OSCOO ON900A SSD for MacBook – Installation Guide

Introduction

Thanks for choosing OSCOO ON900A SSD. Please read the instructions carefully before use. You are recommended to keep the manual for future use.

Compatibility Table

Warm Tip: please make sure your system is MacOS High Sierra 10.13 (or later MacOS) before installing new SSD ON900A.

Checking Mac Model and System Version

How to Check Mac Model and Year

The Mac model can be found on the bottom of the device or in the 'About This Mac' section of System Preferences. It typically includes the model name and year, for example, 'MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2019, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports)'.

How to Check macOS Version

To check the macOS version, go to the Apple menu , then select 'About This Mac'. This will display the macOS version, such as 'macOS Catalina Version 10.15.7', along with details about your Mac's processor, memory, and graphics card.

SSD Installation Steps

1. Power Off, Prepare Tools, and Back Up Data

   Shut down your device completely, unplug the power cord, and disconnect all external devices to ensure safety. Prepare a screwdriver (preferably the one included) and anti-static gloves (if available) to prevent static damage. If your device can still boot, it is recommended to back up important data in advance via Time Machine or other tools to avoid data loss during installation.

2. Remove the Back Cover

   Use the included screwdriver to remove the screws from the back of the Mac. Gently remove the back cover and keep the screws safe to avoid losing them.

3. Disconnect Power and Remove Original Drive

   Ensure the device is unplugged. Use the screwdriver to remove the screw fixing the original SSD. Carefully take out the drive, noting orientation and position.

4. Install New SSD

   Align the OSCOO SSD with the connector and insert it. Secure it with the screw.

5. Reattach the Back Cover

   Replace the back panel and fasten all screws. Make sure the cover fits tightly.

macOS Internet Recovery - Detailed Guide

Preparation:

1. Network: Use Ethernet if possible (more stable), ensure a strong Wi-Fi signal, and have your Wi-Fi password ready.
2. Power: Plug in the power adapter and ensure sufficient battery.
3. Back Up: If the system is accessible, back up using Time Machine.

Detailed Steps

Step 1: Boot into Internet Recovery Mode

1. Completely shut down your Mac: Click the Apple menu > "Shut Down". Or press and hold the power button if unresponsive.
2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press: Command + Option + R (Recommended: installs the latest compatible macOS).
3. Wait for the Internet Recovery Screen: You should see a spinning globe (not the Apple logo). A progress bar and estimated time may appear. This process may take 5–15 minutes depending on network speed.

Step 2: Connect to Network

1. When prompted to select a Wi-Fi network: Use arrow keys to choose your network, press "Enter" to confirm, and use the on-screen keyboard to input the Wi-Fi password.
2. Wait for the system recovery tools to download: The download size may be 1–5 GB depending on the macOS version. Do not interrupt this process.

Step 3: Use macOS Utilities

When loaded, you'll see the "macOS Utilities" window with several options. Choose "Disk Utility" > "Continue".

1. In Disk Utility (recommended before installing macOS): On the left panel, select your SSD (usually the topmost item). Click the "Erase" button.
2. Settings: Name: Macintosh HD, Format: APFS (for SSD) or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) (for HDD), Scheme: GUID Partition Map. Click "Erase" to confirm.
3. Exit Disk Utility by clicking “Disk Utility” > “Quit Disk Utility”.

Step 4: Install macOS

1. Click "Install macOS" > "Continue".
2. Click "Continue" and agree to the license agreement.
3. Select the erased disk (Macintosh HD).
4. Click "Install".
5. Wait for the installation to complete: The system will download the full macOS installation package. The process may take 1–3 hours depending on your Mac and network speed. The Mac may restart several times automatically.

Step 5: Post-Installation Setup

1. After installation, follow the Setup Assistant.
2. Select region and language.
3. Click "Continue" repeatedly through the steps.
4. Time Machine Restore (if applicable): Select "Restore from Time Machine Backup". If not applicable, click "Not Now" in the bottom-left corner. Connect your backup drive and follow the wizard.
5. "Agree" to the Software License Agreement.
6. Set up user account and password.
7. On the location services setup screen, click "Continue" to enable location access.
8. Set up Siri voice assistant, then click "Continue".
9. Next, select the desktop appearance theme. This completes the entire macOS installation process.

Q&A

Q1: Mac doesn't recognize the SSD

A: SSD is not fully inserted into the card slot, or the card slot is loose. Shut down Mac, take off SSD and push hard insert into card slot again, the head is fully inserted.

Q2: Can't find OSCOO SSD on "Disk Utility”

A1: Forget to click "View", select "Show All Devices".

A2: Mac have not updated to 10.13 or later before original SSD taken off.

Q3: There is no SSD can be selected when installing OS from macOS Utilities.

A1: Have not format the new SSD before installing OS. Erase (format) new SSD from Disk Utility.

A2: Selected incorrect format & scheme type when erasing SSD. Format again the SSD with correct type.

Q4: Use USB bootable installer, after formatting SSD, prompt installer is damaged when install OS.

A: This is not necessarily true installation file corruption. Apple sets barriers to prevent successful use of third-party SSDs. Here are solutions to fix it.

1. Make another version OS installer and try to install again.
2. Use another Apple ID to make bootable installer and try to install again.

Q5: Use USB bootable installer, when the installation is ready complete, prompt installer is damaged.

A: Before making USB installer, if copy already downloaded installer from other Mac, or copy other USB installer without making process may cause this problem. Needs to delete installer that has downloaded on Mac, make the USB bootable installer again.

Q6: There may be an issue with a storage device, reference code:VDH002.

Try the following solutions:

A1: Try to do an SMC and NVRAM reset. Reset NVRAM: Command-Option-P-R Press immediately after booting. Reset SMC: Please Google or learn from Apple support.

A2: Maybe the system lost important DATA when making Time Machine Backup or USB bootable installer. Probably the USB drive is with bad sectors.

A3: Try to reinstall OS via Internet Recovery.

Q7: Erase button shows grey, SSD can't be formatted.

A: 3 reasons:

1. Slot is loose. Reinsert SSD again.
2. USB bootable installer or time machine backup damaged. Restart to into Disk Utility again. If still so, remake installer/backup again.
3. Something wrong with SSD. Get a new one to try again.

Q8: How do I know if the DMPG3N SSD is dead?

A: All our items will be tested before factory shipment. Rare chance of damage due to shipping. But if you still want to confirm it is working or not, you can open Mac case to check after installing SSD into card slot. When starting Mac, if the indicator light on the board of SSD is blinking, that it works. If no lights, maybe it dead. (Make sure card slot can work, if not, SSD will not blinking)

MacBook Hibernation problems

Mac will crash, self restart waking from sleeping. This is a known issue that occurs when using NVMe SSDs with MacBooks from 2013 and 2014. The problem exists with every NVMe SSD, even Apple, even owc aura Pro 2, even Transcend 850 NVMe SSDs...

This problem is related to the NVMe DXE driver in the bootrom of the 2013-2014 PCle 2x lane MacBooks.

However, you can circumvent this issue using the following steps! This will still allow for regular sleep, just not deep "hibernation" mode.

1. Open up Terminal (open your Applications folder, then open the Utilities folder. Open the Terminal application.) Type in the following code in the Terminal: sudo pmset hibernatemode 0 standby 0 Press enter (return).
2. If that didn't work, try to do the following: Open up Terminal (open your Applications folder, then open the Utilities folder. Open the Terminal application.) Type in the following code in the Terminal: sudo pmset autopoweroff 0 Press enter (return).

iMac Hibernation problems

The iMacs before 2017 have issues with the drive's power states after upgrading the blade SSD with a non-Apple NVMe. The late 2013, late 2014, mid 2015 iMacs with PCle 2x lane SSD slot will crash when waking from hibernation, self restart with two start-up chimes. The late 2015 iMac will either "restart because of a problem", or show a folder with question mark icon (depending on the system event produced).

Until Apple patches the bootrom with the full NVMe driver that 2017and 2019 iMac models have, the only way to prevent your iMac from crashing is type the following command in Terminal: (open your Applications folder, then open the Utilities folder. Open the Terminal application.)

For Late 2015 iMacs (disabling normal sleep): sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 25 standby 0

For Late 2013 until Mid 2015 iMacs (disabling hibernation): sudo pmset -a hibernatemode 0 standby 0 autopoweroff 0

(for the models in late2013, late 2014, mid 2015, alternatively, instead of standby 0, you can leave the standby at 1, and use for example standbydelayhigh 2592000 which equals to one month in seconds)

Additional Troubleshooting

Issue 1: Unable to enter Internet Recovery Mode

• Make sure you're using the correct key combination.
• Try using a different keyboard (especially if you're using a wireless one).
• For M1/M2 Macs: After shutting down, press and hold the power button until startup options appear.

Issue 2: Extremely slow download speeds

• Try switching to a different network environment.
• Use a wired Ethernet connection.
• Temporarily disable QoS limits in your router settings.

Issue 3: Installation failed

• Make sure the target disk is properly formatted.
• Check the disk for physical damage.
• Retry the installation several times.

* For further assistance, please visit the official OSCOO support page or contact OSCOO customer service.

Congratulations!

You've just become an SSD installation expert. But be warned—your friends and family might start asking you to upgrade theirs too!

OSCOO Customer Service & Technical Support

Contact Information

Shenzhen OSCOO Tech Co., Ltd.
Customer Service Hotline: 400-772-0688
Website: www.oscoo.com
Email: service@oscoo.com
Address: 1-2F, Building 5, Futong HIWIT Sci-Tech Park, No. 17, Bulan Road, Nanwan Street, Longgang District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.