Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode (2024)

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Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode (1)

If you have two Mac computers with USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt ports, you can connect them so that one of them appears as an external hard disk on the other. This is called target disk mode.

Note: If either of the computers has macOS 11 or later installed, you must connect the two computers using a Thunderbolt cable.

If you have a Mac with Apple silicon, see Transfer files between a Mac with Apple silicon and another Mac.

  1. Connect the two computers with a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable.

  2. On the Mac you want to use as the external disk in target disk mode, do one of the following:

    • If the computer is off, start it up while pressing and holding the T key.

    • If the computer is on, choose Apple menu Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode (2) > System Settings, then click General Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode (3) in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down). Click Startup Disk on the right, then click Restart in Target Disk Mode.

      Open Startup Disk settings for me

      When the computer has started up, a disk icon appears on the desktop of the other computer.

  3. Transfer files by dragging them to and from the disk.

  4. Eject the disk by dragging its icon to the Trash.

    While you drag, the Trash icon changes to an Eject icon.

  5. On the Mac you used as a disk, push the power button to shut it down, then disconnect the cable.

See alsoSolve problems with a disk using Disk Utility on MacFind out how to service or repair your Mac

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Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode (2024)

FAQs

Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode? ›

On the other Mac, open a Finder window, then double-click the Mac you're using as an external disk in the sidebar. Transfer files by dragging them to and from the disk. To eject the disk, Control-click it in the Finder sidebar, then choose Eject [volume].

What is the best way to transfer data between 2 Macs? ›

Use Migration Assistant
  1. Open Migration Assistant on your new Mac. ...
  2. When Migration Assistant asks you for permission to make changes, enter your administrator password, then click OK.
  3. When asked how you want to transfer your information, select the option to transfer from a Mac, Time Machine backup or startup disk.
Jan 3, 2024

How do I connect two Macs to Target Disk Mode? ›

How to use target disk mode on a Mac with Apple silicon
  1. Connect the two Macs together using a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable (again, if one of the Macs is running Big Sur or later, you must use a Thunderbolt cable).
  2. If the Mac you want to use as the target disk is powered on, shut it down.
Aug 31, 2023

How to transfer files from one Mac to another Mac? ›

Transfer data from another Mac

On both Macs, open a Finder window, go to Applications, open the Utilities folder, then double-click Migration Assistant and follow the onscreen instructions. If you are transferring wirelessly, keep the computers near each other throughout the migration process.

How do I share files between two computers on a Mac? ›

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Sharing on the right. (You may need to scroll down.) Below Content & Media, turn on File Sharing, then click the Info button on the right. If you want, turn on Allow full disk access for all users.

What is the fastest file transfer between two Macs? ›

If both of your Macs are running Mac OS X Lion or a later version, AirDrop is one of the simplest ways to share files between them quickly, and you may utilise the function as long as both of your Macs are updated.

Can you transfer files between two Macs using a USB cable? ›

If you have two Mac computers with USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt ports, you can connect them so that one of them appears as an external hard disk on the other. This is called target disk mode. Note: If either of the computers has macOS 11 or later installed, you must connect the two computers using a Thunderbolt cable.

Do Macs still have Target Disk Mode? ›

With the Mac transition to Apple silicon, Apple replaced Target Disk Mode with Mac Sharing Mode.

How to transfer files between two Macs using Thunderbolt? ›

Mac File Sharing via Thunderbolt Networking
  1. Open Settings on both Macs, and navigate to the Network section.
  2. Select Thunderbolt Bridge and click 'OK' if a New Interface Detected pop-up appears.
  3. On one Mac, go to the Thunderbolt Bridge section and choose your Mac from the service list.
Apr 30, 2024

How do I transfer files from one computer to another? ›

The simplest way to transfer files between two computers is by using USB drives or external hard disks. All you have to do is plug the drive into one computer and copy the file onto it. Then unplug it and plug it into the other computer and paste (or drag and drop) it into that computer's storage.

Can I sync files between two Macs? ›

File syncing between two Macs

Syncing files between two Macs is, thankfully, fairly simple. One way is to use iCloud. Providing both devices — whether a MacBook or an iPhone or iPad — are logged into the same Apple ID, a file that you've saved on one will save exactly the same on another.

How to transfer files from Mac to Mac when one is not working? ›

The easiest way to do it is to copy the files to an external drive, then plug it into your Mac, and export them to your MacBook. You can simply drag and drop all files. Make sure that your external drive is compatible with both PC and MacBook — choose ExFAT format.

What is the easiest way to share files between two computers? ›

6 methods to transfer files from PC to PC
  1. Cloud storage or web data transfers. ...
  2. External hard drives or USB flash drives. ...
  3. Direct cable transfer. ...
  4. PC transfer software. ...
  5. Network transfer (LAN or WiFi) ...
  6. SATA cable connection.
Jul 31, 2024

How can I connect two Macs together? ›

You can use an Ethernet cable to connect two Mac computers to share files or play network games. If your computer doesn't have an Ethernet port, try using a USB Ethernet Adapter or a Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.

How do I connect to another computer on my Mac? ›

In the Finder window, double-click the computer you want to connect to, then click Connect As. If you're connecting to a Mac that has screen sharing turned on, and you have the appropriate privileges, you can also click Share Screen.

Does the Mac Migration Assistant transfer everything? ›

Use Migration Assistant to copy all of your documents, apps, user accounts, and settings to a new Mac from another computer.

Can you sync 2 Macs together? ›

Syncing files between two Macs is, thankfully, fairly simple. One way is to use iCloud. Providing both devices — whether a MacBook or an iPhone or iPad — are logged into the same Apple ID, a file that you've saved on one will save exactly the same on another.

How do you copy data between two Macbooks? ›

On the Mac you want to transfer files from, select the files you want to transfer and Control-click on them. Choose Share and then choose the Mac you want to send files to from in the AirDrop options.

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