What To Do After Buying A Used MacBook? Full Guide

Switching from Windows to Mac but don’t have much money? A reconditioned Mac with a guarantee and support from the manufacturer sounds like the best choice in this scenario. You can also save money by acquiring a pre-owned Mac. I’ll show you exactly What To Do After Buying A Used MacBook?

What To Do After Buying A Used MacBook?

When you meet the vendor, it’s good to conduct some simple tests. As a result, make sure to bring along an additional USB drive with macOS pre-installed, as well as headphones.

Step 1: Check For Damages

Inspect the used Mac thoroughly before beginning diagnostics for physical damage, such as obvious scratches. Next, make sure all the screws are tightened. It is possible that the Mac was repaired by a non-authorized repair business if there are any loose screws. A bent screen or casing should be avoided.

The display hinges should also be checked (Its case is held together by its hinges). These hinges must be strong enough to keep the lid in place and stop it from tumbling over. If you detect any damage on a Used Macintosh, you might be able to use that as leverage in a negotiation.

Step 2: Check The Mac’s Age

Is the current owner of the Mac claiming that the computer is in like-new shape? While this may be true, it does not imply that the concept is novel. Go to the About This Mac area of the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen to see How Old Your Mac is.

Even if macOS isn’t installed, the serial number on the used Macintosh you’re inspecting can tell you how old it is. The serial number is located next to the regulation markings on the back of the Mac. When you visit the Apple coverage check homepage, you can use these tools to determine the model and age of your Mac, as well as your rights to warranty and support.

Step 3: Boot This Mac

It’s time to test out this Mac. Make sure the machine you’re considering purchasing starts and that macOS launches to the screen. Use the bootable drive you supplied if macOS isn’t already installed (the one with macOS on board). Once you get the startup bell, press the Option key and choose the external launch drive.

It’s not a deal-breaker if the Mac won’t start. If your Mac doesn’t boot, see our advice on fixing it. On the other hand, you must decide if you’re prepared to beat such challenges. Another justification for a discount on the used Mac is if you are.

Step 4: Disable Firmware Password

One of the many passwords that Mac users create for their machines can be a big pain in the neck for a brand new Mac owner. You won’t be able to boot your Mac from the USB disc if the vendor has set a firmware password. When Mac’s starting chime sounds, hold down the Control key to silence it. Ask the Mac owner to switch off the firmware password if you’re prompted to do so.

Step 5: Check The Display Condition

Use a dead pixel checker that covers your monitor with pure colors to identify damaged pixels on display. As an alternative, you can utilize the used Mac to open images with solid color backgrounds (such as red, blue, green, or white).

There will be little blotches on the screen if any pixels are broken. It doesn’t matter if there are a few dead pixels here and there. You should, however, avoid purchasing this MacBook if it has a large number of shattered pixels.

In the future, if you have any queries or concerns about the item you’ve purchased, you can always run MacKeeper and contact our tech support. I’d be happy to assist you in deciding between your next Mac, and we’ll show you how to get the most out of MacKeeper to keep your Mac running well for years to come.

Step 6: Perform A Keyboard Test

Text Edit on macOS can check if the keyboard is working properly. To use it, open it and begin entering characters one by one. That’s great. Try using the Caps Lock key and the functioning keys now. Is it all right? Great!

Keyboard Viewer is another option. Choose Show Keyboard Viewer from the language menu at the top of the menu bar. The new keyboard-like pane shows you each key you press.

Step 7: Check The Optical Drive

Insert a DVD or CD into the optical drive of the Mac you’re considering purchasing to be sure it can read data.

Step 8: Check All Ports

It’s a simple task. The USB port is all you need to connect your external hard disc. The headphones should be done the same way. Works? Amazing!

Step 9: Run Webcam Diagnostics

Test the iSight camera by using Facetime or Iphone’s Photo Booth. Is your face visible in the app’s display window? That signifies that your webcam is working as it should be. If you see a notification that says “There is no linked camera,” switch to the iSight camera as the default camera in your application. The camera may malfunctioning if this problem persists.

Step 10: Check The Hard Drive

The Mac’s hard drive health can be checked using Disk Utility. Listed here is what you need to do:

1. Finder: Go to Apps    
2. Opt for Services
3. Then, click Disk Utility.
4. In the menu above, select First Aid.
5. Then press the Run button.

Once it’s finished, you’ll see a window with several messages about the status of your hard drive. The inspection will take some time to complete. This indicates a problem with the disc if you see any red messages.

If your MacBook’s hard disc fails, it’s not the end of the world, but it can be a hassle. It’s never too late to fix or replace something. The seller should give you a discount if this is the case.

Step 11: Check The Battery

Because MacBooks are well-known for their excellent battery life, you’ll want to make sure the Macintosh you buy won’t run out after only an hour or so of use. To see how well your Mac’s battery is holding up, run the following command:

1. When you see the Apple logo, click it.
2. To access system information, click the drop-down menu and select System Information.
3. Then, in the Power menu on the left, click.
4. Pay close attention to the section on health and wellness

The Mac’s battery health can be diagnosed using Cycle Count and Condition. The typical battery life of a Mac is anywhere between 300, and 1000 recharges. The battery cycle count for many Macs can be found here. Battery health and cycle count should be checked. As a rule of thumb, the fewer battery cycles a device has, the better it is.

Step 12: Apple Hardware Test

Apple Hardware Test is the final stage I advise (or Apple Diagnostics on newer Macs). It identifies problems with the motherboard, memory, and other physical hardware.

How Do I Set Up A Used Mac As New?

Press and hold Option, Command, P, and R simultaneously as soon as your Mac starts. Approximately 20 seconds later, release the keys. This erases user settings from memory and resets any potentially modified security features.

How Do I Transfer Data From The Old Macbook To The New Mac?

To transfer all your files, programs, user accounts, and settings from one computer to another, utilize Migration Assistant. Instead of requiring manual copying, Migration Assistant transfers all of your files from your old Mac to your new Mac.

Do You Need An Apple ID To Use A Macbook?

Using a Mac or iOS device is still feasible without an Apple ID, but the experience will be substantially less enjoyable. For instance, you cannot access the App Store without an Apple ID, which prevents you from adding new apps to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Conclusion

That’s all about What To Do After Buying A Used MacBook? Buying used equipment from a professional seller is the only way to guarantee a return. Amazon’s renewed program, OWC, and Apple Certified Reconditioned machines are examples of this type of option. You’ll have seven to thirty days after receiving your machine to examine it thoroughly.

Don’t forget to find out about the return policy. Get your device (or machines) and put it through its paces as soon as you can. You may look for pre-owned MacBook Pros on Amazon by product year, but the retailer doesn’t display them that way. You can’t tell what you’re staring at until you know the model number.

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