Gix1k macrumors 68040 Original poster Jun 16, 2008 3,681 1,446 Oct 31, 2025 #1 I have a MBA and about to buy a MBP. Am I able to backup and restore using iCloud or is Time Machine my only option?
I have a MBA and about to buy a MBP. Am I able to backup and restore using iCloud or is Time Machine my only option?
B BigBlur macrumors 68000 Jul 9, 2021 1,556 2,057 Oct 31, 2025 #2 No, you can't backup and restore using iCloud. You can use Migration Assistant to transfer directly from the old Mac though. Apple doesn't mention it, but I believe you can use a Thunderbolt or USB 3 cable if you have one for faster transfer speeds. Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support Use Migration Assistant to copy some or all of your content from one Mac to another Mac. support.apple.com Reactions: NoBoMac
No, you can't backup and restore using iCloud. You can use Migration Assistant to transfer directly from the old Mac though. Apple doesn't mention it, but I believe you can use a Thunderbolt or USB 3 cable if you have one for faster transfer speeds. Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support Use Migration Assistant to copy some or all of your content from one Mac to another Mac. support.apple.com
NoBoMac Moderator Staff member Jul 1, 2014 7,100 6,117 Oct 31, 2025 #3 BigBlur said: but I believe you can use a Thunderbolt or USB 3 cable if you have one for faster transfer speeds. Click to expand... Correct. How I recently transferred everything from my old Mac to new.
BigBlur said: but I believe you can use a Thunderbolt or USB 3 cable if you have one for faster transfer speeds. Click to expand... Correct. How I recently transferred everything from my old Mac to new.