Transferring Files/Data from 2012 Mini to 2018 Mini

[Matte2]

I read the following article:

Welcome to Mac mini Getting Started Guide

Mac mini Getting Started provides everything you need to quickly set up and start using your new Mac mini.

support.apple.com

and as a beginner user I am nervous. Once I figure out how to connect both Mac Mini's to the same network, how reliable is Migration Assistant?

The second option with the Thunderbolt Cable seems easier, but I read that the 2012 Mac Mini does not use a Thunderbolt 3 cable, but an older version, so then would I have to buy an adapter, in addition to the Thunderbolt 3 cable?

I am most concerned about transferring my emails from Apple Mail over to the new Mac Mini. What about putting files and exported mailboxes on a USB flash drive and then connecting the USB Flash Drive to the new Mac mini? Is that an alternative and efficient way to transfer files?

 

[chrfr]

I read the following article:

Welcome to Mac mini Getting Started Guide

Mac mini Getting Started provides everything you need to quickly set up and start using your new Mac mini.

support.apple.com

and as a beginner user I am nervous. Once I figure out how to connect both Mac Mini's to the same network, how reliable is Migration Assistant?

Migration assistant over the network will work fine. Using Thunderbolt would cost you around $100 for the proper cable and adapter; it's not worth it. Let Migration Assistant do its work without trying manual intervention. If it doesn't do what you want, you can then try to manually move files and folders.

 

[Boyd01]

Do you have a full backup of the old computer? If not, then I would get an external drive and do that before anything else. I use both Time Machine and Carbon Copy Cloner. Either would work, but I prefer Carbon Copy for this (you can use the free trial). Now just plug your backup disk into the new Mini and choose it in Migration Assistant. That should make the new Mini just like the old one.

I think the network method would also work, but my point is that you really should have a good backup of the old computer before messing with anything... "just in case".

 

[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. Use an external drive for this. It can be either TM or a cloned backup using CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper. I prefer CCC.
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT USE TM AS YOUR "MIGRATION EXTERNAL DRIVE". INSTEAD, USE EITHER CCC OR SD. Things will go better this way!
2. Shut down the old Mac and disconnect the external 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 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 and give setup assistant the time it needs.
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. If you have a lot "of stuff", it will take a lot of time!
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.

 

[mdgm]

If your 2012 Mini only has a hdd in it you can speed up the 2012 mini enormously by using:

2012 Mini -> TB (1/2) cable -> TB3 to TB2 adapter -> TB3 dock (with AC power supply) -> TB3 NVMe SSD.

This would be faster than an internal SATA III SSD in the Mini. Though the 2012 Mini has USB3 so for most the speed of a USB3 SSD would be sufficient (and significantly cheaper).

If you were going to keep the 2012 Mini and boot it off a Thunderbolt drive going forward then the TB cable and adapter for the migration to the 2018 Mini would make a lot of sense. Otherwise not.