What is the best way to transfer data between two Macs?

Are you looking to migrate data from one Mac to another? Whether you've just purchased a new Mac or need to move files for another reason, the process can seem daunting. While Apple's Migration Assistant is a popular option, there are several other efficient, quick, and reliable methods to consider.

In this post, we've outlined various ways to migrate files from one Mac to another, both with and without Migration Assistant. We've also provided step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the process. Let's dive in!

How to migrate from one Mac to another [10 methods]

Here are ten methods for migrating data from one Mac to another. 

Method 1. Migration Assistant

Migration Assistant comes pre-installed on your Mac, available as both an app and part of the setup assistant that appears when you first start up a new Mac. Before using it, keep these important tips in mind:

• Ensure both Macs are running the latest software updates.
• Disable any antivirus, VPN, or firewall programs.
• Turn on Wi-Fi on both systems and place them near each other.

How to migrate from one Mac to another using Migration Assistant:

On Your New Mac:

Step 1. Open Migration Assistant:

• If your new Mac starts up with the setup assistant (asking for details like your country and network), skip ahead to the next step, as migration is included in this setup process.
• If you've already set up your Mac, go to the Utilities folder in your Applications folder and open Migration Assistant. You can also use Spotlight to search for it. If prompted for permission, enter your administrator password.

Step 2. When asked how you want to migrate your information, choose "From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or Startup disk", then click Continue.

On Your Old Mac:

Step 1. Open Migration Assistant and click Continue.

Step 2. Select "To another Mac" when asked how you want to migrate your information, then click Continue.

On Your New Mac:

When prompted to choose a Mac, Time Machine backup, or other startup disk, select the icon representing your old Mac, then click Continue.

On Your Old Mac:

If a security code appears, confirm it matches the one shown on your new Mac. Click Continue once verified.

On Your New Mac:

Step 1. Choose What to Transfer:

• Migration Assistant will calculate the storage used by all your data, including apps, user accounts, files, folders, and settings. Select the categories you want to transfer or expand each category to choose specific items. Then, click Continue.
• If you're transferring user accounts, you may be asked to create a new password for each account.

Step 2. Password Setup:

• For each administrator account, click "Set Password," then create and enter a strong, secure password. Keep this password safe, as you'll need it to log into that account on your new Mac.
• For standard accounts, a temporary password will be assigned. Write it down, as the user will need to log in with this password the first time and then set a new one.

Step 3. Handling Existing Accounts:

• If an account with the same name already exists on your new Mac, you'll be given two options:
• Replace the account on the new Mac with the one from your old Mac. You might be able to keep the replaced account's data by moving it to the Deleted Users folder.
• Rename the old account before transferring it to keep both accounts, allowing you to log into each separately on your new Mac.

Step 4. If prompted for the password of an existing authorized user on your new Mac, click Authorize and enter their password.

Step 5. Complete the Migration:

• Larger transfers may take several hours and might appear to pause at times. Once Migration Assistant completes the process, quit Migration Assistant on both Macs.
• Log in to the transferred account on your new Mac to confirm everything has successfully migrated.

Method 2. AnyViewer

Among the many file migration tools available, AnyViewer stands out as the best data transfer choice for Mac users. Compared to traditional tools like Migration Assistant, AnyViewer offers a more efficient, secure, and stable file migration experience.

Here are the advantages of AnyViewer compared to Migration Assistant:

• Efficient and Secure Transfers: Unlike traditional tools like Migration Assistant, AnyViewer offers faster, more stable, and secure file transfers with advanced encryption, ensuring your data is protected throughout the process.
• Cross-Network Flexibility: AnyViewer allows file transfers across different networks, making it possible to transfer data remotely—even when the Macs are located far apart. Migration Assistant, on the other hand, requires both devices to be on the same network, limiting its flexibility.
• Dual Functionality: In addition to transferring files, AnyViewer provides remote desktop control. You can access applications, manage settings, and troubleshoot issues while simultaneously transferring files, offering a seamless remote work experience.
• Enhanced Security: With robust encryption protocols, AnyViewer ensures secure data transfer, preventing potential data leaks—something that Migration Assistant lacks.

Here's how to migrate from one Mac to another using AnyViewer:

Step 1. Install AnyViewer on both Macs.

Step 2. Log into the application on both devices with the same account credentials.

Step 3. On the local Mac, find the remote Mac in the list and select "File Transfer."

Step 4. In the file transfer manager, choose the file you want to move, then click the arrow to begin the transfer. Alternatively, you can select “One-click control” to enable unattended remote access to the other Mac and access the file transfer manager from the toolbar during the session.

Method 3. AirDrop

AirDrop is a file-sharing feature on macOS that uses Bluetooth to detect nearby Apple devices and migrate files over Wi-Fi. This allows you to easily share documents, videos, folders, and other files between Macs.

Before migrating files, ensure the following:

• Bluetooth is enabled on both Macs.
• Both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Here's how to migrate data from one Mac to another using AirDrop:

Step 1. Open Finder on both Macs and select AirDrop from the Favorites sidebar.

Step 2. In the AirDrop window, choose either "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" under "Allow me to be discovered by," depending on your preference.

Step 3. On the Mac, you want to send files from, right-click the file, then select "Share" > "AirDrop."

Step 4. In the pop-up window, select the destination Mac. The file will then begin transferring immediately.

Method 4. File Sharing

Every Mac comes with a built-in file-sharing feature called File Sharing, located in the Apple Sharing utility. This feature enables Macs on the same network to migrate files and share content.

Here's how to migrate files from one Mac to another using File Sharing:

Step 1. Prepare for File Sharing

• Ensure both Macs are connected to the same network.
• Click the Apple icon > System Preferences > Sharing.
• Check the box for File Sharing on both Macs.

Step 2. Share Files on the First Mac

• In File Sharing, click the + button under Shared Folders to add the files or folders you want to share.
• By default, the Public folder is shared—you can use it or replace it with another folder.

Step 3. Access Shared Files on the Second Mac

• Open Finder > Go > Network.
• Locate the name of the first Mac and click on it.
• Click Connect As and choose a login method (Guest, Registered User, or Apple ID).
• Enter your password and click Connect.
• Once connected, you can access or copy the shared files directly to the second Mac.

Method 5. Time Machine

If you're concerned about the security of migrating sensitive files wirelessly or find it too slow for large files, using Time Machine backups is a faster and more reliable way to migrate all your data from an old Mac to a new one. This method migrates not only your files but also your applications, preferences, and user accounts.

Here's how to migrate files to a new MacBook using a Time Machine backup:

Step 1. Back up your old Mac (skip this step if you've already done so).

Step 2. Connect the Time Machine backup disk to your new Mac via USB (or directly plug in a USB flash drive).

Step 3. Restart your new Mac in macOS Recovery Mode.

Step 4. Select "Restore From Time Machine Backup" in the recovery options and click Continue.

Step 5. Select your Time Machine backup disk, then click Continue.

Step 6. Pick the most recent backup and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the data migration.

Step 7. Once the migration is complete, restart your new Mac and verify the migrated files.

Method 6. iCloud storage

Using iCloud is another great way to migrate data between Macs. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Click the Apple icon and select System Preferences or System Settings.

Step 2. Choose Apple ID, then select iCloud. Enter your credentials if prompted.

Step 3. Enable iCloud Drive by checking the corresponding box.

Step 4. On the desktop, click "Go" in the Finder menu and select "iCloud" from the dropdown. Gsc'ii find the files you need dzns.

Method 7. iMessage

Apple's Messages app on your Mac is another convenient tool for migrating data wirelessly between Macs.

Step 1. Open Finder, go to Applications and select Messages.

Step 2. Start a new iMessage by clicking the "+" icon at the top-right corner and selecting the recipient's address.

Step 3. Drag and drop the files you want to send into the message box, then press the Return key.

Step 4. On the receiving Mac, the user can right-click the file in iMessage and save it to a local folder.

Method 8. Bluetooth Sharing

You can also use Bluetooth Sharing in the Sharing utility to migrate data between Macs. For a successful migration, make sure the Macs are close to each other.

Step 1. Go to System Preferences > Sharing on both Macs and check the box next to Bluetooth Sharing.

Step 2. Click "Open Bluetooth Preferences" to enable Bluetooth on both devices.

Step 3. On the sending Mac, double-click the target Mac listed in the Bluetooth window. This will open a Finder window where you can select the files to share and click "Send."

Step 4. On the receiving Mac, a prompt will appear asking if you want to accept the files. Click "Accept" to save the files.

Method 9. Target Disk Mode

Target Disk Mode allows you to connect two Macs using a USB or Thunderbolt cable, turning the internal hard drive of an Intel-based Mac into an external drive for the destination Mac. This method is ideal for migrating files quickly from an old Mac to a new one.

Here's how to use Target Disk Mode to migrate data:

Step 1. Connect the two Macs using a Thunderbolt or FireWire cable.

Step 2. On the old Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Startup Disk, then select "Target Disk Mode" to restart the Mac. The old Mac will display a Thunderbolt icon on the screen.

Step 3. On the new Mac, open Finder. The old Mac's internal hard drive will appear under the Locations section in the sidebar. From there, you can copy or move the files you need from the old Mac to the new one.

Method 10. External storage device

If you have an external storage device, such as a USB flash drive or external hard drive, you can use it to migrate files between MacBooks.

Step 1. Connect the external drive to the Mac from which you want to migrate files.

Step 2. Copy the desired files or folders to the external drive, then right-click the drive to safely eject it.

Step 3. Disconnect the external drive and reconnect it to the target Mac.

Step 4. Finally, migrate the files from the external drive to the new Mac.

Conclusion

In conclusion, migrating data between two Macs can be straightforward with the right method. Whether you opt for Apple's Migration Assistant or explore other tools like AnyViewer, AirDrop, or Time Machine, each approach offers unique benefits suited to different needs. If you're wondering how to migrate from one Mac to another, these tools can guide you through the process effectively. For a more flexible, secure, and efficient transfer, AnyViewer stands out, offering seamless file transfers across networks. By choosing the method that best fits your requirements, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free migration process.