---
title: "Using Migration Assistant in macOS"
canonical: "https://kb.uconn.edu/space/IKB/10731882065/Using%20Migration%20Assistant%20in%20macOS"
format: markdown
---
Migration Assistant is a Mac application that allows users to transfer all of their documents, apps, user accounts, settings, etc. from one Mac to another.

> ⚠️ UConn-owned Macs should not use Migration Assistant to transfer data. Employee data should be retained in OneDrive.

## Connecting the Mac Computers to One Another

- If both computers are using macOS Sierra or later, ensure that they are near each other and have Wi-Fi turned on.
- If either is using **OS X El Capitan** or earlier, connect them both to the same network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Other:
  - Connect the new Mac to a Time Machine backup of the old Mac.
  - Connect them using **[Target Disk Mode](https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/transfer-files-mac-computers-target-disk-mode-mchlp1443/mac)** and the appropriate cable or adapter. Then, start up the old computer in target disk mode.

> ℹ️ If you have a lot of content, the transfer may take several hours to finish.

## Using Migration Assistant in macOS

### On the new Mac

1. Open** Migration Assistant** located in the **Utilities** folder of the **Applications** folder.
2. Click **Continue. **
3. When prompted, select the **Transfer from a Mac, Time Machine, or Startup Disk** option.
4. Click **Continue. **
5. You should see a list of backups by date and time. Choose the backup that you want to use.
6. Click **Continue. **
7. Select the information to transfer.
8. Click **Continue** to start the transfer.

### On the old Mac

1. Open **Migration Assistant. **
2. Click **Continue. **
3. When prompted, select the **Transfer to Another Mac** option.
4. Click **Continue. **

After Migration Assistant is done, log in to the migrated account on the new Mac to see the files.

## Related Articles

> Macro (contentbylabel)

> Macro (details)
> 
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