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Use Apple’s Migration Assistant to move supported files, apps, user accounts, and settings from an old iMac to a new one. You can transfer directly during setup or later, connect the Macs wirelessly or by cable, or migrate from a Time Machine backup. A backup drive is optional for direct transfer.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Best for | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless direct transfer | Two working Macs that can stay near each other | Turn on Wi-Fi on both Macs and Bluetooth on the old Mac. Apple supports wireless migration; a cable may be faster, but Apple does not promise a particular speed. Apple’s iMac setup guide and Migration Assistant instructions describe the requirements. |
| Wired direct transfer | A direct connection when you have compatible ports and cables | Apple supports Thunderbolt or Ethernet connections and says a cable is often faster than wireless. Check the ports on both iMacs first; Ethernet may require adapters. There is no single cable or adapter combination established for every iMac model. Apple’s iMac setup guide. |
| Time Machine backup | The old iMac is unavailable or you prefer a backup-based transfer | You need an existing usable Time Machine backup disk. Select it as the source in Migration Assistant. Apple’s backup restoration guide. |
| Transfer after setup | You already completed setup on the new iMac | You can open Migration Assistant later; skipping migration during setup does not remove the option. Apple’s Migration Assistant instructions. |
Prepare both iMacs
- Install available macOS updates on both computers where possible, and connect them to power.
- For wireless migration, keep the iMacs near each other, enable Wi-Fi on both, and turn on Bluetooth on the old iMac as specified in Apple’s iMac setup guidance.
- For a wired connection, identify the ports on both models before buying a cable or adapter. Check the exact model and port combination, particularly if you plan to use Ethernet.
- If you have an external drive and want a fallback, consider making a Time Machine backup. It is not required for direct Mac-to-Mac migration.
Transfer directly during the new iMac’s setup
- In Setup Assistant on the new iMac, choose the option to transfer information from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
- On the old iMac, open Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities when prompted. Choose the option to transfer information to another Mac.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to connect the computers. If a security code appears on both, confirm that the codes match before continuing.
- Choose the categories and accounts you want to transfer, then review the prompts and start the migration.
Apple describes Migration Assistant as transferring “documents, apps, user accounts and settings,” but not every app or setting is guaranteed to arrive in usable form. Apple’s transfer instructions.
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Transfer after you have set up the new iMac
On the new iMac, open Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities. Apple’s Mac user guide also gives the route System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant; labels can vary with macOS version. Choose to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk, then follow the prompts. On the old iMac, open Migration Assistant and choose transfer to another Mac when asked. Apple’s support article and Mac user guide.
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Choose wireless or a cable
Wireless
Wireless transfer avoids finding a cable that fits both computers. Keep the iMacs close together, with Wi-Fi enabled; Apple’s iMac setup instructions also specify Bluetooth enabled on the source Mac. Transfer time depends on the amount of data and the connection. Apple says large transfers can take hours, but does not publish a typical duration or speed.
#1 Best Overall
ZeroneTeck USB C Data Cable 20Gbps 3FT, USB C 3.2 Gen 2X2 4K@60Hz Video UHD
- 【Latest Version USB C 3.2 Gen 2 Cable】ZeroneTeck latest USB C for Thunderbolt cable: ①This 20Gbps USB C to USB C data cable is capable of meeting your ultra-fast data transfer needs. ②USB C to USB C monitor cable support 4K@60Hz Ultra HD video output ③In addition, this Type c to Type c cable also has a faster than normal 60W data cable with 100W ultra fast charging. Makes it easy for you to solve all your problems with just one cable.
- 【20Gbps USB C Data Cable】USBC to USBC data transfer cable provides explosive transfer speed up to 20Gbps, connect hard drives and SSDs, Also suitable for phone to laptop data transfer, transfer large files in seconds and save you more work time. Meanwhile, USBC to USBC 3.2 gen 2 20gbps data transfer cable backward compatible with USB 3.1, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.(*Note: Maximum speeds are achieved when both upstream and downstream devices are Thunderbolt 3/4 interfaces.)
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- 【5A/100W Fast Charging Cable】USB Type C fast charging cable with E-Marker IC chip, safely charges your devices with up to 100W power. It can fully charge a MacBook Pro 60%, an iPad Pro 75%, a iPhone 15 85%, and a Switch 95% in 35 minutes. Fully satisfies the charging power needs of professionals for MacBooks Pro, Android devices, Samsung and iPad Pro. Charge any USB-C device at maximum speed for timely use and no more waiting. *Note: Requires a C-port adapter of appropriate power.
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Thunderbolt or Ethernet
A direct cable connection is supported, and Apple describes cable transfer as often faster than wireless—not guaranteed to be faster in every setup. The appropriate cable depends on the ports on both iMacs. Ethernet may require one or more adapters, so check the specific models before purchasing accessories. Apple’s setup guide.
Use a Time Machine backup as the source
- Connect the drive containing the usable Time Machine backup to the new iMac.
- Open Migration Assistant during setup or later, and choose the option to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
- Select the backup disk and the backup you want to use.
- Choose the data categories to transfer and follow the onscreen instructions.
Apple says a Time Machine backup can restore personal files, apps, and a user account. This route is useful if the old iMac is unavailable or its internal storage has failed, provided a usable backup exists. Apple’s backup guide.
Rank #2
LDLrui USB C to USB A 3.1 Gen 2 Data Cable, 3ft, 1-Pack, Black
- [ Excellent Performance ] This USB C 3.1 cable connects a portable external USB C 3.1 SSD to a computer for speedy file transfer or syncs and charges Samsung smartphones or tablets equipped with the USB C port. Data synchronization is 20 times faster than USB 2.0 cables (480Mbps). (Does not support video output.)
- [ Fast Charging & High Speed Data Transfer ] This usba to usbc data power cable can sync your favourite photos, videos and music at a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps(1250MB/s). Files can be synchronised in seconds. In addition, it can quick-charge your USB-C devices at up to 3A safe charging power. Tested charge Samsung Galaxy S22 from 0 to 60% in 30mins with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology.Tips: USB 3.1 Gen 2 renamed to USB 3.2 Gen 2 by USB-IF in 2019.
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Review what will and will not move cleanly
- Files, apps, accounts, and settings: Migration Assistant can transfer these categories, but app compatibility can affect what transfers or runs. Incompatible apps, or apps for which a newer version is already installed, may not transfer or work as expected. Check essential software on the new iMac. Apple’s Mac user guide.
- Network access and passwords: Apple’s described Mac migration workflow does not transfer network settings and passwords. Be prepared to reconnect to networks and enter credentials.
- Email: Migrated email may require setting up the email account again in the mail app. Verify that you can access each important account.
- Same-name accounts: If the new iMac already has an account with the same name as an incoming account, Migration Assistant offers a choice: replace the existing account or rename the incoming one and keep both. Replacement may offer the option to retain a copy of the replaced data in Deleted Users. Read this prompt carefully before proceeding. Apple’s instructions.
Let the migration finish, then verify the new Mac
A large transfer may take hours and can appear to pause. Give it time rather than treating every pause as a failure. Migration Assistant does not erase data from the old iMac or replace the new iMac’s operating system. Apple’s guidance.
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Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
Cable Matters 20Gbps USB C to USB C Monitor Cable, 6ft / 1.8m
- 20Gbps Data Transfer: This USB C data cable (USB C 3.2 Gen 2x2 cable) supports blazing-fast 20Gbps data transfer for fast file transfers, high-speed storage access, and external drive connections. This USB C 3.2 Gen 2 cable / USB-C data cable ensures reliable performance and is backward compatible with earlier USB-C versions.
- 8K or 4K UHD Video Output: This USB C video cable / USBC display cable supports 8K@30Hz or 4K@120Hz video output to a USB-C monitor. Use this USB-C monitor cable to connect your computer to a USBC monitor like the MB169C Type-C portable monitor, ZenScreen MB16AC, AOC i1601fwux, or LG 4K USB C monitor for gaming, content creation, or extended desktop viewing.
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- Broad Monitor & Dock Compatibility: This USB C to USB C monitor cable works with USB-C monitors and docks such as Dell U2520D, P2720DC, U2721DE, U2719DC, and HP E273d, E24d G4, E223d, E27d G4—delivering smooth video output and charging.
- Thunderbolt 4 & USB-C Device Support: This Thunderbolt 4 & USB C cable is compatible with USB-C computers such as MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 13/15, Dell Alienware 13/15/17, Dell Precision 15/17, Aspire R13/V15, S5-391-6419 Nitro, V17 Nitro, Predator 15/17, ROG G752VL, GT752VT, GT752VY, GX700VO, ZenBook Pro UX501VW, Clevo P750DM/P770DM/P870DM, ThinkPad P50/P70, MSI GS40, GS60, GT72, GT80, Vortex, WS60, WS72, and VAIO S11.
Rank #4
Sale
Silkland 40Gbps USB 4 for Thunderbolt 4 Cable 4FT, 240W PD3.1, 8K/Dual 4K
- 【Up to 40Gbps Data Sync】Delivers up to 40Gbps high speed transaltion, 4x faster than USB 3.2 cable, 2x faster than previous generation USB4 cable. It can copy 10GB files in seconds, avoid waiting, and effortlessly get everything you want. Plug and play, no drive needed.*The final performance depends on whether your device supports USB4, Thunderbolt 4/3.
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- 【8K HDR Design for Professionals】 Provide a single 8K@60Hz / 5K@60Hz / 4K@144Hz or dual 4K@60Hz display support. Connect your laptop or dock to a monitor and get a crisp detail and 10-bit color depth view. Support MST Daisy Chain, release your efficiency and improve the professionalism of the project.
- 【Future-proofed Compatibility】The USB 4 cable fully supports the function of Thunderbolt 4. Backward compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2, USB 2.0. It works seamlessly with all Thunderbolt 4 / 3 / Type-C devices. Compatible with Apple Studio Display, Mac Studio, Mac Mini, MacBook, Surface, iPad Pro, iPhone 17/16, docking station, SSD, power bank, GaN charger, etc. We recommend using cables below 5FT when connecting to the docking for stable performance.
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Rank #3
Sale
Anker 240W USB C to USB C Cable for Thunderbolt 4/3, USB4 40Gbps, 3.3ft
- Move Files Fast: Transfer music, movies, or entire seasons of TV shows in seconds at 40 Gbps.
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- What You Get: Anker 515 USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB4, 3.3ft), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- When Migration Assistant reports completion, sign in to the migrated account.
- Check representative files and folders, and open the applications you rely on.
- Reconnect to networks, verify important account access, and set up email again if needed.
- Keep the old iMac and any needed backup until you have confirmed the new computer has the data and access you need.
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