New MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini setup
Set up updates, the apps you need, email and printing, then try the tasks you use the Mac for.
Mac setup and data transfer in Los Angeles
Mac setup and troubleshooting in Los Angeles.
Set up a new MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini, or get help with a Mac that has become slow or unreliable. We work through your files, apps, email and connected devices with you. You enter your own passwords and approve changes.
Starting at $125 · most first visits are about 1.5 hours · larger transfers are approved separately; data recovery is referred
Keep Apple ID passwords, MFA/recovery codes, private file contents, payment details, and sensitive screenshots out of forms and texts.
Thumbtack Top ProCustomer reviews
New Mac setup and migration
Check the new Mac before retiring the old one.
We agree which files and apps to move, then test selected files, account access, printing, sync and backup status. Wiping or recycling the old computer comes later, after those checks and your approval.
MacBook data transfer planning
Choose a transfer method for your old Mac or PC and check which files, apps and settings can move.
iCloud and Time Machine review
Check which files are in iCloud, which are on the Mac, and whether Time Machine or another backup can restore them.
Accounts and follow-up notes
Set up Mail, Gmail or Outlook while you handle sign-in. Note anything that still needs testing or help from Apple.
Good reasons to book
Files and settings worth checking
- You have a new Mac and need updates, apps, email and printing set up.
- Migration Assistant, Time Machine, iCloud Drive, Photos, or external drives are confusing and you do not want to lose files.
- An old Windows PC or Mac needs data moved to a new Mac without opening or reorganizing private files unnecessarily.
- A parent, home office, student, creator, or small business needs the Mac ready before wiping or retiring the old computer.
One careful visit
The setup and transfer sequence
- 1Confirm the new Mac model, old computer type, must-have files/apps, printer/scanner needs, email, iCloud, and backup status.
- 2Set up agreed updates, apps, browser, printer and email. Review which files iCloud is syncing.
- 3Choose the transfer method before copying: Migration Assistant, a Time Machine backup, an external drive, cloud sync or selected folders.
- 4Test the files and apps you need, document what changed, and check the backup before retiring the old computer.
Existing Mac troubleshooting
On-site help for a slow, frozen, or beachballing Mac.
We look at startup apps, available storage, recent updates and the symptoms you have noticed. We check backup status before recommending changes that could affect your files.
Read the slow-Mac guideSlow, frozen, or beachballing Mac
Review recent changes, startup items, storage pressure, app load, update state, and warning signs without running a one-click optimizer or deleting data blindly.
macOS update readiness
Check model compatibility, available storage, power, and verified backup status before any customer-approved update or upgrade.
Apps, accounts, and connected gear
Check Apple Mail or Outlook, iCloud sync, printers, Wi-Fi, Time Machine, and external-drive status while the customer controls credentials and MFA.
Clear recommendations
Explain whether the symptoms point to software, storage, network, account or hardware trouble, and whether the next step needs a visit, attended remote help, Apple or a specialist.
Accounts, backups, and repair limits
You approve account and file changes.
Account access, files, and old-device cleanup stay customer-approved. If the issue is really Apple hardware, warranty, Activation Lock, or severe data loss, the correct answer may be Apple or a specialist.
Read the backup, account, and stop-work boundaries
Tech Genie is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple and is not an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
Do not send Apple ID passwords, MFA codes, recovery keys, payment data, private file contents, personal photos, financial files, medical files, or sensitive screenshots through forms/text.
If Apple ID, iCloud, email, or other sign-in is needed, the customer should type credentials during service.
Activation Lock, lost/stolen device access, warranty service, cracked screens, liquid damage, battery replacement, logic-board repair, and forensic data recovery require Apple, the owner, or a specialist.
Verify backup status and get clear approval before any macOS update, cleanup, migration, deletion, account removal, wipe, encryption change, drive work, or recycling.
No one-click optimizer, blind deletion, wipe, reset, encryption change, or drive repair runs automatically.
Stop and refer battery swelling, a burning smell, unusual heat, liquid exposure, clicking or grinding, a disappearing drive, or irreplaceable files without a verified backup.
Remote help is available only when the Mac reaches a stable desktop and internet; every session must be explicit, visible, time-bounded, and customer-controlled, with no unattended access.
Guides and related help
Review these guides before changing your Mac.
Use the transfer checklist before retiring an old computer, or the slow-Mac guide before installing cleanup tools or deleting files.
Mac setup and troubleshooting FAQ
Mac setup questions
Do you provide Mac setup help in Los Angeles?
Yes. We set up MacBook, iMac and Mac mini computers in the Los Angeles area, including file transfer, connected devices and a backup review.
Can you transfer everything from my old Mac or PC?
Not always. Documents and photos may transfer while apps need new installation or licenses. Account settings, cloud sync and damaged drives can add limits. We check what arrived and what works before you retire the old computer.
Is Tech Genie affiliated with Apple?
No. Tech Genie provides setup and troubleshooting services, not Apple warranty service or Apple-authorized repair. Hardware repair, Activation Lock, warranty service, lost account recovery, and damaged drives may require Apple, the device owner, or a specialist.
Can Tech Genie help with a slow, frozen, or beachballing Mac?
Yes. We check startup items, storage pressure, app load, update state and visible warning signs to narrow down the cause. Changes are discussed first. No optimizer, deletion, reset or repair runs automatically.
Can you help prepare for a macOS update or upgrade?
Yes. Tech Genie can check model compatibility, available storage, power, app considerations, and visible backup status first. The customer approves the next step; an update, cleanup, wipe, encryption change, or drive repair is never automatic.
Can you troubleshoot iCloud, Apple Mail, Outlook, printers, Wi-Fi, Time Machine, or external drives?
Yes. We check the visible settings and test the task that is failing. You enter passwords and MFA codes. Private file contents and sensitive screenshots stay out of forms and reports.
Do you repair MacBook screens, batteries, liquid damage, or logic boards?
No. Tech Genie provides setup and troubleshooting, not Apple-authorized or board-level hardware repair. Cracked screens, swollen batteries, liquid exposure, unusual heat, burning smells, clicking drives, logic-board faults, warranty work, and high-risk data recovery are referred to Apple or an appropriate specialist.
Mac setup and troubleshooting
Book Mac setup or troubleshooting help in Los Angeles.
Add the Mac model if known, what must work first, whether it is slow or frozen, and whether Migration Assistant, macOS updates, iCloud, Apple Mail, printers, Time Machine, or external drives are involved. Keep Apple ID passwords, recovery keys, private file contents, and sensitive screenshots out of the request.
Pick the closest service. You can add details before sending the request.
Protect your privacy
Describe the problem and device. Don’t send passwords, codes or private files.
Clear booking status
Available times book immediately. Requested windows need confirmation by call or text.
LA-area mobile service
Your private service address helps Tech Genie account for travel and offer a realistic arrival window.