Migration Assistant in macOS has become an efficient and speedy method for transferring data from an older Mac to a new one. With just a Thunderbolt 4 cable, I was able to migrate almost a terabyte of data from my M1 Mac mini to a Mac Studio in just 90 minutes. The process was so seamless that I hardly felt the transition to the new Mac, except for the improved performance and additional ports.
However, not everyone has the same smooth experience. A reader using a 2015-era MacBook Pro encountered an issue when attempting to use Migration Assistant. After launching the app on the old Mac, they didn’t see the option to migrate to another Mac. There could be several reasons behind this.
Firstly, it’s possible that the old Mac is not running an operating system new enough. While Apple doesn’t provide specific details, testing has shown that at least Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.8 is required for interoperable support of many later versions. To be safe, it’s advisable to update your older Mac to the most recent version allowed.
Another factor to consider is launching Migration Assistant on both devices. Although it shouldn’t matter, some reports suggest that doing so might make a difference. On the other Mac, choose the option From a Mac, Time Machine backup or Startup disk.
Additionally, Wi-Fi connectivity can play a role. While it’s not strictly required, forum posts indicate that some users don’t see the transfer option unless both Macs have Wi-Fi enabled. If one Mac is using Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan or earlier, both Macs need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If both are using later operating systems, they need to have Wi-Fi turned on and be in close proximity.
If Wi-Fi doesn’t work, using a cable might be the solution. Connect the two Macs using a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable. It’s important to note that if either Mac has macOS 11 Big Sur or later installed, a Thunderbolt cable must be used. If the older Mac only supports Thunderbolt 2, you will need a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 2 cable along with an Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter.
Another crucial step is ensuring that both Macs are plugged into power. Although you should receive a warning prompt, overlooking this step may prevent the transfer option from appearing.
If none of the aforementioned solutions prove effective, there are alternative methods for migrating your data.
One option is to boot into Target Disk Mode or Share Disk on your older Mac, which allows it to appear as a drive on the new Mac. Again, you will need to connect the two Macs using a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable. On the newer Mac, navigate to Go > Network in the Finder, double-click the icon for the other computer, click Connect As, and then enter an administrator account name and password. The old Mac will now be mounted in the Finder and can be selected using Migration Assistant.
If Target Disk Mode or Share Disk doesn’t work or you lack the necessary cable, you can create a new Time Machine backup or update an existing one for your old Mac. After creating or updating the backup, attach the Time Machine volume to your new Mac. In Migration Assistant, choose the option From a Mac, Time Machine backup or Startup disk and select the appropriate Time Machine item when prompted. This method can often be the fastest since backing up and migrating from a drive works at disk speeds rather than relying on potentially slower network or cable speeds.
Remember, there are various ways to troubleshoot migration issues, and finding the right method for your specific situation may require some trial and error. Consulting Apple’s official support resources or seeking assistance from tech experts can also be beneficial.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful migration process when transferring your data from an older Mac to a new one.
