Migrating data from iMac to MacBook Pro - help needed please.

Question

Migrating data from iMac to MacBook Pro - help needed please.

I recently purchased a used MacBook Pro 2023 model. I want to transfer my wife's and my data from our iMac to the laptop using Migration Assistant, but need to close my wife's account first apparently. I don't seem able to do that.

In addition the MacBook won't open and is asking for my user name and password. Tried using the info from the iMac but that doesn't work and I keep getting locked out. Any help/suggestions gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

Posted on Dec 13, 2025 7:07 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

D.I. Johnson

Level 7

32,537 points

Dec 13, 2025 7:25 AM in response to MikeWalker_49

Before selling that MacBook Pro to you, the previous owner should have done this: What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support

If they did not, then you may not be able to personalize and customize that Mac for your own use.

I'm not sure just what "close my wife's account" means. In simple terms I would think it means to log out of your wife's Mac user account. Click  menu > Log Out (wife)... or shift-command-Q.

Can you share additional details of any messages the Macs display, please?

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Answer 2

Dec 14, 2025 7:46 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

I have activated the Migration Assistant on the iMac and it is looking for applications and data to transfer. That has been running for a while. I still cannot access my new to me MacBook Pro using my apple password as it locks me out.

I have changed my password on my other Apple devices but that doesn’t work on the MacBook either. Currently unsure what I can do next.

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Answer 3

Dec 13, 2025 7:45 AM in response to D.I. Johnson

Hi there

Thank you for your prompt response. I will respond to your comments later this evening from the UK.

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