How to Safely Transfer Files from Mac to Mac: 9 Best Ways

Many people struggle with moving files between Macs, but simple tricks can make the process easier. In this post, I’ll share the best methods for quickly transferring files from Mac to Mac to take control and make your Macs work in perfect harmony.

How to Transfer Files from Mac to Mac Wirelessly

In this section, I’ll explore various methods to transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Via AirDrop

AirDrop provides a quick and wireless way to transfer files between Macs using Apple’s built-in feature. Here’s how to use AirDrop to transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Enable AirDrop on both Macs by clicking the Control Center icon in the menu bar and toggling AirDrop on.

2. In Finder, select the files you want to transfer.
3. Right-click the files and click Share in the context menu.

4. Select AirDrop in the submenu that appears.

5. Choose the receiving Mac’s name from the AirDrop list, and the files will be sent wirelessly.

Alternatively, you can follow these steps:

1. Open Finder on your Mac and click AirDrop in the left sidebar.

2. Find the files you want to transfer.
3. Drag these files to a contact listed in the AirDrop window.
4. The receiving Mac will get a notification prompting to confirm the file transfer.
5. Once confirmed, the transferred files will automatically be saved in the Downloads folder of the receiving Mac.

2. Using Migration Assistant

Migration Assistant allows seamless transfer of files, apps, and user accounts between Macs during setup or upgrades. Here is how:

1. On your old Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. Click General and select Sharing.

3. Take note of your Mac’s name in the Local hostname field.

4. If it matches your new Mac’s name, you may want to edit it for clarity. To do that, click the Edit button.

5. Connect both Macs to a power source and an active Wi-Fi connection.
6. On your new Mac, find the Migration Assistant application by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Migration Assistant.

7. In Migration Assistant, choose the option From a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk to initiate the transfer of your information.
8. Click Continue to proceed.
9. On your old MacBook, open Migration Assistant and select To another Mac from the menu.
10. After clicking Continue, a security code will be displayed. Verify the codes on both Macs match to ensure a secure connection.
11. Back on your new Mac, select the specific backup you wish to transfer, and click Continue.

3. Using iCloud Storage

iCloud enables automatic syncing and sharing of files between Macs using Apple’s cloud-based storage system. Follow these steps to transfer your files from Mac to Mac via iCloud:

1. Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu.

2. Click your Apple ID and select iCloud.

3. Pick the files you want to sync across devices.

4. On your new Mac, go to the System Settings menu, click Apple ID, and select Sign In.
5. Type in the same Apple ID and password you’re using on your old Mac.
6. You may receive a verification code on one of your linked devices. Enter the received verification code.
7. Finally, enable iCloud and any other file storage services you wish to use by navigating to System Settings, selecting Apple ID, and clicking iCloud.

4. Using File Sharing

Here’s how to transfer files from Mac to Mac using File sharing:

1. Open System Settings by selecting it from the Apple menu.

2. Click General and select Sharing.

3. In the Sharing settings, toggle on the File Sharing option.

4. Click the small i next to the File Sharing option.

5. A new window will appear. Here, you’ll see a green indicator next to File Sharing: On and an IP address listed below it. Note down this IP address for later steps.

6. Click the Options button on the file-sharing settings window.

7. On the new window that appears, check the box for Share files and folders using SMB.

8. Your Mac is now set up to share files through SMB.

Now, follow the same steps on your new Mac to configure it for file sharing. When you’re ready to share files, follow these steps:

1. Look at the top of the screen to find the name of your Mac.
2. Share this name with any other Mac on your local network to give it access to your files.
3. Place the files or folders you want to share into the Public folder that you’ve set up in the System Settings.
4. The receiving Mac should now be able to access these shared files.

5. Using iMessage

iMessage offers a simple way to send files between Macs through Apple’s native messaging app. Here’s how you can use iMessage to transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Open the Messages app on your Mac, which you can find under the Applications menu or in your Dock.

2. Initiate a new iMessage conversation with the intended recipient.
3. Either drag and drop the desired file or folder into the message box or copy and paste it there.

4. Press Enter to send the message and the receiving Mac will get your file or folder via iMessage.
5. On the receiving end, you can save the attachment by right-clicking it and choosing the Save As option.
6. Finally, save the file or folder in the Downloads folder on the recipient’s Mac.

6. With Target Disk Mode

Target Disk Mode feature essentially turns one of your Macs into an external hard disk for the other, enabling direct access to its file system via a USB connection. Here’s how to use Target Disk Mode for a seamless file transfer on Macs:

1. Turn off both Macs and connect them using a compatible USB cable.
2. Turn on the source Mac and immediately press and hold the T key to enter Target Disk Mode.

3. On the destination Mac, turn it on and log in. The source Mac’s hard drive should appear as an external drive.
4. Drag the files or folders from the source Mac’s hard drive to the desired location on the destination Mac.
5. Eject the source Mac’s hard drive from the destination Mac, then restart both computers.

7. Using Time Machine Backups

Time Machine creates a full-system backup, allowing you to restore files or transfer data to a new Mac seamlessly. Here is how:

1. Connect an external storage device to the source Mac and perform a Time Machine backup.
2. Once the backup is complete, eject the external storage device and unplug it from the source Mac.
3. Plug the external storage device into the destination Mac.
4. Open Time Machine on the destination Mac and choose to restore from the recent backup.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the file restoration.

8. Via Email

Email allows you to attach and send files between Macs, though it is limited by file size. Here’s how to use email to transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Open the Mail app on your Mac.

2. Click the little pencil icon to compose a new email on the old Mac.

3. A new window will appear. Click the paperclip icon in the top toolbar to attach the files you want to transfer.

4. Send the email to yourself.
5. Open the email on the new Mac, download the attached files, and save them to your desired location.

9. Via Bluetooth Sharing

Bluetooth Sharing enables wireless file transfer between Macs using the built-in Bluetooth connection. Let’s see how you can use Bluetooth sharing to transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Enable Bluetooth on both Macs in the System Settings or via Control Center.

2. Confirm that Bluetooth Sharing is enabled on the sending MacBook. To do this, navigate to Finder > Applications > Utilities, and double-click Bluetooth File Exchange.

3. In the Bluetooth File Exchange window that appears, select the files you wish to send and click the Send button.

4. After you initiate the sharing, a Bluetooth connection window will open that lets you interact with the Public folder of the receiving Mac, as well as upload and download files.
5. A Connection Request prompt will appear on the receiving Mac. Click the Connect button to establish the connection.
6. The Bluetooth connection window on the sending MacBook will update to show that a successful connection with the receiving Mac has been made.
7. On the receiving Mac, a new window will pop up asking if you want to accept the incoming files.
8. To store the files on your receiving Mac, click the Accept button.

Transfer Your Files to Your New Mac

Now that you know how to transfer files from your old Mac to the new one, you’re ready to set up the new Mac and start exploring. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• If you’ve shifted from a Windows computer to macOS, learn how to use a Mac for beginners to make the most of it.
• Update your macOS on Mac with the latest updates to avoid performance issues.
• When transitioning to a new Mac, it’s worth considering how to properly handle or repurpose your old MacBook.

Frequently Asked Questions