macOS · Storage & Backup
Transfer data from an old Mac or backup
Move apps, files, user accounts, and settings from another Mac, a Time Machine backup, or a Windows PC onto your current Mac using the built-in Migration Assistant utility.
How to open Migration Assistant
- Open Migration Assistant from Applications → Utilities
- Choose how to transfer: from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or PC
- Select the specific data (accounts, apps, settings) to migrate
- Confirm and wait for the transfer to complete
What you should know
- Located in Applications → Utilities → Migration Assistant
- Supports transfer over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Thunderbolt cable, or from a backup disk
- Can migrate a single user account or an entire system
- Also used during initial macOS Setup Assistant for new Mac setup
Why it matters
Migration Assistant eliminates the tedious process of manually reinstalling apps and reconfiguring settings when moving to a new Mac, preserving hours of setup work. Because it can pull from a Time Machine backup as well as a live Mac, it also serves as a recovery path after a full disk erase. Choosing a direct cable connection over Wi-Fi can dramatically cut down transfer time for users with large amounts of data.
Best practices
- Use a wired connection (Ethernet or Thunderbolt) for large transfers to save time
- Ensure both Macs are updated to compatible macOS versions before migrating
- Keep both Macs plugged into power during the entire transfer
- Back up the source Mac first in case interruption occurs
Common problems and fixes
- Migration Assistant can't find the other Mac
- Ensure both Macs are on the same network or connected directly, and that firewalls aren't blocking the connection.
- Transfer is extremely slow
- Switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection between the two Macs.
- Migration fails partway through
- Ensure sufficient free disk space on the destination Mac and retry the transfer.
Tips and tricks
- Run migration overnight for very large data sets
- Disconnect unnecessary peripherals during migration to reduce interference
Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate from a Windows PC?
Yes, using the separate Windows Migration Assistant app installed on the PC.
Will migrating overwrite my existing files?
You can choose to merge data or migrate into a new user account to avoid conflicts.
Can I migrate from a Time Machine backup on an external drive?
Yes, Migration Assistant supports restoring directly from a connected Time Machine backup disk.
Related settings
- Time Machine BackupTime Machine automatically backs up your entire Mac — apps, accounts, preferences, and files — to an external or network drive, so you can restore individual files or your whole system if something goes wrong.
- External StorageExternal Storage covers how macOS handles USB, Thunderbolt, and network-attached drives connected to your Mac — formatting them, choosing a file system, ejecting safely, and deciding which ones are eligible for Time Machine backups. Disk Utility is the main tool for managing these drives.
More Storage & Backup guides for macOS
- Storage ManagementStorage settings show a visual breakdown of exactly what's using space on your Mac's disk, plus built-in recommendations — like storing files in iCloud or automatically emptying the Trash — to free up space without manually hunting for large files yourself.
- Optimize StorageOptimize Storage is a set of Apple-recommended actions — like storing files in iCloud, auto-emptying the Trash, and removing watched TV shows and movies — that free up local disk space with minimal effort. It's found inside About This Mac's Storage settings.
- iCloud DriveiCloud Drive keeps your files in sync across every device signed into the same Apple ID, and can automatically include your Desktop and Documents folders so they're backed up and accessible from any Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Files sync in the background and are accessible from the Finder sidebar or iCloud.com.
- Documents & Desktop iCloud SyncAutomatically upload the contents of your Desktop and Documents folders to iCloud Drive so they stay backed up and accessible from other signed-in devices.
- Disk Utility: Partition & Format DrivesUse Disk Utility to create or resize partitions, format internal or external drives to a specific file system, and erase disks before reuse.
- iCloud+ FeaturesEnable and configure premium iCloud+ features such as iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video storage tied to your paid iCloud storage plan.