Transfer your data to your new MacBook Air
It’s easy to copy your files and settings wirelessly from another Mac or PC to your MacBook Air. You can transfer information to your MacBook Air from an existing computer or from a Time Machine backup on a USB storage device.
You might need to upgrade the macOS version on your older computer before you can transfer the information on it—Migration Assistant requires macOS 10.7 or later, but it’s best to update your older computer to the latest version possible. If you’re not sure which MacBook Air you have or want to find information about other models, see the Apple Support article Identify your MacBook Air model.
Tip: For best results, make sure your new MacBook Air is running the latest version of macOS. Open System Preferences, then click Software Update to check for updates.
Move from a PC to a Mac. If you’re new to Mac and want to transfer from a Windows computer, see Transfer info from a PC to Mac in the macOS User Guide and the Apple Support article Move your data from a Windows PC to your Mac.
Transfer wirelessly. If you didn’t transfer your data when you first set up your MacBook Air, you can use Migration Assistant at any time. Open a Finder window, go to Applications, open the Utilities folder, then double-click Migration Assistant and follow the onscreen instructions. Make sure both computers are connected to the same network, and keep the computers near each other throughout the migration process.
Tip: To transfer the information wirelessly from your existing computer to your MacBook Air, make sure both computers are connected to the same network. Keep both computers near each other throughout the migration process.
If you used Time Machine to back up your files from another Mac to a storage device (such as an external disk), you can copy the files from the device to your MacBook Air. See Back up and restore your Mac.
Copy files from a storage device. Connect the storage device to your MacBook Air using an appropriate adapter if necessary (see MacBook Air accessories). Then drag files from the storage device to your MacBook Air.
Restore your content. To learn how to restore your Mac from a Time Machine or other backup, see the Apple Support article Restore your Mac from a backup.
Learn more. See Transfer your information to Mac from another computer or device in the macOS User Guide and the Apple Support article Move your content to a new Mac.