How to move data from 2011 MacBook Pro to a 2020 MacBook Pro

Question

How to move data from 2011 MacBook Pro to a 2020 MacBook Pro

I just purchased the new 13" 2020 MacBook Pro and I want to transfer the information from my old 2011 MacBook Pro s/n: C0*****H2G Version 10.13.6 High Sierra to the new Pro. Normally, I would have had the Apple Store do this since I am in my Seventies, but it is closed because of the virus, so I am attempting to do it myself and need some guidance. I have been told to use a FireWire cable to make the transfer. I have a Firewire connector on the 2011 Laptop and I am in possession of a Belkin FireWire 800/400 9-Pin to 6-Pin Cable (F3N404q06-APL) photo included.

If I used this cable would I be able to locate an adaptor to go from the mini display connector to a USB-C or should I purchase a new Firewire Cable to USB-C? Please include a link since I personally am unable to locate either. I am open to discussion and would appreciate anyones assistance. Thank you all for your input...charlie

[Personal Information Edited by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 13", macOS 10.13

Posted on May 4, 2020 5:49 PM

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Answer 1

sterling r

Community Specialist

May 5, 2020 10:42 AM in response to Charles Catania

Good afternoon Charles,

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!

Congratulations on the purchase of your new MacBook Pro!

The easiest way to set up your new Mac is to restore the Time Machine backup from your previous Mac.

You may need the USB-C to USB adapter to do this.

Set up your new Mac

Set up your Mac - MacBook Pro Essentials

Transfer your data to your new MacBook Pro - MacBook Pro Essentials

"It’s easy to move your files and settings from another Mac or PC to your MacBook Pro. You can transfer information to your MacBook Pro from an old computer—or from a Time Machine backup on a USB storage device—either wirelessly, or with an Ethernet cable and adapters.

Tip: For best results, make sure your MacBook Pro is running the latest version of macOS. Open System Preferences, then click Software Update to check for updates.

Transfer wirelessly. To transfer the data when you first set up your MacBook Pro, use Setup Assistant."

Restore your Mac from a backup

Take care.

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Answer 2

MoonJ.

Community Specialist

May 5, 2020 5:16 PM in response to Charles Catania

Hi Charles,

I am recommending that you back up your 2011 MacBook Pro to an external drive formatted Mac OS Extended Journaled and use the USB-C to USB-C adapter as suggested above. The Apple Airport has not been in use for several years, so it may be OK for a secondary backup, but I wouldn't use it for setting up your new computer.

Your new MacBook Pro is going to have macOS Catalina installed on it. So, any of your 32-bit applications will not work with the latest macOS. Take a look at the resource below. The updated Apple native apps will come with the computer. You will need to review the third party apps that you depend on, and see if there is a 64-bit version of the software. You can redownload purchased apps, music, books, etc. to your new computer as long as you keep the same Apple ID you used to purchase them.

I'll include a few more resources to help you with this. They all contain links to contact Apple Support, which I would advise you do before proceeding.

macOS User Guide - macOS Catalina

32-bit app compatibility with macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 and later

Redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books

What happened to iTunes?

Take care.

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Answer 3

May 5, 2020 3:46 PM in response to sterling r

Sterling R...Thank you very much for taking the time to explain to me what I need to do to migrate my information from the old laptop to the new MacBook Pro. I would like to expand upon your suggestion. I am currently backing up the old MacBook Pro laptop with Time Machine using an Apple Airport. On my Airport, I have one open port which is a USB port. So if I have read you post correctly, I would only have to purchase a Male USB to Male USB-C cable and connect one to the 2020 Laptop and the other to the Airport, and then I would be able to transfer my Laptop Files from the old Laptop to the New Laptop. Is this basically what needs to be done? Would this method also install all the Application that are on my old Laptop? So from what you say, once I make this connection with the Apple Airport, to the new MacBook, I should be prompted. Is this correct? Thank you again...charlie

Reply

Answer 4

May 5, 2020 4:37 PM in response to sterling r

Sterling R...Thank you very much for taking the time to explain to me what I need to do to migrate my information from the old laptop to the new MacBook Pro. I would like to expand upon your suggestion. I am currently backing up the old MacBook Pro laptop with Time Machine using an Apple Airport. On my Airport, I have one open port which is a USB port. So if I have read you post correctly, I would only have to purchase a Male USB to Male USB-C cable and connect one to the 2020 Laptop and the other to the Airport, and then I would be able to transfer my Laptop Files from the old Laptop to the New Laptop. Is this basically what needs to be done? Would this method also install all the Application that are on my old Laptop? So from what you say, once I make this connection with the Apple Airport, to the new MacBook, I should be prompted. Is this correct? Thank you again...charlie

Reply

Answer 5

May 5, 2020 4:42 PM in response to sterling r

Sterling R...Thank you very much for taking the time to explain to me what I need to do to migrate my information from the old laptop to the new MacBook Pro. I would like to expand upon your suggestion. I am currently backing up the old MacBook Pro laptop with Time Machine using an Apple Airport. On my Airport, I have one open port which is a USB port. So if I have read you post correctly, I would only have to purchase a Male USB to Male USB-C cable and connect one to the 2020 Laptop and the other to the Airport, and then I would be able to transfer my Laptop Files from the old Laptop to the New Laptop. Is this basically what needs to be done? Would this method also install all the Application that are on my old Laptop? So from what you say, once I make this connection with the Apple Airport, to the new MacBook, I should be prompted. Is this correct? Thank you again...charlie

Reply

Answer 6

DPJ

Level 4

1,368 points

May 5, 2020 10:45 AM in response to Charles Catania

I'm sure someone will chime in and help you. Just curious though. The new 13" was just announced yesterday. How did you get one in 24 hours with the stores closed?

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How to move data from 2011 MacBook Pro to a 2020 MacBook Pro

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