Step-by-Step Installation Guide | xNAND Studio SSD for Mac Studio
Welcome to Your xNAND Studio SSD Installation Guide
Thank you for choosing the xNAND Studio Storage Expansion Module for your Mac Studio. This page will walk you through the installation process step by step, making sure your upgrade is smooth, safe, and successful.
Please read carefully before starting, and take your time with each step. If you run into any issues, our support team is here to help, just reach out and we’ll get you sorted.
Enjoy the freedom and extra storage your Mac truly deserves 🚀
⚠️ Data Protection Warning (Must Read!)
🔒 Apple Secure Enclave & Storage Binding
Apple devices use the Secure Enclave to protect your data. Every time the internal storage is changed, whether swapping from Apple’s original SSD to xNAND Studio, or from xNAND Studio back to Apple’s SSD, the system will require a full DFU RESTORE process using Finder/ Apple Configurator 2.
This is because:
- The encryption key for your data is uniquely tied to the CPU and NANDs combination in your Mac Studio.
- Each time storage is changed, the system firmware + Secure Enclave must be re-initialized and re-bound to the new NANDs.
- Once storage is replaced, the Secure Enclave cannot decrypt the old data and your data cannot be retrieved.
- This means: no one (not even Apple or iBoff) can recover your files if you did not back them up before swapping.
👉 Therefore, always back up your Mac Studio (e.g., via Time Machine) before replacing the storage. Once the upgrade is done, you can safely restore your data from TM backup onto the new SSD.
🔄 Backup Your Mac Studio Before Installation
Before installing the new xNAND Studio SSD, it’s important to back up your data from the Apple SSD. This way, you won’t lose files, apps, or settings.
How to Back Up with Time Machine
1. Connect an external drive (USB, Thunderbolt, or network drive) to your Mac Studio.
2. Open System Settings → General → Time Machine.
3. Select your external drive as the backup disk.
4. Click Back Up Now.
5. Wait until the process finishes. The time depends on how much data you have.
✅ Once the backup is complete, you can safely shut down your Mac Studio and proceed with installing the xNAND SSD.
👉 Later, after the new SSD is installed and macOS is set up, you can use Migration Assistant to restore everything from your Time Machine backup.
*We will not be responsible for any data loss resulting from failure to back up your data prior to installation or use of this product
xNAND Studio SSD Installation Guide (Mac Studio)
⚙️ Things You'll Need
- Your Mac Studio
- Secondary Mac, for DFU Host (preferable M1 and above)
- xNAND Studio SSD
- Genuine Apple USB-C Cable. (important)
- Torx screwdriver set (T6/T8/T10)
- Plastic spudger or opening tool
- Soft cloth or mat to place the Mac Studio bottom-side up
- Clean, static-free workspace
Mac Studio - Removing the Bottom Cover
⚠️ Before You Begin
- Make sure the Mac Studio is powered off and unplugged from all power sources.
- Work on a clean, flat surface.
- Use ESD-safe tools if available and avoid static buildup.
🔧 Removal Steps
1.Place the Mac Studio upside down on a clean flat surface or soft cloth. You can wear nitrile gloves to prevent marks.
2.Aim to remove the black gasket ring, begin at the highlighted red area where the adhesive is not present.
3.Carefully slide in the thin slicer into the edge of the plastic gasket and tilt it up to create a small opening, gently insert the 2nd spudger where necessary to help removal process.
4.Slide +tilt the 2nd spudger along the edge of the gasket to slowly release the underneath adhesive(double sided tape). Follow the ring, until the whole gasket is removed.
5.Once the gasket is released, remove the 4 screws holding the aluminum bottom cover using T10 screwdriver. (WARNING : THE SCREWS CAN BE A BIT TIGHT)
6.Lift the bottom aluminum cover - you can lift it from the Kensington Lock hole using spudger.
7.Unscrew the following screws holding the Power Supply Unit using the T10 Torx driver. Don't remove the PSU yet, just check if its loose. (2 Cables still need to be removed underneath)
8.Face the Power Port Side, and halfway lift the PSU, you'll see the AC Cable as shown in the following picture. Press the lever (red arrow) and pull the Cable downward.
9.Now face the SD Card Side, lifting the PSU halfway will show the IO Wires. Carefully press the lever(hidden in this picture) and slowly wiggle it to pull downward. Work gently around connectors and wires; damage to these parts can affect device functionality.
10.The PSU's out, and set it aside.
11. Remove the T6 screws (8pcs) holding the Metal guard.
12.1 Please note the 00-Port (right)& 01-Port (left) location on the M4 Max / M3 Ultra Mac Studio. (also applies to M1 Max, M2 Max Studio).
12.2 Please note the inversely located 00-Port (left) & 01-Port (right) on the M2 Ultra Mac Studio. (also applies to M1 Ultra, BUT NOT FOR M3 ULTRA).
13.1 Pry the black EMI tape covering the NANDs using the plastic spudger,
13.2 Remove the screw holding the SSD module using T8 driver,
13.3 Remove Apple SSD Module by carefully slide it out horizontally.
14. Insert the xNAND Studio SSD (SSDs are labelled) according to the described location as follows(notice the Port difference between the Max & Ultra CPU). If you only get a Single SSD Module, then it is a 00-SSD.
M4/M2/M1 Max & M3 Ultra:
M2/M1 Ultra:
15. Install the xNAND Studio SSD by horizontally slide it into the port (into the correct 00 & 01-ports respectively). Make sure the screw hole is centred, then rescrew the T8.
16. Now you can reverse the whole procedures to reassemble the Mac Studio, or some people prefer to partially assemble it (connect PSU only) until the next DFU step succeed. (Do not forget to secure these 2 screws for + & - Terminal)
DFU Restore Guide for Mac Studio
⚠ Important
If you install or replace the SSD module, you’ll need another Mac running the latest supported version of macOS to restore the system after swapping.
(See “Secure Enclave & Storage Binding” section above for more info.)
Before proceeding, kindly take note of the following:
- Data on the old system will be unrecoverable after this process.
- Ensure that you have performed a full backup before continuing.
- Use only genuine Apple USB-C cables and a compatible Host Mac for this procedure(preferably M1 and above).
Step 1: Preliminary Checks
Before initiating the DFU process, please confirm the following:
1. What is the Mac model and macOS version of the Host Mac you are using to perform the DFU restore?
- We recommend to use M1 Mac and above as the Host, with MacOS Sequoia running the latest security update. If you can't run the latest MacOS on your Host Mac, we recommend you to try the Apple Configurator Method at the end of this guide.
2. Make sure that you are using a genuine Apple USB-C cable — somehow Apple does not recommend using a Thunderbolt cable for this process (the Thunderbolt cable has a lightning icon on its connector). ⚠️ A lot of reported DFU failures were caused by other generic usb-c cable.
3. On the Mac Studio, connect the USB-C cable to the usb-c port closest to ethernet port on the rear of the Mac Studio. 
Then the other end of the usb-c cable to any ports on Host Mac.
Step 2: DFU Restore Procedure
Please follow the steps below carefully:
1. Connect the power cable of the Mac Studio but don't switch on the plug yet.
2. Keep the USB-C cable connected between the Host Mac and the Mac Studio.
3. On the Mac Studio, press and hold the power button.
4. While holding the power button, switch on the power plug to turn on the Mac Studio.
5. Continue holding the power button until the status light flashes amber on the Mac Studio and a DFU device appears on your Host Mac’s Finder as shown below, then you can release the power button. Please note that it says "Mac DFU Mode"
6. You are doing it wrong if you see "Mac Recovery Mode". But don't worry, just turn off the power switch(at the plug) to the Mac Studio and please repeat the steps again until you get "Mac DFU Mode".
6. After getting into "Mac DFU Mode", Select "Restore Mac" and wait for 15 minutes until the Restore Process complete.
If somehow you're not successful using the Finder, you can try this option.
Option B — Using Apple Configurator:
1. Download Apple Configurator from the App Store. Or you can reach us if you can't download it.
2. Download the latest MacOS IPSW from Mr Macintosh's Website here(Thank you Mr Macintosh), you can choose Sequoia or Tahoe or which version you need:
https://mrmacintosh.com/apple-silicon-m1-full-macos-restore-ipsw-firmware-files-database/
2. Open Apple Configurator app on your host Mac.
3. Follow the same DFU initiation steps as above, and you must see DFU logo in the App as shown(again, DFU logo, not RECOVERY logo):
4. Once the DFU device appears, drag the downloaded IPSW file onto DFU LOGO above, then select "Restore" to begin the restoration process. Allow all prompts from the App, and wait for 15 minutes until the process complete.
---to be added common error.
Support and Warranty
If you're having a problem while performing the DFU restore, please contact our support team.
Include the following details to help us assist you faster:
- macOS version and Host Mac model used
- Any error messages observed during the restore process or LED indications observed.
All xNAND SSD units are carefully tested and undergo strict quality control before shipment. Each unit includes a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects and hardware faults. If you experience any issues after following the steps above, please contact our support team for further assistance.
Email: main.iboff@gmail.com
Note: iBoff is not responsible for data loss resulting from improper handling, failed backups, or DFU restore attempts. Always back up your system using Time Machine before replacing or restoring your SSD.
Enjoy your new storage freedom with the xNAND SSDs🚀