Getting started with your New Macbook Air. – Information Support Support Services

Take a tour of MacBook Air

Before you get started with your MacBook Air, here’s a quick introduction to its buttons, features, and ports.

Note: This guide is for the current MacBook Air models. If you’re not sure which model you have or want information about other models, see the Apple Support article Identify your MacBook Air model.

The front of a MacBook Air with the lid open showing the 12MP Center Stage camera.

Charge the MacBook Air battery

The battery charges whenever your MacBook Air is connected to power.

A MacBook Air with the power adapter attached.

Connect your power adapter and cable

To charge the battery on MacBook Air, you can connect the included USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable to the MagSafe 3 port, or connect a USB-C Charge Cable to any of the Thunderbolt ports. Connect the cable to your Apple power adapter or other compatible power adapter, then fully extend the electrical prongs on the AC plug of your adapter and plug it into an AC power outlet.

To learn more, see Power adapter and cable for MacBook Air.

Keep an eye on your battery and view usage

Add the battery icon to your menu bar

Quickly see information about your battery—like whether it’s charging or its current battery percentage.

Go to System Settings, click Menu Bar in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down), then select Battery.

View battery usage

Go to Battery settings to see how you’ve used your battery over the past 24 hours or the last 10 days. To open Battery settings, go to System Settings, then click Battery in the sidebar (you may need to scroll down).

Optimize charging and conserve energy

When you use Optimize Battery Charging, your MacBook Air learns your daily charging routine, which reduces wear and tear on your battery and improves its lifespan. You can also conserve battery power in a few different ways, like using Low Power Mode or reducing display brightness.

Battery Settings window showing the Battery Level over 24 hours. The window also shows that the Battery Health is normal, and there is an option to turn on Low Power Mode.

Optimize Battery Charging

This feature delays charging the battery past 80% when it predicts that you’ll be plugged in for an extended period of time, and aims to charge the battery before you unplug.

In Battery settings, click by Battery Health, then turn on Optimize Battery Charging.

Use Low Power Mode

This can be a good option when you’re traveling or away from a power source for an extended period of time.

In Battery settings, choose an option from the Low Power Mode pop-up menu.

Customize advanced settings

Dim the display when your MacBook Air is on battery, prevent automatic sleep mode, and turn on when to wake for network access.

In Battery settings, click Options, then choose which options to turn on.

Other ways to reduce energy use

You can conserve battery power by doing simple tasks like reducing your display brightness, closing apps, and disconnecting peripherals that you’re not using.

Power adapter and cable for MacBook Air

To charge your MacBook Air, you need two accessories: a cable and a power adapter.

Want to learn more?

To monitor the battery in your Mac or check its condition, see Monitor your Mac laptop’s battery and Check the condition of your Mac laptop’s battery.
If your Battery Health says Service Recommended, see the Apple Support article If you see Service Recommended on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.
For charging issues with your power adapter, see the Apple Support articles If your USB-C power adapter isn’t charging your Mac laptop, If your MagSafe cable or power adapter isn’t working, and If your Mac battery status is “Not Charging”.
For more information about the internal, rechargeable battery in your MacBook Air and for conservation and performance tips, see Apple Lithium-ion Batteries.

Frontview								Click the feature to learn more. 12MP Center Stage camera
Topview								Speakers Microphones Touch ID (power) button Force Touch trackpad
Leftside								MagSafe 3 port Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Righside								3.5 mm audio jack

Accessory				Description
				40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max* Designed to dynamically deliver up to 60W of output, providing a powerful boost in charging speeds. For 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air.
				30W Power Adapter For 13-inch MacBook Air.
				35W Dual USB-C Port Compact Power Adapter For 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air.
				70W USB-C Power Adapter or 67W USB-C Power Adapter Optional for 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air. With the 70W USB-C Power Adapter, you can fast charge the MacBook Air up to 50 percent in around 30 minutes.
				USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable Connect one end to the MagSafe 3 port on your MacBook Air, and the other end to the included power adapter. When you first connect the cable to MacBook Air, a battery status indicator on the connector starts to glow—green for fully charged or amber for charging.
				USB-C Charge Cable Connect one end of the USB-C Charge Cable to one of the USB-C (Thunderbolt) ports on your MacBook Air, and the other end to the power adapter. The USB-C Charge Cable is sold separately.