How to Clone iMac HDD to SSD [2025 Full Guide]

When your Mac is slow, upgrading from an HDD to an SSD fixes this fast. This guide offers two ways to clone your iMac hard drive to SSD. If you want to move data from HDD to SSD on iMac/Macbook/Macbook Air, dive into this post.

Do you feel your Mac is slow, and apps take forever to load? Upgrading to an SSD can resolve that issue. Cloning your iMac HDD to SSD keeps your data, settings, and apps intact. This guide shows how to clone your Mac hard drive to SSD in two effective ways. Let's dive into how to clone your Mac hard drive to SSD and boost your iMac's speed.

What to Prepare before Cloning iMac HDD to SSD

Cloning your iMac HDD to SSD moves all your data, apps, and settings seamlessly. Before you clone Mac HDD to SSD, you need to do some preparations. A proper setup ensures a smooth cloning process.

Before you clone iMac HDD to SSD, you can refer to these notes for a smooth transfer.

• Back Up Data: Back up your iMac first to avoid losing files.
• Check SSD Compatibility: Confirm SATA/NVMe fits your iMac model (Apple's website).
• Ensure SSD Capacity: Ensure your SSD has enough space for all HDD data.
• Stable Power: Mac has stable power.
• Close Apps: Quit all programs. Restart to avoid file lock errors.
• Avoid Interruptions: Don't unplug the SSD during the cloning process.

How to Clone iMac HDD to SSD

When you want to upgrade your iMac hard drive to a solid-state drive, there are two ways to help you do that. One is using an all-in-one and automatic tool, and another is using Mac's built-in Disk Utility.

Method 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master for Mac

There are many manual ways to clone an iMac HDD to SSD. The easiest way to clone your iMac hard drive to SSD is by using EaseUS Partition Master for Mac. It is a powerful disk partition manager for all Mac users. Its intuitive interface allows users to clone disks, resize partitions, test disk speed, and perform advanced file system conversions with ease.

EaseUS Partition Master isn't just a cloning tool. Take a look at the key features of EaseUS Partition Master for Mac:

• Disk Cloning: Clone your entire macOS disk or data drive to another SSD or HDD
• NTFS Support: Access and write data to NTFS-formatted drives
• BitLocker Decryption: Remove BitLocker encryption from drives
• exFAT Conversion: Convert FAT drives to exFAT without losing data
• Disk Speed Test: Measure read and write speeds of internal and external drives
• macOS USB Installer Creation: Create bootable macOS installer easily

Here is how to clone iMac HDD to SSD using EaseUS Partition Master for Mac.

Step 1. Install and connect another new disk to Mac computer, run EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, then, click "Clone" under the Abilities section. Click the "+" icon to browse and locate the macOS disk and target new disk.

Step 2. Select the Source and the Destination disk and click "Select" to confirm.

Step 3. Confirm if you've selected the correct macOS OS disk and the new target disk you'd like to clone and upgrade the macOS disk to. Then, click "Start" and click "Yes" to confirm if EaseUS Partition Master for Mac requests you to confirm the operation.

Step 4. Wait patiently and let EaseUS Partition Master for Mac to complete cloning the old macOS disk to the new target disk.  

📺A video guide on how to clone iMac hard drive to SSD:

Method 2. Use Disk Utility

Disk Utility is macOS's built-in tool. It offers basic partition management functions. It allows users to create, resize, delete, and format disk partitions. As a native macOS application, Disk Utility is simple and free to use.

Here is how to clone iMac HDD to SSD with Disk Utility.

Step 1. Connect the SSD.

Plug your SSD into an external enclosure. Connect it to your iMac via USB or Thunderbolt. If you're replacing the internal HDD, open your iMac (check model-specific guides).

Step 2. Format the SSD.

Open Disk Utility on your Mac. Select your SSD in the sidebar. Click "Erase." Choose APFS for newer macOS or Mac OS Extended for older versions. Name the SSD and click "Erase" again.

Step 3. Clone the HDD to SSD.

In Disk Utility, select your HDD as the source. Choose the SSD as the destination. Click "Restore." The process copies all data. It may take hours, depending on the data size.

Step 4. Verify the Clone.

Restart your iMac. Hold the Option key to select the SSD as the boot drive. Check if apps and files work. If everything looks good, the clone is successful.

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How to Boot Your iMac from SSD After Cloning

After cloning, you can set the SSD as your boot drive. This ensures your iMac starts faster and runs smoothly. Here's a simple guide to boot your iMac from the SSD.

Step 1. Connect the SSD to your iMac.

Step 2. Power on your iMac and immediately hold down the Option key on your keyboard.

Step 3. Keep holding until the Startup Manager screen appears.

Step 4. Select the cloned SSD from the list using the arrow keys.

Step 5. Press Enter to boot Mac from SSD.

If the SSD doesn't boot, check connections or re-clone. If files are missing, restore from your backup. For slow performance, ensure the SSD is formatted correctly.

Why Clone Your iMac HDD to SSD?

SSDs are faster than HDDs. They load apps quickly. They improve boot times. They're also more durable and energy-efficient. Cloning copies everything from your HDD to the SSD. This includes macOS, apps, and personal files. Unlike a fresh install, cloning saves hours of setup. It's perfect for iMac users who want a hassle-free upgrade. Worried about data loss? A backup solves that. Curious about compatibility? Most SSDs work with iMacs, but double-check your model.

Conclusion

Cloning your iMac HDD to SSD is a game-changer. It boosts speed and reliability. Disk Utility is free and straightforward. EaseUS Partition Master for Mac offers a polished experience. Both methods work well to clone your Mac hard drive to SSD. Back up your data, follow the steps, and enjoy a faster iMac.

FAQs

1. Can I clone my iMac HDD without an external SSD?

Yes, you can clone your iMac HDD without an external SSD. But it requires installing the new SSD internally first.

2. How long does it take to clone an iMac HDD to SSD?

It depends on the data size. A 500GB HDD may take 1-3 hours. Larger drives take longer. Use a USB 3.0+ enclosure for faster cloning.

3. What if the cloned SSD doesn't boot?

If the SSD doesn't boot, try these fixes:

• Check connections.
• Ensure SSD is formatted as APFS or Mac OS Extended.
• Boot to Recovery Mode and repair disk.
• Re-clone if needed.