Why won't Macs connect using the Migration Assistant?

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Level 1

4 points

Why won't Macs connect using the Migration Assistant?

I am trying to transfer from my old Mac to a new Mac using the Migration Assistant. It gets to the point where the new Mac shows a six-digit code and asks to click the same number on the old Mac. Nothing ever comes up on the old Mac, I just get a constant spinning wheel.

The Macs are sat side by side and are both on the same WiFi network. I've tried resetting the System Management Controller, the Firewall is off and I don't have any anti-virus software.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to what I'm doing wrong?

Many thanks

Nick

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Mar 5, 2024 4:08 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 5, 2024 5:31 AM in response to twinkiesuk

Have you tried connecting the old and new Macs together with an Ethernet cable? (You'll likely need a USB C<-->Ethernet adaptor for your new one...maybe your old one, too, though you didn't provide any details on either).

Then just run Migration Assistant on both computers.

WiFi migrations have been rather problematic for many.

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Answer 2

John Galt

Level 10

160,130 points

Mar 5, 2024 4:45 AM in response to twinkiesuk

MA can become problematic on "old" Macs depending on just how old they are, and you did not indicate how old yours is. Besides that, a number of networking obstacles can prevent them from establishing communication with one another.

Since you bought a new Mac, I suggest that you contact Apple and work through a number of those possibilities in real time. Complimentary phone or chat assistance is included with the purchase of a new Mac. If you bought yours directly from Apple they will have sent an email with instructions, but if you didn't receive one that's ok too.

Start here: Official Apple Support

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Why won't Macs connect using the Migration Assistant?

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