2010 27" iMac - High Sierra 10.13.6 - How to migrate data to new 24" 1Mac

Connect your TimeMachine backup drive to your new Mac and use Migration Assistent to move content:

Here’s how to move contect to a new Mac https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

Here is what I suggest. Use Apple's Migration Assistant app. It was designed for this purpose and easy to use. The basic steps are the following.

• Start both computers up and begin the setup process on the new Mac.
• At some point you will be asked if you want to transfer data from your old computer. Say yes.
• Connect both computers with a USB cable. Do not use Wi-Fi for the transfer. It is too slow and your data is likely to be corrupted due to the volume of data to be transferred.
• Open the Migration Assistant app in both computers and follow instructions.
• You will be presented with some options as to what to transfer. Click the appropriate boxes.
• I suggest that you copy your preferences and settings.
• You can either have Migration Assistant copy your files or copy them over manually. You can not selectively transfer files.
• You can either have Migration Assistant copy your apps or you can elect to download and reinstall them. In either case, some of them may require that they be reregistered to work in the new computer. In some cases, apps may need to be upgraded to work. There may be a cost to upgrade some of them.
• Your old operating system will not be transferred.
• All files in the old computer will remain intact.
• The transfer may take up to an hour, more or less, depending on the volume of data to be transferred.
• Enjoy your new Mac.

Good ideas, but the computers don’t seem to recognize each other when connected via USB. Any ideas why? I have tried to disable wi-if, but MA turns it back on. I’ll move 200+ GB, would rather use wi-if!

Just connect the external disk with your TimeMachine backup to your new Mac and use Migration Assistant. It’ll work fine.

Here’s what to do on your old mac https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065

You don’t have to connect the computers: first, backup your old mac to an external drive using TimeMachine. Than connect the external backup drive to your new mac and use Migration Asistant