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Simon Brown • Nov 23, 2023Sharing files or documents between Macs is common in multiple scenarios. Transferring data ensures you have duplicate copies that can help with the data loss. In other cases, you may need to transfer files from your old Mac to a new one. The transfer process becomes necessary to complete various tasks in work environments using multiple Macs.
Although there are various methods explaining the data transfer from Mac to Mac, we’ll equip you with the simplest ways. This article explains 8 different methods to easily send files from Mac to Mac.
Migration Assistant is a convenient tool in macOS that makes migrating from Mac to Mac easy. It quickly transfers user accounts, files, apps, and settings, so you don't have to do it all manually. You just pick what you want to transfer, and it does the rest through Wi-Fi or a cable. Now, we'll have a little elaboration on using Migration Assistant for file transfer in a step-wise guide:
Step 1. Access the "Migration Assistant" application by locating it in the "Finder." Navigate to "Applications" on the left sidebar, select "Utilities," and then launch the "Migration Assistant" tool on your Mac.
Step 2. After opening the Migration Assistant, it may request permission to make changes and ask you to close other applications. To proceed, click "Continue." In the subsequent prompt, enter the administrator password and click "OK."
Step 3. After authentication, a new window will appear, saying, "How do you want to transfer your information?" There, choose the "From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or Startup disk" option and click the "Continue" button.
Step 4. Next, on your old Mac, simultaneously open the "Migration Assistant." A window will appear, guiding you through the transfer process. Here, go with the option "To Another Mac" and proceed by clicking the "Continue" button.
Step 5. Choose "The Other Mac" and press "Continue" to establish the connection on the new Mac. A security code will now display on the old Mac, and you will need to confirm that the code is the same on both systems and click "Continue."
Step 6. Back on the new Mac, a window will appear where you must select the specific information you want to transfer. Tick-mark the options corresponding to the data you wish to transfer and proceed by clicking "Continue." This will readily start the transfer process from Mac to Mac.
Step 7. Once the transfer process is complete, quit Migration Assistant. Now, on the new Mac, log into the user account to ensure that all the selected data has been successfully transferred and is accessible.
Various methods exist for transferring data from one Mac to another without a cable. We'll explore the most effective ones for Mac-to-Mac file sharing. Most of these methods are simple and don't require technical skills. But first, we'll introduce you to the most efficient software for transferring files between two Mac computers.
As discussed above, using built-in Migration Assistant within Mac takes much user time. Compared to this, Avica is the most user-friendly option with easy-to-use features and patented protocol. This ensures that every transfer from Mac to Mac has 100 times higher speed compared to FTP/HTTP. Also, using privacy mode, you can black out the screen and make the Mac-to-Mac transfer process more secure.
Moreover, there is no limit on the size of files you need to transfer or the multiple screens you want to add. Along with this, users can also control monitors in a group using a primary device. Also, once connected, you can access the Mac remotely and utilize the file transfer option to transfer files to the required location.
Feel free to download Avica software by clicking the button below. If you're seeking additional information about Avica product downloads, you can visit the Avica download page. Rest assured, Avica guarantees the safety and virus-free nature of all products obtained from the official website or app store.
Avica is the most suitable option when you think about data transfer from Mac to Mac. Below, let’s check out the steps on how to use this tool:
Starting with, download Avica on both Mac devices and access its main interface. Then, "Sign In" using your credentials on both devices. You can use the same account or a different one per your requirements. Afterward, hit the small "Screen" icon at the top left side and then enable the "Allow remote access to this device using your credentials" option. Note down "Avica ID" and "Password" on your old Mac.
Now, you will need to enter this "Avica ID" under the "Remote Session" section and tap on the "Connect" button to make a connection. Also, enter the "Password" if required to authenticate the process.
Again, access the Avica tool's main interface and select the "Three Dots" next to the Mac name you want to transfer files to. There, choose the "File Transfer" option to access the new menu where you will manage files. Here, select "Files" that you are looking to transfer between devices and also select the directory. Afterward, hit the "Send" button to transfer files without hassle.
One of the innovative features of Apple devices is AirDrop, which can transfer files quickly. Also, this feature does not allow any degradation to the quality of files and sends them as original. It uses Bluetooth to find other Apple devices and then sends files through Wi-Fi.
So, you can easily send documents, videos, folders, or other files between Macs using AirDrop. Here is how to transfer files from Mac to Mac with AirDrop:
Step 1. First, you need to ensure that both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Next, turn on Bluetooth and open the "Finder" app on both devices. Then, click the “AirDrop” option under the "Favorites” section in the left sidebar of each device. Pick "Contacts Only" or "Everyone" to choose who can find you.
Step 2. On the old Mac, switch on AirDrop by right-clicking the file you want to share. After that, go to the "Share” option, followed by AirDrop, and select the other Mac from the new window. Your file will be sent right away to the other Mac.
Using Bluetooth is a handy way to move files between Mac computers wirelessly. It might not be super-fast, especially for big files. However, it proves beneficial for smaller files or situations where alternative options are unavailable. Here's a detailed walkthrough on transferring data from one Mac to another using Bluetooth:
Step 1. Begin by ensuring that Bluetooth Sharing is enabled on both Macs. Navigate to "System Settings," then select "Sharing" under "General." Toggle the switch for "Bluetooth Sharing." Next, click the "i" icon to access the "Bluetooth Settings" button and verify that Bluetooth is activated.
Step 2. Moving on, double-click the other Mac's name in the Bluetooth window from the Mac to which you're sending the files. Then, select the files you want to share and hit the "Send" button. On the receiving Mac, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to accept the files. You have to click "Accept" to save them on that Mac.
Using iCloud services is another easy way to migrate data from Mac to Mac. It requires internet connectivity to be operational for the transfer process. Below are the simple steps to move data using iCloud Storage.
Instructions. On the first Mac, go to the “Finder” tool and open “iCloud Drive.” Then, create a new folder there and put the files you want to share into that folder. After that, log in to the second Mac using the same iCloud account. Then, find the shared folder in iCloud Drive and move the files to the local destination on that second Mac.
You can easily exchange files, folders, and documents using the File Sharing feature on the Mac. This is a built-in feature to transfer data across both Mac devices. Furthermore, it allows for smooth data transfer between the two macOS machines. Let's explore the steps needed to learn the procedure of data migrating from Mac to Mac.
Step 1. Start by clicking the “Apple” icon at the top-left corner of your Mac's screen and select “System Settings” from the drop-down menu. There, choose the “Sharing” option located in the “General” tab.
Step 2. In the next step, look for “File Sharing” under the “Content & Media” section and click the “i” icon next to it. Afterward, toggle the switch to turn on “File Sharing” and access additional options by clicking “Options.”
Step 3. Moving on, turn on “Share files and folders using SMB” at the beginning of the “SMB File Sharing” section. Then, select your user account and enter the password to confirm; click “Done” to finish.
Step 4. Next, choose the folders you want to share with other users under the “Shared Folders” section. You can manage existing shared folders or add new ones by clicking the “+” symbol.
Step 5. Under the "Users" section, add new users by clicking the "+" sign. Select "Contacts" from the left panel, choose the user you want to add, and click "Select." Finally, set a password for the user by entering and verifying it in the "Choose Password" pop-up for security.
Step 6. Ensure the new Mac is connected to your Mac's Wi-Fi network. Go to the Apple menu and select "System Settings." Then, click on "Sharing" in the "General" tab and enable "File Sharing."
Step 7. Next, open the Finder, and at the top menu, choose "Go" and then select "Network." Locate your Mac in the list and click on it. Then, click on "Connect as" and choose "Connect." Pick how you want to log in to your Mac. "Using an Apple ID," as a "Registered User," or "Guest." Subsequently, type the password and click the "Connect" button to access shared files and folders.
To transfer information from Mac to Mac can be done efficiently using Time Machine backups. Time Machine, an integral feature of macOS, is designed to generate comprehensive backups of your entire system, simplifying the process of transferring files between Macs.
This functionality proves especially beneficial when you intend to migrate all data from an older Mac to a newer one. Let’s explore the steps required to use Time Machine Backups:
Step 1. To initiate the procedure, connect an external hard drive of your preference to your older Mac. Subsequently, select the "Apple" logo positioned in the top-left corner of your screen. In the ensuing drop-down menu, opt for "System Preferences." Now, within the "General" tab, find the "Time Machine" option and click on it to access its settings.
Step 2. Afterward, hit the "Select Disk" option and choose the external hard drive you connected earlier for Time Machine backups. A window will pop up where you need to make sure to check the boxes that say, "Back Up Automatically" and "Show Time Machine in the Menu Bar." Let the Time Machine work automatically and back up all your data.
Step 3. Now, moving on to your new Mac, connect the Time Machine backup drive. Power up your new Mac and press "Command + R" to enter Recovery Mode. Subsequently, opt for the "Restore from Time Machine" feature, click "Continue," choose the Time Machine backup disk, and press "Continue" once more.
Step 4. Finally, pick the most recent backup from the list and meticulously follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the restoration process. After completion, restart your new Mac, and you'll be ready to go.
When looking to move files from Mac to Mac, utilizing an external storage device proves effective. For example, employing a USB flash drive or an external hard drive provides a convenient method. This approach facilitates direct file transfer without relying on Wi-Fi or internet connectivity. Here's a straightforward guide to executing this process:
Instructions: To begin, link the external drive to the Mac from which you intend to transfer files. Subsequently, copy the desired files or folders onto the drive. Once completed, right-click on the drive and select "Eject" to safely disconnect it. Following this, detach the external drive from the initial Mac and connect it to the other Mac. Finally, transfer the files from the external hard drive to the second Mac.
To conclude, we comprehensively discussed various ways to move files from Mac to Mac, like sharing files directly, cloud services, external drives, and more. Each way has its perks and things to think about. However, Avica Remote Desktop stands out as one of the best methods to transfer files.
It is equipped with a fast transfer protocol to share files quickly. In short, all these methods give you options and make it easier to move files depending on what suits you best, whether the suitability is about speed, safety, or what you find most convenient.
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