Switching over to a new Mac can sometimes to be a hassle. Especially if you have a lot of data to move! So, this guide will help you master data transfer to a new mac!
There are a couple of ways this data transfer to a new Mac can be done. Let’s look at them all one by one –
Over a Wi-Fi connection
The easiest way to move data/content from an older Mac to a new Mac is by using the Wi-Fi.
Now, to the main process:
- Ensure that both your older and new Mac are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- If you are booting the new Mac for the first time, then follow the instructions displayed in the Setup Assistant. If you have already done this, open the Utilities folder, and run the Migration Assistant.
- Launch Migration Assistant on the older Mac as well.
- Once the Migration Assistant is open on the older Mac, choose the option to move your data “To another Mac,” and click Continue.
- If prompted, enter the admin password.
- On the new Mac, choose the system to migrate from, then click on Continue.
- When a security code appears, check that the security code is the same one displayed on both Mac computers. Then click on Continue in the source/older Mac.
- Deselect all the items you don’t want to move. If you want to move data from multiple users, then click the triangle beside each user’s icon and remove any select only those files you want to be included in the data transfer to a new Mac.
- Click Continue.
Migration Assistant will now start the data transfer to your new Mac. Once the migration is done, quit the Migration Assitant, and then restart your system. The next time you log-in, you’ll be able to find your data.
Via USB-C
If both of your Macs have a USB-C port, then you can move the data using a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Note: If migrating to a MacBook, ensure that its battery is fully charged and that the device is plugged into a power outlet before you commence.
- Attach the USB-C-to-USB-C cable to both Macs.
- Boot up the older Mac in Target Disk Mode. (To find how to boot in Target Disk Mode, read this guide).
- Now boot up the new Mac.
- If your new Mac was booted for the first time, follow the instructions displayed in the Setup Assistant till you see the “Transfer information to this Mac” option displayed.
- If your new Mac has already been set up, confirm that the older Mac is displayed as a drive on your new Mac’s desktop. Then open Migration Assistant from the Utilities folder.
- Click on the Continue button.
- Click on the option to “Transfer data from a Mac/startup disk/Time Machine backup.”
- Then click Continue.
- A warning message might pop-up suggesting that you plug into AC power. Click Continue.
- The next page will be titled “Transfer Information to this Mac”. Click on Continue.
- Pick the files/data you want to move. Click on Continue.
- Agree to the next two Terms and Conditions.
Your data transfer will begin shortly.
Possible complications that you might want to be prepared for
Same user issues: If you are performing data transfer to a new Mac that bears the same account name as the source Mac, then you’ll have to rename the old account. Once you rename the account, the renamed account on your old Mac will appear as a distinct user on the new Mac. Once the old account is replaced, it overwrites all the data in the account on your new Mac.
Power issues: If there is a lot of content to move, it could take several hours or even all night. So make sure that both of your Macs/MacBooks are plugged into a power outlet.
Wifi issues: The transfer also depends on the wifi speed, and any drop/stoppage in the wifi can affect the entire transfer process. So make sure you keep the wifi connected to a backup power source as well.
If you follow these instructions carefully, then data transfer to a new Mac need not be a ordeal. In fact, it can be quite a easy thing to do. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to write to us; we’ll be more than happy to assist in any way possible!
