How to migrate local files from 2020 MacBook Pro to 2025 MacBook Pro

Charley Steel wrote:

My 2020 MacBook Pro (MBP) screen died the other day. Very occasionally on trying to reboot, the screen will flash up and the Touch Bar shows the computer is working, but the screen is black. I've bought a new one and I've synced most things via iCloud.

I have local Mail folders on the 2020-MBP that I want to transfer over. Migration assistant doesn't find the 2020-MBP despite them being connected on the same wireless network and connected via a power cable (USB-C to USB-C). It also doesn't show as an external drive in Finder.

I don't have a Thunderbolt cable. Is that what I am missing in order for the 2025-MBP to detect the 2020-MBP?

The most trouble free way to move to a new machine, is using the Setup Assistant on the initial boot of a brand new machine— you have one shot here. Set up your MacBook Pro - Apple Support

The second best way is use the Migration Assistant. Mac to Mac, or new Mac to a Time Backup

How to move your content to a new Mac Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support