In this scenario, your new Mac (which you're transferring data to) is the host and your old Mac (which you want to pull data from) is the target.Ĭonnect the target and host, boot the target into Target Disk Mode as normal, then on the host launch Migration Assistant under Utilities. There's no faster way to achieve this than with Target Disk Mode. This handy feature allows you to connect two Macs via FireWire ports, Thunderbolt ports, or USB-C ports, and then share the contents of the Target Disk Mode Mac’s internal drive. This means you can use a USB-C cable to connect your Mac in Target Disk mode. Target Disk Mode has been a feature of the macOS since the PowerBook 100 (pictured right) was released way back in 1991. All-in-one solution for Android, iOS, Windows and Mac to transfer files via. In fact, every Thunderbolt 3 port on a Mac also functions as a USB-C port. Advanced emulation capabilities, Writable Virtual Devices, Bootable USB. If you've bought a new Mac, you're going to want to transfer your old data to it. Can I use USB-C cables for Target Disk mode The Thunderbolt 3 port uses the same form-factor as USB-C. Transferring Data With macOS Migration Assistant In Ken’s situation, he would put the Mac mini into Target Disk Mode, attach it to his MacBook Pro using FireWire or Thunderbolt, and then boot the MacBook using the mini’s hard drive. A wired transfer via Thunderbolt is much faster than a similar wireless transfer using the notoriously buggy AirDrop.
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This is most useful for large files like videos, media libraries, disk images, and so on. 3 months of Apple Fitness+ free with purchase on select items. If you're used to transferring files between computers using intermediary media like an external hard drive, why not use Target Disk Mode instead? There's no need to copy from your Mac to a USB volume, then from the USB volume to your destination-simply move from Mac to Mac.
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Now that you know how to use target disk mode, you should familiarize yourself with some of the applications for this boot mode. If you’re trying to use a Thunderbolt equipped iMac (at least a 2011 model) in target display mode, yes, you’d need to use the TB2 to TB3 adapter as well as a Thunderbolt cable.