If you are reading this article, chances are either you are new to Mac or are about to set up a new MacBook from an old Mac. Before you start doing that, you need a little preparation. Indeed, by following on-screen instructions, you can easily set up an iMac, but what those instructions mean?
In this tutorial, we will walk you through each step to know what you are doing, and nothing goes wrong.
Prerequisites: Before You Set Up A New MacBook Or iMac
Before upgrading your MacBook or getting a new iMac; consider cleaning and optimizing your device. This can be done manually by deleting junk files, removing app caches, clearing unwanted data, and remove old/large files. But this will be time-consuming.
Therefore, if you are looking for an efficient way to do it, try using Cleanup My System. Using this advanced Mac cleaning and optimization utility, you can not only get the job done quickly but ensure smoother & faster performance than ever before.
Using this best Mac optimizer, you can effortlessly find and delete junk files, privacy exposing traces, system cache, and other redundant files. Not only this, with Cleanup My System, you can clear needles Mail Attachments, Trash Items, Uninstall multiple applications (with corresponding files/folders), and so on.
Now that you have organized your data, let’s learn how to set up a new MacBook/iMac.
Things to Keep in Mind while setting up Mac
Before we learn, setting up a new MacBook or iMac, we need to keep the following points in mind:
- You need at least an hour to set up a However, if you are restoring your iMac from a Time Machine backup, it might take longer.
- Reliable internet connection, Wi-Fi network information
- Apple ID username and password
- Mac charger if it is a MacBook. For iMac, you need power cord mouse and keyboard
Once everything is in order, we can now begin learning how to set up a MacBook or iMac.
1. Initial Setup
Setting up Apple is simple; hence we won’t take much longer in explaining it.
Generally, a new device, be it a MacBook, iPhone, or any other device has some battery. Still plugging it in while you are setting it up is a good idea. Connect the power cord to the back of the iMac and plug it into the socket. At the same time, connect keyboard and mouse via USB port.
Once all done, press the Power button. You’ll now see Mac starting up and welcomed by a Setup Assistance (Brand new Macs)
2. Setup Assistance
Here, you’ll need to select your country or the one closest to you after this press Continue and select the language. Suppose you will use a wireless connection to select your Wi-Fi network and enter a password. However, if it is a wired choice, choose Ethernet.
You will now see the Migration Assistant screen. For those who are setting up MacBook from the old Mac, this screen is essential.
To copy all your documents, apps, user accounts, and settings to a new Mac, select the transfer method accordingly. Follow the on-screen instructions and select the files to transfer.
If the backup is taken on Time Machine, select the hard drive of your Time Machine on which backup is taken and select recent backup. Confirm the information you want to backup and follow on-screen instructions.
Depending on the amount of data you are restoring, the process will take time.
What is a Migration Assistant?
Migration Assistant is a utility offered by Apple Inc, using which users can quickly transfer data like documents, settings, apps, etc. from one MacBook or iMac to another. Moreover, if you want to migrate data from a Windows PC, you can do so.
The Migration Assistant can also be used during the initial setup of a new MacBook/iMac. The user can run it manually on an already setup machine.
Note: Migration Assistant does not transfer the operating system, applications, and utilities bundled by Apple with the new MacBook/iMac operating system.
However, if you want to set up a clean Mac, you can skip this step.
3. Enable Location Service
If you skip restoring data, the next step is to enable location service. Once enabled, press Next and enter Apple ID and password when asked. New Mac users can create one by clicking Create a Free Apple ID. Enter your card details to get access to Find My Mac app and Mac App Store. You can do this later also.
Next, accept the Terms & Conditions.
4. Setting up iCloud
After this, you will be asked to set up iCloud. For this, you need to enter your Apple ID. You can sync calendars, email, reminders, notes, website login, etc. on iCloud.
Note: You get 5GB free space on iCloud. Once consumed, you will need to purchase more to backup. To set up iCloud, click Enable Setup iCloud > Continue.
Next setup FaceTime and Messages, check the email addresses you want to set up and click Continue.
To make sure you know where your Mac is, enable Find My. It is a great security feature that helps locate your MacBook if it is stolen. Press Continue.
5. Setup Account
If you have migrated from an old Mac, you can skip this step as the user folder is already created. However, if you are setting a new MacBook/iMac, fill out your name, password to create an account. Passwords should be a combination of uppercase, lowercase, and numeric. Make sure you enable Allow My Apple ID to Reset This User’s Password and Require Password when logging in.
Afterward, set Time Zone > next. If location service is enabled, Mac will automatically set the time based on the location you are accessing it from.
Finally, you can register your new Mac with Apple. This is up to you what you want. I prefer registering as it helps get support. Click Continue.
You are now all set to start the new world’s incredible journey with the new powerful machine.
Now that you have your Mac ready to use, you need to perform one final step.
6. Update Apps
To patch all security vulnerabilities, it’s best to update all installed applications. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Click the Apple icon present at the top left corner.
- Hit App Store.
- This will launch Mac App Store here, click the Updates tab and update all outdated software listed there.
Keeping software updated is the best security practice.
If you have set up a new Mac from an old Mac without organizing data, you might face a problem. Therefore, to keep things managed and keep the new and Mac running smoothly, here’s a suggestion.
7. Use Cleanup My System
What Is Cleanup My System?
Cleanup My System is a fantastic Mac optimization and cleaning utility. Using it, you can clean all junk files, caches, and Internet privacy revealing traces from your Mac and other residues. Moreover, you can delete startup items, uninstall applications in bulk and remove old/large files in no time.
All that slows down your Mac will be taken care of by this best Mac optimizer. Hence, we recommend using it. You can download the button provided below!
Enjoy your New MacBook!
Now that we have set up the new iMac/MacBook from the old Mac and got the best Mac cleaner and optimizer installed, we are ready to use Mac. So, what are you waiting for? Enjoy your new Mac. If we missed any important point that you use while setting up Mac, please do leave us a comment in the section below.
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