How to Install macOS on a New SSD using Internet Recovery: A Quick Guide

Updated at: 26/06/2025

Upgrading your Mac's storage with a new SSD offers a significant performance boost. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough of installing macOS on your shiny new solid-state drive using Internet Recovery. Bypass tedious backups and cloning; learn how to leverage Apple's built-in recovery system for a clean, efficient installation, revitalizing your Mac's speed and responsiveness. Let's get started!

Methods: Installing the Newest Compatible macOS Version

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Power Down and Enter Internet Recovery

    • Power down your Mac.
    • Hold down Option + Command + R immediately after pressing the power button until the internet recovery globe appears.
    • Connect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable.
    Connect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable. Connect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable. Connect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable.
    Power Down and Enter Internet Recovery

  2. Wait for Internet Recovery to Boot

    • Wait for the internet recovery to fully boot. This may take a few minutes.
    Wait for the internet recovery to fully boot. This may take a few minutes.
    Wait for Internet Recovery to Boot

  3. Prepare the SSD

    • Open Disk Utility and format your new SSD.
    • Select your SSD, choose Erase, name it, select APFS as format and GUID Partition Map as scheme, then click Erase.
    Select your SSD, choose Erase, name it, select APFS as format and GUID Partition Map as scheme, then click Erase. Select your SSD, choose Erase, name it, select APFS as format and GUID Partition Map as scheme, then click Erase.
    Prepare the SSD

  4. Install macOS

    • Close Disk Utility and select "Reinstall macOS" from the Utilities screen.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    Install macOS

Tips

  • Using an Ethernet cable will significantly speed up the process.
  • Ensure you select the correct SSD in Disk Utility and avoid accidentally erasing the wrong drive.

Methods: Installing the Original macOS Version

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Power Down and Initiate Internet Recovery (Oldest Version)

    • Power down your Mac.
    • Hold down Shift + Option + Command + R immediately after pressing the power button until the internet recovery globe appears.
    Hold down Shift + Option + Command + R immediately after pressing the power button until the internet recovery globe appears. Hold down Shift + Option + Command + R immediately after pressing the power button until the internet recovery globe appears.
    Power Down and Initiate Internet Recovery (Oldest Version)

  2. Connect to Network

    • Connect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable.
    Connect to your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet cable.
    Connect to Network

  3. Wait for Internet Recovery to Boot

    • Wait for the internet recovery to fully boot. This may take a few minutes.
    Wait for the internet recovery to fully boot. This may take a few minutes.
    Wait for Internet Recovery to Boot

  4. Prepare the SSD

    • Open Disk Utility and format your new SSD.
    • Select your SSD, choose Erase, name it, select the appropriate format (likely APFS) and partition map, then click Erase.
    Select your SSD, choose Erase, name it, select the appropriate format (likely APFS) and partition map, then click Erase. Select your SSD, choose Erase, name it, select the appropriate format (likely APFS) and partition map, then click Erase.
    Prepare the SSD

  5. Install the Operating System

    • Close Disk Utility and select "Reinstall macOS" from the Utilities screen.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
    Install the Operating System

Tips

  • Using an Ethernet cable will significantly speed up the process.
  • Ensure you select the correct SSD in Disk Utility and avoid accidentally erasing the wrong drive.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect SSD Preparation

Reason: The new SSD is not properly formatted or partitioned before attempting to install macOS. This often leads to installation failure or the inability to boot from the new drive.
Solution: Ensure the SSD is erased and partitioned using Disk Utility within macOS Recovery before starting the installation.

2. Internet Connectivity Issues

Reason: Intermittent or poor internet connection during the macOS download and installation process can cause the installation to fail or become corrupted.
Solution: Connect your Mac to a stable and high-speed wired internet connection before and throughout the entire process.

FAQs

My SSD isn't showing up in Disk Utility during Internet Recovery. What should I do?
Ensure your SSD is properly connected to your Mac. Try different ports if necessary. If it's still not detected, check the SSD's compatibility with your Mac model. Some older Macs may have limitations on which SSDs they support. A faulty SSD is also a possibility.
The installation process is stuck or keeps failing. What are some troubleshooting steps?
First, try restarting your Mac and attempting the installation again. Ensure a stable internet connection throughout the process. Check your SSD for bad sectors using Disk Utility (accessible from macOS if already installed). If the problem persists, check Apple's support website for known issues related to your Mac model and macOS version. You might need to create a bootable installer drive using another Mac.