How to Recover Data from Another Mac in Target Disk Mode

Yvette Bonnet updated Jul 09, 26

5 min(s)

TL;DR:

To recover data from a Mac that still powers on but is otherwise inaccessible, connect it to a working Mac with a compatible cable and mount the internal drive via Target Disk Mode or macOS Recovery to copy files or run a recovery scan.
    ● Intel Macs require holding the T key during startup to enter Target Disk Mode, whereas Apple silicon models must boot into macOS Recovery to utilize the disk sharing feature.
    ● Always copy the most critical files first if the drive mounts successfully, and save all recovered data to a separate storage device to avoid overwriting the source disk.
    ● FileVault-encrypted drives mandate password authentication before files become readable on the working Mac, and any signs of physical or liquid damage require immediate cessation of power cycles to prevent further hardware failure.

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Files may be recoverable from another Mac in Target Disk Mode when the source Mac still powers on and the internal drive can be mounted, shared, or cloned on a working Mac. On Intel Macs, Target Disk Mode can expose the internal disk directly. On Apple silicon Macs, macOS Recovery uses disk sharing instead. Recovery should start by copying important files first, then scanning only if files are missing, deleted, formatted, or inaccessible.

Step 1
Connect both Macs with a compatible cable and stable power. Depending on the Mac model, a direct Thunderbolt, USB-C, or FireWire connection may be required.
Step 2
Start the source Mac in the correct disk access mode. On Intel Macs, hold the T key during startup for Target Disk Mode. On Apple silicon Macs, start macOS Recovery and use disk sharing options instead.
Step 3
Check whether the source Mac disk appears in Finder or Disk Utility on the working Mac. If the disk mounts, copy the most important files before attempting repairs or scans.
Step 4
If the disk appears but files are missing or cannot be opened, avoid writing changes to the source disk. For deleted files, formatting, partition loss, or inaccessible folders, scan the mounted disk or a cloned copy with Mac recovery software.
Step 5
Save recovered files to a different storage device. Do not save recovered data back to the source Mac internal drive until recovery is complete.

Common Issues and Fixes

Disk does not appear on the working Mac: likely cause is an incompatible cable, port, startup mode, or unsupported setup; fix by checking the Mac model, cable type, and correct Target Disk Mode or Share Disk method.
Disk appears but will not mount: likely cause is file system corruption, encryption, or hardware trouble; fix by checking Disk Utility and copying or cloning data before attempting repair actions.
Permission denied when opening files: likely cause is FileVault or account-level permissions; fix by unlocking the disk with the correct password when prompted.
Target Disk Mode does not start: likely cause is Apple silicon behavior, firmware restrictions, or logic board damage; fix by using Recovery-based disk sharing or another safe access method.
Recovery scan finds little or no data: likely cause is overwritten deleted data, encryption, or physical drive damage; fix by stopping use of the source Mac and seeking professional diagnosis if hardware failure is suspected.

Quick Tips

Start recovery as soon as possible after deletion, formatting, or corruption. Continued use of the source Mac can overwrite recoverable data.
A mounted disk in Target Disk Mode can still be unstable. Copy critical files first, then handle less important folders later.
FileVault-encrypted drives usually require authentication before files become readable on the working Mac.
If the Mac has liquid damage, unusual noises, repeated shutdowns, or signs of physical failure, avoid repeated power cycles and check repair or warranty options first.

💡Protip:

Before scanning a Mac through Target Disk Mode or Share Disk, record the Mac model, chip type, macOS version, FileVault status, and whether the disk mounts normally. These details help decide whether direct copying, cloning, software recovery, or professional diagnosis is the safer next step.