This article offers a straightforward guide on how to transfer from Mac to Mac. You can find easy-to-follow instructions to ensure a quick transition of your important files.
For those looking to transfer data from an old Mac to a new one, Apple’s built-in Migration Assistant is often the fastest method when both computers are available. Meanwhile, using an external drive is another safe and reliable approach for backups, data migration, and long-term storage, even across different operating systems. This article will introduce several easy ways to help you, whether you are moving photos from an iPhone to an external hard drive via your Mac or migrating complex file libraries while maintaining compatibility.
Let us start with the most flexible method using external drives. This approach not only helps transfer data between devices but also allows files to be stored safely for long-term backup.
However, most external drives are formatted with the NTFS file system. While macOS can read NTFS drives, it cannot write to them by default. This limitation prevents users from copying or updating files and often interrupts the data transfer process.
PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac addresses this issue by enabling full read and write access to NTFS drives without reformatting that will cause data loss. Existing data remains untouched while file transfers become smooth and reliable. This is especially useful when transferring important files from a old Mac to a new Mac, moving photos from an iPhone to an external hard drive using a Mac. It also benefits users who are concerned about whether Microsoft data transfers from Mac to Mac, since it provides a dependable way to manually move Office documents and other important files.
With proper NTFS support, external drives can be used confidently for personal file transfers and shared long-term backups. When combined with PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac, NTFS drives become a practical and reliable storage solution.
🌟 Tip: You can follow to configure the Security Policy in iOS Recovery Mode and mount NTFS on Mac before the steps begin.
Step 1. Download and install the software on your Mac, open PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac, then connect your external hard drive to transfer data from Mac to Mac, and then the program will automatically detect and display it.
Step 2. Select the drive you want to enable full read and write access for NTFS drive and click "Open".
Now you can write data to the NTFS drive on Mac like copy, delete and rename files on the NTFS disk for transferring data from Mac, iPhone, or even Windows PC.
Step 3. After all operations are complete, please click "Eject" to disconnect the external hard drive from your Mac.
Migration Assistant is the most complete solution when moving to a new Mac. It transfers user accounts, apps, documents, and system settings in one process. Before starting, ensure both Macs are updated, connected to WiFi, and placed close to each other. Disable antivirus or firewall software to avoid interruptions during the transfer.
Step 1. On the new Mac, open Migration Assistant from Applications, then Utilities.
Step 2. Click Continue and allow the app to make changes. Enter the administrator password if prompted.
Step 3. Select From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk and click Continue.
Step 4. On the old Mac, open Migration Assistant and choose To another Mac.
Step 5. Confirm the security code shown on both Macs.
Step 6. On the new Mac, select the data you want to transfer and click Continue.
Step 7. Wait for the process to finish, then log in to the new Mac.
If Migration Assistant fails or is unavailable, the following methods offer flexible alternatives.
AirDrop is ideal for transferring small batches of files quickly without cables or storage devices. It works wirelessly using WiFi and Bluetooth and is best suited for documents, photos, and folders rather than full system migrations.
Step 1. Turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on both Macs.
Step 2. Open System Settings and go to General.
Step 3. Select AirDrop and Handoff and enable Allow Handoff.
Step 4. On the old Mac, select the files you want to transfer.
Step 5. Control click the files and choose Share. Select the destination Mac and accept the transfer on the new Mac.
For larger transfers or ongoing access, a direct file-sharing method may work better.
File Sharing allows one Mac to access folders on another Mac over the same network. This method is useful when transferring large folders or when both Macs are used regularly in the same environment.
Step 1. Open System Settings from the Apple menu.
Step 2. Select General and then Sharing.
Step 3. Turn on File Sharing.
Step 4. Click the Info button and add folders to Shared Folders.
Step 5. Adjust user permissions if needed.
Step 6. On the other Mac, open Finder and connect to the shared Mac to copy files.
If you prefer an offline method, using external storage is a reliable option.
iCloud works well for syncing documents, desktop files, and photos between Macs using the same Apple ID. This method requires enough iCloud storage and a stable internet connection.
Step 1. Open System Settings and select Apple ID.
Step 2. Choose iCloud and sign in if required.
Step 3. Turn on iCloud Drive.
Step 4. On the new Mac, sign in with the same Apple ID.
Step 5. Open Finder and access files synced through iCloud.
For a full system migration, restoring from a backup is the most comprehensive approach.
Time Machine is ideal for transferring all data, including apps, user accounts, and settings. This method is recommended when setting up a new Mac from scratch.
Step 1. Connect an external drive to the old Mac.
Step 2. Open System Settings and select Time Machine.
Step 3. Choose the backup disk and enable automatic backup.
Step 4. Wait for the backup to complete.
Step 5. Connect the backup drive to the new Mac. Start the new Mac in Recovery Mode. Select Restore from Time Machine and follow the on screen instructions.
With these methods, you can choose the best way to transfer data based on file size, speed, and long term storage needs.
How to transfer from Mac to Mac becomes simple when you choose the method that fits your needs and situation. Whether you prefer Migration Assistant, external hard drives, AirDrop, iCloud, File Sharing, or Time Machine, each solution offers a reliable way to move your data safely. By selecting the right approach, you can ensure smooth migration, secure backups, and long term access to your files without unnecessary risk or complexity.
🗨️ How do I transfer everything from my old Mac to my new Mac?
The easiest way is to use Migration Assistant. It transfers user accounts, apps, files, and system settings in one process. You can also restore everything from a Time Machine backup if the new Mac is being set up for the first time.
🗨️ How long does it take to transfer an old Mac to a new Mac?
The time depends on how much data you have and the connection method. Small transfers may take under an hour, while large libraries can take several hours, especially over Wi Fi.
🗨️ How do I directly connect two Macs to migrate?
You can connect two Macs using the same WiFi network, a Thunderbolt cable, or an Ethernet connection. Then open Migration Assistant on both Macs and follow the on screen instructions.
🗨️ Can you transfer Mac to Mac without Migration Assistant?
Yes. You can use external hard drives, AirDrop, File Sharing, iCloud, or Time Machine backups to manually move files without using Migration Assistant.
🗨️ Why can't I transfer files from my Mac to an external hard drive?
This usually happens because the drive is formatted with the NTFS file system. macOS can read NTFS drives but cannot write to them unless NTFS write support is enabled.
🗨️ What is the safest way to transfer files from Mac to an external hard drive?
The safest way to transfer files from a Mac to an external hard drive is to use a reliable wired connection and properly eject the drive after the transfer. Ensuring the drive has full write access, such as enabling NTFS write support with PartitionAssistant NTFS for Mac when needed, helps prevent errors and protects your data during the process.