Set up your iMac
After you unbox your iMac, follow these instructions to set it up.
Before you begin
Choose a hard, stable work surface that allows for adequate air circulation under and around it. For more information on safety and handling, see Important safety information for your Mac and Important handling information for your Mac.
All iMac packaging is fully recyclable. Break down the boxes according to the instructions and place in your recycling bin.
Step 1: Connect your Mac to power
Use the power cable included with your iMac to connect it to power. Connect one end of the power cable to the power port on your iMac and the other end to a power outlet.
Step 2: Connect your keyboard and mouse (or trackpad)
Use the cables that came with your keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) to connect them to the USB-C or Thunderbolt
Tip: If you have a Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse that came with your iMac, it’s already paired to your Mac. Slide the switch so the green is visible, and you’re ready to go.
Note: If the cable requires a port that your Mac doesn’t have, you may need to use an adapter. Consult the documentation that came with your keyboard and mouse or trackpad.
After you pair your keyboard and mouse (or trackpad) to your Mac, you may be able to use them wirelessly using Bluetooth®. For more information on connecting accessories using Bluetooth, see Connect accessories to your Mac.
Step 3: Turn on your Mac
Press the power button on the back of your iMac.
Step 4: Follow the instructions in Setup Assistant
Setup Assistant gets you up and running quickly by guiding you through the first steps to using your iMac, such as transferring your data, setting up accessibility features, connecting to your Wi-Fi network, and creating a user account.
To get started, select a language, then go to the next step. See below for more information about each step of Setup Assistant.
Tip: For more information on the different parts of Setup Assistant, press and hold the Command key while you click any of the links below to open them in a new tab in Safari.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network Choose your Wi-Fi network and enter the password, if necessary. If you’re using Ethernet, you can also click Other Network options and follow the onscreen instructions. | Choose how to set up your Mac Choose to set your Mac up as new, with an iPhone or iPad, or by transferring data from another Mac, Windows PC, Time Machine backup, or startup disk. |
Turn on Accessibility features View accessibility options for vision, hearing, mobility, speech, and cognition, or click Not Now to skip and set up later. | Create your computer account and password Use your username and password to unlock your Mac or approve other actions. To create one, enter your name, then create a password. If you want your Mac to have multiple users, you can add them later. |
Sign in to your Apple Account If you already have another Apple device, you likely have an Apple Account—simply sign in using the email address or phone number and password. If you don’t have an Apple Account, you can create one. | Finish setting up your Mac When your accounts are set up, follow the onscreen instructions to customize settings like Location Services, Appearance, Apple Intelligence, and Siri. Note: Apple Intelligence on macOS 27 or later is not available in all languages or regions. Usage limits may apply.* |
Note: Setup Assistant is designed to help you easily set up your Mac on your own. However, if you need assistance during this process you can contact Apple Support to see what support options are available.
What’s next?
When Setup Assistant is done, a Welcome message informs you that your new iMac is ready to use. Check out the links below for some ideas on what to do next:
Take a tour of iMac to learn about the different ports and hardware features of your iMac.
To continue to make your Mac your own, see Set up your accounts and Personalize your Mac.
If you’re new to Mac and aren’t sure where to get started, see Are you new to Mac? and Switched from Windows to Mac.