In today’s digital world, transferring data between machines—whether computers, servers, or mobile devices—is a routine but essential task. Whether you’re setting up a new system, sharing large files, or backing up data, knowing the right transfer method can save time and prevent data loss. This guide explains the most common and reliable ways to transfer data from one machine to another.
The scenario “you have 2 machines that need to swap the data between the Mac’s.” To do this task we only need one backup (Time Machine) using a external Hard drive and a clean work bench to move the machines around.
I would recommend we need to work on one machine backup the data wipe that machine and move the data across which then free’s up the other machine to wipe and restore from Time Machine. You can use the drag and drop method or the cloud option if you like. For easy the Time Machine and Target disc mode it the easy option.
Tools required:
- Thunderbolt 3 Lead,
- USB Caddy
- Spare hard drive (SSD or Mech Drive)
- Work Bench
Tech Level :
Easy
Before we start we do need to know if both machines have the same OS as upgrade from Time Machine is easy but to revert to an older OS is very difficult if not impossible using Time Machine. We also need to check the size of the data from one machine to the other. Last thing you want is go through the whole wipe, restore etc and find the drive is not large enough to transfer that data across.
Once the first machine’s Time Machine is complete I would recommend wiping that machine and installing a clean macOS. When complete boot the other machine to Target Disc Mode and restore that data to the machine you have just installed a clean macOS too. This then brings across that computers data leaving you to wipe the machine you’re moving the data across via Target Disc mode to restore the files from the Time Machine backup.
In short machine 1 Time Machine, Wipe restore from Time Machine from Machine 2. Once completed wipe Machine 2 (Clean macOS) then restore from the Time Machine for Machine 1. Total Time depends on how much data is being transferred but a few hours.
Use Target Disk Mode (or Share Disk on Apple Silicon)
Overview:
Target Disk Mode lets one Mac appear as an external drive on another, allowing fast transfers via cable.
For Intel-based Macs:
- Connect both Macs using a Thunderbolt or FireWire cable.
- Restart the old Mac and hold the T key while it boots.
- The old Mac’s drive will appear as an external disk on the new Mac.
- Drag and drop files as needed.
For Apple Silicon Macs:
- Boot the old Mac into macOS Recovery (hold Power until “Options” appears).
- Click Options → Continue → Utilities → Share Disk.
- Connect the two Macs with a USB-C or Thunderbolt cable.
- On the new Mac, open Finder → Network → [Old Mac] and connect.
Using Cloud Storage Services Option
Overview:
Cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud allow you to upload files from one machine and download them on another from anywhere with an internet connection.
Steps:
- Upload files from the source machine to the cloud storage.
- Log in to the same cloud account on the target machine.
- Download the uploaded files.
Best for:
- Cross-platform transfers (Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile).
- Remote data sharing or backups.
Tips:
Use secure connections (HTTPS) and two-factor authentication.
Check your cloud storage quota to avoid running out of space.
Final Tips for Safe Data Transfer
- Always verify file integrity after transfer (check file sizes or hashes).
- Use encryption if transferring sensitive data.
- Maintain backups before deleting original files.
- Disconnect properly to prevent data corruption.
Conclusion
Transferring data between machines can be done in several ways, depending on your setup, data size, and security needs. For quick local transfers, use external drives or LAN sharing. For remote or long-term access, cloud storage is ideal. Always keep any backup for a period of time just in case the data has not all come across.
By choosing the right method, you can ensure your data moves safely, efficiently, and securely.