macbook air new SSD (empty/unformatted) - how to format + install MacOS?

When I replaced the hard drive on my 2012 MacBook Pro with a new blank SSD, I booted from an external clone, then formatted the internal SSD from there. I then cloned everything back to the formatted SSD, restoring the network settings. The instructions said to format the SSD in an external enclosure, but I didn't have one. Not an ideal procedure, but it seemed to work.

you need to format the drive before installing it into the MBA. then once it's installed into the MBA, you can then use internet recovery to install macOS.

yes, installing the drive in an enclosure, installing macOS and then booting from the external drive would work. but two things to consider. first, with the portability of the MBA, the external drive could become disconnected while in use. and second, it would run quicker if the drive was installed internally.

Ah, that’s the problem… I should’ve known…

not shure wether I have a case for an ssd, would booting into an external (bootable) device work too? (So that I could format the installed „raw“ ssd?)

thanks again!

Thank you Jeffrey

I (of course) though of the use of an external device for the formatting of the SSD prior to the MacOS installation. Afterwards, it wouldn‘t make much sense. (Totally agree!)

you're welcome. :)