

[@charleeeugene]

RAM is soldered to the motherboard on this model.@@rodlokow9471

[@SuperChiva]

This was GREAT help. quite impressive actually. Thank you so much.

[@charleeeugene]

Thanks for the kind words much appreciated!!!!

[@neilsmith5299]

Great video. Nice and clear instructions.

[@charleeeugene]

Thanks for watching and motivation to keep going!!!! Much appreciated!!!!

[@dvclassic4718]

Most Appreciated!

[@WheelsUpWithChuck]

No problem thanks for watching!!!

[@LachFlex]

The fact that Apple changed the M2 slot... They really don't seem to want their customers to be able to do anything

[@charleeeugene]

Tell me about it. Steve Jobs let us upgrade our parts. Not sure which direction he would have went with Apple.

[@michaelwright2986]

I've just discovered how great old MacBooks are for running Linux. The contrast with a 2011 MacBook Pro is striking. The old machine has normal SODIMM slots for RAM, and a SATA connection for the disk. Even the case screws are ordinary Philips head. On the MacBook Air, I guess the soldered RAM makes sense, because it's part of the fundamental design of that machine to be as thin as possible. But I can't think of any excuse for the funny connector for the SSD. And then it got worse. But they are beautiful pieces of hardware.

[@jasonle6235]

I have a few questions: 1-Does upgrading the SSD actually help with performance or it just gives you more storage on the computer? I have been having issues with high CPU and overheating --(replacing the fan today so hopefully that will help). I know that RAM is not upgradable on this laptop , so wondering how the upgraded SSD helps? 2- Current operating system is Mojave 10.14.6, would updating to a newer operating system help? I have been scared about doing updates since I feel that it may reduce the performance 3- I have several broken keys , would it be better to buy replacement keys individually or maybe looking for a damaged laptop of the same model that is broken, buying it cheap and using it for parts? I have also seen "top cases" for sale , which is basically a shell of the bottom half of the laptop , without the inside hardware. Not sure how easy that would be to install the insides of my Mac into that.

[@charleeeugene]

Honestly I didn't notice a difference in speed on the Mac side with the SSD Upgrade but when I use Bootcamp windows the SSD is super fast. So it might depend on which SSD you install. For your overheating issue install a program called SMC Fan Control for Mac helps regulate fan speeds. Installing updates is hit or miss with older machines. I would try it out if you notice a difference in performance you can roll it back. I'm not sure how easy it would be to just replace keys on the keyboard. I would imagine getting the entire keyboard replaced would be the better option my opinion.

[@dagonkhan2433]

Charlee, so if I upgrade the SSD as you have done above, all I have to do when I switch it on is go into recovery and it will load the Operating system back on to the new SSD?

[@charleeeugene]

That’s correct go into internet recovery mode by holding option key and R key during boot up but before you do that format the new ssd to Mac OS extended journaled

[@hiralio1]

Hi, may I know the difference of the read & write speed for both? Thank you

[@charleeeugene]

I don’t have this machine anymore but you can find out the read and write speeds with software like geekbench. And whichever ssd you buy should have the speeds on the packaging. Hope this helps!!!

[@taimanchan8618]

How to install MacOS after SSD replacement? Thank you

[@charleeeugene]

Hold option key and R key during startup until the apple logo appears. Then disk utility format your new SSD to Mac extended journaled once that finishes close that window you will see install Mac OS then your done.

[@RoyyanRamdhani]

Hi, Many thanks for making this video; it's really helpful. I have a MacBook Air 2017 13-inch 2017 Core i5 with 8 GB RAM and 128GB Storage. I plan to upgrade it as the updated OS requires more storage space. What would you suggest? Can I upgrade the RAM, or do I need to upgrade the storage SSD? Would 512Gb or 1TB of storage be good for my MacBook Air? Thank you.

[@charleeeugene]

Unfornately the RAM is soldered to the motherboard so you can't upgrade it. But the SSD that is 128GB can be upgraded I would put 512GB a 1TB is unnecessary for 2017 MBA unless it's your only machine. Thanks for watching !!!!!

[@iamHelitha_]

Once we install the new SSD does MacBook auto install the os on that drive

[@charleeeugene]

No you have to format the SSD first by holding option R during startup then select Disk Utility format your new SSD to Mac OS Journaled Extended then exit after completed. Then you will see Install OS option. Then your good to go.

[@TracyMNelson]

@@charleeeugene I bought a refurbished MacBook so I don't have any OS media. Will the OS be downloaded from the internet or do I have to jump through some hoops?

[@charleeeugene]

You should be fine as long as you have a SSD installed in the Mac you can hold option key and R key during start up then select internet recovery it will pull a OS from the apple servers.@@TracyMNelson

[@shadabshafiwani]

Does this work for the 970 Evo Plus shown in the video? It’s not on the list

[@charleeeugene]

Yes it’s the second ssd on the list in the description . It works!!!!

[@shadabshafiwani]

Ok i thought i showed evo and pro only. Had read some reports of kernel panic on evo plus

[@charleeeugene]

@@shadabshafiwani I haven’t had any issues with it.

[@MySpam-v1t]

Could you please share what screw driver I need to open this "tiny" screws?

[@charleeeugene]

Grab a precision screwdriver kit. The size will be in there.

[@MySpam-v1t]

@@charleeeugene Thank you so much for always answering my questions. 👍🏻😊 Before leaving my comment here, I had already bought a very tiny Allen key, but it didn’t fit. That’s why I became suspicious about what kind of “screws” are inside. I looked up the Samsung 970 (which you mentioned in your description) and saw that there’s a newer model available: the Samsung 990 PRO NVMe M.2 SSD, 1TB, PCIe 4.0, with speeds of 7450MB/s read and 6900MB/s write, designed for gaming and video editing (model: MZ-V9P1T0BW). It costs the same as the 970 but seems to be faster. Do you know if the older MacBook can handle such speeds, and if the 990 would also be compatible?

[@charleeeugene]

@@MySpam-v1t I'm not sure but it won't hurt to try it out. My only concern is macbooks are sensitive with compatilbility. Also I'm not sure with a older macbook you will get the benefits of the new faster M.2 it might hit a limit. Let me know if it works i'm curious you can always return the SSD if it doesn't work.

[@charleeeugene]

@@MySpam-v1t www.amazon.com/Precision-Screwdriver-Security-Cleaning-Doorbell/dp/B09PY8WQHJ/ref=asc_df_B09PY8WQHJ?mcid=a3b6f12c098639f1af81b16710f4c20d&hvocijid=9864605269376442488-B09PY8WQHJ-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9864605269376442488&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018608&hvtargid=pla-2281435181458&th=1

[@cn300]

What SSD will work in a 2017 MacBook Air ? Would like to have a 512GB or more ....

[@charleeeugene]

support Adata NVMe SSD : SX6000, SX7000, SX8200, SX8200 Pro etc,Corsair : MP500, MP510,Crucial : P1,HP: ex920, ex950 Support Intel NVMe SSD : 600p, 660p, 760p,Toshiba XG3-XG4-XG5-XG5p-XG6 line,Samsung: 960 Evo, 960 Pro, 970 Evo, 970 Pro,WD:v1, v2 and v3,MyDigital: SBX - BPX

[@charleeeugene]

You will need a m.2 ssd adapter can get one on amazon for 12 dollars along with one of the ssd listed above

[@ashleycowan1884]

Hey does this work on the 2015 air 11.6 inch? I’ve called several places and they say that such upgrade is not possible

[@charleeeugene]

yes you can !!! as long as you get the NVME SSD adapter and one of the SSD listed in the description.

[@cainnzm]

Any adapter out there that could make the old ssd usable?

[@charleeeugene]

Not sure but if any they would be on eBay. That Apple drive is proprietary Apple likes to complicate everything!!!!!

[@cainnzm]

@@charleeeugene Thank you, I am looking for one, but so far I found one that is a bit too expensive. I have a 512 ssd I took from a mac I had before

[@charleeeugene]

Sounds about right more than likely you could just but a external SSD@@cainnzm

[@nuavecmoi]

I never knew I could do this.

[@charleeeugene]

Yes indeed and it's really easy!!!!!

[@nachoyo3430]

Hola, puedes confirmar, o algún compañero por aquí si puedo ponerle 1TB al macbook air 2015 ? Podrias poner el enlace del adaptador en Amazon, hay muchos donde elegir y no todos funcionan? Muchas gracias.

[@charleeeugene]

www.amazon.com/Sintech-Adapter-Upgrade-2013-2015-MacBook/dp/B01CWWAENG

[@lukesanger]

useful vid, thanks

[@abrickwo]

I bought several drives last one like the otheres after cloneing my drive that Had Edeavor OS Linux will not boot. , any ideas why not booting ?Last drive I have 1 TB XPG SX8200 Pro , thanks for the adapter update.

[@abrickwo]

Wait let me recheck the adapter ...

[@charleeeugene]

Are you using a drive listed in the description?

[@abrickwo]

@@charleeeugene thanks yes am ok now , I rechecked the adapter and the drive is listed. Think it was an issue with the clone. I booted off a Ubuntu USB and installed fine . Working great thanks for the video. MAC Air 2015 8 GB Ram with 1TB Drive . Camera not wokring but thats ok.

[@charleeeugene]

@@abrickwo That's Good!!!!!

[@kalebwatson7696]

I’m starting school for Cyber Security and this all I have smfh but need a laptop for the course

[@charleeeugene]

These 2015 MacBooks still hold up pretty well. Are you trying to upgrade the SSD?

[@dobedojoseph]

Can I put a terabyte in it?

[@charleeeugene]

Yes as long as the you get a SSD on the list in the description your good.

[@Rakiyankitab]

Apa ram bisa upgrade?

[@charleeeugene]

No only the SSD

[@BenJohnson-e9r]

Where do I buy this?

[@charleeeugene]

Amazon.com search for nvme ssd adapter

[@alfantaftazanialfarizi3954]

Hello it's samsung 980 work,, ?difficult to find 970

[@charleeeugene]

Not sure but worst case scenario buy it then return it if doesn’t work

[@karthikkeyan9049]

nice video brother. this video helps me a lot. i have macbook air early 2015, can i use crucial PCIE 3.0 nvme P3 ssd for upgrade

[@charleeeugene]

I would stick to a SSD on this list below just to be safe. But if you already have the P3 try it out!!!!!! Let me know if it works for you. Thanks for watching Sir Samsung 960 EVO/PRO Samsung 970 EVO/PRO WD Black NVME SSD V1, V2, V3 Crucial P1 HP EX920, EX950 ADATA SX8200 Intel 600p, 660P, 760P Toshiba XG5 Corsair MP500, MP510 Kingston A1000, A2000, KC1000 Adata SX6000, SX8200/PRO

[@sebpratt2844]

WARNING!!! 2:30 you give insanely bad advice. You make no mention of the fact that if you even lift up slightly on the battery connector, the whole thing can break off. I urge anyone reading this to not pull UP on the battery connector at all. It's nowhere near as easy as the way he describes it!!!

[@charleeeugene]

Really!!!

[@charleeeugene]

I clearly said you don’t have to disconnect the battery for a ssd upgrade lol

[@zhengli6138]

using an samsung ssd on a macbook is a disaster

[@charleeeugene]

Why please explain?

[@Its-a-trap13]

Because the war of Samsung vs apple😂

[@sozonpv]

@@charleeeugene well i guess he (@zhengli6138) doesn't have an answer. Although i keep reading there is random freezing with this adapter + 970 SSD i've read on other KZbin threads so i sure would like to know if there are potential problems. Some mention that you have to make sure the driver is on the SSD prior to installing it on a mac. I think i gave up on that a few years ago but now i need to do this again and I'd like to avoid any issues.

[@savagemotiv]

Give reasons for your answer 😅