Moving from new Mac Mini to newer Mac Mini - right process?

[ddublu]

This seems obvious, but want to make sure I am not missing anything. I decided to go from the Mac Mini M4 Pro with 24gb RAM (base model) to the Mac Mini M4 Pro with 48gb and the upgraded processor. It arrives today. My current on is only two weeks old.

• Time Machine backup in place already
• open new MM, plug it into monitors and restore from current backup
• swap back to old one, boot up and wipe device for return
• swap back to new one and off to the races

That pretty much it?

 

[Hajj.david]

Yes, OR you can connect a thunderbolt device to the 'old' one and the new one (or just an ethernet cable) and do a direct transfer via migration assistant (during the macOS setup it will be there)

 

[ddublu]

Yes, OR you can connect a thunderbolt device to the 'old' one and the new one (or just an ethernet cable) and do a direct transfer via migration assistant (during the macOS setup it will be there)

Whoah! That sounds perfect. Thanks!

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Your original steps are fine actually, except, you don't "Restore" the backup - you migrate from it.

Basically same result as migrating directly from the older computer, but it's faster & doesn't tie up the old computer while it's working.

 

[spatlese44]

Sign out of accounts?

 

[Solarflares]

On your Mac you are returning, make sure you encrypt the internal drive before wiping it and restoring to factory state. Then any data residue is completely unrecoverable.

 

[Fishrrman]

I don't think encryption will be necessary for the old one.

Just use the "erase all content and settings" option, and it should be "wiped" (and signed out of online, as well).

 

[Solarflares]

Please read this.

Encrypting data/secure deletion — Oxford University Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging

Why you should and how you would encrypt data and how to ensure files really are deleted

www.win.ox.ac.uk

 

[CharlesShaw]

@Solarflares The first sentence of this article says that encryption is on by default for a Mac with an M series chip or T2. The OP's Mac is an M4.

Protect data on your Mac with FileVault

Turn on FileVault to add an extra layer of security to the encrypted data on your Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[Solarflares]

@Solarflares The first sentence of this article says that encryption is on by default for a Mac with an M series chip or T2. The OP's Mac is an M4.

OK, let’s start again. Before selling, sending back or sending in for repair, or simply disposing of any Apple product with an internal SSD - always ensure that encryption is selected, and if not, let it run fully through it’s encryption process. You can then wipe and restore to factory settings if needed.
If the unit is beyond repair, then open the case, and remove the SSD with force, and smash it to bits - unless you can salvage it for future use.

 

[MacCheetah3]

OK, let’s start again. Before selling, sending back or sending in for repair, or simply disposing of any Apple product with an internal SSD - always ensure that encryption is selected, and if not, let it run fully through it’s encryption process. You can then wipe and restore to factory settings if needed.
If the unit is beyond repair, then open the case, and remove the SSD with force, and smash it to bits - unless you can salvage it for future use.

As @CharlesShaw noted, this isn’t necessary on newer(-ish) Macs or devices. Some reading material if you’d like:

Intro to FileVault

Mac computers offer FileVault, a built-in encryption capability, to secure all data at rest.

support.apple.com

Secure Enclave

The Secure Enclave is a dedicated secure subsystem in the latest versions of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, and HomePod.

support.apple.com

Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support

Use the Erase All Content and Settings feature to quickly and securely erase all settings, data, and apps, while maintaining the operating system currently installed.

support.apple.com