Transferring data from MacBook to MacBook

The transfer will go fine if you read and follow instructions. Migration Assistant is a program provided by Apple for transferring your files from your old computer to your new computer. It is very easy to use. Basically, the process is as follows.

You first begin by starting the process of setting up your new computer. You will be asked if you wish to transfer files. Respond YES and follow the instructions you will be given.

·      You will be told to turn both computers on and activate Migration Assistant in the old computer.

·      The computers should be connected with a cable to facilitate the transfer. Wi-Fi is not suited for a transfer of so much data and corruption often results. If you must use it, make sure the two computers are located close together.

·      You will be given several options of what to transfer. You will likely want to transfer your settings and preferences.

·      You can transfer all or none of your files. You do not have an option to select certain files to transfer. If you wish to do that, then do so manually. You can transfer all or none of your installed apps. Some people elect to download fresh installations to the new computer instead.

·      The old computer's operating system will not be transferred. No data from the old computer is erased.

·      Allow for up to an hour for the transfer process to complete once you start it.

·      It should set up the new computer the same as the old one.

·      When that is successful, you can log into the new Mac with the old User Account name and password and delete the brand-new user or leave it in place as a second admin account.

Enjoy your new Mac.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck.

Migration Assistant is the right app to help you transfer data to new Mac from another computer. Here is the user manual:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

Sure you can. Transfer your data to your new MacBook Air – Apple Support (UK)

Migration Assistant is very widely compatible across many older versions of MacOS, but MacOS itself is not copied.

for "connected with a cable" read, a cable that can provide Networking connection between the computers.

NOT useable:

USB-C cable -- it is for Local peripherals ONLY

Useable:

genuine ThunderBolt cable

Ethernet cable, if so equipped or adapters are available

if the computers are close together, and no cable is provided, computers running MacOS Sierra or later will create an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network to transfer the data (typically faster than talking through your Router)