I just bought a new MacBook and want to transfer the data from my old MacBook Air 2015 via my backup hard drive but need a cable to connect them. What would that cable be? Thanks.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.7
If you want to transfer using your Time Machine backup, just plug the backup drive into the new Mac. Depending on the interface, you may need a USB A to USB C adapter.
As mentioned by our friend, @KiltedTim, a USB-A to USB-C plug adapter will work. So, too, will a USB-A to USB-C cable.
Does this (connector labeled "SS" below) look like the cable you are using now with the backup drive? DO you have a connection to the drive that looks like the "SS" connector on the left in this image?
If so, the cable shown would connect between the backup drive [left connector]and your new Mac (right connector, USB-C). That cable is called a USB-C to Micro USB 3.1 Gen 2. (The naming is confusing.)
If your backup drive uses a connector like that shown on the left below, then the cable below would be what you need.
USB-C to USB A 3.1 Gen 2. Left connector would go to the backup drive, right connector would go to the new Mac.
This cables or adaptors are inexpensive, maybe $5 or $10.
If in doubt, go to an Apple Store, or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or places like Best Buy, Staples, large technology stores, etc. What you need for your new Mac is the USB-C, which is on the right in both images above. Bring your backup drive to the store to make sure the other end is the right type for your drive.
The backup drive is a different generation to the new MacBook, so they are not compatible which is why I need a new cable.
Thanks! I'm 82 and learning new tricks is a challenge. Oy!
👍🏽
You're welcome.
Looks like you're doing fine. 🙂
No, the cable doesn't look like the SS cable. It looks like the one below that. And I found them on Amazon. What would life be like w/o Amazon?!
Cable needed for data transfer between MacBooks
