Intel Mac → Apple silicon Mac
Moving to a new device? What transfers on its own, what you'll move yourself, and Apple's steps as a checklist — every line quoted from Apple.
Apple's tool for this move: Migration Assistant (and Rosetta for Intel-only apps)
What transfers
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User accounts
Apple: “User accounts: Select the checkbox next to the name of each user account you want to transfer.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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Other files and folders
Apple: “Other Files & Folders: Transfer documents and files.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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Privacy & Security settings
Apple: “Privacy & Security Settings: Transfer settings.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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System & Network settings
Apple: “System & Network: Transfer system and network settings.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
What you move yourself
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Apps that may not come across
Apple: “Applications: Transfer apps to your new Mac. Incompatible apps or apps with newer versions already installed may not be transferred or may not be usable.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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Intel-only apps after macOS 27
Apple: “Rosetta is available for any Mac with Apple silicon using macOS 27 or earlier. Starting with macOS 28, the next major macOS release, Rosetta functionality will be available only for certain older, unmaintained games that rely on Intel-based frameworks.”
Your move, step by step
Each step quotes Apple. Tick them off as you go — ticks stay in this browser only.
of 10 done
Before you start
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Apple: “You can also use the Finder or System Settings to learn which apps require an update for Apple silicon.”
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Apple: “For optimal performance and future compatibility, update your Intel-based apps by replacing them with a "Universal" or "Apple silicon" version of the app, instead of relying on Rosetta to translate the app for use with Apple silicon.”
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Apple: “Make sure that macOS is up to date on each Mac. It’s not necessary for each Mac to be using the same version of macOS.”
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Apple: “If you’re using a laptop computer, connect it to power.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
During the transfer
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Apple: “When asked how you want to transfer your information, select “From a Mac, Time Machine, or startup disk,” then click Continue.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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Apple: “On your old Mac, verify that the code matches the code displayed on your new Mac, then click Continue.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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Apple: “Large transfers might need hours to complete, and might seem to pause occasionally.”
Afterwards
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Apple: “A migration summary is shown if issues were found—for example, if documents couldn’t be transferred or incompatible software was detected.”
Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device ↗
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Apple: “If you’re asked to install Rosetta, click Install and enter your macOS user name and password to allow installation to proceed.”
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Apple: “Migration Assistant transfers your email, but to access it you might first need to set up your email account again in your email app.”
Every Mac setup screen, explained
Setup Companion: what each screen means and where to change it later.
Can't find a setting?
Settings Pathfinder: the exact path on your Mac.
Sources for this page
- 1 Using Intel-based apps on a Mac with Apple silicon support.apple.com
- 1 Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant support.apple.com
- 1 Mac User Guide: Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device support.apple.com · current guide