Move your apps, files and settings to a new Mac

Why it happens

A new Mac starts empty, and copying folders by hand leaves your apps and settings behind. Migration Assistant copies your user account, apps, files and most settings from your old Mac, a Time Machine backup or another startup disk in one go. It's built into every Mac, and the new Mac also offers it while you set it up.

How to fix it

1. Get ready. Plug both Macs into power, install any updates on the old Mac, and keep them close together with Wi-Fi turned on. A Thunderbolt or USB-C cable between them is faster, if you have one. For a Time Machine backup, plug the backup drive into the new Mac.

2. On the new Mac, open Migration Assistant. If you're still in setup, choose to transfer your information when the setup offers it. If the Mac is already set up, open it from Applications > Utilities and click Continue.

   Finder›Applications›Utilities›Migration Assistant

3. Choose "From a Mac, Time Machine, or startup disk" and click Continue.

4. If you're moving from another Mac, open Migration Assistant on the old Mac too, and choose to transfer to another Mac. Click Continue on both.

5. On the new Mac, pick your old Mac or your backup from the list. If a security code appears, check that the same code shows on the old Mac and confirm it.

6. Tick what to bring across: your user account, apps, other files and settings. If an account with the same name already exists on the new Mac, you'll be asked to rename one or replace it.

7. Click Continue and let it run. A big move can take several hours, so leave both Macs plugged in and awake until it finishes, then log in with your old account name and password.

Still not fixed?

1. If the new Mac can't see the old one, make sure Migration Assistant is open on both, they're on the same Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth is on. Restart both Macs and try again, or connect them with a cable.

2. If it still can't find the old Mac, check the old Mac's firewall. Open Network > Firewall > Options… and make sure Block all incoming connections is off, then try again.

   Network›Firewall›Options…

3. If the time left jumps around or seems stuck, give it a few hours. Early estimates are often far too long or too short. If nothing moves at all for several hours, cancel, restart both Macs and try again with a cable or from a Time Machine backup instead.

4. If your files seem to be missing afterwards, you may have ended up with two accounts. Log out and log in to the account Migration Assistant brought across, which has your old name.

5. Some very old apps may not run on a newer Mac, and some will ask you to sign in again. Download fresh copies from the App Store or the developer's website.

6. If transfers fail every time with both Wi-Fi and a cable, or the old Mac won't stay on long enough, contact Apple Support. An Apple Store can also help move your data.