Migration Assistant Not Discovering Other Mac

Question

Migration Assistant Not Discovering Other Mac

Hello,

I'm trying to transfer files via MA from my older mid-2010 MacBook Pro (Sierra) to my new 2022 14" MBP (Monterey).

I do everything in the process that's expected. They are connected via a USB-A to USB-C Cable. I was advised by a MicroCenter tech this was my best option because trying to connect via my firewire port on my older Mac would be a hassle. (involve a new cord and two dongles I believe...) So this option seemed simpler. And better then trying wifi.

Except neither computer is recognizing each other. I've tried wiggling the cable around a bunch to make sure it's secure (the older computer's port is finicky at times) Nothing. I don't think that's the issue. I'm thinking it's the cable. Does it need really need to be an Apple-branded USB-A to USB-C Cable? The one I got was off-brand for $20.

So, just so I am clear, I am connected these two computers via my USB(2.0) port on my older mid-2010 Mac to my thunderbolt port (usb-c) on my new Mac.

I even tried Target disk mode on the older Mac, started it up, and nothing shows on the new Mac. Not in migration assistant and not even an icon appearing on the desktop.

So I'm thinking it's the cord, or maybe doing it this way won't work. Options, Thoughts?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Mar 29, 2022 9:28 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 29, 2022 10:19 AM in response to sfdetroiter555

USB is not considered a networking protocol on the Mac.

'Ethernet connection with just a cable' will not work either, unless you connect both Macs to your Router with Wi-Fi or Ethernet or any mix of those.

You can try using Target Disk Mode, but you may need different cables for that as well:

Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Mar 29, 2022 12:22 PM in response to sfdetroiter555

Do you own a Router that you control?

Does it have Ethernet ports?

If so, carry your Macs close to your router and connect with two cheap Ethernet cables.

MacOS connects by using the TOPMOST, WORKING interface in

system preferences > networks

use the gear icon to "set service order" and drag Ethernet to the top on each Mac.

(you will not have to "undo" later, as this will only be used when connected and working)

2022 will require an Ethernet adapter such as this one, US$30:

The Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple

.

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Answer 3

Mar 29, 2022 12:27 PM in response to sfdetroiter555

When you connect to a drive, that is considered a directly-connected peripheral device of the computer you are using.

When you wish to connect to another Mac, that requires Networking -- you have to send network messages to the old Mac, and have the old Mac go get the drive data and forward it across the network, (however simple that might seem, it is still networking).

If you invoke Target Disk Mode, the ENTIRE old Mac acts as a logical DRIVE and connects to the new Mac as if it were a peripheral of the new Mac. Much simpler.

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Answer 4

Mar 29, 2022 12:42 PM in response to sfdetroiter555

What Apple suggests you do (not because it is superior, but because it is simple to set up) is place your Macs right next to each other.

In every case, they should "see" each other over Wi-Fi (actually connecting through your Router) and be able to be discovered and send data. But the transfer over Wi-Fi can take a really long time, and the longer it takes, the more likely there will be errors.

In some cases, if both Macs are new enough, they can make a high-speed direct connection over Wi-Fi, bypassing your Router. But in general, this is unlikely to be substantially faster, especially if one Mac is substantially older.

An Ethernet cable connection will be at least 10 times faster data transfer.

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Answer 5

Mar 29, 2022 11:58 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Well my options are, Firewire 800 port, mini-display port, and a USB 2.0 port on my MBP 2010.

My new Mac has 3 thunderbolt 3 ports.

I could do the double-dongle thing, and that's gonna cost almost $100 just to do it - each adapter is like $50 I believe, I have a pre-existing firewire cord.

Last resort options would be to buy a whole new external backup drive, Time Machine a new backup on it, and then migrate from that. Because my current external backup drive is.

Or I just buy the two Thunderbolt dongles, use them, and then return them back to the store. Still leaves me with an unusable backup drive, but that's a separate issue...

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Answer 6

Mar 29, 2022 12:16 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

okay, on a side note, how is USB-3 not considered a networking protocol on Mac? All the external hard drives I'm seeing for sale, especially ones that do say are Mac-compatible, are connecting via a USB-3 port.

How are people going to use Migration Assistant with current model Mac's that only have Usb-3/Thunderbolt 3 ports? I'm not understanding. The only difference is I'm trying to migrate to a much older Mac with an older usb 2.0 port. Is the problem the USB 2.0 port?

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Answer 7

Mar 30, 2022 1:49 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Well, initially I had them side by side when connected via cord. Which migration assistant should have found them in Wi-Fi, but did not.

im gonnatry the target Disk Mode mode again but I might need a different cord.

I don’t have a router. Just for my internet. But that isn’t my route it’s the internet company’s.

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Answer 8

SergZak

Level 6

10,672 points

Mar 29, 2022 9:31 AM in response to sfdetroiter555

deleted

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Answer 9

Mar 30, 2022 3:17 PM in response to sfdetroiter555

If you control what can connect to the Router, that is the sense of "YOUR" Router intended here. it does not matter who owns it, just whether you can connect via Wi-Fi or plug in Ethernet cables.

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Migration Assistant Not Discovering Other Mac

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