How To Set Up a New MacBook (2024 Step-By-Step Guide)

The first 500 people to use my link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/createdlabs02241
Setting up a new MacBook doesn't have to be hard. In fact, it's now easier than ever, but sometimes it's nice to have someone explain certain things and guide you through the setup process. That's where I come in! I've probably set up hundreds of MacBooks over the years and here is the exact, step-by-step process I recommend as well as some macOS tips and settings you should change.
Products featured in this video:
⮕ Apple World Adapter Travel Kit: geni.us/appletraveladapter
⮕ USB-C to Ethernet Adapter: geni.us/ankerusbcethernet
Helpful links:
⮕ How to Use Migration Assistant: support.apple.com/en-us/102613
⮕ Magnet App (free download): magnet.crowdcafe.com/
⮕ Setapp free trial (access hundreds of apps): crtd.tech/setapp
VPNs I have used and can recommend:
⮕ NordVPN: nordvpn.com/
⮕ ProtonVPN: crtd.tech/protonvpn
⮕ Private Internet Access VPN: crtd.tech/privateinternetaccess
Helpful videos you should watch:
⮕ How To Clean Your MacBook: • Cleaning a DIRTY MacBo...
⮕ Ultimate MacBook Battery Guide: • ULTIMATE MacBook Batte...
⮕ 50 macOS Tips and Tricks in 14 Minutes: • 50 INCREDIBLE macOS Ti...
⮕ Don't Use These macOS Apps: • Why You Should NEVER U...
Support the channel:
🖥️ Custom macOS wallpapers: crtd.tech/wallpapers
📷 Follow me on Instagram: / createdtech
00:00 Introduction
00:42 Physical Check
05:32 Skillshare
06:50 Initial Setup
17:37 macOS Customisations
24:50 Things You Must Know
#macbook #mac #macos
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Disclaimer: Some of the above links are affiliated, and we may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

[@yumeyamamoto]

me watching this on a gaming pc i just built

[@KarlDaGreato]

Me watching this on my week y.o. Xiaomi Pad 6: 😶

[@shashankvats753]

😂😂

[@Stann99]

Me watching in ipad pro 12.9’ 2022 6th gen 256gb in youtube premium

[@nothinginteresting1833]

watching on my brand new Sony Xperia 1 V

[@SyedSufiyanJaved]

Me watching on a nokia 3310

[@joank3755]

Genuinely one of the best videos I ve ever seen on KZbin So helpful and easy . You aced that dude. keep doing more!!!

[@herzonchu6153]

This is timely as I just bought my first ever new MacBook. Thank you, Mate!

[@MarbsMusic]

Congratulations!

[@jurgenxumalo]

P

[@SameOldStoryz]

perfect! got mine a few days ago! I switched from a i5 7200u to a m3 14inch, the power difference is insane! and the speakers are just Wonderfull!

[@djutsu]

Just received my m3 pro this week after upgrading from a 2019 base mba. Great video!!! So useful

[@baniarora6312]

Did you decide to use the migration assistant?

[@Anthony-nr7lw]

Nice vid mate, waiting for my first Macbook in a couple of weeks👍🏽

[@yaz3121]

Perfect timing, just got my first ever Macbook (first ever iOS device) then this video dropped

[@DerrickNotEric]

Awesome video! very informative and helpful. I just purchased a new MacBook Pro so this was much needed. New subbie here! 💚

[@djgcue]

I’m here for the cutest YT calico kitty. Highlight of my day!

[@sassytbc7923]

This is a great video. I am a windows girl, but thinking about getting my first MacBook, and know nothing about them. I appreciate the detail you went to in the video. Thank you

[@qqvrbx]

I’m so happy that there is finally an Aussie creator setting this up. Everyone always has different plugs but it’s so reassuring seeing someone have an Aussie plug that I’m used too. New sub❤

[@mannyw_]

lol

[@jacquesmarino7757]

Many thanks mate for the amount of time and passion you put into producing this very helpful "start up guide" from an Aussie/French living now in South of France, Cheers

[@CreatedTech]

Glad it helped!

[@CelesteandJames]

Easy setup tutorial. Another personal favourite setup I like to do for the trackpad is the three-finger drag lock. It’s quite a hidden trick on the mac setting, but man it makes dragging items on the computer so much better! I’ve been using this trick since my first MacBook in 2010! To set it up, open system settings, choose accessibility on the left hand menu, scroll down to pointer control, click trackpad options, enable dragging with three fingers, and let it change your life!

[@ReceiveMusic]

Now that's an actual useful tip. I wonder if it also works with the separate track pad slab that Apple sells.

[@treycybanana]

got my first mac today and this has been very helpful

[@bikashjena8167]

Me watching without having the macbook

[@dawgcodmobile9768]

Not the only one

[@732harris]

💯 Mutiple desktop option is wow. I didn’t knew that.

[@Ian_Laing]

Me watching this with 0 dollars in my bank account

[@yungcap]

very good and helpful video, taught me a few things i am definitely gonna use when i get my mac in a few days

[@mkramer7505]

A tip for the migration assistent is using a usb c to usb c cable between your two macs, that greatly improves the speed

[@SkyDaraNews]

Nice To See To See You !!! ❤ love to learn more from you ❤🙏

[@LeonDeSilva-io1px]

just got my new MacBook Air M2 and I'm loving it.

[@warrior2364]

Im saving up to buy an M1 MacBook for only 600$ which is a really good price

[@PaulChavelas]

is this McDonalds ? lol jk I can't wait to get mine I want the M3 pro tho that rhymed don't hate the player hate the game Bars !

[@nishantsingh7235]

Same​@@warrior2364

[@SUYA.]

*me watching this on a smart fridge display i stole*

[@sebabonvin]

Hey man, great video! New subscriber 👋🏻

[@MarbsMusic]

If you save everything to iCloud or an external TB4 drive it's quite easy just to ignore migration and just copy things back over. Excellent and very through setup guide, especially for first time Mac users! I should have had my wife watch this but guess the bonding time setting up her new MacBook was worth it :)

[@ArchieMalabanan]

got my first macbook! thank you for this

[@Prebbech]

Bought a macbook air M3 yesterday. First Mac for me since the Apple Lisa!. Will make a change from Windows/Intel.

[@hamletgolucky3628]

13” or 15”?

[@AhmedAka-oq2wx]

Nice video mate ❤

[@louisolivi]

I got the AirPods max a couple of months ago and the sniff was so amazing

[@Rileyandwinnie]

Just got my 15" Macbook air starlight and I LOVE IT. Thanks for the video!

[@CreatedTech]

No problem, glad you enjoy it! I'll be making more MacBook content soon.

[@Criminaldmge]

Is there a way to set up wallpapers that are changing throughout the day?

[@MIN_Tech]

Very niceee~ video! 👍🏻

[@af-dx6gn]

Thanks bro

[@ItsEzlan]

can you do a video for Windows users who have recently picked up an MBP as a second system for lightweight work and travel?

[@truebro77]

Actually sitting here an an old Lenovo that takes about 3 seconds to scroll down to the next section of a page and there's lags EVERYWHERE waiting on my arrival today sso so excited!!!

[@alamgirhoque0]

I don't have any MacBook and laptop also I am enjoying your videos one day I buy.....

[@sweealamak628]

Just in time for the arrival of M3 Macbook Airs 😊

[@hamletgolucky3628]

13” or 15”?

[@vanshbahl5]

great quality

[@bearusabarwry]

New buying opportunities for all

[@ehiujiagbe5236]

i am considering a swithcing from windows to mac. My worries is using microsoft packages including teams, outlook email..etc

[@Filip-fn7mk]

Hello, I have a question, after updating my macbook to version 14.4.1. all folders disappeared from my desktop. And the show desktop function also disappeared (when I have an application open and I click on the desktop, everything is minimized and folders and things appear on the desktop). I downloaded the rectangle app, but I tried to take permissions from it and completely disabled it. Don't know what it could be? Thanks for the reply.

[@minhtrovert]

Now we need a video to how to set up a cat loaf.

[@j1972w]

Great video. I just bought an M3 Air and my old MacBook is 9 years old, do you recommend data migration or staring fresh?

[@CreatedTech]

I'd recommend starting fresh and simply copying your files over.

[@lil_nginya]

me watching till the end with 0$😅.......great video bro mac os looks good would really love to have a macbook

[@SayyoSaZ]

Fantastic video! I saw that Magnet costs $4.99 on the Appstore. Am I going to the wrong place where it should be free?

[@mr.b441]

Seems they just started charging for it

[@ttscornerkitchenanddecor4582]

This video is cool

[@peterbustin2683]

0:51 Have a tissue to hand at this point.

[@Mohammed-ux2rn]

How can i use my Iphone apple ID on a new mac without having a copy of everything from my Iphone ?

[@Monkore]

very good

[@Thebboyy]

I'm going to upgrade from MacBook 12" 2015 to 16" m3 pro it's going to be huge lol

[@ivanmytube]

Where can you buy a Macbook Air / Pro M2 at great discount?

[@vinaykanakavalli4535]

Best Buy or Walmart atm

[@PeterEmery]

Hopefully a new M3 MacBook Air will arrive tomorrow. I intend to have it set up the same as my current M1 MacBook air. Therefore I'll use a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 cable (I have both) to connect the two computers for the highest available data transfer rate via Migration Assistant.

[@billythekido1414]

Is there any downside if I never create or use an apple id?

[@CreatedTech]

Yes, you won't be able to use iCloud or download any apps via the app store.

[@kadarriuscampbell8999]

Watching from zfold 3

[@oliyb]

100 private😂. U crack me up.😅. Great vid 😊

[@michsky46]

I went first time in my life into MacBook. amazing machine. the klanky windows I can't use it anymore

[@mustansarmahmood4600]

Me watching this on my i3 Office PC 🙂🙂

[@truebro77]

really amazing walkthrough. I'm genuiney nervous about owning an aple prduct for the first ever time today. New macbook pro coming so this is making it feel easier.. Love yout little comments along the way too haha annoying little kid. and you cringed inside when you changed your emoji to a koala haha

[@lorettawarner]

I have a question: I want to start fresh on my new computer and my apple id is very old. Question: can I have a new iCloud email and password for the new computer? Great video, thank you!

[@JJFlores197]

Yes you can create a new Apple ID. Do note that none of the data that's stored on the old account will transfer to your new account. So if you bought any apps, games, movies, music, subscriptions, etc, those will not transfer nor are they transferable to a new account.

[@imhuman_torch18]

Ay m8 . why is australian adapter huge ?

[@anujkalra6145]

2:47 they don’t give the extension cable anymore?

[@Rdr2PvP]

Aussies for the win!

[@Not_Max23]

Why buy a make when you get get an Rtx 40 series for the same price

[@adredy]

Bro have skills 😅😂

[@sebabonvin]

Waiting for my very first MacBook. I bought a MacBook Pro M3 Pro 😃

[@hamletgolucky3628]

14” or 16”?

[@dhruvmeena96]

How to setup mac back inside in its box and sending it back

[@jaygre4836]

ME watching this on my old iMac... as I just bought a MBP M... but ..found out unlike my trusty old mac... the new one FEEDS ALL MY EMAILS that I save passwords on my new comp... TO MY IPHONE 13 PRO.... AAAAAaaaaaaa.. no I just want two main emails.. the rest I check weekly... so help..... HELP...

[@emarskineel]

We ALL sniff new tech

[@telboyynwa699]

Why set it up for American English being an Ozzy? Were your English school text books American growing up?

[@CreatedTech]

I use American spelling for my website and scripts.

[@732harris]

✨ Always record unboxing of an expensive purchase item as a proof.

[@ReetRanaMagar]

I forgot the mac password 😢 but my finger print is working. Any solution plz

[@namansinghal6316]

Hahaha 😂😂😂

[@whiteshadow7624]

Me thinking going for macbook but hey that thing can't play games.

[@imjustasalamander]

Actually new MacBook with the M3 And the one that will come with the M4 got Ray tracing and are really good for gaming its just that game company didn’t port their games yet :D

[@janoo85]

horrible short cut why always 3 buttons? impossible with one hand or even remember to all of it

[@GenZVision3931]

I was thinking about to search how to setup a Macbook and KZbin suggested me this video. 😅. Google started reqding minds?😅

[@olagunjumosopefoluwa5491]

This is one of the most detailed tech videos I've ever watched. Thank you ❤ I'm trying to win this macbook in a giveaway. I pray I win🏆

[@akkhan1904]

I am not sure who is the imposter in here!

[@xayveonkhooblallgamingpro]

i dont need to know this but i still watched it because i was gaming

[@amirhosseinrajaizadeh2232]

today i bought my m3 pro 16 inch macbook and this is my first experience of using macbook pro at the age of 19 :)

[@dannysairpids]

i got mine yesterday after using windows all my life. I'm 32. I'm excited

[@wlothridge]

I’m 60 year old retiree picking my first MacBook Air M3 this week. Wish me luck! 😢

[@mayavi93]

you can change the account name later.

[@bidyut4813]

I was waiting for a while to write this comment. Now I can say that I am watching this video on my own MacBook. BOOM

[@AlexsanderFer90]

I'll be honest, I only watched it because of the cat.

[@32ps]

3:29 I do that too.

[@mythiqul]

Can you send me MacBook? Im also in Australia

[@lukea526]

Soooo.... Magnet is £4.99. I guess they spotted your video 🤬

[@momotaroux264]

Gotta sniff

[@chetanss6542]

bruh they made MAGNET PAID :(

[@user-jt5sh4jm7l]

Tiles is free, and does exactly the same :)

[@chetanss6542]

@user-jt5sh4jm7l thanks man , downloaded it and it worked pretty well 🫡. :)

[@joseedumont3231]

The smell of regret 🤣😂

[@tensom0509]

video starts at 6:51 thank me later

[@pritishpatil7659]

I got one from my office. But for personal use I'll never buy these. These are ridiculously expensive and to update the RAM and storage the additional cost is back breaking. Apple is milking it's customers dry to the bone. And remember, if anything goes bad, they're virtually not repairable or the repair costs almost a new MacBook. Please don't buy these for personal use people :)

[@DJRoyalePhilly]

Thanks for the video. However it seems you lack awareness and reverence for privacy and data - Apple is not the holy grail.

[@LaDeLaO]

Way too long winded, do I really need to see the box opening, smelling- get to meat and potatoes

[@RigoVids]

First thirty seconds are infuriatingly incomprehensible. Missing connection words, mispronunciations… all coming from a native speaker. 0:04 missing the phrase “you know” in “because you want to make sure (you know) how to set it up correctly…” 0:07 pronounces “are” as if he’s saying “aren’t” (this is just a minor point) 0:10 “I’ve been setting up probably hundreds of MacBooks over the past” means you are still working on hundreds of MacBooks. You should drop the “been” since they’re already set up (completely in the past) 0:12 “on this channel and both at my job” this one is obvious. The both goes before the “on this channel” 0:16 “exactly how to do it, along with some tips and tricks” along is pronounced slurred, sounds like “so long” 0:22 “tips and tricks and essential things” drop the first “and”

[@JJFlores197]

Sounds like user error

[@user-tk1ty9ll2n]

You are taking 34 minutes just for in the name of unboxing, what is the speciality in unboxing , I don't you have taken that much time in your real opening

[@AlokKumarjha13]

Slow and crappy

[@_vagabond_88]

Why do you talk too much

[@sakshamsingh7780]

first of all, you wanna make sure that the audio of the video is not so low that even after hitting 100%, Im not able to hear it comfortably!!! 😑😑

[@CreatedTech]

You might want to get your ears checked, because even at 50% volume the audio is perfectly fine.

[@sakshamsingh7780]

@@CreatedTech It was just a feedback! You should have taken it in a positive way. My Ears are all Good by the grace of God. But I would really care for you and would like to arrange an ENT Appointment ASAP!!!

[@CreatedTech]

@@sakshamsingh7780 I did take it in a positive way, my reply to you wasn't rude at all. The audio is perfectly fine. It's been tested on multiple speakers, and my hearing is perfect. You either have poor hearing or the speakers you're using to play this video suck.

[@JJFlores197]

@@sakshamsingh7780Volume sounds fine. Most likely something on your end

[@bubthebuilder11]

@sakshamsingh7780 when it is at 100 percent, it is very loud. at 30 percent, i can hear him perfectly fine.