How To use Thunderbolt Bridge Mac

Using Thunderbolt Bridge on a Mac is a powerful way to connect two Macs directly for ultra-fast data transfer and networking. This method creates a peer-to-peer network using the Thunderbolt ports, providing a speed advantage over traditional Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you set up and use Thunderbolt Bridge on your Mac effectively.

Step 1: Connect Your Macs with a Thunderbolt Cable

Plug a Thunderbolt cable into the Thunderbolt ports on both Macs you want to connect. Make sure you use a proper Thunderbolt cable (such as an Apple Thunderbolt 3 USB-C cable), not a regular USB-C charging cable, to ensure compatibility and the best speeds.

Step 2: Enable Thunderbolt Bridge on Each Mac

• Open System Settings on both Macs.
• Navigate to Network.
• Look for Thunderbolt Bridge in the list of network interfaces.
• If you see a pop-up saying “New Interface Detected”, click OK to activate it.

If Thunderbolt Bridge does not appear:

• Click the three dots or the Action menu.
• Select Add Service.
• Choose Thunderbolt Bridge from the Interface dropdown.
• Give it a name and click Create.

Step 3: Configure IP Addresses Manually (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure a stable connection, configure static IP addresses:

• In System Settings > Network > Thunderbolt Bridge > Details > TCP/IP,
• Change Configure IPv4 to Manually.
• Assign unique IP addresses on each Mac such as:
  • Mac 1: 169.254.1.1
  • Mac 2: 169.254.1.2
• Set the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 on both Macs.
• Apply the settings and restart both computers if necessary.

Step 4: Enable File Sharing on Both Macs

To transfer files between the Macs via Thunderbolt Bridge:

• Go to System Settings > General > Sharing.
• Toggle File Sharing to On.
• Click the ‘i’ next to File Sharing to adjust permissions and add specific shared folders if desired.

Step 5: Access Shared Files via Finder

On one Mac:

• Open a new Finder window.
• Click Network in the sidebar.
• Find the other Mac and double-click to connect.
• Choose Connect As and log in with the other Mac’s username and password.
• Access or transfer files seamlessly over the high-speed Thunderbolt Bridge.

Step 6: Use Thunderbolt Bridge for Other Features

Beyond file sharing, Thunderbolt Bridge allows you to:

• Use Migration Assistant for fast data migration between Macs.
• Connect in Target Disk Mode to access one Mac’s drive from the other.
• Share network connections or use resource-sharing apps requiring low latency.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure your Macs support Thunderbolt over their USB-C ports.
• Connect the two Macs directly; avoid hubs or adapters that aren’t Thunderbolt-certified.
• Use the proper Thunderbolt cable to avoid connectivity issues.
• If one Mac features Thunderbolt 2 and the other Thunderbolt 3, use an appropriate adapter and Thunderbolt 2 cable.

How to Remove or Deactivate Thunderbolt Bridge

If you want to remove or deactivate the Thunderbolt Bridge interface:

• Go to System Settings > Network.
• Select Thunderbolt Bridge.
• Click Delete Service to remove it or choose Make Inactive to disable it without deleting.

By following these clear steps and tips, you can fully leverage the power of Thunderbolt Bridge on Mac for fast file transfers and efficient Mac-to-Mac networking. This setup is particularly beneficial for users who frequently share large files or manage multiple Macs in close proximity.