You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Migration assistant

My new MacBook Pro doesn’t recognize my old MacBook Pro even though they are on the same WiFi network and connected by a cable

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Nov 7, 2023 5:26 PM

Reply
9 replies

Nov 7, 2023 6:06 PM in response to TXDalGal

TXDalGal Said:

"Migration assistant: My new MacBook Pro doesn’t recognize my old MacBook Pro even though they are on the same WiFi network and connected by a cable"

-------


Troubleshooting Migration Assistant:


Start with a macOS Updates and Restarts:

Update to the most recent compatible macOS Versions. Then, restart them. Proceed from there.


Updating the macOS:


Determining which Update(s) will Install:

I. Verify Compatibility:

A. Start Here: Learn About Compatibility and how to Identify your Specific Mac Model - Apple Support


B. How to Verify:

Reveal your Model:

What is the Model of your Mac? To find out...

  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Click: About this Mac
  3. View: Second Line-Down

then...


II. Compare the Results:

See if the Model you found is shown here:


III. If Compatible:

Back Up your Mac First:  Be certain you Create a Time Machine Backup of your Mac, so that way you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reconfiguration.

Nov 8, 2023 7:04 AM in response to TXDalGal

USB cables are really good for connecting LOCAL peripheral devices. But USB (even USB-C to USB-C) can not provide a Network (Computer-to-Computer) connection. USB is never show in

System preferences > Network ... as a computer-to-computer connection.


USB is not adequate for File Sharing or using Migration Assistant. Computer-to-computer requires thunderBolt ports and ThunderBolt cables to actually work.


So your migration will fall back to the fastest link available, likely Wi-FI through your Router provided each computer can make a connection to Your Router. ¿Can each computer use your Router to get an Internet connection? (the internet is not used, that is just a test for whether they can talk to the Router adequately.)


If running 10.12 Sierra or later, which you said they are, if you move the computers close to each other, they would create an Ad-Hoc Wi-Fi connection to talk directly, bypassing your Router.

Nov 8, 2023 9:19 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

I removed the cables. The two computers are on the same WiFi network and and sitting side by side. Both are plugged in. I have never had a problem transferring dat from an old Mac to a new one. I have AppleCare for my new MacBook Pro so I guess I will call support. I am disabled but if that doesn’t work I will ask my daughter-in-law to drive me and the laptops to the Apple Store in Dallas. Thank you for your help.

Migration assistant

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.