How to clone an OWC Aura X2 SSD

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Apple  -- Macbook Pro 

With the introduction of Retina screen on the 2012 Macbook Pro, Apple moved to a M.2 shaped SSD that was non standard. These cloning instructions are for an Aura X2 SSD in a Retina Late 2013 Macbook Pro through to the 2015 Macbook Pro. Early 2013 and 2012 Retina is the same except SSD is an Aura not an Aura X2 and SSD initialisation could be different due to MacOS. To use an Aura X2 SSD your Mac has to be on Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, or Mojave. Only those MacOS recognise APFS.

 

This is not a difficult upgrade and it suitable to all Mac users. Our support team is always available if you need help.

The general outline is to put the new SSD into the clone case, clone original SSD onto new SSD. Install new SSD. It is that simple.

Step One	Put the new SSD into the Envoy clone case. Connect to the Mac via the USB port.
Step Two	Install SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner and clone from origianl SSD to the new SSD.
Step Three	After the clone, install the new SSD. Shut down the Mac. Using a Pentalobe screwdriver to remove the screws on the bottom of the Mac, remove the bottom lid, use a Torx 5 screwdriver to remove the screw holding in the original SSD. Remove old SSD and install new SSD.
Step Four	Turn on the Mac. When you log in, go to the top left of the screen and select System Preferences. Then go to Start Up disk. Unlock and select the new SSD as the start up drive. The system will restart and now the system knows that the new SSD is the start up disk.

 

Common questions

Do I need the clone case?
No. You can use a Time Machine back up to restore your data onto the new SSD. 

Can I reuse my old SSD in the clone case as an external drive?
Yes

Can I use the clone case to access data on my old SSD I have removed from my faulty Macbook? 
Yes

Do I have to format the new Aura X2?
No, Upgradeable formats the new SSD as APFS and checks the SSD is working before shipping it to you. The SSD is initialised and ready to use immediately. 

Do I have to reinstall MacOS?
From macOS Big Sur, yes you have to reinstall macOS. Apple introduced new security which means a cloned hard drive will not boot, the OS has to be security signed by Apple (basically means Apple needs to install the OS to allow it to boot). This is not an issue, the OS is in it's own partition and separate from your data. After the clone, if the SSD does not boot, reinstall the same macOS and your system will now boot and all your data will be there.