Where Is macOS Migration Assistant Data Stored?
macOS Migration Assistant transfer state and logs, source plus target paths during moves.
Last updated
Migration Assistant copies users, apps, settings and documents between Macs, Time Machine backups and PCs. It runs from Utilities on the target Mac. State is transient until the transfer commits.
Logs land in system log paths while user data lands in place under /Users. Do not cherry pick Library folders mid transfer. Let the tool finish, then prune on the new machine.
Where macOS stores this, by platform
/Applications/Utilities/Migration Assistant.app
Run from Applications Utilities on the target. Source can be a Mac, backup or PC. Keep both machines awake and wired for large libraries.
Frequently asked questions
How do I move to a new Mac?
Run Migration Assistant on the new Mac pointed at the old Mac, backup or PC. Keep both awake on power with wired networking. Verify users and apps before wiping the source.
Where are migration logs after a failed move?
Check /var/log for system install and migration logs plus Console for app errors. Re run Assistant for the missing account only. Full reruns duplicate data.
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