Preparing Your Mac for Migration Assistant

Clean, update, and secure your old Mac before transferring your data to a new machine using Migration Assistant.

  1. Update macOS to the latest version. Open System Settings from the Apple menu. Navigate to General > Software Update and install any pending updates to ensure full compatibility with the target machine.
  2. Rename your Mac. Navigate to System Settings > General > About. Click on the Name field and assign a unique, identifiable name to the machine to prevent identification conflicts during the migration process.
  3. Perform a final Time Machine backup. Connect an external hard drive and open System Settings > General > Time Machine. Select your drive and initiate a manual backup to ensure your data is secure if the migration process is interrupted.
  4. Disable power-saving features. Go to System Settings > Displays > Advanced. Ensure the Mac is set to stay awake while connected to power to prevent the migration from failing due to sleep modes.
  5. Disable third-party antivirus software. If you have third-party security or firewall software installed, disable it temporarily. These tools often block the network handshake required between the two Macs.
  6. Open Migration Assistant. Open the Applications folder, select Utilities, and launch Migration Assistant. Click Continue and select the option to transfer information to another Mac.

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