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Migration to a new MAC

Instead of using WiFi to transfer data, can a thunderbolt connection be used instead?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 11.2

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 10:50 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 12:16 PM

The Best Way to Migrate Data from an Old Mac to a New Mac

When you’re ready to setup your new Mac the easiest and most reliable way to migrate your data and files from the old Mac is simply to connect the old Mac's Time Machine external backup drive to the new Mac using a USB cable before you turn on the new Mac for the first time. You may need a USB/USB-C adapter for this; easily found at many resellers for ~$10 or less. 


When you start your new Mac for the first time it will launch Setup Assistant and lead you through the setup process. Eventually Setup Assistant will ask if you are migrating from another computer. You are, so select “Yes” and follow the on-screen prompts to completion!


Never use Wi-Fi for this. It's unreliable and slow.

Ethernet cable connection between the two Macs will also work.


Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 9, 2021 12:16 PM in response to nO_ik-D_orE-HsaM_p

The Best Way to Migrate Data from an Old Mac to a New Mac

When you’re ready to setup your new Mac the easiest and most reliable way to migrate your data and files from the old Mac is simply to connect the old Mac's Time Machine external backup drive to the new Mac using a USB cable before you turn on the new Mac for the first time. You may need a USB/USB-C adapter for this; easily found at many resellers for ~$10 or less. 


When you start your new Mac for the first time it will launch Setup Assistant and lead you through the setup process. Eventually Setup Assistant will ask if you are migrating from another computer. You are, so select “Yes” and follow the on-screen prompts to completion!


Never use Wi-Fi for this. It's unreliable and slow.

Ethernet cable connection between the two Macs will also work.


Move your content to a new Mac - Apple Support:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350


Migration to a new MAC

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