How To Use IBM Data Shift
This macOS app simplifies the process of migrating files, applications, and preferences from one Mac to another. The app needs to be run on both the old and new devices, and it guides users through the steps of file transfer, ensuring that key data is moved efficiently and securely.
Launch the app on both devices and choose whether the device is the old (source) or new (destination) Mac. Each device needs to be properly configured for its role in the migration process:
- Old Device: This Mac contains the data that you want to transfer.
- New Device: This Mac will receive the data.
- On the new device, the app will display a unique pairing code.
- On the old device, you will see a list of available Macs to connect to. A device will only appear if the app is running and set as the "new" device on that Mac.
The list of devices will show an icon indicating the connection method—either Wi-Fi or Thunderbolt cable. For the fastest and most reliable transfer, use a Thunderbolt cable, especially in environments with congested Wi-Fi (e.g., offices or public spaces). Note: Not all USB-C to USB-C cables are Thunderbolt cables. For example, the charging cable for MacBooks is not a Thunderbolt cable.
Select your new device from the list on the old Mac and enter the pairing code displayed on the new device. Once successfully paired, the migration process can proceed.
Once the devices are paired, the app will prompt you to choose what to transfer from the old Mac:
- Lite Migration: Transfers only the contents of the Desktop and Documents folders.
- Complete Migration: Transfers all user data, applications, and preferences, providing a full migration experience.
- Advanced Mode: For users who need more control, this option allows manual selection of specific folders and applications to migrate. In this mode, user preferences and "Application Support" data for the selected apps will not be migrated.
After choosing the appropriate migration mode, proceed by clicking Start Migration.
Note: If you don't see a particular application listed, it might be because it was skipped to avoid Device Management issues, or because IBM Data Shift doesn't yet support migration of that app.
Before starting the migration, the app will notify you about the following:
- Avoid Sleep Mode: the app will ensure that neither device enters Sleep mode during the transfer. This can disrupt the migration and lead to incomplete data transfer.
- Do Not Interact with Migrated Files: Do not open or modify any files during migration to prevent potential data loss or errors.
The app will display an estimated time remaining for the migration process and the progress as a percentage. Note that the completion percentages on the two devices may differ due to network conditions, which is normal.
Once the data migration is complete, the app on the old Mac can be closed, and the devices can be disconnected if a Thunderbolt cable was used.
On the new device, a few additional steps are required:
- The app will check if you are logged into your Apple ID. If not, it will prompt you to log in (Optional).
- If a Complete Migration was performed, the app will initiate a 2-minute countdown for a system reboot, which you can start earlier if desired.
- After the reboot, the app will perform an automatic background update of the device’s inventory within the Mac@IBM system.
- Once this process is finished, you can close the app.
- Use Thunderbolt Connection: For faster and more reliable migration, especially in busy environments, a Thunderbolt cable is recommended.
- Monitor Devices: Ensure both devices remain connected to the same network source of when the connection was established.
- Double-Check Migrated Files: We strongly recommend double-checking all your migrated files to ensure their integrity and avoid any potential issues caused by file corruption.