To retrieve data from Mac and transfer it to Mac or PC
Start up the old Mac while pressing and holding the T key until the FireWire 
or Thunderbolt icon appears. Connect the old Mac to the new one with a FireWire, USB-C, or Thunderbolt cable. An icon of the old Macs drive should appear on the desktop of the new Mac, just like an external hard drive. Copy the data as you would from any external drive. This method is called Target Disk Mode and works with most Macs made from 2000 until 2020 Intel-based models. Note that traditional USB is not supported - only USB-C or Thunderbolt. You can even use this method to transfer data from a non-booting Mac to a PC.
If you're transferring data to a PC, you will require additional software to read the Mac file system (HFS+ or APFS), such as MacDrive or Paragon HFS+.
To Retrieve Data from Macs with M1 Chips (2020 and Later)
Shut down the M1 Mac, then hold the power button until 'Loading startup options' appears. Select Options, continue, and choose a startup disk if prompted. Enter the admin password if required. Once in Recovery Mode, go to Utilities and choose Share Disk. On the receiving Mac, open Finder, navigate to Network, and connect to the M1 Mac as a Guest. After transferring the data, Stop Sharing on the M1 Mac.
This method is useful even if the old Mac isn't booting up, allowing you to recover data.
Transfer Mac Data to PC Using an External Hard Drive
If you have access to a working Mac, you can use an external hard drive as a go-between to transfer data from a Mac to a PC.
- Format the external drive as exFAT - this file system is readable by both macOS and Windows without extra software.
- If the Mac still boots, simply copy your files to the external drive, then plug it into your PC.
- If the Mac won't boot, use Target Disk Mode (Intel) or Share Disk (M1/M2) to mount the dead Mac on a working Mac, copy the files to the external drive, then connect it to your PC.
- If the external drive is formatted as APFS or HFS+ (Mac formats), you will need MacDrive or Paragon HFS+ on the PC to read it.
What If Target Disk Mode Does Not Work?
Sometimes Target Disk Mode fails to show the drive. Here are common causes and solutions:
- FileVault encryption is enabled - You will be prompted for the Mac's password before the drive becomes accessible. Without the password, the data cannot be read.
- The Mac does not display the FireWire or Thunderbolt icon - This may indicate a logic board failure. The drive itself might still be fine, but software-based methods will not work.
- The drive is clicking or not spinning - A mechanically failing hard drive requires professional data recovery in a clean room environment.
- Cable or port issues - Try a different cable or port. Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) cables look identical to USB-C charging cables but are not the same - make sure you are using a data-capable cable.
Removing the Drive from a Dead MacBook
If software methods fail, physically removing the drive is another option - but it depends on the model.
- Older MacBooks (pre-2016) - The SSD or hard drive is removable. Use a compatible USB enclosure or SATA-to-USB adapter to connect it to another computer and copy your files.
- 2016 and newer MacBooks - The SSD is soldered to the logic board and cannot be removed. Target Disk Mode or Share Disk are the only options for these models.
- iMacs - The hard drive or SSD is accessible but requires careful disassembly. Older models (pre-2012) use standard 3.5-inch drives that can be placed in any USB enclosure.
Transfer Data from Old Mac to New Mac with Migration Assistant
If your old Mac still boots, Migration Assistant is the easiest way to transfer everything to a new Mac - including apps, settings, and user accounts.
- Connect both Macs with a Thunderbolt cable, over WiFi, or use a Time Machine backup as the source.
- Open Migration Assistant on both Macs (Applications > Utilities) and follow the prompts.
- This transfers everything: documents, photos, apps, system settings, and user accounts.
Migration Assistant only works between Macs. If you need to transfer data from a Mac to a Windows PC, use one of the methods described above.
Professional Mac Data Recovery in Sydney
If none of the above methods work - whether due to a failed logic board, encrypted drive, or physically damaged storage - professional data recovery may be your best option. At Manly Electronics we recover data from dead MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Minis on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, including models with soldered SSDs.
Book a Data Recovery