How to Move Notes from One Mac to Another Mac Laptop
Why Transfer Apple Notes Between Macs?
Think of Notes as your digital notebook. When you get a new Mac, the last thing you want is to lose the chapters of your old one. Maybe you jot down grocery lists, creative ideas, or important passwords (though we recommend a password manager for that!). Having your Notes with you on the new device ensures a smooth transition.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before we get started, make sure you have:
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Both Macs nearby
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A way to transfer files (AirDrop, USB drive, external SSD, or cloud storage)
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Access to Finder on both Macs
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The Notes app closed on both machines
Understanding the Notes Storage Location
Apple doesn’t just store Notes in a regular visible folder. They’re tucked away deep in your Library folder — a hidden area where macOS keeps important app data.
The actual path is:
This is where your Mac hides your Notes files, and that’s where we’re headed.
Step 1: Locate the Notes Folder on the Old Mac
Here’s how to get to it:
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Open Finder.
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Press Command + Shift + G to open Go to Folder.
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Paste this path:
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Hit Return.
You’ll see a bunch of files, but we only need three of them.
Step 2: Identify the 3 Key Files to Copy
The files you’re looking for are:
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NoteStore.sqlite
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NoteStore.sqlite-shm
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NoteStore.sqlite-wal
These are the heart of your Notes. Think of them as the pages, bookmarks, and highlights of your digital notebook.
Step 3: Copy Files to a Safe Location (Desktop)
Simply drag and drop the three files onto your desktop. This step is like putting your Notes into a little box, ready for the move.
Make sure the Notes app is closed while doing this — otherwise, the files may not copy correctly.
Step 4: Transfer Files to Your New Mac
Now you have a few choices for getting those files onto the new Mac:
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AirDrop (fastest and easiest if both Macs are nearby)
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USB flash drive or external hard drive
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Cloud storage like Dropbox or iCloud Drive
Move the three files to the desktop of the new Mac, just to keep things tidy.
Step 5: Paste Files in the Right Location
Ready to unpack your Notes on the new machine?
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On the new Mac, go to:
(Use the same Command + Shift + G trick.)
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Paste the three files you transferred into this folder. Replace any existing files when prompted.
Step 6: Launch Notes App and Check for Success
Now the magic moment:
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Open the Notes app on the new Mac.
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Voila! You should see all your Notes exactly as they were on the old Mac.
If nothing shows up immediately, try restarting your Mac.
Important Precautions to Take
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Always close the Notes app before copying or pasting these files.
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Create a backup of the original files on the new Mac in case something goes wrong.
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Ensure both Macs are running compatible versions of macOS to avoid compatibility issues.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Nothing is showing up?
Make sure you replaced the correct files and that you’re in the right directory.
Files won’t copy?
Double-check that Notes isn’t open and you have the right permissions.
App crashes?
Delete the new files and try again. Or consider restoring the original files you backed up.
Using iCloud as an Alternative Option
If both Macs are signed in to the same Apple ID and Notes is enabled in iCloud:
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Go to System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Notes and enable it.
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Wait for Notes to sync automatically.
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Open Notes on the new Mac — they should be there.
But… this only works if your Notes were already syncing with iCloud before switching.
Manual Backup vs. Cloud Sync: What’s Better?
Manual transfer gives you more control and works even without internet.
iCloud sync is convenient and automatic, but relies on active sync and internet access.
Think of it like choosing between mailing a package yourself vs. using a courier service.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Transferring your Notes from one Mac to another doesn’t have to be complicated. With just three files and a bit of attention to detail, you can carry your entire digital notebook over to your new machine.
Whether you’re upgrading, replacing, or just starting fresh, keeping your notes safe ensures continuity and peace of mind.
FAQs
1. Can I move Apple Notes without using iCloud?
Yes! By copying the three NoteStore files from one Mac to another, you can transfer Notes manually.
2. Do I need to use Terminal or any special commands?
Nope — everything can be done through Finder using basic copy-paste functions.
3. What happens if I forget to close Notes before copying the files?
You might end up with corrupted or incomplete files. Always close the Notes app first.
4. Can I transfer Notes between Macs with different macOS versions?
It’s best to have the same or close versions of macOS. Major version differences might cause issues.
5. Is this method safe to use for work-related or sensitive Notes?
Yes, but always back up your files first, and consider encryption if the content is sensitive.