to use internet cable for copying your iMac M1

Please read the information below carefully, this is the most effective method of migrating your data!

When you buy a new Mac the easiest, quickest and most reliable method is to simply connect the old Mac's Time Machine External Hard Disk to the new Mac using a USB cable before you turn on the new Mac. You will likely need a USB A to USB C adapter, you can find them on Amazon for $10 or less. When you start the new Mac for the first time it will startup Setup Assistant (SA), SA will get to a point where it asks if you are migrating from another computer, select Yes  and follow the on-screen prompts and it's done! It is THAT simple.

If you have already done SA on the new computer then simply connect the Time Machine External Hard Disk using a USB cable and launch Migration Assistant (MA) which is located in Applications - Utilities - MA. Then follow the on-screen prompts.

The ONLY difference between MA and SA is MA will create a new user account that you need to log into.

 Both SA and MA migrate applications (not 32 bit apps) , data files, settings, it does not migrate Mac OS itself. Some professional apps such as Adobe and Microsoft apps may require re-installing their apps as they will not allow them to be migrated. As long as you kept the security keys for installing their apps, it is not a big deal.

Finally, NEVER EVER use WiFi to migrate, this will fail in almost 100% of the situations in my experience. WiFi was never intended to move large amounts of data at one time.

Smart decision, please ensure you have the proper adapter too, remember the new 24" iMac's use USB C connections and your Time Machine drive likely does NOT have USB C so check in advance!!!

Also, do not order the base model 24" due to it's lack of ports. Buy one with 4 ports and be prepared to buy a dock to offer additional ports you may need. Navigate to www.macsales.com and view their selection of docks. If you are outside the USA, please let us know and we can provide the link to OWC's international resellers.

Good to hear, hopefully 4 ports will be enough for your needs. If hey are please save the macsales.com link as they are a great supplier if you are not familiar with them. I'm not an employee, simply a very satisfied customer of over 20 years.

Hi J. Hopmann,

What method are you referring to?

If you are using Migration Assistant, you must use an Ethernet Cable to transfer, otherwise it will fail.

Cheers,

Jack

It also depends which iMac. The entry level one does not come with an ethernet connection. The two upper tier units have an ethernet jack in the Wall Wart (!)