HOW TO Get your new Mac up and running

Enter your Apple ID

The key to a happy new Mac is to log in with your Apple ID so you can access your iCloud data. Don’t worry if you’re asked to do this more than once; iCloud can be a little odd and ask for the same login multiple times.

Check your iCloud

In System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud, you can switch on the iCloud services you want to use and switch off any that you don’t. Click on Options if you want to change what apps iCloud Drive will store and sync data for.

Enable Touch ID

If your new Mac has a Touch ID sensor, you’ll be asked whether you want to use Touch ID for unlocking your Mac, for Apple Pay, and for auto–filling passwords. You’ll need to provide your fingerprints for this.

Enable Apple Pay

If you choose to use Touch ID for Apple Pay, the next step is to add cards so you can use them whenever you authorize a payment. If you’ve used the Migration Assistant from an older Mac it will copy your stored cards across.

Confirm the card(s)

Whether you’re adding a card or using one copied across from your old Mac, the card issuer(s) will need to authorize your card for use with Apple Pay. You can do this via a text message, or by calling the card issuer.

Set up your SMS

SMS forwarding is handled by your phone, so if messages aren’t appearing on your Mac, the culprit is probably in your iPhone’s settings. Go to Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding to include your new Mac.

Manage devices

For the Music and TV apps, there’s a limit to how many Apple devices you can use with your account. Go into the app and select Account > View My Account > Manage Devices to remove any devices you no longer have.

New passwords

You may need new passwords for third–party apps that access your iCloud data, such as email or calendar apps. Get new ones at appleid.apple. com > Security > App–Specific Passwords > Generate Password.

Delete old devices

In icloud.com, go to Security to see the devices currently connected to your Apple ID. If you spot a device you no longer have, click on it, check it’s the right one and then select Remove From Account to disconnect it.