If you need to convert an APFS (Apple File System) drive to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) — also known as HFS+ — this guide walks you through the process safely and clearly.
You might need this when:
- Using an older version of macOS (pre‑High Sierra)
- Preparing a drive for older Macs
- Creating compatibility with certain legacy software
- Formatting a drive for older Time Machine setups
⚠️ Important: You cannot directly convert APFS to Mac OS Extended without erasing the drive. You must back up your data first.
Before You Start (Very Important)
Converting from APFS to Mac OS Extended requires erasing the drive, which permanently deletes all data.
✅ Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Use one of these methods:
- Time Machine
- Clone with Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper
- Manual copy to an external drive
Do not proceed until your data is safely backed up.
Method 1: Convert APFS to Mac OS Extended Using Disk Utility (Recommended)
This is the easiest method for most users.
Step 1: Open Disk Utility
- Open Finder
- Go to Applications
- Click Utilities
- Open Disk Utility
Or press:
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Command (⌘) + Space → type “Disk Utility”
Step 2: Show All Devices
- Click View (top-left corner)
- Select Show All Devices
This ensures you’re formatting the correct drive (not just a volume).
Step 3: Select the Correct Drive
- Choose the top-level disk (not the volume underneath)
- Confirm it says APFS in the format field
Be absolutely sure you selected the correct disk.
Step 4: Click Erase
Click the Erase button at the top.
You’ll see formatting options.
Step 5: Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Under Format, select:
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Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Under Scheme, select:
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GUID Partition Map
✅ This is required for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Step 6: Confirm Erase
Click Erase.
The process takes a few seconds to a minute.
Once complete, click Done.
Your drive is now formatted as Mac OS Extended (HFS+).
Method 2: Convert Using macOS Recovery (For Startup Disks)
If you’re converting your internal startup disk, you must boot into Recovery Mode.
Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode
On Intel Macs:
- Restart your Mac
- Immediately hold:
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Command (⌘) + R
On Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3):
- Shut down Mac
- Hold the Power button
- Click Options
- Select Continue
Step 2: Open Disk Utility
In macOS Utilities, choose:
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Disk Utility → Continue
Step 3: Show All Devices
Click:
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View → Show All Devices
Step 4: Erase the APFS Container
- Select the internal drive (top-level device)
- Click Erase
- Choose:
- Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
- Scheme: GUID Partition Map
- Click Erase
Step 5: Reinstall macOS (If Needed)
After formatting:
- Exit Disk Utility
- Click Reinstall macOS
- Follow setup instructions
Quick Comparison: APFS vs Mac OS Extended
| Feature | APFS | Mac OS Extended (HFS+) |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | macOS High Sierra (2017) | Older macOS versions |
| Optimized for | SSDs | HDDs & legacy systems |
| Snapshots | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Encryption | ✅ Strong native encryption | ✅ FileVault support |
| Required for modern macOS | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not recommended |
| Best for older Macs | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
When Should You Convert to Mac OS Extended?
You may need HFS+ if:
- Running macOS Sierra or earlier
- Using older Mac hardware
- Working with legacy bootable installers
- Preparing a drive for older Time Machine versions
Important Warnings
- ❌ You cannot downgrade your startup disk on modern macOS versions that require APFS.
- ❌ macOS Big Sur and later strongly prefer APFS.
- ✅ External drives can still use Mac OS Extended safely.
- ✅ Always keep a verified backup before erasing.
Final Thoughts
Converting from APFS to Mac OS Extended is straightforward — but it requires erasing the disk.
The Safe Process:
- Back up your data
- Open Disk Utility
- Erase the drive
- Select Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
- Confirm
If you’re unsure which disk to format, double-check before clicking erase — mistakes cannot be undone.
