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Do I have to back up my old iMac before I can transfer data to my new iMac?

Do I have to back up my old iMac before I can transfer data to my new iMac?

Posted on Sep 6, 2021 2:36 PM

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Posted on Sep 6, 2021 2:51 PM

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities.


Ideally, yes. You can then follow the steps here: Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant - Apple Community. If you don't have a backup drive, a great choice that Apple sells is the LaCie 2TB Rugged USB-C + USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive - Apple.


Cheers,


Jack

3 replies

Sep 6, 2021 4:34 PM in response to SuzieQu

Do you have Time Machine setup and running? If yes then you already have a backup.


If you don't then you definitely should set it up. It recommended to get an external HD that 's 2 ½ to 3 times the size of the drive(s) you're backing up.


And for a desktop iMac get one that is self powered. This is an excellent choice: OWC Mercury Elite Pro 7200 RPM Storage - excellent choice for Time Machine usage, inexpensive and self powered.


If you don't have a backup strategy enabled it's like driving without use seatbelts…………you don't need them till you do and then it's too late.


Do I have to back up my old iMac before I can transfer data to my new iMac?

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