What a NAND storage upgrade is
In plain English: NAND is the physical chip on the iPhone or iPad's logic board that holds your photos, apps, and files. Increasing storage means physically replacing that chip with a larger one — it is not a setting, an iCloud plan, or a software trick.
NAND is a chip on the logic board
The NAND is the same kind of solid-state storage that lives in an SSD — except on iPhone and iPad, it's soldered directly to the device's logic board rather than living in a removable module. Whatever capacity it has when you buy the device is the capacity it has from then on, unless the chip itself is replaced.
Upgrading is advanced microsoldering work
A storage upgrade means desoldering the original NAND chip, programming a higher-capacity chip with the data the device needs to identify its storage, and re-soldering the new chip in place — all under a stereo microscope. It is not a normal settings or software upgrade, and it is not something every repair shop can do.
When an iPhone or iPad storage upgrade makes sense
A NAND upgrade is the right call when your device is otherwise fine and only the storage is holding you back.
Running out of storage
You spend more time deleting photos than taking them. "Storage Almost Full" warnings keep coming back.
Want to keep your iPhone or iPad longer
The hardware is otherwise great — only storage is holding you back from another year or two of use.
Bought a lower-capacity model
Your device shipped with 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB and you've outgrown it sooner than expected.
Preparing the device for longer-term use
You plan to hand the device down, keep it as a backup, or use it for a specific role that needs more space.
Told storage cannot be upgraded
An Apple Store or another shop said it isn't possible. On supported models, board-level NAND upgrades change that answer.
Important model and capacity caveat
Supported models and maximum capacities vary
Supported models and maximum capacities vary. Contact RevyTech to confirm your device and target capacity before booking. iPhone NAND upgrade and iPad NAND upgrade support changes between generations as Apple updates the storage architecture, and maximum capacity (for example, whether you can move from 64GB to 1TB) depends on the NAND chips available for your device's footprint.
The NAND storage upgrade process
Every iPhone and iPad NAND upgrade follows the same predictable sequence — diagnostic-first, with no soldering work until you've approved the plan.
Confirm model & desired capacity
We confirm support for your iPhone or iPad model and the target capacity (for example, 256GB → 1TB) before booking.
Backup & data preparation
Back up to iCloud or a computer. The upgrade may require a restore that erases existing data.
Device disassembly
The device is opened on the bench so the logic board can be safely removed for board-level work.
NAND removal & replacement
Under microscope, the original NAND chip is desoldered and the higher-capacity replacement is installed in its place.
Board-level programming & configuration
The new NAND is programmed with the data the device needs to identify its storage, where applicable for the model.
Restore & testing
macOS / iOS / iPadOS is installed onto the new chip, the device is restored, and we run functional tests on the storage.
Final verification
We confirm the device boots, recognizes the new capacity, and operates normally before returning it to you.
Back up before any storage upgrade
A storage upgrade can require a restore — and a restore can erase data
Depending on your device, a NAND storage upgrade may involve restoring the device from backup onto the new chip. That restore can erase data on the device. Please back up to iCloud or to a computer before bringing your device in or shipping it for service. We do not promise data preservation on an iPhone or iPad NAND upgrade — plan for a restore from your backup as part of the workflow.
If you cannot back up because the device is dead, that is a different service — see our board-level data recovery page.
What to know before you book
Storage upgrades are advanced repairs that require diagnosis. Honest expectations up front are part of the service.
- Requires advanced microsoldering — not a normal software or settings change
- Not available for every iPhone or iPad model; support varies by generation
- Manufacturer water resistance is not guaranteed after a device has been opened, and we do not promise restored water resistance
- Existing logic board damage (liquid damage, prior repair) can affect eligibility for a NAND upgrade
- Apple does not endorse third-party NAND upgrades; future Apple service on the modified logic board is not guaranteed
Why customers choose us for NAND upgrades
Storage upgrades sit on the more advanced end of the microsoldering bench. The basics matter more than slogans.
Board-level skill
iPhone and iPad NAND upgrades are component-level work — what we do every day on the microsoldering bench.
Microsoldering experience
Stereo microscope, hot-air rework, and the tooling required for proper BGA-style NAND work.
Device testing
Every upgrade is verified end-to-end before the device leaves the bench — boot, capacity, basic functions.
Local + mail-in
Walk-in service in Revelstoke, BC, with mail-in iPhone storage upgrades available across Canada.
Confirm support for your iPhone or iPad model
Send us your iPhone or iPad model, current storage size, and target capacity. We'll confirm whether an iPhone NAND upgrade or iPad NAND upgrade is supported for your device and outline the next step. Walk-in service in Revelstoke, BC, and mail-in storage upgrades across Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to questions we hear from customers about this service.
Can iPhone storage really be upgraded?
Yes — on supported models. The NAND chip on the iPhone's logic board can be removed and replaced with a higher-capacity chip through advanced microsoldering work. Once the new chip is programmed and installed, the device boots back up with more usable storage. Support depends on the model, so the first step is always confirming your specific iPhone is supported.
Is this the same as iCloud storage?
No. iCloud storage is cloud space tied to your Apple ID — it does not increase the physical storage inside the device. A NAND upgrade physically replaces the storage chip on the logic board, so the device itself ends up with more on-device storage. The two are completely different.
Will my data be erased?
It can be. A NAND upgrade is advanced microsoldering work, and depending on the path used for your specific device, the upgrade may require a restore from backup that erases existing data. We recommend backing up to iCloud or a computer before any storage upgrade. We do not promise data preservation on a NAND upgrade — please plan for a restore.
What iPhone or iPad models are supported?
Supported models and maximum capacities vary by generation and change as Apple releases new hardware. We do not publish a static list because it would go out of date. Contact RevyTech with your iPhone or iPad model and current storage size and we will confirm whether an upgrade is supported for your device.
Can I upgrade to 512GB or 1TB?
Maximum capacity depends on the model and what NAND chips are available for that footprint. Some devices can be taken to higher capacities, others are capped at lower values. Contact RevyTech with your model and target capacity (for example, 512GB or 1TB) and we will confirm what is realistic for your device.
Is a NAND upgrade safe?
It is an advanced repair. NAND replacement involves removing and re-soldering BGA components under microscope, and the work is only as safe as the diagnostic and the technique. We always start with a paid diagnostic, share the realistic risks for your specific device, and do not proceed without your approval. We do not promise data preservation, restored manufacturer water resistance, or future Apple service eligibility on a modified board.
Do you offer mail-in iPhone storage upgrades?
Yes. Mail-in iPhone storage upgrades and mail-in iPad storage upgrades are available from anywhere in Canada. Contact us first so we can confirm support for your model, then ship the device packed and insured. See our mail-in microsoldering page for full guidance.