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User profile for user: Shahir_Ahang
Shahir_Ahang Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Internal SSD Not Detected

I have a MacBook Air (A1466) and it stopped working (when you boot up, it shows a flashing folder with a question mark) so I figured the internal SSD was damaged and ordered a new SSD to replace it. Once it arrived, I removed the old one and installed the new one and still the same issue. Here is everything that I have done so far:


  • Go through Internet Recovery (am able to connect to Wi-Fi and see the 2.1 GB virtual hard disk)
  • Go to Disk Utility which only shows the 2.1 GB virtual hard and no other hard disk
  • Go to Terminal and type "diskutil list" and only see the 2.1 GB virtual hard disk
  • Plug in an external USB drive and can see it in Disk Utility


I am not an expert on Mac hardware architecture but looks like an issue with the SSD controller which I assume is present. How do I validate if the issue is with a controller (which may or may not be replaceable) or the issue is something else like the motherboard?


Any guidance would be appreciated.


Shahir Ahang

MacBook Air (2018 – 2020)

Posted on Mar 26, 2023 9:18 PM

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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
61,220 points

Posted on Mar 29, 2023 8:57 AM

When using a third party internal NVMe SSD in a Mac, you need to be booted from a macOS 10.13+ installer since older versions of macOS don't have the necessary NVMe SSD driver to communicate with the third party SSD. In addition, before even installing the third party NVMe SSD the laptop must already have had macOS 10.13+ installed at some point in the past or even macOS 10.13+ will not even see the third party NVMe SSD.


If you meet these requirements and you are using a standard M.2 NVMe SSD, then it may mean the SSD adapter being used is bad or incompatible. From reading these forums for years, the Sintech SSD adapter appears to be the most reliable & compatible.


There is also a chance you may have a bad SSD (or incompatible SSD since not all SSDs are compatible with all computers) or the Logic Board may be bad.


Even if you bought a used Apple SSD, it may not work with macOS when installed internally if the Apple SSD is installed internally on a different model Mac even if the connector is the same. macOS can tell the Apple SSD is not correct for that system and won't work.


In my own personal experiencing supporting our organization's thousands of computers, the SSD (or adapter) is the weakest link assuming no accidental damage.


FYI, when posting it would help to have the exact model of the Mac and the exact make & model of the SSD. Unfortunately the A1466 designation is to general as it applies to models from 2012 to 2017 where the 2012 model uses a different SSD than the 2013+ models. You can get the exact model of the Mac by entering the system serial number here:

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support


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User profile for user: HWTech
HWTech
User level: Level 9
61,220 points

Mar 29, 2023 8:57 AM in response to Shahir_Ahang

When using a third party internal NVMe SSD in a Mac, you need to be booted from a macOS 10.13+ installer since older versions of macOS don't have the necessary NVMe SSD driver to communicate with the third party SSD. In addition, before even installing the third party NVMe SSD the laptop must already have had macOS 10.13+ installed at some point in the past or even macOS 10.13+ will not even see the third party NVMe SSD.


If you meet these requirements and you are using a standard M.2 NVMe SSD, then it may mean the SSD adapter being used is bad or incompatible. From reading these forums for years, the Sintech SSD adapter appears to be the most reliable & compatible.


There is also a chance you may have a bad SSD (or incompatible SSD since not all SSDs are compatible with all computers) or the Logic Board may be bad.


Even if you bought a used Apple SSD, it may not work with macOS when installed internally if the Apple SSD is installed internally on a different model Mac even if the connector is the same. macOS can tell the Apple SSD is not correct for that system and won't work.


In my own personal experiencing supporting our organization's thousands of computers, the SSD (or adapter) is the weakest link assuming no accidental damage.


FYI, when posting it would help to have the exact model of the Mac and the exact make & model of the SSD. Unfortunately the A1466 designation is to general as it applies to models from 2012 to 2017 where the 2012 model uses a different SSD than the 2013+ models. You can get the exact model of the Mac by entering the system serial number here:

Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support


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User profile for user: DerekM87
DerekM87
User level: Community Specialist

Mar 28, 2023 12:02 PM in response to Shahir_Ahang

Hi Shahir_Ahang,


Depending on the Mac you own, Apple may have guidance for SSD replacement. They use different identifiers than the one you've listed, so we'd recommend finding your MacBook Air model here: Identify your MacBook Air model - Apple Support


Then cross reference with Apple's self service repair manuals here keyword searching your model and "repair manual":


Cheers!

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Internal SSD Not Detected

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