The MacBook Pro M4 is Apple’s latest powerhouse, packed with cutting-edge features. But unlocking its full potential requires knowing the right tricks. Whether you’re a student, creative pro, or casual user, this 35-tip guide will help you customize settings, boost productivity, and simplify everyday tasks. Let’s dive in!
(For a detailed look at the M4’s hardware and performance, read our in-depth MacBook Pro M4 review.)
Setup & Essential Tweaks
1. Update macOS Immediately
Why: New updates add security fixes, Apple Intelligence tools, and performance improvements.
How:
- Click the Apple logo (top-left corner).
- Go to System Settings → General → Software Update.
- Install any available updates.
2. Adjust Trackpad Sensitivity
The default tracking speed might feel sluggish. Speed it up:
- System Settings → Trackpad → Tracking Speed.
- Drag the slider to the right for faster cursor movement.
3. Enable Tap-to-Click
Stop pressing the trackpad—just tap!
- System Settings → Trackpad → Tap to Click → Toggle On.
4. Reverse Scrolling Direction
Prefer "down to scroll down"? Turn off Natural Scrolling:
- System Settings → Trackpad → Scroll & Zoom → Natural Scrolling→ Toggle Off.
5. Three-Finger Drag for Windows
Move files or apps without clicking:
- System Settings → Accessibility → Pointer Control → Trackpad Options.
- Enable Use Trackpad for Dragging → Select Three-Finger Drag.
6. Customize the Dock
Remove clutter:
- Remove Apps: Drag icons out of the Dock until they disappear.
- Add Apps: Drag frequently used apps into the Dock.
- Resize: Hover over the Dock’s divider line, then click and drag.
7. Hide Desktop Clutter
Keep your desktop clean:
- System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Desktop.
- Under “Items on Desktop,” select Only in Stage Manager.
8. Set Up Hot Corners
Quickly access tools by moving your cursor to screen corners:
- System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Hot Corners.
- Assign actions like Launchpad, Notification Center, or Desktop to each corner.
Display & Visual Customization
9. Increase Screen Resolution
Get more workspace with “More Space” mode:
- System Settings → Displays → Resolution.
- Select More Space (smaller icons, more content).
10. Disable True Tone for Accuracy
True Tone adjusts colors based on ambient light, which isn’t ideal for photo editing:
- System Settings → Displays → Advanced.
- Toggle off True Tone.
11. Nano Texture Display (Optional)
Reduce glare for outdoor work:
- Tip: Add the Nano Texture option ($150) when buying your MacBook. Clean it only with Apple’s included polishing cloth.
12. Always Show Scroll Bars
Never lose track of your place on a page:
- System Settings → Appearance.
- Under “Show Scroll Bars,” select Always.
13. Customize Widgets
Add iPhone-style widgets to your desktop:
- Right-click the desktop → Edit Widgets.
- Drag widgets like Calendar, Battery, or Weather to your desktop.
14. Dark Mode Scheduling
Automatically switch to Dark Mode at night:
- System Settings → Appearance.
- Under “Appearance,” select Auto → Set a schedule.
Battery & Power Management
15. Extend Battery Life
Stop the screen from dimming too quickly:
- System Settings → Battery → Options.
- Set Turn display off on battery to 10–20 minutes.
16. Show Battery Percentage
Always know your charge level:
- Click the Control Center icon (top-right menu bar).
- Click Battery → Show Percentage.
17. High Power Mode
Boost performance for demanding tasks like video editing:
- System Settings → Battery → High Power Mode.
- Select On Battery or On Power Adapter.
18. Disable Keyboard Backlight in Daylight
Save battery by turning off unnecessary lighting:
- System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Brightness.
- Toggle off Adjust keyboard brightness in low light.
Productivity Hacks
19. Window Snapping
Organize apps side-by-side like Windows:
- Drag a window to the top of the screen to enter Full Screen.
- Drag to the left/right edge to snap it to half the screen.
20. Quick Note Shortcut
Jot down ideas instantly:
- Press Fn + Q → A sticky note pops up.
21. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Speed up workflows:
- System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts.
- Select App Shortcuts → Click + to add shortcuts for apps like Safari or Finder.
22. Secret Menus with the Option Key
Hold the ⌥ (Option) key while clicking menu buttons for hidden options:
- Example: Hold ⌥ + Click Wi-Fi to see advanced network details.
23. Spotlight Search
Find files, apps, or web results instantly:
- Press ⌘ + Space → Type your query.
iPhone & MacBook Integration
24. iPhone Mirroring
Control your iPhone from your Mac:
- System Settings → General → AirPlay & Handoff.
- Enable iPhone Mirroring → Open it from the Dock.
25. Sync iPhone Notifications
Get iPhone alerts on your Mac:
- System Settings → Notifications.
- Enable Allow notifications from iPhone.
26. AirDrop Files Faster
Add AirDrop to your Finder toolbar:
- Open Finder → View → Customize Toolbar.
- Drag the AirDrop icon to the toolbar.
27. Universal Clipboard
Copy on iPhone, paste on Mac (and vice versa):
- Ensure both devices use the same Apple ID and have Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled.
File Management & Finder Tricks
28. Smart Folders
Automatically organize files:
- Open Finder → File → New Smart Folder.
- Set filters (e.g., “Last opened this week” + “PDFs”).
29. Show File Paths
Always know where you are in Finder:
- Open Finder → View → Show Path Bar.
- The folder hierarchy appears at the bottom.
30. Quick File Previews
View files without opening them:
- Select a file → Press Spacebar.
31. Batch Rename Files
Rename multiple files at once:
- Select files → Right-click → Rame X Items.
- Choose a format (e.g., “Name + Number”).
Apple Intelligence & AI Tools
32. Rewrite Text Anywhere
Rephrase sentences in emails, notes, or documents:
- Highlight text → Right-click → Writing Tools.
- Choose Rewrite → Friendly, Professional, or Concise.
33. Summarize Emails
Get quick overviews of long messages:
- Open the Mail app.
- Click Summarize in the top toolbar.
34. Clean Up Photos
Remove unwanted objects from images:
- Open a photo in Photos → Edit.
- Select Clean Up → Circle objects to delete them.
35. Siri + ChatGPT Integration
Ask Siri complex questions with ChatGPT’s help (coming late 2024):
- Press ⌘ + Space to activate Siri.
- Ask, “What’s the best way to plan a trip to Japan?”
Performance Optimization
| Task | Best Settings |
|---|---|
| Video Editing | Enable High Power Mode; use Thunderbolt 5 SSDs. |
| Multitasking | Turn off Tiled Windows Margins (Desktop & Dock). |
| Gaming | Lower screen resolution; close background apps. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Trackpad feels unresponsive.
Fix:
- System Settings → Trackpad → Restore Defaults.
- Clean the trackpad with a microfiber cloth.
Problem: Apps freeze or crash.
Fix:
- Update macOS → Check our MacBook Pro M4 troubleshooting guidefor advanced fixes.
FAQ: MacBook Pro M4 Tips & Tricks
1. How do I transfer data from my old Mac to the M4?
Use Migration Assistant:
- Connect both Macs via Wi-Fi or a cable.
- On your M4, go to Applications → Utilities → Migration Assistant.
- Follow prompts to transfer files, apps, and settings.
Note: Ensure both devices are updated to the latest macOS.
2. Can I play games on the MacBook Pro M4?
Yes! The M4’s GPU handles popular games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Minecraftsmoothly. For better performance:
- Lower screen resolution in-game.
- Enable High Power Mode (Settings → Battery).
- Close background apps.
3. How do I clean the Nano Texture display?
Use only Apple’s included polishing cloth. Gently wipe in a circular motion. Avoid liquids, paper towels, or regular microfiber cloths—they can damage the coating.
4. Why isn’t my iPhone Mirroring working?
Ensure:
- Both devices use the same Apple ID.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled.
- iPhone is running iOS 18.1 or later.
If issues persist, restart both devices.
5. Are Apple Intelligence features available now?
Some tools, like Writing Tools and Summarize, are live. Others, like ChatGPT integration with Siri, arrive in late 2024. Update to macOS Sequoia 15.1 (or later) for access.
Conclusion
Your MacBook Pro M4 is designed to simplify tasks and boost creativity—but knowing these tricks makes all the difference. Whether you’re optimizing battery life, mastering Apple Intelligence, or connecting to your iPhone, these tips ensure you’re getting the most out of your device.
For a closer look at the M4’s hardware, check out our full MacBook Pro M4 review.