You can set up a new MacBook Air as a fresh Mac or transfer documents, apps, user accounts, and settings from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, a startup disk or storage device, or a Windows PC. Apple also documents setup using a nearby iPhone or iPad on supported software. If you skip migration during first-run setup, you can run Migration Assistant later.
Before you start
Have your Wi-Fi password ready, or use a supported Ethernet connection. Connect the MacBook Air to power, especially if you plan to transfer data. For a wireless Mac-to-Mac transfer, update both computers if possible, turn on Wi-Fi, and keep them near each other. Apple says a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection is often faster than wireless, but check the ports and compatibility of both Mac models before buying or connecting a cable. A generic USB-C charging cable is not necessarily a Thunderbolt data cable.
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Apple does not give a universal transfer-time estimate; the time depends on the amount of data and connection. If either Mac uses antivirus, firewall, or VPN software, Apple advises turning it off until migration is complete.
Complete MacBook Air Setup Assistant
- Turn on the Mac. Open the lid and follow the Setup Assistant prompts. Choose a language and region.
- Connect to the internet. Join Wi-Fi or use Ethernet. Some setup stages require internet access, and Apple says a software update may be needed during setup.
- Choose whether to transfer information. Select a migration source or continue with a fresh setup. The available screens and feature options can vary by macOS version, language, and region.
- Set up accessibility and your computer account. Choose accessibility options as needed, then create the account name and password for this Mac.
- Sign in to an Apple Account. Sign in or create an account if needed, then review the additional settings presented. Apple lists options such as Location Services, Screen Time, Apple Intelligence, Siri, and Touch ID.
Choose the right transfer method
| Source | When it fits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Another Mac | You still have the old Mac available. | Use the Mac migration option in Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant. Wireless transfer is supported; Apple says direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet is often faster. |
| Time Machine backup, startup disk, or storage device | You have a usable backup or connected source drive. | Select the matching source and follow the prompts. You do not need to buy a new drive if you already have a backup you can use. |
| Windows PC | You are moving data from a Windows computer. | Choose the Windows PC option on the Mac and follow Apple’s instructions, including using the Migration Assistant version specified for the target macOS. |
| Nearby iPhone or iPad | You want to use settings and supported content from a mobile device. | Apple’s documented option requires a Mac starting in Setup Assistant with macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later, and a nearby, already-set-up iPhone on iOS 18.4 or later or iPad on iPadOS 18.4 or later. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth must be on for both. Check Apple’s current requirements, as they can change. |
| Set up as new | You want a clean start or do not have a source ready. | Continue without transferring. Migration Assistant remains available after setup. |
Transfer from another Mac or backup
Apple Support says Migration Assistant transfers “documents, apps, user accounts and settings from one Mac to another.” During migration, you can select categories or specific items rather than moving everything. Apple’s setup and migration guidance covers transfers from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, a startup disk, and storage devices. Follow the on-screen prompts for the source you select, and confirm any security code shown on both Macs.
#1 Best Overall
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
For a wireless Mac-to-Mac transfer, keep both computers nearby, connected to power, and on Wi-Fi. If choosing a wired connection, verify the exact Mac models and ports first; Apple identifies Thunderbolt or Ethernet as direct connection options that are often faster than wireless, not as a requirement.
Use an iPhone or iPad during setup
Apple documents using a nearby iPhone or iPad to copy numerous settings and retrieve supported content using the device’s iCloud settings. This is not the same as transferring a complete Mac user account and all its apps. The documented minimum software versions and conditions are listed in the comparison table above; check Apple’s current support page before relying on the option.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Migrate after initial setup
Declining migration during first-run setup does not lock you out of transferring later. On current macOS guidance, open System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant. Choose the source, select the information to transfer, and follow the onscreen directions. Apple recommends installing available software updates on each Mac and connecting a laptop to power. Menu names may differ by macOS version, so use the guide for the version installed on your Mac.
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Some apps may not transfer because they are incompatible, or because a newer version is already installed on the new Mac; transferred apps may also need updating or may not work. Apple notes that transferred email may require signing in to the email account again in the mail app. Review the migration summary for reported issues, then open important documents, check accounts and settings, and launch the apps you rely on. Keep the old Mac or backup available until you have verified the items you need.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 15.3-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Rank #3
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
When a cable or backup drive is useful
- Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection: Consider a direct connection if you are migrating between Macs and want to avoid relying on wireless. Confirm compatible ports and cable type for both models first.
- External backup drive: Useful if you need to make a Time Machine backup or do not have another suitable migration source. It is not necessary when you already have a usable backup or are transferring directly from another computer.
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