How to Upgrade MacBook Air 2017 SSD to Avoid Data Loss

*Artikel diperbarui pada 9 July 2023

In general, the MacBook Air 2017 has a storage space of only 128 GB. So, how does how to upgrade the MacBook Air 2017 SSD? Because some people feel that the storage space provided feels narrow to store files.

In addition to being too narrow, the storage space of only 128 GB feels full very quickly. Especially if you install a large-capacity application and the data cannot be transferred to an external hard drive, it is even more inconvenient.

Therefore, choosing to upgrade your storage space is one of the easiest things to do instead of buying a new MacBook. Apart from being more cost-effective, upgraded storage will make its performance more optimized.

Risk of Replacing MacBook Air 2017 SSD

Before you start upgrading your SSD and replacing it with another type of storage, consider the risks first. Understanding the risks will minimize mistakes in the future.

Because you don’t need to go to an Apple Service Center or a specialized service place for Apple products to upgrade your SSD. The upgrade process can be done independently if you understand how to do it. However, understand the following risks:

• Buy the wrong type of SSD, a common mistake is to buy an SSD that doesn’t match the default SSD type. Keep in mind that each type of MacBook from year to year has different ports.
• The official warranty from Apple will be lost, so check the warranty of this MacBook before deciding to upgrade the SSD.
• It is better to buy and use SSDs that have been officially supported by Apple to avoid unwanted errors. But if you want to go cheaper, you can use third-party adapters that are cheaper.

How to Upgrade SSD MacBook Air 2017

After understanding the risks when starting an SSD upgrade on a MacBook, then pay attention to the following preparations to make it easier when doing so. Paying attention to the following important tricks can be done if you want to upgrade on a low budget.

The most important preparation is to first move the data in the old storage space to the external hard drive. Backing up your data is important so that you don’t lose data that you can’t get back later.

It is recommended to back up important data only to make the backup process faster. However, if you want to backup the entire data, you can use the Time Machine backup feature. But the process will take longer.

Then, prepare a fast internet connection and a screwdriver to open the screws on the MacBook. Also provide a Sintech brand SSD adapter. Then, a new SSD from Silicon Power A80 (SP80) and a 1TB capacity is recommended.

After preparing everything needed to upgrade the storage space for MacBook Air, the length of time for the upgrade process depends on the individual. It’s generally around 30 minutes to 90 minutes. Here’s how to upgrade your MacBook Air 2017 SSD:

1. Stages of Opening the Case

The process in this step to open the case requires a screwdriver with a special size for P5 (pentalobe) type screws. It should be noted that not just any screwdriver can be used to unscrew the screws, this is to avoid damaging the built-in screws.

In addition, be careful when opening the entire case to avoid breaking it. Opening the case in a hurry may result in undesirable events such as cracks or even breakage. If this happens, the cost of replacing the case increases.

2. Disconnecting Power from the Battery

There are some tutorials on upgrading an SSD without disconnecting the power from the Macbook battery, but this is not a safe way to do it. Disconnecting the power when replacing the SSD will minimize damage to the system.

It’s easy to disconnect the battery by simply pulling off the clear tape-like part. However, don’t forget to reattach the battery power strip before continuing with the OS installation.

3. Replacing and Attaching the SSD

After that, it’s time to unscrew the small screws that generally hold the SSD in place. The screwdriver used is different from the one used to open the MacBook case. The screwdriver to unscrew the SSD uses a 2.9 mm Torx T5.

If you are not using an official Apple-supported SSD, such as the Silicon Power SSD, you will need an adapter. Attach the Sintech adapter first and then attach the SSD. Attach them one by one so that no part is broken.

But if you have more budget, then it is recommended to use an official MacBook Air SSD. The price ranges from 5jt for 240GB capacity, and 10jt for 1TB capacity. The price may go up or down from year to year.

4. Online Big Sur OS Installation

Next is the OS installation first by using a high internet connection to make the process faster. Upgrading the OS allows the BIOS to be automatically updated and will also support the use of M.2 NvME SSDs.

Make sure that when installing the OS, the MacBook is on charge so as not to run out of battery. After the OS installation process is complete, you can install various applications that are tailored to the needs of MacBook users.

Performance of MacBook Air 2017 After SSD Upgrade

After following the process in how to upgrade the MacBook Air 2017 SSD correctly, the user can immediately turn on this laptop. The purpose is to check the success of the upgrade that has been done.

If the MacBook Air screen is on and no problems arise, then the process of replacing and installing a new SSD has been successful. Then, check the storage capacity whether it has increased according to the capacity of the new SSD or not.

Don’t forget to check the performance of the SSD installed in your MacBook Air 2017. The read and write performance will improve and can be checked by using a test from the BlackMagic Disk Speed Test application.

The performance will be more improved than before, especially if you upgrade the SSD with a large capacity such as 1TB. The selection of this capacity not only makes the storage space feel spacious, but affects the system performance of the laptop as well.

Such is how to upgrade the MacBook Air 2017 SSD with an easy process and suitable for users who have a mediocre budget. Storage space that previously felt full and slow will be optimized for performance if you have upgraded the SSD.

However, there is an important note for those who want to upgrade by using adapters and SSDs with other brands. The risk of using parts that are not officially supported by Apple can cause some problems and void the warranty.

Therefore, if you have a sufficient budget it is better to buy and use materials that are officially supported by Apple. In addition to minimizing the problems that will occur, the process of taking care of the warranty will be easier.