Backup And Transfer Mac Os And Apps

Migration Assistant makes it super easy to move data from your old Mac to your new one, either directly or from a Time Machine backup. You can connect two Macs with Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet, or even just using the same Wi-Fi network if you don't have one of these cables. Migrating your old data to your new computer will make it possible for you to start working on your brand new Mac without missing a beat.

If you are new to Mac, you can also migrate your old PC data.

Before you start

For example, a local backup should really have some kind of versioning, a clone needs to be easily bootable, and so on. Best Backup Software for Macs. Now that we've discussed what to look for in Mac backup software, let’s look at the apps. Here are my picks for the best Mac backup.

  • Update your software - If your old Mac is running OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or earlier, you will need to update your software first.
  • Name your old Mac - If you haven't done so already, make sure your old Mac has a name. Open System Preferences > Sharing > and enter a name in the Computer Name field.
  • Connect your old and new computers to a power source - Both devices need to be plugged into a power source to ensure that you don't run out of juice in the middle of the migration process.
  • Get your Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable ready - Direct connection is the fastest way to migrate your data from your old Mac to your new. If you don't have the required cable, you can use your local Wi-Fi network instead, but the process will be slower.

How to migrate your old Mac's data to your new Mac

Start with your old Mac

  1. Connect the Thunderbolt, FireWire, or Ethernet cable from your old Mac to your new Mac.
    • If you are using local Wi-Fi, make sure both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Backup And Transfer Mac Os And Apps

Open your new Mac

  1. Launch a Finder window by clicking on the Finder icon in your Dock.
  2. Click on Applications in the sidebar.

    Source: iMore

  3. Double-click on the Utilities folder.
  4. Double-click on Migration Assistant.

    Source: iMore

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
  7. Click OK.

    Source: iMore

  8. Click From a Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
  9. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your old Mac

  1. Launch a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in your Dock.
  2. Click on Applications in the sidebar.

    Source: iMore

  3. Double-click on the Utilities folder.
  4. Double-click on Migration Assistant.

    Source: iMore

  5. Click Continue.
  6. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
  7. Click OK.

    Source: iMore

  8. Click To a new Mac... when prompted to select how you want to transfer your information.
  9. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your new Mac

  1. Migration Assistant will be looking for a source. Select your old Mac (if you are using a Time Machine backup, select your Time Machine hard drive).
  2. Click Continue.

    • A security code will display on the screen.

    Source: iMore

Go back to your old Mac

  1. Confirm that the code on your old Mac is the same as the one on your new Mac.
  2. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

Backup For Mac

Go back to your new Mac

  1. Select the files, settings, apps, and other information you want to transfer to your new Mac.
  2. Click Continue.

    Source: iMore

This will probably take a while, so grab a cup of coffee and watch your favorite movie while the process takes place.

When you're done

Your new Mac should have all of the data that you selected to transfer. If you migrated everything, your new Mac will look almost exactly like your old one.

If you are planning on selling your old Mac, don't forget to clean it before transferring to its new owner.

Questions?

Let us know in the comments below!

Updated May 2020: Up-to-date for macOS Catalina.

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