How to Transfer Data to a New Mac with Migration Assistant

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Update your source computer

   Ensure your old Mac is running the latest available version of macOS. For Windows PCs, ensure you have the latest version of the Migration Assistant utility downloaded from the official Apple support site.

   Note: A mismatch in macOS versions can cause transfer failures.
2. 1 min

   Establish a network connection

   Connect both computers to the same local Wi-Fi network. For faster speeds, connect both machines directly to each other using a Thunderbolt cable or a USB-C Ethernet adapter.

   Note: Wired connections are significantly faster for large data sets.
3. 1 min

   Open Migration Assistant

   On the new Mac, launch Migration Assistant from the Utilities folder within Applications. On the source Mac, perform the same action to initialize the handshake protocol.

   Note: If you are setting up a new Mac for the first time, Migration Assistant may launch automatically.
4. 1 min

   Select the transfer method

   Select 'From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or Startup disk' on your new Mac. Click Continue and select the source computer when it appears in the device list.

   Note: Verify the security code displayed on both screens matches before clicking continue.
5. 2 min

   Choose information to transfer

   Review the categories displayed on the new Mac, including Applications, User folders, and System settings. Select the checkboxes for the data you wish to migrate and click Continue.

   Note: Ensure the target Mac has sufficient storage space for the selected items.
6. 5+ min

   Run the migration

   Initiate the transfer and keep both computers plugged into power. Do not put either machine to sleep or interrupt the network connection while the progress bar is active.

   Note: Once complete, log in to the migrated user account on the new Mac to verify your files.