This walk-through covers each step of the setup process and is intended to be used alongside Setup Assistant.
Keep your other Mac, or your iPhone or iPad, close at hand during setup, since some steps may require verification on another device.
You have the opportunity to transfer data from another Mac during setup. If you want to do this, make sure that you have the computer that you want to transfer data from, and that it is updated to the latest available software version.
Setup Assistant makes setting up your iMac easy and shouldn’t take too long to complete. If you choose to transfer data, however, set aside additional time.
At the beginning of setup, you can connect a mouse or trackpad and keyboard to your iMac.
If your new Mac came with a Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Keyboard, they should already be paired. Turn on your Magic Mouse, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Keyboard by sliding the on/off switch so that green is visible.
If you’re using a mouse, trackpad, or keyboard that did not come with your new Mac, you need to pair them. You may also use a cable to physically connect the accessory to your Mac. Consult the documentation that came with your accessory to learn how to pair or connect it, or see
Turn on Accessibility features. View accessibility options for Vision, Motor, Hearing, and Cognitive abilities, or click Not Now. To learn more, see Restore your Mac from a back up.
Sign in to your Apple Account. When you sign in to your Apple Account during setup, you receive a verification code on your other Apple devices. To proceed, enter the verification code on your new iMac. If you don’t receive the code, or don’t have the device, you may choose to have the verification code sent to you by text or phone call. If you can’t use the phone number associated with your Apple Account, choose “Can’t use this number” and follow the onscreen instructions.
If you need to create an Apple Account, choose “Create new Apple Account.” If you have forgotten your Apple Account or password, choose “Forgot Apple Account or password.”
If you don’t want to sign in to or create a new Apple Account now, click Set Up Later. After setup, you can sign in to an Apple Account or create a new Apple Account. Open Find the software version on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.)
When you use Make This Your New Mac, you skip several of the setup steps by using the settings stored in your iCloud account. To use your current settings, click Continue. If you have paired a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID, the setup process jumps to When you’re done setting up your iMac for next steps.