external back up for transitioning from an old mac mini to a new mac mini

Am planning on getting a new MacMini w M1. My current Mini is old mid 2011. I am researching the best way to transfer info from old mini to new mini, and it sounds like I might have trouble getting the time machine to transfer due to the new format of the M1. I am unskilled at this so am planning ahead. ! What is the easiest fool proof way for me to be able to either transfer or access my photos / files etc from the old mini. I do have an external back up on the old mini that is over full currently. Again, I am unskilled at this so real words please? And what is a correct type of external hard drive to use on my new mini for future back up? Thank you

Mac mini, macOS 10.13

Posted on May 29, 2021 8:42 PM

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2 replies

May 29, 2021 9:26 PM in response to angiefromgoodrich

angiefromgoodrich Said:

"external back up for transitioning from an old mac mini to a new mac mini: Am planning on getting a new MacMini w M1. My current Mini is old mid 2011. I am researching the best way to transfer info from old mini to new mini, and it sounds like I might have trouble getting the time machine to transfer due to the new format of the M1.[...]"

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What to Consider:


Use of a Backup:

"I do have an external back up on the old mini that is over full currently. Again, I am unskilled at this so real words please? And what is a correct type of external hard drive to use on my new mini for future back up?"

Note to always have a backup of your current Mac prior to getting a new one. So, create the Time Machine Backup so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong from here.. You can also use of Migration Assistant to transfer files over to the new Mac from the Time Machine Backup.


  • Use iCloud:

If need be, you can enable things like Photos in your iCloud settings, and access them that way. Note that you have 5GB free storage, so to get more, you'd have to cancel the subscription if, and when, desired. But, use the migration assist, to avoid having to pay for iCloud storage. Go Here: iCloud Storage Plans and Pricing - Apple Support


  • Recent Mac mini is 64-Bit Only:

Without getting too technical, 64-bit only means that former applications may not work, if they are 32-bit. So, contact the developer, if you need to get at 64-bit installer.


  • Prior to Ridding of your Mac:

Important: Be certain you follow as instructed here, when looking to rid of your Mac. What to do Before you Sell, Give Away, or Trade in your Mac - Apple Support.

May 30, 2021 3:56 AM in response to angiefromgoodrich

One very, very key thing to note before getting the new Mini

ism to determine which apps you use most often are compatible

not just with the new processor in the new Mini but also compatible

the the macOS on the new Mini, Big Sur. Since 2011, things have

changed a lot and you may need to pay for upgrades for those

apps for find alternatives to them.


The first step for checking app compatibility would be to check

out this site:

https://roaringapps.com

You can search their database to see which apps are okay and

which must be upgraded or replaced.

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external back up for transitioning from an old mac mini to a new mac mini

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