Operation and Maintenance
Mac OS
How to set up file sharing between two Macs on the same network?
How to set up file sharing between two Macs on the same network?
To share files between two Macs on the same network, first make sure that the two devices are connected to the same LAN, then enable file sharing on the host, set shared folders and access permissions, and then connect from another Mac through the access sidebar or manually enter the SMB address, and finally you can browse, copy or transfer files. Common problems include waiting or restarting the network when the device cannot be discovered. If the permissions are incorrect, you need to check the username, password and sharing settings. If the connection fails, you can try the SMB address. If the firewall blocks, you can temporarily close the test.
If you need to share files between two Macs on the same network, macOS makes it pretty straightforward — as long as everything is set up correctly. The key points are: both Macs should be on the same local network, file sharing needs to be enabled on the sending Mac, and you should know how to access shared content from the receiving Mac.
1. Enable File Sharing on the Host Mac
The Mac that has the files you want to share needs to have file sharing turned on. This is usually found in System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions).
- Go to Settings > General > Sharing
- Check the box next to File Sharing
- You can choose which folders you want to share under “Shared Folders”
- Under “Users,” you can set permissions for who can read or write to those folders
By default, your own user account (on the same network) will have access. If needed, you can also allow other users or set up guest access, though that's not recommended for sensitive data.
2. Connect to the Shared Mac from Another Mac
Once file sharing is active, the second Mac can connect directly using either a Finder sidebar shortcut or by entering a network address manually.
Here's how:
- Open Finder
- Look in the Sidebar under "Shared" — you should see the other Mac listed
- Click on it and then click Connect As if prompted
- Enter the username and password of the host Mac if it asks
Alternatively, you can use the "Go to Server" option:
- Press
Command Kin Finder - Type in
smb://nameofthecomputer.local(replace with the actual name of the host Mac) - Hit Connect
This method can be faster if the shared Mac doesn't show up automatically in the sidebar.
3. Access and Transfer Files
After connecting, the shared folders appear in Finder just like any other folder. You can open them, copy files back and forth, or even save new documents directly into the shared folder if you have write access.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Copying large files may take time depending on your network speed
- Make sure both Macs stay awake and connected during transfers
- If you're moving something important, double-check that it was fully copied before deleting the original
You don't need third-party tools for this — Apple's built-in sharing works well for most home or office setups.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don't work right away. Here are a few common issues and fixes:
? Not seeing the other Mac in Finder?
Wait a few moments — sometimes it takes a while to show up. Restarting Wi-Fi or rebooting both Macs can help.? Can't connect due to permission errors?
Double-check the user settings in the Sharing preferences on the host Mac. Also, make sure you're entering the correct username and password.⚠️ Connection failed or timed out?
Try using the SMB address method (smb://...) instead of relying on the Finder list. It often bypasses discovery issues.? Firewall blocking connection?
Occasionally, the firewall can prevent sharing. You can check this under Settings > Privacy & Security > Firewall and temporarily disable it to test.
These tips usually resolve most connectivity problems between two Macs.
Basically that's it. As long as the network is fine and the permissions are set correctly, file sharing between Macs is actually quite convenient.
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