Maximize Your Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure: A Quick Setup Guide

Got your hands on our Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure? This compact little device is your ticket to lightning-fast, on-the-go storage, and we’re here to help you set it up like a pro. Today, we’re walking you through two key steps to get started:

Installing your 2230 NVMe SSD
Formatting your SSD to APFS for iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Sounds technical? Don’t worry—we’ll break it all down, step by step.

Quick Recap: What Does the Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure Do?

Think of it as your portable, high-speed storage sidekick. It works with 2230 NVMe SSDs to transfer files at blazing speeds, way faster than older storage options. No tools? No problem: you can easily swap out drives whenever you need. If you’re using an iPhone 15 or 16 Pro, it even unlocks Apple ProRes Log for top-tier video quality. And the best part? It’s ultra-compact, lightweight, and comes with a built-in lanyard extension cable, so you can take it anywhere—no extra cords needed.

Now, let’s get you set up!

How to Install Your SSD (No Tools Needed!)

Installing your SSD is quick and easy—just follow these steps:

Slide off the magnetic cover from the enclosure.
2. Insert your 2230-sized SSD (not included) at a 45° angle—only this size will fit!
3. Pull back the silicone pin (it’s flexible, so don’t worry).
4. Push the SSD down gently so it sits flat.
5. Secure it in place by letting go of the silicone pin—it’ll hold everything snug.
6. Slide the cover back on, making sure the grooves line up.
That’s it! No screws, no hassle—just plug and play.
How to Format Your 2230 NVMe SSD for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Now that your SSD is installed, let’s make sure your Apple devices can read it. To do that, you’ll need to format it to APFS.
What is a 2230 NVMe SSD?
Think of it like a tiny, super-fast storage drive—kind of like a USB flash drive, but way quicker. It holds all your files, videos, and photos and helps transfer them at high speeds.
Understanding APFS: The Best Format for Apple Users
Apple File System (APFS)
When formatting a drive, you have several options, but if you're using a Mac, APFS (Apple File System) is the gold standard.
Designed specifically for Apple devices, APFS offers:
- Faster performance – Optimized for SSDs, ensuring quicker read/write speeds.
- Stronger security – Features built-in encryption and crash protection.
- Advanced storage management – Supports features like instant file duplication and efficient space allocation.
However, APFS is not compatible with Windows, so if you need cross-platform access, you’ll want to consider other file systems.
Other Formatting Options for Cross-Device Use
exFAT – The most versatile format for those who switch between Mac, Windows, iPhone, and iPad. It supports large files (over 4GB) and works seamlessly across multiple platforms, making it ideal for external drives and USB storage.
NTFS – The standard format for Windows computers. While macOS can read NTFS drives, it can’t write to them without additional software, making it less ideal for Mac users who need full functionality.
If you're all-in on Apple, APFS is the way to go. But if you need a more flexible option, exFAT is your best bet for seamless compatibility across multiple devices.

Why Do You Need to Format Your SSD?
Out of the box, your SSD might not be set up in a way that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can read. Formatting it to APFS makes it compatible, so your device knows how to use it properly.
How to Format SSD on iPhone (iOS 18 & above)
1. Ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18 or later.
2. Install the SSD into the Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure.
3. Set the lock switch to “Unlocked.”
4. Connect the enclosure to your iPhone via USB-C (best performance on Pro models).
5. Open the Files app on your iPhone.
6. Locate the connected SSD on the Sidebar (likely named “Untitled”).
7. Press and hold the SSD folder for 2 seconds. A pop-up will appear with the following options.
8.Tap Erase
9. Rename and choose a format (APFS). APFS allows case-sensitive formatting and encryption if desired.
10. Tap Erase in the top-right corner.
11. Confirm the action (this deletes all existing data on the SSD).

12. Once formatted, the drive will reappear with the new name in the Sidebar.

How to Format SSD on iPad (iPadOS 18 & above)

Ensure your iPad is updated to iPadOS 18 or later.
Install the SSD into the Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure.
Set the lock switch to “Unlocked.”

4. Connect the enclosure to your iPad via USB-

5. Open the Files app.

6. Locate the connected SSD on the Sidebar (likely named “Untitled”).

7. Press and hold the SSD folder for 2 seconds. A pop-up will appear with the following options.

8. Tap Erase.
9. Rename and choose a format (APFS). APFS allows case-sensitive formatting and encryption if desired.

10. Tap Erase in the top-right corner.

11. Confirm the action (this deletes all existing data on the SSD).

12. Once formatted, the drive will reappear with the new name in the Sidebar.

How to Format SSD on Mac (macOS)

When it comes to formatting your drive on macOS, you’ve got two options: a quick and easy method or a more detailed approach using Disk Utility. We’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions for both, so you can choose the one that works best for you!

Easy Way

Install the SSD into the Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure.
Set the lock switch to “Unlocked.”
3. Connect the enclosure to your Mac via USB-C.
4. Locate the connected drive on your desktop (likely named “Untitled”).