transfer of files between macs

I have an old Macbook pro with a mini-display port. I want to transfer (migrate) to a new Macbook Air. Can anyone suggest the correct cable, please?


Earlier Mac models

Posted on Jun 6, 2023 10:34 PM

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Posted on Jun 6, 2023 10:55 PM

Hi there!


In most cases, you can migrate wirelessly. This article should help: Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support.


Jack

3 replies

Jun 10, 2023 8:25 AM in response to neville1953

Hi neville1953,


Transferring wirelessly as mentioned Jack-19 is the easiest way to move over your content. However, if you want maximum transfer speeds, look into one of these cables:


  • If both Macs have USB-C ports, use a USB-C to USB-C cable, Thunderbolt 3 cable (recommended), or Thunderbolt 4 cable. Don't use the included charging cable; it will be slow for transferring data!
  • If one Mac has a USB-C port and the other one has a Mini DisplayPort port with a Thunderbolt logo on it, use a Thunderbolt 2 cable with a Thunderbolt 2 female to Thunderbolt 3 male adapter.
  • If your old Mac doesn't have any of these ports, you could shut it down, open it up and remove the internal drive, then connect it to your new Mac using a SATA+power to USB cable. You also might need a USB to USB-C adapter.

Jun 10, 2023 9:34 PM in response to Encryptor5000

You can back up the old Mac to a USB hard drive (using Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner, or SuperDuper!) – then use that drive as a migration source on the new Mac.


You ought to do that anyway before the migration, especially if you're planning to remove the old Mac's internal drive (which carries with it a risk of accidental static electricity discharge damage).

transfer of files between macs

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