Fastest Way to Migrate

[nick676]

I'm looking to move data from a 2015 MBP to a 2018 model.

What's the fastest way to do this? I just want to copy certain files etc, so not going to do a time machine restore.

Assuming it'll be through putting the old mac in target mode and using thunderbolt, what cables/adapter do I need? I've had a look online but there doesn't appear to be any direct USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 cable, so what do I need?

 

[BrianBaughn]

If you don't have an external drive to copy to and from I'd say the fastest way would be to use File Sharing.

And my version of "fastest" includes the time it takes to find, purchase and receive an external cable or adapter.

 

[nick676]

If you don't have an external drive to copy to and from I'd say the fastest way would be to use File Sharing.

And my version of "fastest" includes the time it takes to find, purchase and receive an external cable or adapter.

Surely using a direct Thunderbolt 2/3 connection would be much faster? Once I know what I'm buying, I can order necessary items on Amazon Prime so that's not a huge issue.

Last time I did a full restore from Time Machine I had to leave it running overnight. File sharing over WiFi isn't that fast is it?

Just to clarify, I'm wanting to transfer things like my iPhoto library and 200GB+ iTunes library.

 

[bruinsrme]

Cross a river, hurdle a wall or walk across a border in a non-secure area.

TB2/3

 

[BLUEDOG314]

You can get the Apple TB2/3 adapter and their TB cable as well. This will give you the best speeds. Like it was mentioned, not sure how long it will take to get these items. Otherwise do a drag and drop with an external hard drive, or if you do some googling, I have seen ways to set up adhoc networks between two macs that works much better than say airdrop.

 

[mikzn]

If your time machine back up is on an external drive you can use that via the USB connection to migrate data from the back up.

If it's not maybe a good time to purchase a cheap external drive for back ups?

I use CCC ( Carbon Copy Cloner) to clone / back up and this is also great for use with Migration Assistant and using an external drive is way faster than OTA for large files like your photos and music files. Plus you have a back up!

FWIW - I could not get target disk mode to work with the TB cable between 2 MBP's - and purchased it specifically for migrating data as you are contemplating - ended up using the back up drive to transfer about 300g files in about 45 min

Another FWIW - use migration assistant before you set up your new Mac so you can keep all the old settings and avoid conflict with different passwords and settings on the new Mac - you can always easily change them later

 

[nick676]

Thanks all, Will nip into Apple store on my way home and see if I can get both cables needed to get TB bridge or target mode working. Can always return them within 14days if I can't get it working.

I did have a 500gig LaCie rugged drive which I leant to someone and have been waiting to get back for about a year now

Will def use the tip above for migration assistant for a lot of the settings etc, but didn't want to use time machine as wanted a "clean" install.

 

[Fishrrman]

Fishrrman's "you can do it!" routine for migrating to a new Mac:

If you follow my instructions below, I guarantee a success rate of 98%:
PRINT OUT these instructions and check them off as you go along.

1. BEFORE you do anything else, run a "final" backup on your old Mac. It can be either TM or a cloned backup using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. I prefer and recommend CCC.
2. Shut down the old Mac and disconnect the USB drive
3. Take the new Mac out of the box and set it up on the table. DO NOT PRESS THE POWER ON BUTTON until step 8 (read on). You don't want to begin setup until "the right moment".
4. If you're using an external display, connect the display using the usb-c/VGA adapter/cable that you have
5. Connect the keyboard and mouse if you use them. I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you connect them DIRECTLY to the Mac.
6. If you use a hub, leave it DISCONNECTED for now
7. Connect your cloned backup or TM backup drive -- use a usb-c adapter if needed.

OK, we're ready-to-go, so let's get goin':
8. Press the power on button for the first time.
9. The new Mac may ask for help "finding" the keyboard, just follow instructions.
10. Begin setup. At the appropriate moment, setup assistant will ask if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive. YES, you want to do this.
11. "Aim" setup assistant at the external backup. Setup assistant will need a little time to "digest it all" (be patient)
12. You will now see a list of things that can be migrated, such as applications, accounts, settings and data.
13. I suggest that you select ALL of them.
14. Let setup assistant "do its thing". It's going to TAKE A WHILE to move things over. Again, be patient.
15. When done, you should see the login screen. Go ahead and login.
16. Once logged in, things should look pretty much as they looked on your old Mac.
17. You should check all your apps. Some may not run, and may require upgrading.
18. You can set aside the old backup, or ... "repurpose it" to become the backup for the new Mac. I'd keep the old one around for a week or so, at least.

 

[Howard2k]

Thanks all, Will nip into Apple store on my way home and see if I can get both cables needed to get TB bridge or target mode working. Can always return them within 14days if I can't get it working.

I did have a 500gig LaCie rugged drive which I leant to someone and have been waiting to get back for about a year now

Will def use the tip above for migration assistant for a lot of the settings etc, but didn't want to use time machine as wanted a "clean" install.

You can use Time Machine and do a clean install. You do the clean install first, set up your account, then open the Time Machine app and point it to the drive. You can then pull your documents from it.

There's a common misconnection that Time Machine is "all or nothing". That's not the case at all.

 

[jerryk]

I'm looking to move data from a 2015 MBP to a 2018 model.

What's the fastest way to do this? I just want to copy certain files etc, so not going to do a time machine restore.

Assuming it'll be through putting the old mac in target mode and using thunderbolt, what cables/adapter do I need? I've had a look online but there doesn't appear to be any direct USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 cable, so what do I need?

I used my Samsung T5 SSD portable drive to move my data files (I never use Migration tools or TM backups for loading a new system). It has a USB C port and cables for both USB C and A.

 

[nick676]

I used my Samsung T5 SSD portable drive to move my data files (I never use Migration tools or TM backups for loading a new system). It has a USB C port and cables for both USB C and A.

Will look at something like that if I can't get the direct connection working. Surely SSD to SSD is going to be much faster than getting anything with spinning drives involved (i assume that's where the bottleneck is).

 

[dbrothers]

My 2017 MBP is starting to exhibit battery bulge (my fault - I tripped over the cat, knocked it off the table, and another device fell off the table and dented the bottom panel right over the battery).

I plan to use Migration Assistant, with the old MBP in Target Disk mode. Got a 9-foot USB-C to USB-C Amazon Basics cable for ten bucks, I’m all set to go when the new MBP arrives next week.