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For a new iPad, use Quick Start if you have the old iPad, or restore from an iCloud or computer backup if you do not. For a new Mac, use Migration Assistant to move data from another Mac or a Time Machine backup. The right route depends on whether the old device is available, whether a backup exists, and whether you have already set up the new device.
Choose the transfer route
| New device | What you have | Route |
|---|---|---|
| iPad | Old iPad is available | Quick Start: transfer directly between iPads or download from iCloud during setup. |
| iPad | Old iPad is unavailable; an iCloud backup exists | Restore from the backup during setup. |
| iPad | A computer backup exists | Restore the backup using Finder or iTunes, depending on the computer. |
| Mac | Old Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk is available | Use Migration Assistant. Connect wirelessly or directly, or migrate from the backup or disk. |
For iPad backup restores, an already-configured new iPad must be erased before you can follow Apple’s documented restore workflow. Migration Assistant, by contrast, can be opened on a Mac after initial setup.
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Transfer from one iPad to another with Quick Start
Quick Start is the most direct option when you can use both iPads. It supports a direct device transfer or downloading data from iCloud. Apple notes that transfer time varies with network conditions and the amount of data; it does not give a standard duration. Apple’s Quick Start instructions describe the setup flow.
- Connect the old iPad to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, and unlock it.
- Turn on the new iPad and place it near the old iPad. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin setup and authenticate as prompted.
- When asked how to move data, choose a direct transfer from the old iPad or a download from iCloud.
- Keep both iPads close together and connected to power until the migration finishes.
A direct transfer keeps both iPads occupied during migration. With an iCloud download, you can start using the new iPad while apps and other data continue downloading.
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Restore an iPad from an iCloud backup
Use this route when the old iPad is not available but you have a suitable iCloud backup. Check the backup’s date and size during setup so you select the version you intend to restore. You will need to sign in to your Apple Account.
Important: If the new iPad has already been set up, Apple’s documented restore process requires erasing it first. Erasing removes the data and settings currently on that iPad, so save anything you need before proceeding. Then follow Apple’s iCloud transfer and restore instructions to erase the iPad if needed and restore during setup.
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Restore an iPad from a computer backup
A local backup is another option if the computer that holds it is available. Connect the new iPad—or the newly erased iPad—to that computer, select the intended backup, and follow the restore prompts. An encrypted backup requires its password.
- Mac with macOS 10.15 or later: Use Finder.
- Mac with macOS 10.14 or earlier, or a Windows PC: Use iTunes.
Apple’s iPad backup restore guide covers the computer and iCloud restore paths.
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Move data to a new Mac with Migration Assistant
Migration Assistant is included with macOS. It can move documents, apps, user accounts, and settings from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, a startup disk, or a Windows PC. It does not delete information from the old Mac. See Apple’s Migration Assistant instructions for the supported sources and setup flow.
- On the new Mac, open Migration Assistant during initial setup, or later from Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant.
- Choose to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk, as appropriate.
- On the old Mac, open Migration Assistant and choose the option to transfer to another Mac. Follow the prompts to match the computers and verify the displayed security code.
- Select the categories you want to transfer and start the migration.
Large transfers may take hours. You can migrate from a Time Machine backup or other storage device instead of the old computer; this can also provide a way to recover files if the old disk is damaged.
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Connect the Macs wirelessly or directly
Wireless migration
For the wireless workflow documented in Apple’s 2026 MacBook Pro guide, both Macs should be on the same network and Migration Assistant should be open on each computer. Wireless setup avoids a direct cable, but Apple does not promise a particular transfer speed or completion time.
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Direct connection
Apple says a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection is often faster than wireless for the setup described in its 2026 MacBook Pro migration guide. That is qualified guidance, not a speed guarantee for every pair of Macs. Check the ports on both computers before choosing a cable or adapter; the compatible connection depends on the specific models.
Quick Recap
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Before you begin
- For iPad, decide whether you will use Quick Start, an iCloud backup, or a computer backup. Confirm that the backup you need exists before relying on a restore.
- If restoring an iPad backup, check whether the new iPad is already configured. Apple’s restore route requires erasing it first.
- For Mac, decide whether the source will be another Mac, a Time Machine backup, a startup disk, or—in supported Migration Assistant flows—a Windows PC.
- For a Mac-to-Mac migration, choose wireless or a direct connection based on your network, available ports, and the connection options for your models. A separate storage drive is only relevant if you need to create or carry a backup; it is not required for direct migration.
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