Mac OS X Migration Assistant: A Guide
With our guide, you can use the Mac OS X Migration Assistant to transfer files between multiple Mac computers. For example, you take over your program settings and user accounts. In our guide you will learn how it works.
Preparations for the migration assistant
First of all, make sure that none of your Mac computers go into sleep mode during the transfer. To do this, start the "System Settings" in your dock on both devices and then press "Save Energy". Now move the controller to "Never".
- Also check that the latest Mac OS software is installed for both devices. To do this, click on the apple symbol in the top left and then on "Software update ..." (see picture).
- In addition, the active power supply should not be interrupted, which is why it is better if you connect both Mac computers with the respective power cable and thus supply them with power immediately.
Migration assistant via WiFi & Ethernet
The data exchange can take place via WiFi or Ethernet connection. Therefore, first make sure that the two Mac computers are connected to the same network.
- Start the spotlight search on the top right of your target device and enter "Migration Assistant". Then click on the first hit.
- If necessary, enter your administrator password and confirm your entry with "OK".
- Next choose "From another Mac".
- Now choose between "Use FireWire" and "Use Network".
- Next, go to the source device and start the "Migration Assistant" program under Programs / Utilities.
- Now enter your administrator password here and then press "OK".
- Then click on "Another Mac".
- A code now appears on the target device. You enter this on your source device.
- Now you have to close all programs on the source device and click on "Continue". Then you have to select the elements to be transferred on your target device.
- By clicking on "Continue" the transfer of your data begins.
Transfer data via FireWire
If both Mac computers have a FireWire connection, you can also start transferring your data via this connection.
- Connect both Mac computers using FireWire.
- Now restart the source device and press the "T" key.
- Now open the migration assistant on the target device. Here you select "Continue" and enter your administrator password.
- Now click on "From another Mac" in the next window and then click on "Continue".
- Next choose "Use FireWire". Now exit all programs on the target device and then press "Continue".
- After selecting the elements to be transferred, start the process by clicking on "Continue".
This practical tip was carried out on a MacBook Air under Mac OS Mavericks 10.9. Devices with Leopard require an update to the current version.
You can also synchronize many settings via iCloud - for example the shortcuts.