How to Replace the SSD in your Mac mini (2024)

ID: 180199

Description: Use this guide to replace the SSD, or flash...

Fully shut down your Mac mini and unplug all cables from it.
Flip over your Mac mini and place it on a clean, flat surface to avoid scratching the chassis.

Using the Jimmy or other metal tools during this step could scratch the aluminum chassis; however, it's the simplest way to perform this step. Follow the alternate instructions to avoid scratching the aluminum.
Insert a Jimmy into the gap between the bottom cover and the chassis.
Pry up the bottom cover to create a gap.
Alternatively, you can insert the point of a spudger into one of the plastic vent holes and pry up to create a gap big enough to insert an opening pick into.
Keep the Jimmy inserted under the bottom cover.

Continue sliding and prying with the pick along the perimeter of the bottom cover to release the remaining pins.
Don't insert the pick more than an inch when sliding near the power button, as you risk damaging the cable.
During reassembly, press along the perimeter of the bottom until you hear and feel all four pins click back into place.

Don't remove the bottom cover, as it's still connected to the Mac mini with a cable.
Lift the edge of the bottom cover opposite the power button and flip it over to expose the power button cable.

The power button cable is very fragile! You don't have to disconnect it to access the internals— but it will require you to keep the bottom cover propped up.
To disconnect the cable and remove the bottom cover, follow the next two steps.
If you don't disconnect the cable, prop up the bottom cover to prevent straining the cable and skip the next two steps.
Grip the power button cable close to the head and pull it away from its socket to disconnect it.

Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.
While the Mac mini uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.
Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the eight 3.4 mm‑long screws securing the inner plate.

Insert the point of a spudger into one of the clips' slots on the inner plate.
Pry up the inner plate enough so you can grip the edge along the same side as the headphone jack.

Pull the inner plate away from the chassis to slide it out from under the lip on the heat sink.
During reassembly, slide the inner plate back under the heat sink and press along its edges to secure it in the chassis.

Don't remove the inner plate, as it's still connected to the Mac mini by a cable.
Lift the inner plate and flip it over the edge of the chassis. Let it rest against the chassis.

Lift the fan out of its recess in the chassis and flip it over to expose its wire and connector.
Let the fan rest on the chassis and heat sink.

Use the point of a spudger, or your fingernail, to flip up the locking tab on the fan ZIF connector.

Use tweezers, or your fingers, to slide the ZIF connector straight out of its socket.

Use a Torx Plus 8IP screwdriver to remove the 4.1 mm‑long screw securing the SSD.

Insert the point of a spudger into one of the holes along the bottom edge of the SSD.
Use the spudger to pull the SSD away from its socket, alternating sides as necessary, until it's fully disconnected.

Grip the corner of the SSD, tilt it up against the headphone jack, and lift it out of its socket.
During reassembly, insert the SSD at an angle and gently wiggle it into place until it sits flat to the logic board.

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