How can I transfer files form mac to mac without migration assistant?

The TransferFox app is quite good for transferring files between two computers, including Mac to Mac and PC to PC.

Using File Sharing over Wi-Fi, such as Samba (SMB) or SFTP, is a great way to transfer files Mac to Mac, especially if both are on the same local network. It offers a flexible, network-based solution without needing external drives or internet-based cloud services.

How File Sharing Works on Mac:

• SMB (Samba): The standard protocol for file sharing on Windows and macOS. Macs support SMB natively, allowing you to share folders and access shared folders from other Macs.
• SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol): Securely transfers files over SSH, providing encrypted data transfer. macOS has built-in SSH and SFTP support.

Setting Up File Sharing on Mac:

Using SMB:

1. Enable File Sharing:

• Go to System Preferences > Sharing.
• Check File Sharing.

2. Share Folders:

• Click + under the Shared Folders list.
• Select folders to share.

3. Set Permissions: Customize user access.

4. Access from Another Mac:

•   In Finder, press Cmd + K or go to Go > Connect to Server.
•   Enter smb://<IP_address> or smb://<hostname>.
•   Log in with your user credentials.

Using SFTP for Transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Enable Remote Login:

  Go to System Preferences > Sharing.

  Check Remote Login.

  Note the IP address or hostname.

2. Connect from Another Mac:

  Use Terminal or a Finder Connect to Server.

  Enter sftp://<IP_address> or connect via Terminal:

sftp username@<IP_address>

3. Transfer Files: Use command-line or graphical SFTP clients.

Using Target Disk Mode is a great way to transfer files from Mac to Mac quickly and efficiently. It essentially turns one Mac into an external drive that you can connect to another Mac, allowing you to copy files directly from one machine's internal storage to the other.

Here's how it works in your own words: you restart one Mac while holding down a specific key combination (usually the T key), which makes that Mac act like an external hard drive. Then, you connect it to the second Mac using a compatible cable (like Thunderbolt or USB-C). Once connected, the second Mac recognizes the first as an external disk, and you can browse its files and folders just like you would with an external drive. This method is fast because it bypasses network transfer speeds and directly accesses the disk.

It's particularly useful for large data transfers, migrating data from an old Mac to a new one, or recovering files from a Mac that won’t boot normally. Since it's built into macOS, it's completely free, and there's no need for extra software.

In essence, Target Disk Mode provides a simple, cost-free way to transfer files from Mac to Mac by temporarily turning one into an external disk. It’s reliable, fast, and ideal for large or sensitive data transfers without relying on internet connections or third-party tools.

How to transfer files from Mac to Mac? Using an external SSD or USB drive to transfer files between Macs is a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective method. It’s free once you have the hardware, and it works well for transferring large files or bulk data without relying on network connections.

How to Use External SSD or USB Drive for Transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Connect the Drive: Plug the external SSD or USB drive into the first Mac.

2. Format the Drive (if needed): Ensure the drive is formatted in a compatible format, such as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), which are fully compatible with macOS.

3. Copy Files: Drag and drop the files or folders you want to transfer onto the external drive.

4. Eject the Drive Safely: After copying, eject the drive properly.

5. Connect to the Second Mac: Plug the drive into the second Mac.

6. Copy Files to the Second Mac: Drag the files from the external drive to the desired location on the second Mac.

Note:

Fast transfer speeds: Especially with SSDs or high-speed USB drives.

No internet required: Ideal for large files or when network transfer is slow or unavailable.

Secure and private: Files stay on your physical hardware during transfer.

Supports large data transfers: Useful for big projects, backups, or large media files.

Thanks to Apple's integrated ecosystem, the optimal solution to transfer files from Mac to Mac is determined by the proximity of the two Macs and the volume of data to be transferred.

1.Old Mac Setup

• Open System Preferences → General → Sharing, enable File Sharing, click the i information button on the right, then click the + under Shared Folders to add the folder requiring transfer. Ensure your account permissions are set to Read & Write, and record the displayed sharing address.

2. Connecting and Transferring on the New Mac

• Open Finder, click Go in the top menu bar → Connect to Server. Enter the old Mac's shared address, click Connect, and complete authentication if prompted. Select the shared volume; the shared folder will mount to your desktop. Simply drag and drop files to transfer at maximum network speed.

Advantages:Suited for large-volume batch file transfers, utilises full network bandwidth, requires no additional hardware, enables precise folder selection for on-demand transfers, and offers high stability.

Disadvantages:Requires shared local area network environment, involves cumbersome steps, may fail due to improper permission configuration, and is unusable without network connectivity.

For me, Migration Assistant is the proper solution to transfer files from Mac to Mac as it refuses to move files cleanly from one Mac to another. Common problems include the transfer getting stuck, extremely slow progress, or errors caused by unstable Wi-Fi, incompatible macOS versions, or insufficient free space on the new Mac. Firewall settings or background apps can also interrupt the process without giving a clear error message.

Another frequent issue is missing data after the migration finishes. Some users find that certain user folders, apps, or permissions do not copy correctly, especially when moving from an older macOS to a much newer one. This can lead to duplicated user accounts, login problems, or apps that open but do not work as expected.

A practical workaround is to avoid wireless transfer and use a wired connection, such as a Thunderbolt or Ethernet cable, which is far more stable. It also helps to update both Macs to compatible macOS versions and disable security software temporarily during the transfer. If Migration Assistant still fails, manually copying important folders or restoring from a Time Machine backup is often more reliable.

I would love to use a dedicated app for transferring files from Mac to Mac without migration assistant as it is more reliable and fast!

Using AirDrop to transfer files from Mac to Mac is a quick, easy, and completely free method. It’s built into macOS and provides a seamless way to share documents, photos, videos, and other files wirelessly over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

How AirDrop Works:

• Compatibility: AirDrop works with Macs running macOS X 10.10 Yosemite or later.
• Setup: Both Macs need to have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.
• Visibility: Make sure both Macs are set to be discoverable in AirDrop.
• You can do this via the Finder: open a Finder window, select AirDrop from the sidebar, and set the "Allow me to be discovered by" option to Contacts Only or Everyone.

Steps to Transfer files from Mac to Mac:

1. Open AirDrop on both Macs via Finder.

2. Set discoverability on both devices.

3. Drag and drop the files you want to send onto the recipient's icon in the AirDrop window.

4. The recipient will see a prompt to accept the transfer.

5. Once accepted, the files will be saved to the Downloads folder by default.

Benefits:

Fast and wireless—no cables required.

Secure—transfers are encrypted.

No additional software needed beyond macOS.

There is a straightforward method ideal for rapid, close-range transfers of photos, documents, videos, and folders, supporting files up to approximately 10-20GB.

How to transfer files from one Mac to another

• Ensure AirDrop is enabled on both Macs: Verify Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are active. Open Finder, click “AirDrop” in the sidebar, and set “Allow me to be discovered by” to “Everyone” or “Contacts Only”.

• Initiate file transfer: Locate the other Mac's icon in the AirDrop window, then drag and drop the desired files onto it. On the receiving Mac, click “Accept”.

Important note: Should AirDrop transfer speeds prove slow or unstable, ensure both Macs are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (even if they have identified each other via Bluetooth).