Moving from iMac running Catalina to MacBook Air M2

[YMark]

I purchased a new M2 MBA to replace a 2013 iMac. The iMac is running Catalina and this is the latest OS this iMac can support. I assume the MBA will be running the latest Ventura (haven't received it yet), but will check and upgrade to the latest version prior to migrating.

I have a time machine backup of my iMac but I'm thinking the best way to migrate would be to use Setup Assistant, and then manually install all my apps that I'll need. After doing this, my plan is to manually copy all user data including music, photos, libraries, etc.

• Can I even use Migration Assistant, or should I?
• I don't have USB-C on old iMac so I'll probably have to copy over WiFi?
• Will Keychain and System settings get copied over when copying user data?

Does this sound like a good plan or is there anything I'm missing?

Thanks

 

[Dave Braine]

Yes, you could use Migration Assistant to transfer the contents of your iMac's hard drive to the MBA, including all your Account settings and passwords. These days doing it by wifi, rather than a wired connection, seems to be the way so it could be quite slow.

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant – Apple Support (UK)

Use Migration Assistant to copy your files from another computer.

support.apple.com

Using your Time Machine backup via Migration Assistant would be the best way. That will do the same as above.

Restore your Mac from a backup – Apple Support (UK)

Restore files from your backup.

support.apple.com

You will need a USB hub to use the TM backup, but you would need one anyway. There are various ones to choose from:

Best USB-C hubs for MacBook Pro 2025

Get yourself connected with the best USB-C hubs for your MacBook Pro.

www.imore.com

 

[YMark]

Yes, you could use Migration Assistant to transfer the contents of your iMac's hard drive to the MBA, including all your Account settings and passwords. These days doing it by wifi, rather than a wired connection, seems to be the way so it could be quite slow.

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant – Apple Support (UK)

Use Migration Assistant to copy your files from another computer.

support.apple.com

Using your Time Machine backup via Migration Assistant would be the best way. That will do the same as above.

Restore your Mac from a backup – Apple Support (UK)

Restore files from your backup.

support.apple.com

You will need a USB hub to use the TM backup, but you would need one anyway. There are various ones to choose from:

Best USB-C hubs for MacBook Pro 2025

Get yourself connected with the best USB-C hubs for your MacBook Pro.

www.imore.com

Thanks for the reply. Why will I need a USB hub? I can connect to it wirelessly as it is Apple's Time Capsule.

 

[Dave Braine]

I can connect to it wirelessly as it is Apple's Time Capsule.

Yes, you could but I'm sure that it would be quicker connecting your TM drive with a cable. That's just my choice.

Why will I need a USB hub?

Do you not have any USB drives. mouse, keyboard monitor that you may want to connect?

 

[Marsikus]

Isn't keychain synced via iCloud (except local user password and installed certificates)?