You must use migration assistant to transfer data from this backup

  • You must use migration assistant to transfer data from this backup

    • Before you begin, connect your old macOS drive or a Time Machine backup drive to your computer.

    • If you forgot to make a backup of your old SSD before upgrading, you can install it to an external SSD enclosure to transfer any data you need as shown in this guide, and then keep it as an external storage drive.

    • Power on your Mac and open the Migration Assistant application.

    • After the Migration Assistant window opens, do not press Continue until you are ready to begin the migration process. Pushing continue will automatically force close any open applications and log you out.

    • After you are logged out and taken to the Migration Assistant screen, select the first option: transfer From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.

    • Click Continue.

    • Migration Assistant will list any connected macOS or Time Machine drives across the top of the window.

    • Select the drive you want to restore from, and click Continue.

    • If the drive you have selected is a Time Machine drive, Migration Assistant will list all the backups available from which you can transfer information.

    • Select the backup you'd like to transfer information from, and click Continue.

    • Select all the items you'd like to transfer to your new drive.

    • Next, Migration Assistant may prompt you to enter a new password for the account on the new drive and/or the old password for the account on the old drive.

    • Once you begin the transfer, a loading bar will appear and cycle through each of the data categories that you selected on the previous screen (applications, documents, etc.).

    • Your computer may need to restart multiple times during the transfer process.

    • When the transfer is complete, the Migration Complete window will appear.

  • How do I transfer files from old Mac to new Mac without Migration Assistant?

    To use Apple's iCloud Drive service, open a 'Finder' window on your old Mac and select 'Go > iCloud Drive' from the menu bar. You can then drag your files into the window that appears. On your new Mac, make sure you're logged into the same iCloud account, then open the Finder and select 'Go > iCloud Drive.

    What does Apple Migration Assistant transfer?

    Use Migration Assistant to copy all of your documents, apps, user accounts, and settings to a new Mac from another computer. Migration Assistant copies all of your files from your old Mac to your new Mac so that you don't have to copy them manually.

    How do I use Migration Assistant to transfer files from my Time Machine backup to my new imac?

    Make sure your Time Machine backup disk is connected to your new Mac and turned on. Open Migration Assistant (Applications/Utilities/), then click Continue. When asked how you want to transfer your information, select the option to transfer From a Mac, Time Machine backup or startup disk, then click Continue.

    How long does it take to transfer from Mac to Mac using Migration Assistant?

    The time for moving a full 256GB hard drive on the old Mac model over Wi-Fi was 2 hours and 44 minutes. Note that the transfer process will use your WiFi at its maximum speed. Your access to any internet services may slow down the speed during your transfer.