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Migration Assistant copies all of your files to your new Mac so that you don't have to copy your files manually.
If your files are currently on a Windows PC, follow the PC migration steps instead.
If your new Mac is using OS X Mountain Lion v10.8 or earlier, follow the Mountain Lion migration steps instead.
Check software, settings, and power
Install all available Apple software updates on both Mac computers. Install any updates for your third-party apps as well.
Make sure that your old Mac is using OS X Lion or later.
Make sure that your old Mac has a computer name: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Sharing and check the Computer Name field.
Connect both computers to AC power.
Connect the computers to each other
If both computers are using macOS Sierra or later, just make sure that they're near each other and have Wi-Fi turned on. If either is using OS X El Capitan or earlier, connect them to the same network using Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Or connect them using target disk mode and the appropriate cable or adapter. Then start up your old computer in target disk mode.
Or connect your new Mac to a Time Machine backup of your old Mac.
Use Migration Assistant
On your new Mac:
Open Migration Assistant, which is in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
Click Continue.
When asked how you want to transfer your information, select the option to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk.
Click Continue.
On your old Mac: If you started your old Mac in target disk mode or are migrating from a Time Machine backup, skip these four steps.
Open Migration Assistant.
Click Continue.
When asked how you want to transfer your information, select the option to transfer to another Mac.
Click Continue.
On your new Mac:
When asked to select a Mac, Time Machine backup, or other startup disk, click the appropriate icon.
Click Continue. You might see a security code.
On your old Mac: If you started your old Mac in target disk mode or are migrating from a Time Machine backup, skip these two steps.
If you see a security code, make sure that it's the same code as on your new Mac.
Click Continue.
On your new Mac:
Choose the backup to transfer information from.
Click Continue.
Continuing on your new Mac:
Select the information to transfer from the backup.
Click Continue to start the transfer. If you have a lot of content, the transfer might take several hours to finish.
In the example above, John Appleseed is a macOS user account. If you transfer an account that has the same name as an account on your new Mac, you're asked to rename the old account or replace the one on your new Mac. If you rename, the old account appears as a separate user on your new Mac, with a separate home folder and login. If you replace, the old account overwrites the account on your new Mac, including everything in its home folder.
After Migration Assistant is done, log in to the migrated account on your new Mac to see its files. If you're not keeping your old Mac, learn what to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your old Mac.
USB port types and names
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. It's available with many types of ports, and each type has a unique shape. On Mac computers, USB is available with these ports, depending on your Mac model:
USB-A
Type USB-A ports are commonly called USB, USB 2, or USB 3 ports, depending on the USB specification they support. They aren't reversible, so a USB-A connector plugs into the port only when oriented correctly.
USB-C
Type USB-C ports are available as either standard USB-C ports or Thunderbolt 3 ports that also support USB-C connections. They both look the same, and the connector plugs into the port in either orientation.
Learn more about identifying the ports on your Mac, as well as the adapters and cables you can use to connect older devices to type USB-C ports.
USB specifications
USB specifications are important primarily when you want the most speed and power for your USB device, or your device needs more power or is using too much power. Every USB port supports a particular USB specification, which determines the port's maximum>USB specifications on MacData transferPowerUSB 3.1 Gen 2 Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2 Up to 10 GbpsUp to 15W at 5VUSB 3.1 Gen 1 Also known as USB 3.2 Gen 1 or USB 3 Up to 5 GbpsUp to 900 mA at 5VUSB 2.0 Up to 480 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5VUSB 1.1 Up to 12 MbpsUp to 500 mA at 5V
To learn which specification is supported by a type USB-A or type USB-C port on your Mac model:
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Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click Support, then click Specifications.
Check the System Information app for more details, including about USB devices connected to USB ports on your Mac. Select USB in the sidebar, then select a USB bus on the right.
Get the best performance from your USB devices
Macintosh Computer New
USB specifications all work with each other, but speed and power are limited by the cable or device that uses the earliest specification. For example, if you connect a USB 3 device to USB 2 port, your device is limited to USB 2 speeds, and it can't draw more power from the port than can be delivered over USB 2. In other words, to get the best performance, make sure that the USB port on your Mac and the USB cable to your device meet or exceed the USB specification of the device itself.
If your Mac doesn't recognize a USB device after you plug it into your Mac:
Check all connections: Unplug the device from your Mac, then plug it back in, and make sure that all cables and adapters are securely connected at both ends. Test with another cable or adapter, if available.
Plug the device directly into your Mac instead of a USB hub or other device, and if necessary test with a different USB port on your Mac or device.
Some devices need their own software, such as drivers or firmware. Others work without additional software. Check with the maker of your device, and install all available Apple software updates as well.
If your device came with an AC power adapter, use it. Some devices can be powered by the USB port on your Mac. Others need more power than your Mac can provide.
Restart your Mac.
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USB 3 devices can create wireless interference that affects Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. Learn how to resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.
Mac notebook computers with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 can charge over that port using a compatible USB-C power adapter and cable.