Migration from my old Mac mini to new Mac mini M4 taking so long

I have begun the process of transferring files from at 2010 Mac mini to a new M4. I am using hey USB A to USB C connection and the Time Machine backup. After approximately 4 hours it seems to just be starting the process in that the progress bar is now showing. It seems to run through some kind of calculation process where it identifies all the files even though it said it was transferring some files which is very confusing. So the progress bar is saying the process is going to take 125 hours!! The old 2010 Mac Mini is a 300 GB hard drive but it is certainly not anywhere near full. Is this process time a guesstimate that is likely to change from hour to hour? I am concerned that after four days I get a message that the transfer has failed. Is this normal to take this amount of time? Should I continue with the transfer?


Thank you.


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Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on May 14, 2025 4:20 PM

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May 15, 2025 2:30 AM in response to werdup

Save yourself the headaches


Especially migrating everything from old Intel to new Apple Silicon


If the new computer is going to be the Apple Silicon  Computer - would suggest Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.


Some have had success and usually they are well seasoned veterans who are well versed in trouble shooting 


Others have been left with a mess when Migrating everything.


 Issues that may have existed on the older computer will be migrated to the New Computer.


This would badly pollute the new Original and Pristine installation of the new OS.


Applications, extensions and Software Drivers may or may not even work on the new computer.


IMHO - it would be best to only install new application etc Directly from the Developer or the Apple Apps Store.


Due Diligence on New Applications and make sure they are Sequoia / Sonoma / Ventura / Monterey / Big Sur compatible and factor in the ARMs CPU of the Apple Silicon Computer  

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Migration from my old Mac mini to new Mac mini M4 taking so long

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