How to set up a new MacBook Pro, step by step

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To set up a new MacBook Pro, open the lid, plug it in if you plan to move data across, and follow Setup Assistant. It walks you through how to set up the Mac, accessibility, Wi-Fi, your computer account and password, your Apple Account, and settings such as Touch ID.

Quick answer

Open the lid and follow Setup Assistant. Choose a language, then how to set up: with an iPhone or iPad, from a Mac or Time Machine backup, from a Windows PC, or as new. Then set accessibility, join Wi-Fi, create your computer account and password, sign in to your Apple Account and finish with settings such as Touch ID.

What do you need before you start?

Apple says you need an internet connection to complete certain parts of Setup Assistant, and you may also need to update the Mac as part of the initial setup. Have your Wi-Fi password to hand.

The MacBook Pro battery comes charged, so you can start straight away. Apple suggests plugging it in to fully charge it, or if you plan to transfer data to it. What's in the box depends on the country: Apple's US tech specs list a USB-C power adapter (70W, 96W or 140W, depending on the model) with the USB-C to MagSafe 3 cable, while the UK tech specs list the cable and say "Power adapter sold separately".

Also have ready:

  1. Your Apple Account email address or phone number, and its password.
  2. Your iPhone or iPad nearby, if you want to set up with it or receive a verification code.
  3. Your old Mac or its Time Machine backup disk, if you plan to transfer from it.

How do you start Setup Assistant?

Open the lid. Under "Turn on your Mac", Apple's MacBook Pro guide says just that: open the lid and you're ready to set up.

Setup Assistant opens and asks you to scroll to select a language. If you're not sure how to scroll on a Mac, Apple says to slide two fingers up and down on the trackpad.

How do you choose how to set up the Mac?

Setup Assistant offers four routes. Pick the one that matches where your files are now.

  1. Set up with iPhone or iPad. It transfers settings for Wi-Fi, Appearance, Accessibility and more, and uses your device's iCloud settings to bring over content stored in iCloud, such as photos, passwords and notes.
  2. From a Mac, Time Machine, or startup disk. This runs Migration Assistant inside Setup Assistant to bring across your apps, user accounts, files and settings. The full walkthrough is in how to transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant.
  3. From a Windows PC. Choose it and follow the onscreen instructions.
  4. As new. Nothing is transferred automatically. Apple says you can still transfer data later with Migration Assistant.

Setting up with an iPhone or iPad

Apple's requirements: a Mac on macOS Sequoia 15.4 or later that starts up to Setup Assistant, and an iPhone on iOS 18.4 or later or iPad on iPadOS 18.4 or later, already set up. Both need Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.

  1. When asked whether to transfer your data, select "Set up with iPhone or iPad", then click Continue.
  2. When the Mac says it's looking for nearby devices, unlock your iPhone or iPad and bring it near.
  3. Tap Continue on the device. You may be asked for Face ID or Touch ID.
  4. The Mac shows a pattern. Hold the iPhone or iPad up so the pattern appears inside the circle on its screen. If that doesn't work, tap Authenticate Manually and enter the code shown on the Mac.
  5. When the device says the transfer is complete, tap Done, then finish the remaining steps on the Mac.

If the option doesn't appear, Apple says to check the system requirements. If the Mac can't find your device, lock it and unlock it again.

How do you set accessibility and Wi-Fi?

Setup Assistant offers accessibility options for vision, hearing, mobility, speech and cognition. Choose any you need, or click Not Now to set them up later.

Next, choose your Wi-Fi network and enter its password. If you're using Ethernet, click Other Network options and follow the onscreen instructions.

How do you create your computer account and password?

This is the account and password you'll use to unlock the Mac and approve other actions. Enter your name, then create a password. If you set up with an iPhone or iPad, the names shown come from your Apple Account and you can keep or change them.

Apple's advice on a secure Mac is to choose passwords that can't be easily guessed. Apple also notes that the person who first sets up the Mac is its administrator by default. You can add more users and groups later. What to change on day one is in new MacBook security settings.

How do you sign in to your Apple Account?

If you already have another Apple device, Apple says you most likely have an Apple Account: sign in with its email address or phone number and password. If you don't have one, you can create one here.

If you skip this step, you can sign in later: open System Settings and click "Sign in" at the top of the sidebar. Apple says you may be sent a verification code then, so keep your other Apple devices nearby.

How do you finish setting up?

Once your accounts are set up, follow the onscreen instructions to set Location Services, Screen Time, Apple Intelligence, Siri, Touch ID and more. Apple notes that Apple Intelligence isn't available in all languages or regions.

Touch ID is worth setting up here. The sensor is at the top right of the keyboard. You'll still need your password when you start the Mac.

When Setup Assistant is done, a Welcome message tells you the MacBook Pro is ready to use. What to do in the days after is in first things to do with a new MacBook.

Where Failshot fits

You've just created the password that unlocks your new Mac. Your password is the first layer. Failshot is the second: second layer device security for your Mac, and a new Mac is the natural moment to add it.

While it's on, Failshot photographs whoever unlocks your Mac, then, with Pro, records a 5-second video, and its window tells them the unlock was photographed. With the Mac's built-in camera, the green light comes on. With Pro, turn on alerts and Failshot emails you about an unlock you don't confirm as yours, a wrong Failshot PIN or answer, or its camera access being switched off while it's on. Switching it off, or quitting it from its menu, takes Touch ID or your Failshot PIN and answer, never your Mac password.

Failshot runs on macOS 14 or later. Free to download. It's free to use. Pro adds video, email alerts and the encrypted vault, and you can try Pro free for 7 days. Your card is taken at sign-up and charged on day 8 unless you cancel. The trial is on failshot.app, for the Mac. iPhone, Android and Windows are coming soon.

More questions

How long does it take to set up a new MacBook Pro?

Apple doesn't give a time for Setup Assistant itself. Transfers are the slow part: Apple says large transfers with Migration Assistant may need hours and may seem to pause occasionally. Setting up as new, with no transfer, skips that.

Can I set up a new Mac without Wi-Fi?

Apple says you need an internet connection to complete certain parts of Setup Assistant, and you may need to update the Mac during setup. If you're using Ethernet, choose Other Network options on the Wi-Fi screen.

Can I skip signing in to my Apple Account during setup?

Yes. Apple says that if you didn't sign in when you first set up your Mac, you can sign in later: open System Settings, click "Sign in" at the top of the sidebar, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Should I set up as new or transfer from my old Mac?

Transfer if you want your old apps, accounts and settings. Setting up as new transfers nothing, though Apple says you can still run Migration Assistant later.

Does setting up with my iPhone copy everything?

No. Apple says it transfers settings such as Wi-Fi, Appearance and Accessibility, and brings over content stored in iCloud, such as photos, messages, notes, calendar, passwords and contacts, based on your iCloud settings. Files on an old Mac need Migration Assistant.

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