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Use Apple’s Migration Assistant to move supported files, apps, user accounts, and settings from an old iMac to a new one. You can run it while setting up the new iMac or later, and choose a direct wireless or cable connection—or use a Time Machine backup. An external drive is needed only if you choose the backup route, not for direct migration.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | Best for | What you need to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless direct transfer | Two working iMacs that can stay near each other | Keep Wi-Fi enabled and the iMacs close together; Apple’s iMac setup instructions also call for Bluetooth on the old Mac. A cable may be faster, but Apple gives no speed guarantee. |
| Wired direct transfer | A direct connection when you have compatible ports and cables | Apple supports Thunderbolt or Ethernet connections. Check the ports on both iMacs first; Ethernet may require adapters. Apple describes cable transfer as often faster than wireless, not invariably faster. |
| Time Machine backup | The old iMac is unavailable or damaged, or you prefer a backup-based transfer | You need an existing usable Time Machine backup disk. Select the disk and a backup as the Migration Assistant source. |
| Migrate after setup | You already completed Setup Assistant on the new iMac | You can open Migration Assistant later and transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk. |
Apple’s instructions: Set up your iMac, Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant, and Restore your Mac from a backup.
Prepare both iMacs
- Install available macOS updates on both computers where possible, connect them to power, and keep the connection stable.
- For wireless migration, keep the iMacs near each other, turn on Wi-Fi, and enable Bluetooth on the old Mac as specified in Apple’s iMac setup guide.
- For a cable connection, identify the ports on both models before buying a cable or adapter. Compatibility depends on the specific iMacs; there is no single cable that can be assumed to fit every pair.
- If you have an external drive and want a fallback, make a Time Machine backup before starting. It is optional for direct migration.
- Keep the old iMac intact until you have checked the new one and confirmed any needed backup.
Apple’s iMac setup guidance covers wireless and cable connections; its Migration Assistant instructions describe preparation and transfer choices.
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Transfer during the new iMac’s initial setup
- Turn on the new iMac and continue through Setup Assistant until it asks whether you want to transfer information. Choose the option to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
- On the old iMac, open Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant. Choose the option to transfer information to another Mac and continue through the prompts.
- When the devices display a security code, confirm that the code matches on both iMacs before proceeding.
- Select the information categories you want to move, review any account-conflict choice, and start the transfer.
- Leave both computers powered and connected while Migration Assistant works. A large transfer can take hours and may appear to pause; allow it to continue unless the process reports an error.
Apple’s step-by-step directions are in Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant.
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Transfer after setting up the new iMac
Skipping migration during setup does not remove the option. On the new iMac, open Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities. Apple’s Mac user guide also gives this route: System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Open Migration Assistant. Choose to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk, then follow the prompts. The exact route can vary with macOS version.
On the old iMac, open Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities when prompted, choose transfer to another Mac, and verify the security code if one appears. Select the categories to transfer on the new iMac. See Apple’s Migration Assistant support article and Mac user guide.
Transfer from a Time Machine backup
- Connect the external disk containing the backup to the new iMac.
- Open Migration Assistant during initial setup or later, and choose the source option for a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
- Select the Time Machine disk and the backup you want to use.
- Choose the data categories to transfer and follow the onscreen prompts.
A usable backup can provide personal files, apps, and a user account even when the old iMac is not available. Apple’s instructions are in Restore your Mac from a backup.
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- FITS PERFECTLY IN YOUR SPACE — The all-in-one desktop design is strikingly thin, comes in seven vibrant colors, and elevates any space with style.
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What transfers—and what to check afterward
Migration Assistant transfers supported documents, apps, user accounts, and settings. That does not mean every app or preference will work unchanged. Apple notes that incompatible apps, or apps for which a newer version is already installed, may not transfer or be usable. Its described Mac migration workflow also does not transfer network settings and passwords.
- Sign in to the migrated account and open important files.
- Check that essential apps launch, are compatible, and have any required licenses or account sign-ins.
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi or other networks and enter credentials as needed.
- Set up email again if required; Apple notes that migrated email may need account setup in the Mail app.
- Confirm that your important files and any separate backup are present before erasing, selling, or giving away the old iMac.
Apple describes the transfer’s scope and app limitations in its Migration Assistant article and Mac user guide.
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If the new iMac already has a user account with the same name as an incoming account, Migration Assistant asks how to handle the conflict. You can replace the existing account, or rename the incoming account so both remain. In some cases, Apple provides an option to retain a copy of replaced data in Deleted Users. Read the prompt carefully before choosing: replacing an account can affect data already on the new iMac.
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Apple explains account conflicts and transfer behavior in Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant.
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No, not for a direct transfer between the old and new iMac. You need an external drive only if you plan to create or use a Time Machine backup. A backup is useful as an independent fallback, especially if the old iMac might become unavailable, but Apple’s direct Migration Assistant route does not require buying one.
For connection details, consult Apple’s iMac setup guide and backup restoration instructions.
If migration appears stuck or does not work
- Wireless devices cannot find each other: Keep the iMacs close, check that Wi-Fi is on, and enable Bluetooth on the old iMac. Confirm both computers are ready in Migration Assistant.
- A cable will not connect: Recheck the exact ports on both iMacs and whether the connection needs an adapter. Do not assume that a cable suitable for one iMac generation fits another.
- The transfer seems paused: Apple says large transfers may take hours and can appear to pause. Keep the computers powered and give the process time to finish.
- An app or setting is missing: Check app compatibility and update or reinstall the app as appropriate; expect to reconnect to networks and set up some credentials manually.
- You already finished setup: Launch Migration Assistant from Applications > Utilities or use the System Settings route described above.
Apple’s guidance: Migration Assistant and the Mac user guide.
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