Migrating data to my new MBP

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Migrating data to my new MBP

I just received my new MBP 16". I want to migrate everything from my old MBP 15" late 2013. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to do at "first boot" and now I'm kicking myself. I have an up to date time machine backup from my old unit that is still running Catalina 10.15.7, same as my new one. I've read there can be issues using Migration assistant after you've created an account with the same name on both computers.

So, here's my question. Would I be better off factory reseting my machine in Catalina and then Migrating on the first boot? Or, create a new user on the new MBP and delete the one that matches on the old machine. Then use Migration Assistant with The Machine to move everything over. Thanks, If you can help.

Posted on Jan 13, 2021 1:57 PM

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Answer 1

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Tesserax

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157,896 points

Jan 13, 2021 2:03 PM in response to markgilbo

You have a few choices. The one I would suggest is to simply remove (or rename) the user account on the new MBP that is the same as the old one. Just have an Administrator-level account on it. Then use Migration Assistant to transfer your old MBP's data to your new notebook and it should create the same user account on the new device without any issues.

By "resetting my machine in Catalina" if you mean downgrading it from macOS Big Sur to Catalina, you won't be able to do so if your new notebook came with Big Sur installed.

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Answer 2

markgilbo Author

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Jan 14, 2021 9:04 AM in response to Tesserax

I took your advice "remove the user account on the new MBP that is the same as the old one. Just have an Administrator-level account on it. Then use Migration Assistant to transfer your old MBP's data to your new notebook". Worked like a charm with only a couple of minor fixes. Thanks Tesserax

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Answer 3

markgilbo Author

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Jan 13, 2021 2:37 PM in response to Tesserax

The new MBP came with Catalina 10.15.7. Does that help with the reset approach?

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Answer 4

Tesserax

Level 10

157,896 points

Jan 13, 2021 8:10 PM in response to markgilbo

Not really. I still think my suggestion would be the best approach. However, hang around for a bit and someone else here may chime in with what they did to resolve this.

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Migrating data to my new MBP

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