To move data safely to a new MacBook Air, make sure both computers are ready, choose a migration source in Setup Assistant, transfer the data, then check the new Mac before erasing or handing over the old one. Migration Assistant leaves the original information on the source Mac, so you can verify the new copy first. Exact screens and labels vary by macOS version.
Before you start: prepare both Macs and your backup
- Connect the new MacBook Air to power and make sure you can get online. Some Setup Assistant steps require an internet connection.
- Install available macOS updates on both Macs before migrating, if possible.
- If transferring wirelessly, turn on Wi-Fi and keep the computers nearby on the same Wi-Fi network. Apple also advises turning off antivirus, firewall, or VPN software that is in use on either Mac until the transfer is complete; follow this as Apple’s documented preparation step.
- Back up the old Mac first when possible. Time Machine is Apple’s built-in backup feature; an existing backup can also be selected as the migration source.
If you need a Time Machine destination, Apple supports a directly connected USB-C or Thunderbolt external storage device. Apple recommends a disk with at least twice the Mac’s storage capacity and suggests using it only for Time Machine. During setup, the Mac may ask to erase the disk; check that it contains no files you need before approving. See Apple’s Time Machine backup guide and backup disk recommendations.
Choose how to set up the new MacBook Air
Setup Assistant can transfer information as part of first-time setup. Choose the source that matches what you actually have: another Mac, a Time Machine backup or startup disk, or a Windows PC. You can also set up the Mac as new or use an iPhone or iPad setup option. Apple’s MacBook Air setup and migration guide covers the initial setup flow.
If you prefer to start with a clean setup, you can finish Setup Assistant without migrating and run Migration Assistant later. If you have already completed initial setup, Migration Assistant is still available in macOS. Use Apple’s version-specific macOS guidance if the screens or labels differ from the steps below.
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Move data with Migration Assistant
- On the new MacBook Air: In Setup Assistant, choose “From a Mac, Time Machine or startup disk.” If setup is already complete, open Migration Assistant and choose the same kind of source.
- On the old Mac: Open Migration Assistant and choose the option to transfer information to another Mac. If your source is a Time Machine backup, connect the backup disk and select it on the new Mac instead.
- Connect and verify: Select the old Mac on the new MacBook Air. Compare the security code shown on both screens before continuing.
- Select what to transfer: Choose the accounts and categories you want, then follow the prompts. If an account with the same name already exists on the new Mac, you may be asked whether to replace it or rename the incoming account so both remain.
- Let the transfer finish: Large migrations can take hours and may appear to pause. Avoid interrupting the process while it is working.
Migration Assistant can transfer documents, apps, user accounts, and settings. It does not delete information from the old Mac or replace macOS on the new one, according to Apple Support.
Wireless or cable connection?
Wireless migration is supported. Keep both Macs nearby, with Wi-Fi on and connected to the same network. Apple’s MacBook Air guide says a direct Thunderbolt or Ethernet connection is often faster, but Apple does not quantify the difference. Cable and adapter needs depend on the ports and models involved, so check compatibility before buying anything.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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Check the new Mac before retiring the old one
Sign in to the migrated account and check the files and services you rely on before erasing the old Mac, trading it in, or giving it away. A practical check includes:
- Important documents, Desktop and Downloads files
- Photos and other personal libraries
- Email access and messages
- Cloud-synced folders and files
- Essential applications and any app-specific data you need
Some apps may not transfer or may be incompatible with the new Mac’s software. Email accounts may also need to be signed in to or set up again. If something is missing, the old Mac remains your fallback while you troubleshoot or migrate again. Apple’s Migration Assistant instructions explain the transfer process and its limits.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Protect the new Mac and any backup
FileVault is macOS’s built-in disk encryption for protecting data at rest. With FileVault enabled, credentials are required during startup, and Apple describes recovery-key options. Keep recovery access somewhere secure; exact Settings labels can vary by macOS release. See Apple’s FileVault guide.
If you encrypt a Time Machine backup disk, keep its password: Apple says that password is required to restore files from an encrypted backup. Encryption is offered as an option when setting up the backup disk; see Apple’s Time Machine guide.
Quick Recap
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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