I just bought a new Macbook Air 2025 and tried to migrate from my 2020 Macbook Air. The problem is, my 2020 has a newer operating system and its telling me that I cant migrate because the new machine has an older operating system than my current one. How do I do this???
Reinstall current macOS on the new Mac, then perform the migration during the first boot and setup.
How to: Erase and reinstall macOS - Apple Support
There are other ways to do this, such as creating a new login with a different user on the new Mac and performing the update, then using Migration Assistant. (You’ve probably created and used the same login you want when you’re done migrating though, which makes this path a little more complex.)
Reinstall current macOS on the new Mac, then perform the migration during the first boot and setup.
How to: Erase and reinstall macOS - Apple Support
There are other ways to do this, such as creating a new login with a different user on the new Mac and performing the update, then using Migration Assistant. (You’ve probably created and used the same login you want when you’re done migrating though, which makes this path a little more complex.)
rflegel wrote:
I have the same problem as mileeho21. Followed your link and first thing I read is, "Important: Do not follow the steps below if your computer is a Mac with Apple silicon".
So, that does not seem to be the path to follow.
I hate to go through creating a dummy account on a brand new computer just to update the software and then need to try to delete that dummy account, so I will call Apple in the morning.
If it is a brand new Mac, then create a dummy user account (don't sign into your AppleID or iCloud). Update or upgrade macOS to the latest version.
At this point you have two options.
1) Use Migration Assistant to transfer from your old system or a Time Machine backup. If you created a dummy user account, then it should be smooth. If you used the same user account information, then you will need to select one of the offered options...delete the dummy user, or rename the user account being migrated. The possible downside to this option is that M-series Macs have a new concept of ownership. It is hard to say whether this 2nd user account (even if the dummy user is deleted) will cause any "ownership" issues down the line since Apple doesn't really provide good details about it.
2) Or after creating the dummy user account & updating/upgrading macOS, you then perform the "Erase All Content & Settings" which should be nearly instantaneous. It will reboot the Mac into Setup Assistant like it did when you first powered on the new Mac after unboxing it, except the OS will be fully up to date so you can allow Setup Assistant to transfer your things from your old system or Time Machine backup.
Personally I would go with Option #2.
I would suggest you also provide Apple with product feedback here:
I have the same problem as mileeho21. Followed your link and first thing I read is, "Important: Do not follow the steps below if your computer is a Mac with Apple silicon".
So, that does not seem to be the path to follow.
I hate to go through creating a dummy account on a brand new computer just to update the software and then need to try to delete that dummy account, so I will call Apple in the morning.
its a brand new machine. when it boots up, it goes thru all of the start up steps and I cant even get to an upgrade option
is there a way to upgrade the new machine before going thru the set up process
thank you
mileeho21 wrote:
is there a way to upgrade the new machine before going thru the set up process
That would be what I linked to.
That linked article describes the general sequence.
Boot Recovery.
Wipe the Mac.
Use Recovery to load the most current macOS.
When you first boot that new installation, follow the instructions.
You can't migrate newer to older. You will have to copy individual files and hope that the app versions don't make a difference as to ability to work with the files.
Trying to migrate to a new macbook air with an older OS than my current one...
