On MacBooks with an Apple chip the storage is fixed on the logic board. If your MacBook is full, you cannot simply enlarge the internal storage. An external SSD for your Mac is then the easiest solution: small, fast and without opening the Mac. This article explains which external SSD suits your Mac, how to set it up and what is handy to put on it.
Blue Apple repairs MacBooks in Amsterdam. On older MacBooks with a removable SSD we can sometimes also replace the internal storage; more about that at the end.
What to look for in an external SSD
- Connection: choose an SSD with USB-C. Then you need no adapter.
- Speed: an SSD with USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) reaches around 1000 MB/s; plenty for photos, documents and backups. A Thunderbolt SSD is faster, handy for video, but more expensive.
- Size: take at least the space you need plus some spare. For Time Machine preferably twice the size of your internal storage.
- Sturdiness: for travel, an SSD with a robust case.
Which port on your MacBook?
Most MacBooks have Thunderbolt ports that handle both USB and Thunderbolt. The MacBook Neo has two USB-C ports, one USB 3 and one USB 2. Connect an SSD to the fast port there; on the USB 2 port it is much slower. See MacBook Neo or Air.
Formatting the SSD
A new SSD is often formatted for Windows. Open Disk Utility, choose the SSD and click Erase:
- APFS if you only use it with Macs. It is the fastest and most reliable.
- ExFAT if you also want to use it with Windows.
See formatting a drive on your Mac.
What to put on it
- Time Machine backups: see backing up.
- The Photos library: drag the library to the SSD and open it there by holding Option while opening Photos.
- Video projects and large archives you do not need every day.
- Music and film collections.
Keep apps and your everyday documents on the internal storage; that is fastest and the SSD then does not always need to be connected.
Testing the speed
Want to know whether your SSD reaches the speed on the box? Use a free speed test app from the App Store, such as Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. If it is much slower, try another cable: many cheap USB-C cables are only meant for charging and run at USB 2 speed. Preferably use the cable that came with the SSD, and connect it directly to the MacBook rather than through a hub.
Ejecting safely
Always eject the SSD first: drag it to the Bin or click the eject symbol in the Finder. If you just pull it out, files can get damaged.
The SSD is not seen
Try another cable and port, and look in Disk Utility. See external drive not showing.
Or replace the internal SSD?
On older MacBooks (up to about 2017) the SSD is removable and can be replaced with a larger one. On newer models it is fixed. See replacing an SSD or expanding storage.
What we do at Blue Apple in Amsterdam
We advise you on storage, replace the internal SSD on older models and transfer your data. More on our page about MacBook repair in Amsterdam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start up from an external SSD?
Yes, you can install macOS on an external SSD and start from it. Most people do not need to.
Is an external hard drive also fine?
For backups, yes; it is cheaper per gigabyte. For daily work an SSD is much faster and less fragile.
Can an SSD stay connected all the time?
Yes. Do eject it before disconnecting.
