Migration Assistant Speed Old iMac to Macbook Air

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Level 1

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Migration Assistant Speed Old iMac to Macbook Air

I have a Macbook Air M2 on the way and will migrate from my Mac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014). I'm thinking I'll be doing it via Ethernet through a hub on the Air rather than WiFi because of the time/speed. I looked for an adapter for my Thunderbolt 2 cable to USBC — is it true that I cannot connect or migrate from the Thunderbolt 2 port on the old iMac to the Macbook Air via an adapter? Any tips would be appreciated. The last time I migrated via WiFi it took days. Thanks.

iMac 27″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Mar 30, 2024 9:07 AM

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Answer 1

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MacMikeInOK

Level 4

3,722 points

Mar 30, 2024 9:38 AM in response to boismyname

Am I correct in assuming you do not have a Time Machine backup external drive to migrate from? This has been a rock solid method for years.

You can use a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adaptor for this purpose. Apple offers this one: Apple Thunderbolt 2-3 Adaptor. The only other thing you'd need is a Thunderbolt 2 cable, which I think you have.

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Answer 2

Mar 30, 2024 10:49 AM in response to boismyname

For me, I'd pick up the Thunderbolt 2-3 adaptor and connect both Macs together with that and your Thunderbolt 2 cable. Here's a good YT video on using this configuration: Migration Assistant Using Thunderbolt Cable.

I don't have any experience with Time Capsule, but if memory serves it uses WiFi as the conduit from the Mac. Because of this, I kinda doubt it's any more reliable than using Migration Assistant over WiFi (and using WiFi has shown to be problematic in a lot of cases).

An Ethernet cable could be used in lieu of the Thunderbolt cable, but the transfer speed will be impacted.

For sure, though, I would NOT use WiFi to migrate.

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Answer 3

boismyname Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 30, 2024 10:03 AM in response to MacMikeInOK

Yes. I have the Thunderbolt 2 cable with male connectors on both ends. I also back up with Time Machine in an older Time Capsule. Would you migrate with that over WiFi or ethernet? What would you do in my situation?

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Answer 4

boismyname Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 30, 2024 10:50 AM in response to MacMikeInOK

Thanks!

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Answer 5

Mar 30, 2024 10:58 AM in response to boismyname

You're welcome.

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