How to Expand Your MacBook Pro Storage in 3 Simple Steps (2025 Guide)

Last updated on 05 Apr 2025

I have a 512GB MacBook Pro, and lately, I’ve been hitting that dreaded “Storage Almost Full” message more often than I’d like.

With no option to upgrade internal storage on the latest MacBook Pros, I realized it was time to take a more systematic approach. I needed to free up space and find smart, affordable ways to expand my storage.

If you’re facing the same issue — whether it’s from photos, videos, or an app overload — don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The good news.... You don’t have to spend a fortune to fix it.

Here are three simple and cost effective ways to increase your MacBook Pro’s storage in 2025.

Step 1: Clean Your MacBook Pro

Before adding any external storage, it’s a good idea to clear out unnecessary files.

Delete unused apps and files: Free up space by removing things you don’t need.
Use built-in tools (Settings > General > Storage): Go to your MacBook’s Storage section to identify large files.

Step 2: Add an SD Card Storage

After cleaning your MacBook, consider adding an SD card for extra storage.

If you have a MacBook Pro with an SD card slot, this is an easy option.

Use an SD card: Insert a high-capacity SD card (up to 1TB) into the SD card slot. Store photos, videos, or even apps that don't need to be on your internal storage.

There are three options to choose from, ranked from most expensive to least expensive.

Option 1: Transcend JetDrive Expansion Card for MacBook Pro – a quick and easy way to increase your storage without any hassle.

person holding black and silver laptop computer — Photo by Samsung Memory / Unsplash

Recommended product: Transcend JetDrive Expansion Card for MacBook

Option 2: SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO SD Card for faster storage expansion.

black and white nintendo game cartridge — Photo by Denise Jans / Unsplash

Recommended product: SanDisk 1TB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I

Option 3: SanDisk 1TB MicroSD Card with Adaptor for faster storage expansion.

a group of gold bars — Photo by TheRegisti / Unsplash

Recommended product: SanDisk 1TB MicroSD Card

a cell phone is next to a memory card — Photo by Lc / Unsplash

Step 3: Add an External SSD

If you need faster, more reliable storage, consider adding an External SSD.

External SSDs are compact and provide fast data transfer speeds, making them ideal for large files or video editing.
Example: SanDisk and Samsung T7, T9 Portable SSD. Just plug it into your MacBook via USB-C or Thunderbolt and you’re good to go. These SSDs are available in capacities ranging from 500GB to 8TB.

Recommended product: SanDisk and Samsung T7, T9

black and white box on brown wooden table — Photo by Claudio Schwarz / Unsplash

Step 4: Use an External Desktop HDD

Looking for more storage at a lower cost? Go with an External Desktop HDD.

External HDDs are great for massive storage (2TB-12TB+) and are ideal for backups or infrequently used files.
Example: SanDisk Professional 12TB G-RAID 2 Desktop Drive. Simply plug it in via USB for plenty of additional storage.

Recommended product: SanDisk Professional 12TB G-RAID 2