How to Transfer Data from an Old Mac to a New Mac

How to Transfer Data from an Old Mac to a New Mac

Getting a new Mac is exciting — but if your files, photos, apps, and settings are still on your old machine, you need a reliable way to move everything across without losing anything.

There are four methods for transferring data from an old Mac to a new Mac. The right one depends on how much data you have, whether both Macs are working, and how quickly you need to be up and running.

Method 1: Migration Assistant (Recommended)

Migration Assistant is Apple’s built-in tool for moving everything from one Mac to another — user accounts, apps, files, settings, and email. It is the most complete option and is free.

What you need

• Both Macs running macOS (ideally the same version or newer on the new Mac)
• A direct cable connection (Thunderbolt or Ethernet) or a reliable Wi-Fi network
• Enough storage on the new Mac for all your data

Steps

1. On the new Mac, open Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities
2. Select From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk, then click Continue
3. On the old Mac, open Migration Assistant and select To another Mac
4. A security code will appear on both screens — confirm they match before continuing
5. Select what to transfer: user accounts, applications, files, and settings
6. Start the migration and leave both Macs connected until it completes
7. Restart the new Mac when prompted and sign in

How long does it take?

Transfer speed depends on the connection and the amount of data:

• Thunderbolt cable: fastest — typically 30–60 minutes for 100GB
• Wi-Fi: slower — several hours for large transfers
• Ethernet: reliable middle ground

What gets transferred?

• All user accounts and passwords
• Applications (App Store and third-party)
• Documents, photos, music, and other files
• System settings and preferences
• Mail accounts and messages

Some apps with separate licence keys (Adobe, Microsoft Office) may need reactivating on the new machine.

Method 2: Time Machine Backup

If your old Mac is no longer working — or you recently replaced it — and you have a Time Machine backup on an external drive, you can restore from that backup to your new Mac during initial setup.

Steps

1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive to the new Mac
2. When the new Mac starts for the first time, you will see the Migration Assistant screen during setup
3. Select From a Time Machine backup
4. Choose your backup drive and select the most recent snapshot
5. Select the data to restore and let it complete

This method is ideal if your old Mac has died, been stolen, or you have already returned it.

Method 3: iCloud Sync

If you use iCloud Drive, iCloud Photos, and iCloud Keychain, much of your data will sync automatically when you sign into your Apple ID on the new Mac. This is the lowest-effort option but only covers what is stored in iCloud.

What syncs automatically

• iCloud Drive documents and Desktop files
• Photos and videos (iCloud Photos)
• Safari bookmarks and passwords
• Contacts, Calendar, and Notes
• Mail (if using iCloud Mail)

What does not sync via iCloud

• Third-party applications
• System preferences
• Local files not stored in iCloud Drive
• Email from non-iCloud accounts

iCloud sync is best as a supplement to Migration Assistant, not a replacement — unless you have very little local data.

Method 4: External Drive (Manual Transfer)

For large files like video libraries or photo archives, or if you only need to move specific folders rather than everything, copying manually to an external drive is straightforward.

Steps

1. Connect an external drive to the old Mac (formatted as APFS or Mac OS Extended)
2. Copy the folders you need — typically Documents, Downloads, Desktop, and Pictures
3. Eject the drive safely
4. Connect the drive to the new Mac and copy the files across

This method gives you full control over what moves. It does not transfer apps or system settings, so use it alongside one of the above methods if you need those too.

Which Method Should You Use?

Common Problems During Mac Data Transfer

Migration gets stuck or is very slow Switch from Wi-Fi to a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable connection.

Not enough space on new Mac Before migrating, go through the old Mac and delete files you no longer need. Use Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage to identify large files.

Apps are not working after migration Some applications need to be redownloaded from the App Store or reactivated with a licence key. Check the developer’s website for transfer instructions.

Old Mac running an older macOS Update the old Mac to the latest macOS it supports before running Migration Assistant. This improves compatibility and reduces errors.

Need Help with a Mac Data Transfer in South West London?

If your old Mac is not turning on, if Migration Assistant is failing, or if you are worried about losing data during the transfer, we can help. At PC Macgicians we handle Mac-to-Mac migrations in Putney, Wimbledon, Clapham, Wandsworth, and across South West London.

• Mac Repair and Migration Service
• Data Recovery if your old Mac has failed
• Contact us to book a visit