installing an updated Time Machine backup in M1 MacMini

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Level 2

453 points

installing an updated Time Machine backup in M1 MacMini

Hi,

This may be a stupid question but I don't want to cause a disaster.

About 2 months ago, I used a Time Machine backup from my 2010 MacPro (running Mojave) to an M1 MacMini (running Sequoia.) I was going to retire the MacPro and use the Mini at my office. The installation worked perfectly.

The process got delayed, but now I am ready to make the switch. I've continued to use the MacPro and would like to transfer a current Time Machine backup to the M1.

What is the best way to do this? Do I have to erase the M1 before setting up a new Time Machine transfer?

Assistance (as always) appreciated.

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Jun 6, 2025 11:48 AM

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Answer 1

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,721 points

Jun 6, 2025 12:10 PM in response to pomme-homme

Connect your TM backup to your Mini. Open Migration assistant. If the window permits reading from the backup drive then you can go head and transfer the data. If for some reason it gives an error message or other "cannot find file" then stop. In that case you would need to manually transfer your documents, photos, etc. or you would have to boot into recovery on the Mini, erase, reinstall the OS then when prompted migrate from your present backup drive.

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installing an updated Time Machine backup in M1 MacMini

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