Transfer files between two Mac computers using target disk mode
You can connect an Intel-based Mac to another Mac so that the Intel-based Mac appears as an external hard disk—known as target disk mode. You can then transfer files between the Mac computers.
You can also transfer files between a Mac with Apple silicon and another connected Mac by starting up the Mac with Apple silicon in macOS Recovery. See Transfer files between a Mac with Apple silicon and another Mac.
Tip: You can use AirDrop as a convenient way to transfer items from one Mac to another, especially if you only need to transfer a small number of items.
Connect the two computers with a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable.
Note: If either of the computers has macOS 11 or later installed, you must connect the two computers using a Thunderbolt cable.
On the Intel-based Mac you want to use as the external disk in target disk mode, do one of the following:
If the computer is off, start it up while pressing and holding the T key.
If the computer is on, choose Apple menu
in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down). Click Startup Disk on the right, then click Restart in Target Disk Mode.Open Startup Disk settings for me
When the computer has started up, a disk icon appears on the desktop of the other computer.
On the other Mac, open a Finder window, then double-click the Mac you’re using as an external disk in the sidebar.
Transfer files by dragging them to and from the disk.
To eject the disk, Control-click it in the Finder sidebar, then choose Eject [volume].
On the Mac you used as a disk, push the power button to shut it down, then disconnect the cable.
