We repair and upgrade the Mac mini (2018) at our workshop in Bermondsey, from power and start-up faults to storage upgrades and data recovery. It is a desktop Mac from 2018, identified by model number A1993. Storage is fixed to the board, which matters most if it ever needs data recovery.
- Model number
- A1993
- Model identifier
- Macmini8,1
- Released
- 2018
- Type
- Desktop Mac
- Storage
- Soldered to the board
- Memory
- SODIMM slots
Mac mini repairs and upgrades
Power supply repair
A mini PC that shows no signs of life often has a failed external power adapter. We test with a known-good adapter before looking at the board.
Storage
Storage on the Mac mini is soldered and cannot be upgraded. We can help with external storage, clearing space, or moving to a new machine.
Memory upgrade
Most configurations of the Mac mini have SODIMM memory slots, so memory can be increased. We check what is fitted and the maximum the board supports.
macOS reinstall and repair
We reinstall macOS, migrate data, and can revive or restore the firmware in DFU mode from a second Mac when an update has left the machine unresponsive.
We also carry out logic board repair, overheating and fan repair, macOS reinstallation on the Mac mini, along with no-picture and no-boot diagnosis, port repair, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth card replacement and data transfer to a new PC.
Known issues with the Mac mini range
- The power supply is internal, so a mini that is completely dead may need a power supply and not a logic board.
- The 2018 Mac mini pairs soldered, T2-encrypted storage with upgradeable memory; the 2014 model is the reverse, with soldered memory.
- Apple silicon Mac mini models have both storage and memory on the logic board.
Data recovery from the Mac mini
The SSD in the Mac mini is soldered and hardware-encrypted, so there is no drive to remove. If the Mac is dead, data recovery means repairing the logic board far enough to start it and copy the data off. If you have a Time Machine or iCloud backup, tell us, as that may be the quicker route.
Estimate the cost with our data recovery calculator, or read about recovering files after a ransomware attack.
Where the Mac mini sits in the range
Its nearest relatives in the Mac mini range are the older Mac mini (2014) and the newer Mac mini M1 (2020). Memory differs: SODIMM slots on the Mac mini, soldered on the Mac mini. Storage differs too: soldered to the board on the Mac mini, removable Apple-format SSD on the Mac mini.
Questions
Can the SSD or memory in the Mac mini be upgraded?
The storage is soldered and cannot be upgraded. Memory is in slots on most configurations and can be increased.
My Mac mini will not turn on. Is my data lost?
Not necessarily, but the storage is on the main board, so the board has to be repaired far enough to read it. Do not keep trying to power it on, and tell us about any backups you have.
Can you upgrade the graphics card in a Mac mini?
In most cases, yes. We first check the power supply, the physical space and any manufacturer-specific connectors, then fit and test the card.
How much does it cost to repair a Mac mini?
Price confirmed before work starts. The exact figure depends on the part your machine needs, and we confirm it before any work starts.