Even if you’re a longtime Mac user, there might be a few things you don’t know about setting up a refurbished MacBook. That’s because refurbished Macs come with certain specificities (e.g. keyboard configuration) that are different in their second lives. This article will help you give your new friend the special love it needs during setup.

First, plug your Mac into the power adapter and turn it on.

If the first page displayed is the Language selection

Follow these steps to set up your MacBook to fit your preferences. 

Step 1. Start by selecting your language. (If you're unable to select your language, reset your Mac's NVRAM as mentioned in this article – this is only needed for Intel Macs, as Apple Silicon Macs automatically reset NVRAM on restart.)

Step 2. Next, select your country and then "Continue".

Step 3. Select "Customize Settings" and choose your preferred language.

Step 4. Make sure the input source (the keyboard setup in your MacBook) corresponds to the one you have. If your keyboard is a US one, select "US"; if it's a UK one, select "UK". (Tip: You'll know your keyboard is a US one if there is a "$" sign on the "4" key.) Otherwise, you can set up your keyboard language as "English - UK" and type as you normally would, just disregard the keys that look different. Use the heavy minus sign "➖" to remove the one(s) you don't use.

Step 5. Follow the instructions to continue setting up your MacBook. (i.e., Wi-Fi, iCloud account, data migration, Screen Time, Siri, Touch ID, etc.)

Step 6. You can change your password or create a new user account in the "System Settings" > "Users & Groups".

Step 7. If you need more help, see Apple's complete MacBook setup guide — it may have more up-to-date info.

If the Language selection page is not displayed

Try pressing "Enter" on your keyboard. This might let you in. If not, the refurbisher should have provided you with a password. You may find it on a sticker next to the trackpad or on a document in your package.

If a password was provided

Great, just log in and go ahead and set up your keyboard language, using the steps above

If no password was provided

To refurbish a MacBook, Revibe sellers must run all the necessary tests and replace certain components to comply with our quality standards. This includes the pre-configuration of the computer, including the setup of a temporary password for you. You should have received the password from the seller, either on a note near the trackpad or in a message from the seller. If you can’t find the password, try this generic password the seller may have set up:

Step 1. Press the "return/enter" key.

Step 2. Type "1234".

Step 3. Type “user” or “User”.

Step 4. Press the space bar.

Step 5. If a question mark icon appears in the password field, click on it to see the “password hint” that the seller might have left for you.

No luck? Here are a few more tips

Check if the password is noted somewhere within the box it came in (it often comes on a note next to the trackpad, but may have fallen off).

If you still can’t find it, raise a claim by going to "Orders" in your Revibe account > "Raise a Claim". You should hear back from us within 1-2 business days.