Using migration assistant and it’s taking 21 hours at starting up

I’m migrating from mba 2020 to mba 2024, at first i tried via WiFi but like everyone else it was taking long. I needed to used my current laptop for work purposes so i been trying to use migration periodically. I’ve contacted Apple for assistance but they’ve said just leave it. I’ve tried it again with thunderbolt cable at 6:30pm and so far it’s still ‘starting up…’ after 21 hours. I understand it’s depends on the amount of information that needs to be transferred but I need it sorted at least by Monday for work

MacBook Air (M4, 2025)

Posted on May 31, 2025 07:45 AM

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1 reply

May 31, 2025 12:15 PM in response to cherm176

Migration is best done using the Time Machine backup drive from the old Mac.

• Use an external drive to create an up to date backup of the old Mac with Time Machine.

• Then connect that b/u drive to the new Mac and migrate your files and accounts from that device.


Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support


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Using migration assistant and it’s taking 21 hours at starting up

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