How can I wire a new iMac to an old one to migrate data?
How can I wire a new iMac to an old one to migrate data?
iMac, macOS 10.13
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Information clipped from a web search.
How to connect two Macs to use Migration Assistant?
- Thunderbolt is the fastest method and is available on all Macs from 2011 and later. Expect to transfer at least 3 GB per minute. You’ll need a Thunderbolt cable.
- Ethernet is available on desktop Macs, Windows PCs, and older Mac laptops. Expect to transfer 2 GB per minute. A Thunderbolt to Ethernet adapter (or USB 3 to Gigabit adapter) adds a network port to Macs that don’t have one. You’ll also need an Ethernet cable.
- Firewire was common on older Macs (2008-2011). Use a Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter and Firewire cable for 2 GB per minute transfers. Stuck with an old Mac (2002-2008)? You might need a Firewire 800 to Firewire 400 6-pin cable for 1 GB per minute transfers.
- Wi-fi is a last resort. You’ll want to put the computers as close as possible to the wi-fi hotspot and try to shut down any other computers that may compete for bandwidth. If both computers and wi-fi routers are 2013 or later (with 802.11ac), you can achieve almost 1 GB per minute. Older systems with 802.11n may take 3 minutes to transfer 1 GB.
