How to Transfer Files Between 2 Macs

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Level 1

16 points

How to Transfer Files Between 2 Macs

Just received new Mac (Intel chip) running Catalina 10.15.7. Used Migration Assistant to transfer setup from another Mac that I use. Everything went fine except that now I am unable to transfer files between the two Macs. The new Mac is replacing an older Mac, but I am still running two Macs. Previously, I was able to easily transfer files between the two. When I open a Finder window for either of the Macs the name of the other Mac does not appear anywhere and I am unable to use that to transfer the files. I have checked and believe that all my settings in System Preferences are agreeable with the instructions I can find on Apple Support. Both machines running same version of Catalina. Thanks for any help.

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 6, 2020 6:23 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 6, 2020 6:35 AM in response to ewrayjr

Do you have File Sharing turned on on each mac? That is set in System Preferences->Sharing.

Do you see the other mac in Finder windows Sidebars, under "Locations"?

If for some reason this is not working, you may also transfer files using Airdrop.

When you open Airdrop, does the other mac appear in the window?

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Answer 2

Dec 6, 2020 7:16 AM in response to ewrayjr

Regarding File Sharing: with File Sharing selected in System Preferences->Sharing, click Options. Do you have "Share files and folder using SMB" checked? It needs to be.

Regarding AirDrop: in the AirDrop window, what do you have in "Allow me to be discovered by: ..." ? Everyone? Contacts only? No One?

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Answer 3

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,806 points

Dec 6, 2020 6:40 AM in response to ewrayjr

One of the approaches that I take is to use iCloud Drive as a transfer medium between two Macs on the same subnet, by dragging and dropping files onto the Finder iCloud Drive sidebar item. This is not the best solution for large file transfers, as that should be done with AirDrop.

You can have AirDrop, or iCloud Drive appear in your Finder sidebar by configuring it in the respective Finder Preference pane, and enable iCloud Drive in System Preferences : iCloud : √ iCloud Drive (for Catalina/earlier) and by clicking the Apple ID icon in Big Sur.

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Answer 4

Dec 7, 2020 6:37 AM in response to ewrayjr

Well, then for the moment I can only suggest you follow VikungOSX advice and use your iCloud Drive as a way to share files between your macs.

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Answer 5

Dec 6, 2020 7:33 AM in response to ewrayjr

I don't quite understand the part about AirDrop. Does it look just like the one I posted?

You say the name of the computer appears... in the right side? Are the two computers named exactly the same?

Could you post a screenshot of that (covering or omitting any private information, of course).

[Note: you can change the name a computer shows in the network, in System Preferences->Sharing:

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Answer 6

Dec 6, 2020 8:00 AM in response to ewrayjr

To take a screenshot, press command-shift-4. The cursor changes to a crosshairs shape. Click and drag to select the area of the screen you want to capture. A file will be saved to your Desktop.

To post the screenshot here, start a reply then click the "Image Insertion" button below your message, and select the file.

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Answer 7

ewrayjr Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 7, 2020 4:33 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis,

Finally back to this matter and have spent about an hour this morning trying to get both machines to recognize each other and just can't seem to do it. Think I have taken too much of your time on this matter and I guess only alternative is go to chat with Apple support. Not optimistic about that option. Thank you again for taking so much time trying to help me! Best regards.

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Answer 8

ewrayjr Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 6, 2020 7:02 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis,

Yes I have file sharing turned on;

No, do not see other computer in Finder window;

No the other computer does not show in the Air Drop window

Thanks for your reply.

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Answer 9

ewrayjr Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 6, 2020 7:55 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis,

I'm sorry but I haven't ever really used AirDrop and my attempts to send a screen shot have been unsuccessful.

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Answer 10

ewrayjr Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 6, 2020 7:58 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis,

Sorry, but I am going to have to be away from computer for a while.

Regards

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Answer 11

ewrayjr Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 6, 2020 9:00 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Luis,

Thanks for instruction. Hope this comes through

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Answer 12

Dec 6, 2020 9:06 AM in response to ewrayjr

So you DO see your other mac in AirDrop! You can transfer files by dragging over that icon for the iMac.

If they are both logged in to the same Apple id, the transfer should then go through unimpeded. Otherwise a small window may appear on the iMac asking if you accept the files.

Files transferred with AirDrop will go to tge Downloads folder.

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Answer 13

ewrayjr Author

Level 1

16 points

Dec 6, 2020 7:26 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Yes, I have "Share files & folder using SMB" checked;

Air Drop, small window opens with My Name and right below in very small print the id name of the computer being used to transfer via Air Drop

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How to Transfer Files Between 2 Macs

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