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Use Apple’s Migration Assistant to move documents, apps, user accounts, and settings to a new Mac. You can transfer directly from another Mac, use a Time Machine backup or startup disk, or—in Apple’s broader migration guidance—transfer from a Windows PC. Migration Assistant does not delete the old Mac’s information or replace macOS on the new one. You can run it during initial setup or later.
Choose a migration source
The best route depends on what you have available: a working old Mac, a backup or storage device, or a Windows PC. Apple documents the first three options in its Migration Assistant instructions and also describes Windows migration in its Mac information-transfer guide.
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| Source | When it fits | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Another Mac | You can access the old Mac and want to transfer directly. | Open Migration Assistant on both Macs and follow the prompts to send from the old Mac and receive on the new one. |
| Time Machine backup | You have a backup of the old Mac available on its backup drive. | Choose the Time Machine backup as the source on the new Mac. An external drive is relevant if you need to create or connect a backup; it is not required for direct Mac-to-Mac migration. |
| Startup disk or other storage device | Your information is available on a startup disk or storage device rather than a working old Mac. | Connect or select the device when Migration Assistant asks for a source. |
| Windows PC | You are moving information from a PC rather than another Mac. | Follow Apple’s Windows-transfer guidance; the Mac-to-Mac steps below do not apply to this route. |
Migration Assistant can transfer categories such as applications, user accounts, other files and folders, privacy and security settings, and system and network settings. You can review the categories it finds and choose what to move.
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Prepare both Macs
- Install available macOS updates on both Macs. Their macOS versions do not need to match.
- For wireless migration, keep the Macs near each other and make sure Wi-Fi is enabled.
- Apple advises turning off installed antivirus, firewall, or VPN software until migration is complete. Turn protection back on afterward.
- If you have a suitable Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable, a direct connection may be preferable when speed matters. Apple says a wired connection is often faster than Wi-Fi for a new MacBook Air, but does not provide a guaranteed speed or transfer-time comparison for every setup.
Transfer directly from one Mac to another
- Open Migration Assistant on the new Mac. During first-time setup, choose the option to transfer information from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk. If setup is finished, open System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant.
- Choose the source on the new Mac. Select the option for a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk, as appropriate.
- Open Migration Assistant on the old Mac. Select the option to transfer information to another Mac and continue through its prompts.
- Check the security code. When a code appears on both Macs, confirm that the codes match before proceeding.
- Select what to transfer. Review the listed accounts and categories, then select the information you want to bring over.
- Resolve any account-name conflict before confirming. If the incoming account has the same name as an account on the new Mac, choose whether to replace the new Mac’s account or rename the incoming account. Renaming keeps both accounts so they can be used separately.
- Let the transfer finish. Migration Assistant estimates the data amount; a large transfer may take hours, and progress can appear to pause occasionally. Wait for completion rather than interrupting it.
- Close Migration Assistant and sign in. Sign in to the migrated account when prompted or after the Mac restarts.
Run Migration Assistant after setup
You do not have to migrate while configuring a new Mac. On a Mac that has already completed setup, open System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant, then follow the prompts to select a source and the information to transfer. Apple’s 2026 MacBook Air guide also covers migration during setup and afterward: Migrate your data to your new MacBook Air.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Check apps and files after migration
Migration Assistant is not a guarantee that every app will transfer or work. Apple warns that incompatible apps, or apps for which a newer version is already installed on the new Mac, may not be transferred or may not be usable. Check that the apps you rely on are compatible with the new Mac and open as expected; consult the migration summary for reported issues, including documents that could not transfer or incompatible software.
Email messages may transfer, but you might still need to set up the email account again in the email app. Review important folders and files, and confirm that essential apps and account access work before relying on the new Mac as your only copy.
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- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
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- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
If Migration Assistant appears stuck or reports a problem
- Progress seems paused: Apple notes that large transfers can pause occasionally and may take hours. Give the process time to complete.
- The Macs do not connect wirelessly: Check that Wi-Fi is enabled and that the computers are near each other. If needed, consider a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection.
- Some software or documents are missing: Review the migration summary. Apps may be omitted because they are incompatible or because a newer version is already on the new Mac; the summary can also report documents that could not transfer.
- You are unsure about a same-name account prompt: Do not confirm until you have decided whether to replace the new Mac’s account or rename the incoming one. Renaming is the choice that retains both accounts.
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