Old macbook to new macbook data transfer through cable

Unfortunately a USB-C to USB-A Adapter won't work because Apple changed how Target Disk Mode works. If one of the Macs is running macOS 11.x+, then Target Disk Mode will only work using the Thunderbolt protocol.

from: Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode - Apple Support

Note: If either of the computers has macOS 11 or later installed, you must connect the two computers using a Thunderbolt cable.

In that case the OP would need an Apple USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter and an older style Thunderbolt cable with the mini-Display Port connectors.

Also, Target Disk Mode is not an option during initial setup with Setup Assistant since there is no way of selecting the older Mac with Setup Assistant. I found this out while trying to migrate my new Mac using Target Disk Mode. It should be possible to use Migration Assistant with Target Disk Mode if the OP first creates a macOS user account on the new Mac and launching Migration Assistant.

Plus if the old laptop is using a slow spinning hard drive, the transfer will be painfully slow no matter what. If the older Mac is using a hard drive, then that hard drive is probably worn out or even failing which will make that drive even slower.

There is a possibility of using a USB to SATA Adapter if the OP want to remove the drive from the older laptop to try connecting it to the new Mac.

You might be able to do that through the Thunderbolt port as suggested, but it's going to be several adapters as noted by someone else.

Depending on what you're trying to do, an external drive might be far easier, such as using a Time Machine backup to set up your newer Mac using the backup data from the older Mac. Or just transferring files through a flash drive or external hard drive/SSD.

Your MacBook pro m2 pro has USB-4 ( via its Thunderbolt 4 USB-c ports) and your 2011 MacBook Pro has USB 2.0, you could use that to transfer ? Apple also has a belkin usb-c to Ethernet adapter :The Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter - Apple or usb-c to usb adapter ( see link) https://www.amazon.ca/Apple-USB-C-to-USB-Adapter/dp/B00VU2OID2/ref=asc_df_B00VU2OID2/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335118530598&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2649405028122706133&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001383&hvtargid=pla-381593731822&psc=1… either one should work

john B

Migration has not finished in 42 hours for old Pro to new Air, but has not stopped, either, or given any error message. 🤷🏼‍♀️