How to Sync Two Mac Computers: The Complete Guide

Why Is Syncing Two Mac Computers Important?

Whether you use multiple Macs for work or personal use, ensuring your files and settings are synchronized can save time and prevent data loss. This is especially useful for professionals who switch between multiple machines or individuals who want to keep personal and work files updated. With synchronized devices, you can:

• Access the latest versions of your files from any Mac.
• Avoid the hassle of manually transferring files.
• Keep your applications and settings uniform.

How Do I Sync Two Macs? (3 Solutions)

In this guide, we'll explore three methods to sync two Mac computers: AOMEI Backupper Mac, iCloud, and AirDrop. Learn how to sync 2 Macs using these tools one by one.

👉 Solution 1: Syncing Mac Computers with AOMEI Backupper Mac👍
👉 Solution 2: Syncing Two Macs with iCloud (Same Apple ID)
👉 Solution 3: Syncing 2 Macs with AirDrop (for Individual Files)

Solution 1: Syncing Mac Computers with AOMEI Backupper Mac

If you are looking for free file sync software for Mac, AOMEI Backupper Mac is worth trying. It offers abundant sync features:

💛It is embedded with three sync types: Basic Sync, Mirror Sync and Two-Way Sync, catering to your different needs.
💛You are able to sync Mac files and folders to a local disk, USB flash drive, network location and NAS device, etc.
💛To keep files up-to-date in the sync destination, you can enable Schedule for the sync task.
💛It supports macOS 10.15 or later.

Don’t hesitate to download AOMEI Backupper Mac and try it out!

AOMEI Backupper Mac

Free Mac sync software to sync files and folders automatically

Download Freeware
macOS 10.15 or later

To sync files between two Macs using AOMEI Backupper, please do the following preparations:

1. Make sure the two Macs are on the same wireless or wired network.

2. Create a shared folder on the source Mac.

• Create a new empty folder.
• Go to System Preference > Sharing. Check the box next to File Sharing.
• Once File Sharing is enabled, click the "+" button under the "Shared Folders" section to add the folder you just created.
• Click on the folder in the "Shared Folders" list. In the "Users" section, you can add users and set their access levels (Read Only, Read & Write, Write Only, No Access).

• Click on Options. In the next window, make sure "Share files and folders using SMB" is checked. Also, check the “On” box next to the account name in the edit window.

Now follow the instructions below to create a sync task via AOMEI Backupper.

1. Install and run AOMEI Backupper on the source Mac. In the main interface, click New Task in the top-right corner.

2. The default sync type is Basic Sync. I keep the default option here. You can change it to Mirror Sync or Two-Way Sync based on your need.

3. Click Select Sync Source > Local Path to add the folder you want to sync to another Mac.

4. Click Select Sync Destination > Network Path. In the pop-up window, enter the shared folder path, username and password to add the shared folder as the sync destination.

5. (Optional) Click the clock icon to enable Schedule for the sync task. You can choose Once, Hourly, Daily, Weekly or Monthly as you wish.

6. Confirm your settings and click on the Sync button to launch the process.

🌟Bonus: How to access the shared folder on the target Mac?

On another Mac, click Go in the menu bar, then select Connect to Server and enter the server address (e.g., smb://YourSourceMacName.local).

Solution 2: Syncing Two Macs with iCloud (Same Apple ID)

iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage that allows users to store data such as photos, documents, and music on remote servers. It also provides a way to keep data synchronized across multiple devices. Learn how to sync two Mac desktops and other apps/folders using iCloud below.

1. Sign In to iCloud on Both Macs

• Open System Preferences on both Macs.
• Click on Apple ID at the top. Sign in with your Apple ID if you haven't already.

2. In the Apple ID settings, click on iCloud in the sidebar.

3. Ensure iCloud Drive is checked. Then scroll through the list of iCloud services and enable/disable those you want to sync/unsync, such as Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders.

4. Click on Options next to iCloud Drive and select the apps and folders you want to sync. To have files saved to the Desktop and Documents folders to be available on both Macs, check Desktop & Documents Folders.

5. Make sure you have enough iCloud storage to accommodate the data from both Macs. If needed, you can upgrade your iCloud storage plan.

6. Access iCloud Data on Both Macs

• Open Finder and click on iCloud Drive in the sidebar to access files stored in iCloud Drive.
• For synced applications (e.g., Photos, Contacts, Calendars), open the respective app to see the data synced via iCloud.

Solution 3: Syncing 2 Macs with AirDrop (for Individual Files)

AirDrop is a convenient way to wirelessly transfer files between two Macs, but it's not a syncing tool for keeping data consistently updated between devices. Learn how to use AirDrop for file transfer below.

Prerequisites: Both Macs must have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and be within 30 feet (9 meters) of each other.

1. Enable AirDrop on Both Macs

• Open Finder on both Macs.
• Click on AirDrop in the sidebar.
• If AirDrop isn’t already on, click the "Allow me to be discovered by" dropdown at the bottom and select "Everyone" or "Contacts Only".

2. In the AirDrop window, you should see the icon for the other Mac. Use one of the following ways to transfer files using AirDrop:

👉 From Finder:

• On the Mac you want to transfer files from, press Command + N to open a new Finder window.
• Navigate to the file you want to transfer, drag and drop the file onto the icon for the other Mac.

👉 From the file itself:

• Right-click (or Control-click) the file you want to transfer.
• Select Share from the context menu, then choose AirDrop.

• In the AirDrop window, select the other Mac to send the file.

3. Accept the File on the Receiving Mac

• On the receiving Mac, a notification will appear asking to accept the file.
• Click Accept to allow the transfer.
• Choose whether to save the file in the Downloads folder or open it directly.

Tips for Effective Syncing

1. Regular Backups: Always keep a regular backup of your data to prevent loss during the syncing process.

2. Stable Network: Ensure a stable and fast network connection, especially when using cloud-based solutions like iCloud.

3. Consistent File Organization: Maintain a consistent file organization structure on both Macs for easier syncing and access.

FAQs about Syncing Files on Mac

1. How often should I sync my Mac computers?

It's best to sync your Macs regularly, such as daily or weekly, depending on your usage and how often your data changes.

2. Can I sync my Macs without using the internet?

Yes, tools like AOMEI Backupper and AirDrop allow you to sync your Macs without an internet connection.

3. What should I do if my Macs are not syncing properly?

Ensure both Macs are connected to the same network, check your settings, and verify that you are using the latest software versions. Restarting both devices can also help resolve syncing issues.

4. Is it safe to sync sensitive data?

Yes, but ensure you use secure methods and trusted tools like AOMEI Backupper and iCloud, which offer encryption and security features.

5. Can I sync specific folders or files only?

Yes, you can choose specific folders or files to sync using tools like AOMEI Backupper and iCloud Drive.

Conclusion

Syncing two Mac computers can significantly enhance your productivity and ensure your data is always up-to-date. This page tells you how to sync two Mac computers via three methods. Whether you choose AOMEI Backupper, iCloud, or AirDrop, each method offers unique benefits tailored to different needs.

AOMEI Backupper stands out for its comprehensive features and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for reliable syncing. Ensure regular backups, maintain a stable network, and follow the detailed steps provided to keep your Macs perfectly synchronized.