How do I inherit Time Machine backup from an old MacBook Pro on a new one?

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How do I inherit Time Machine backup from an old MacBook Pro on a new one?

New m4 MacBook Pro, running Tahoe, migrated from 2017 intel MacBook Pro. Everything is is fine, but I’ve hit a brick wall tying to inherit Time Machine backup from old machine. Tried terminal using both inherit backup and associate disk, both result in incorrect verb. Tried going back and using migration assistant never took me to inherit backup. Am I kidding myself that this is even possible, maybe a disk format issue?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Inherit Time Machine backup

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jan 3, 2026 7:08 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 3, 2026 8:13 PM in response to alightman

Normally, all that's needed is to use Migration Assistant then connect the backup to the new Mac, and you are prompted to claim the backups on the drive.

"Your Mac might ask whether this computer should claim existing backups created on a different computer. Claim the backups if you want them to become part of the backups for this Mac."

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

https://eclecticlight.co/2024/11/12/migrating-to-a-new-mac-and-claiming-time-machine-backups/

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Answer 2

Jan 3, 2026 8:49 PM in response to alightman

Only if you erase the drive.

Do any destination disks show up in your TM settings pane (System Settings > General > Time Machine)? With the drive connected, try clicking the (+) at the bottom of the box and see if you receive the prompt.

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