Things to do before you transfer files from Mac to MacHow to transfer files from Mac to Mac using Migration AssistantHow to use Migration AssistantTransfer files to new Mac using iCloudMac to Mac transfer using File sharingUse Airdrop to transfer files from old Mac to new
Things to do before you transfer files from Mac to Mac
Connect both Macs to a power source.Either use cable or connect to a local Wi-Fi.Update macOS to the latest version.Make sure they are on the same macOS version.Name your Mac to differentiate each other.To do so, go to System preferences → Sharing → Computer Name.
Now, select how you want to transfer data and follow the rest of the steps.
How to transfer files from Mac to Mac using Migration Assistant
Migration Assistant is a built-in app in macOS with which you can transfer information such as data, computer settings, and apps from one Mac to another or transfer data to a Mac using the backup file. Not only that, but you can also use the application to transfer information from a Windows PC.
How to use Migration Assistant
The steps will be different based on the type of way you choose for migration. I have mentioned what you need to do for each one of them.
Transfer files between Macs
Follow the steps mentioned in the previous section and after that, follow the steps mentioned below: Wait until the data transfer is completed, and close the Migrate Assistant on both devices when completed. Now, log in with your Apple ID on the new Mac. Note: If you plan to give your old Mac to someone, don’t forget to factory reset your Mac.
How to migrate to a new Mac using a backup
As you can assume, for this method, you need to have a Time Machine backup from your old Mac. Wait for some time for the backup to finish. The completion time depends on the file size. If you had taken some other backup, you need to restore the backup file to the Mac using a different method.
Transfer files to new Mac using iCloud
You can use Apple ID to sync data between your Apple devices. But you have to enable sync for the files you want to transfer. Now that you have synced data to iCloud in the old Mac, let us see how to log in with the same ID on the new Mac. Follow these steps for that: After that, go to System Preference → Apple ID → iCloud and enable iCloud and other files. Besides iCloud, you can use other popular cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive to upload or download files.
Mac to Mac transfer using File sharing
If you don’t want to use Migration Assistant to migrate files from your Mac to another, you can use the Finder app. For that: You have successfully connected two Macs. Now, all you have to do is drag and drop the files between them. But this method is not good if you have a lot of files to share.
Use AirDrop to transfer files from old Mac to new
Just like Finder, you can also use AirDrop to transfer files between an old Mac to a new Mac. It will be a tedious process to transfer all those files through AirDrop. Hence, I don’t suggest using it unless you want to. Signing off… Moving to a new Mac is exciting, but the thought of transferring data from an old one to a new Mac can easily drain that excitement. With this guide, I have provided the easiest ways to move files from one Mac to another. By the way, what is the total size of files you will transfer? Share in the comments below! Your Mac experience can be boosed a lot with these reads:
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