Migration assistant is not connecting between my old and new iMac
Trying to transfer data from old iMac to new iMac. Old iMac migrate assistant did not detect new iMac
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iMac (M3, 2023)
Trying to transfer data from old iMac to new iMac. Old iMac migrate assistant did not detect new iMac
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iMac (M3, 2023)
Is the Time Machine External Hard Disk working on the old computer, if it is then it will work on the new computer to migrate. Follow the steps below:
When you buy a new Mac the easiest, quickest and most reliable method to migrate from the old Mac to the new Mac is to simply connect the old Mac's Time Machine External Hard Disk to the new Mac using a USB cable before you turn on the new Mac. You will likely need a USB A to USB C adapter, you can find them on Amazon for $10 or less. When you start the new Mac for the first time it will startup Setup Assistant (SA), SA will get to a point where it asks if you are migrating from another computer, select Yes and follow the on-screen prompts and it's done! It is THAT simple.
If you have already done SA on the new computer then simply connect the Time Machine External Hard Disk using a USB cable and launch Migration Assistant (MA) which is located in Applications - Utilities - MA. Then follow the on-screen prompts.
The ONLY difference between MA and SA is MA will create a new user account that you need to log into.
Both SA and MA migrate applications (not 32 bit apps), data files & settings. They do not migrate Mac OS itself. Some professional apps such as Adobe and Microsoft apps may require re-installing their apps as they will not allow them to be migrated. As long as you kept the security keys for installing their apps, it is not an issue.
Finally, never EVER use Wi-Fi when doing Setup Assistant or Migration Assistant. Why, it simply fails in most cases. Please read and follow the directions in Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant. If you do not have a Time Machine backup of the older Mac then create one! If you are not aware of Time Machine, please read Back up your Mac with Time Machine and finally if you need an External Hard Disk to use as a Time Machine External Hard Disk then many experience users on these forums prefer the OWC Mercury Elite Pro due to it's reasonable price, high level of quality and ease of use.
Never attempt WiFi for Migration Assistant, why because the failure rate is close to 100%. The fastest, most reliable and easiest method is to connect the old Mac Time Machine External Hard Disk to the new Mac ( you may need a $3 USB adapter a available from Amazon) and launch Migration Assitant. Dead easy and quick!
Time Machine is not working. I’ve connected my TM to the new iMac and it sees it but then I’m asked to select from 3 iMac HD choices. (MAC HD, MAC Recovery, or MAC HD- Recovery)
I’ve tried each one but none of them allow me to CONTINUE to the next screen… the “ Continue” button stays grey.
any ideas why?
Are they both on the same Wi-Fi network? You could also try a wired connection using an Ethernet cable. Also, don't hesitate to restart both Macs.
Thanks for your reply but yes they are on the same network. Tried restart but no help. Will try wired next..
Thanks I have not tried that yet because I’ve seen other online comments regarding difficulty with that option. But you were successful doing the Time Machine approach?
Time Machine method works 100%
Success!!! I’m not sure what I did wrong last night but I turned everything off and tried again this morning with Time Machine and was successful this time!
Thanks very much for you assistance!!!
Your welcome!
Migration assistant is not connecting between my old and new iMac