Which cable for data transfer from MacBook Pro 2012 to new M1 MacBook?

[colinpritchard]

I know my old mid-2012 machine has a mini display port. And the new M1 MacBook Pro has USB C.

My problem is this: on Amazon, some cables say not for data transfer. Others are not clear if it goes FROM mdp TO USB C. Other say for monitors.

are all these cables the same? If not any clue what I need to search for so I get the right one?

thanks,
Colin

 

[hallux]

You need a TB2 cable (looks like the Mini-DP port on both ends, doesn't HAVE to be the one Apple sells but that's the one I have experience with) and the TB2 to TB3 adapter from Apple. I've done several transfers with this setup, works like a charm but I haven't done one to an M1 Mac yet.

 

[justashooter]

Your mid-2012 machine has both thunderbolt and minidisplayport in that one port. But all you need is a USB-A to USB-C cable like this:

Belkin 3.1 USB A to USB C Cable Compatible W/ Thunderbolt 3 - USB C Cable For MacBook Pro, Galaxy & More - Data Transfer Up to 10Gbps - For USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 devices & Ultra HD - 3.3ft/1m - Gray

Belkin 3.1 USB A to USB C Cable Compatible W/ Thunderbolt 3 - USB C Cable For MacBook Pro, Galaxy & More - Data Transfer Up to 10Gbps - For USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 devices & Ultra HD - 3.3ft/1m - Gray

www.amazon.com

Note it says 10Gbps data transfer rate.

And according to Apple support follow these instructions:

Transfer files between a Mac with Apple silicon and another Mac

On a Mac with Apple silicon, use Mac Sharing to connect to another Mac and transfer files.

support.apple.com

 

[colinpritchard]

Thank you both for the info! I appreciate it a great deal.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Do you use a backup drive?
Time Machine, or cloned backup?

Transferring data from a backup drive will be just as easy, might even be faster.

 

[colinpritchard]

OP:

Do you use a backup drive?
Time Machine, or cloned backup?

Transferring data from a backup drive will be just as easy, might even be faster.

I used to use BackBlaze, but that was on an old Mac Mini that died. I didn't renew it, so currently do not have a backup for this laptop.