52 Tips and Tricks for MacBook Air M4: Hidden Features, Unlock Your Laptop's Full Potential

Your new MacBook Air M4 is more than just a laptop—it’s a powerhouse of hidden tools and shortcuts that can make your work faster, your play smoother, and your creativity limitless. But with so many features, it’s easy to miss out on what this device can really do.

In this guide, we’ll break down 52 tips and tricks into simple, step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re setting up your MacBook for the first time or looking to become a pro, these tips will help you unlock its full potential. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. First-Time Setup: (8 Tips)
2. Trackpad & Keyboard Mastery: (6 Tips)
3. Display & Screen Customization: (7 Tips)
4. Dock & App Organization: (5 Tips)
5. Window Management: (6 Tips)
6. Safari & Web Browsing: (5 Tips)
7. Battery & Performance: (6 Tips)
8. Camera & Audio Upgrades: (4 Tips)
9. iPhone & iPad Integration: (5 Tips)
10. Security & Privacy: (3 Tips)
11. Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
12. Top 10 Tips for Busy Users
13. FAQ
14. Conclusion

First-Time Setup: (8 Tips)

Start strong with these essential settings.

1. Skip the Default Wallpaper
The MacBook Air M4 comes with a basic wallpaper, but you can make it yours!

• How to: Right-click the desktop > Change Wallpaper. Choose from landscapes, abstract art, or your own photos.
• Why: A personalized wallpaper makes your MacBook feel unique.

2. Enable Dark Mode for Late-Night Work
Dark Mode reduces eye strain in low-light environments.

• How to: Go to System Settings > Appearance > Dark Mode.
• Pro Tip: Set it to auto-switch at sunset under Appearance > Auto.

3. Set Up Touch ID for Instant Access
Unlock your MacBook or approve app downloads with your fingerprint.

• How to: System Settings > Touch ID & Password > Follow on-screen steps.
• Bonus: Use Touch ID for Apple Pay and password autofill.

4. Turn On Apple Intelligence (Beta)
Apple Intelligence adds AI-powered tools to Siri and apps.

• How to: System Settings > Apple Intelligence > Toggle it on.
• Note: This is a beta feature—some tools may still improve.

5. Hide the Dock for More Screen Space
The Dock takes up valuable space. Tuck it away when not in use.

• How to: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Automatically Hide.
• Use Case: Great for writing essays or editing photos.

6. Organize Files with Stacks
Keep your desktop tidy by grouping files automatically.

• How to: Right-click the desktop > Use Stacks.
• Customize: Group by date, type, or tags.

7. Enable Find My Mac
Never lose your MacBook! Track it if it’s stolen or misplaced.

• How to: System Settings > Apple ID > Find My Mac > Enable.

8. Set Up Multiple User Accounts
Share your MacBook securely with family or friends.

• How to: System Settings > Users & Groups > Click + to add users.
• Tip: Assign kids to a “Managed” account to limit app access.

Trackpad & Keyboard Mastery: (6 Tips)

Master your MacBook’s input tools.

9. Three-Finger Drag (Game-Changer!)
Move windows or files without clicking.

• How to: System Settings > Accessibility > Pointer Control > Trackpad Options > Enable Three-Finger Drag.
• Example: Drag a Safari window to the left for split-screen browsing.

10. Tap to Click (Save Your Fingers)
Lightly tap the trackpad instead of pressing down.

• How to: System Settings > Trackpad > Tap to Click.

11. Reverse Scroll Direction
Make scrolling feel natural (like a phone).

• How to: System Settings > Trackpad > Scroll & Zoom > Turn off Natural Scrolling.

12. Customize Force Click
Use a firm press for quick lookups or previews.

• How to: System Settings > Trackpad > Force Click > Adjust sensitivity.

13. Quick App Switcher
Jump between apps instantly.

• Shortcut: Press ⌘ + Tab > Hold ⌘ and tap Tab to cycle.

14. Right-Click with Two Fingers
Access context menus quickly.

• How to: Tap the trackpad with two fingers.

Display & Screen Customization: (7 Tips)

Make everything look crisp and organized.

15. Use “More Space” Resolution
Fit more apps and tabs on your screen.

• How to: System Settings > Displays > Resolution > More Space.
• Best For: Coding, research, or multitasking.

16. Hot Corners for Instant Actions
Assign corners of your screen to quick tasks.

• How to: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Hot Corners.
• Popular Setups:

17. Reduce Motion for Simplicity
Disable flashy animations if they distract you.

• How to: System Settings > Accessibility > Display > Reduce Motion.

18. Night Shift for Better Sleep
Reduce blue light at night.

• How to: System Settings > Displays > Night Shift > Schedule.

19. True Tone for Natural Colors
Adjust screen colors to match your room’s lighting.

• How to: System Settings > Displays > True Tone.

20. Zoom In Temporarily
Magnify text or images with a shortcut.

• Shortcut: Hold ⌘ and scroll with two fingers.

21. Customize Menu Bar Icons
Remove clutter from the top-right menu.

• How to: System Settings > Control Center > Drag unwanted icons out.

Dock & App Organization: (5 Tips)

Keep your apps tidy and accessible.

22. Turn Websites into Apps
Save sites like Gmail or YouTube to the Dock.

• How to: In Safari, click File > Add to Dock.

23. Remove Unused Dock Icons
Declutter your Dock for faster access.

• How to: Drag icons out of the Dock until “Remove” appears.

24. Launchpad Gesture
See all apps instantly.

• How to: Pinch four fingers together on the trackpad.

25. Hide Recent Apps
Stop the Dock from showing apps you rarely use.

• How to: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Show Recent Apps > Toggle off.

26. Add Folders to the Dock
Store projects or files for quick access.

• How to: Drag any folder to the right side of the Dock.

Window Management: (6 Tips)

Work smarter with split screens and shortcuts.

27. Split View for Side-by-Side Apps
Compare documents or browse while watching videos.

• How to: Hover over the green fullscreen button > Choose Tile Window to Left/Right.

28. Disable Window Gaps
Maximize screen space by removing margins.

• How to: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Tiled Windows > Toggle off Margins.

29. Double-Tap to Minimize
Minimize windows without clicking the yellow button.

• How to: System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Set Double-Click Title Bar to Minimize.

30. Mission Control Overview
See all open windows at a glance.

• Shortcut: Swipe up with three fingers or press F3.

31. Create Multiple Desktops
Separate work, school, and play into dedicated spaces.

• How to: Swipe up with three fingers > Click + in the top-right.

32. Quick Window Resizing
Hold Option while dragging a window edge to resize from the center.

Safari & Web Browsing: (5 Tips)

Browse faster and safer.

33. Floating Video Player
Watch videos while working.

• How to: In Safari, click the PiP (Picture-in-Picture) icon.

34. Reader Mode for Distraction-Free Reading
Strip ads and clutter from articles.

• How to: Click the Reader icon in Safari’s address bar.

35. ChatGPT in Siri
Ask Siri complex questions like, “Explain quantum physics.”

• How to: Enable Apple Intelligence > Ask Siri anything.

36. Save Passwords Securely
Let Safari remember logins with Face ID or Touch ID.

• How to: System Settings > Passwords > Enable AutoFill.

37. Extensions for Extra Features
Add ad-blockers or dark mode for websites.

• How to: Safari > Settings > Extensions > Browse App Store.

Battery & Performance: (6 Tips)

Keep your MacBook fast and long-lasting.

38. Show Battery Percentage
Always know how much charge is left.

• How to: Click the battery icon > Show Percentage.

39. Low Power Mode for Extra Hours
Extend battery life during long days.

• How to: System Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.

40. Clean Up Junk Files
Delete unused files to free up space.

• Tool: Use CleanMyMac (free trial) or System Settings > General > Storage.

41. Monitor Energy Usage
Find apps draining your battery.

• How to: Click the battery icon > Battery Settings > Battery Usage.

42. Disable Startup Apps
Speed up boot time by stopping apps from auto-launching.

• How to: System Settings > General > Login Items.

43. Optimize Storage
Automatically remove old files.

• How to: System Settings > General > Storage > Optimize.

Pro Tip: For a deeper dive into maximizing battery efficiency, check out our MacBook Air M4 review, where we test its endurance under heavy workloads.

Camera & Audio Upgrades: (4 Tips)

Look and sound your best.

44. Center Stage for Video Calls
The webcam follows your movements during calls.

• How to: Enable in FaceTime > Video Settings > Center Stage.

45. Desk View for Tutorials
Show your desk while presenting.

• How to: Tilt your MacBook > Click Desk View in the camera menu.

46. Voice Isolation in Calls
Block background noise like barking dogs.

• How to: During calls, click the Mic Mode menu > Voice Isolation.

47. Spatial Audio for Music
Get surround sound with AirPods.

• How to: System Settings > Sound > Spatial Audio.

iPhone & iPad Integration: (5 Tips)

Connect all your Apple devices.

48. iPhone Mirroring
Control your iPhone screen from your MacBook.

• How to: Open the iPhone Mirroring app in the Dock.

49. Universal Clipboard
Copy text on your iPhone and paste it on your Mac.

• Requirement: Both devices must be signed into the same Apple ID.

50. iPad as a Second Screen
Extend your display wirelessly.

• How to: System Settings > Displays > Add Display > iPad.

51. AirDrop Files Instantly
Share photos, videos, or documents between devices.

• How to: Right-click a file > Share > AirDrop.

52. Sync Notes and Reminders
Access lists across all devices.

• How to: Enable iCloud Sync in System Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.

Security & Privacy: (3 Tips)

Protect your data.

53. FileVault Encryption
Secure your files if your MacBook is lost.

• How to: System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault > Turn On.

54. App Permissions
Control which apps access your camera or microphone.

• How to: System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera/Microphone.

55. Two-Factor Authentication
Add an extra layer to your Apple ID.

• How to: System Settings > Apple ID > Password & Security.

11. Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

Memorize these time-savers:

12. Top 10 Tips for Busy Users

1. Three-Finger Drag (Move files effortlessly).
2. Hot Corners (Lock your Mac in a flash).
3. Split View (Work on two apps side by side).
4. Low Power Mode (Double your battery life).
5. iPhone Mirroring (Text from your Mac).
6. Reader Mode (Read without ads).
7. CleanMyMac (Delete junk files).
8. Voice Isolation (Crystal-clear calls).
9. Universal Clipboard (Copy-paste across devices).
10. Quick App Switcher (⌘ + Tab magic).

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About MacBook Air M4 Tips

1. How can I make my MacBook Air M4 battery last longer?

Answer: To extend battery life:

• Enable Low Power Mode (System Settings > Battery).
• Lower screen brightness and turn off keyboard backlighting.
• Close unused apps and disable Background App Refresh (System Settings > General > Login Items).
• Use Safari’s Reader Mode to reduce energy-heavy ads.
  For more battery-saving strategies, check out our MacBook Air M4 performance review.

2. How do I keep my desktop organized?

Answer: Try these tips:

• Use Stacks (right-click desktop > Use Stacks) to group files automatically.
• Remove unused apps from the Dock (drag icons out).
• Add folders to the Dock for quick access to projects.
• Hide the Dock entirely (System Settings > Desktop & Dock > Automatically Hide).

3. Can I use my iPhone with my MacBook Air M4?

Answer: Yes! Apple devices work seamlessly together:

• Use iPhone Mirroring to control your iPhone from your Mac.
• Enable Universal Clipboard to copy-paste text between devices.
• Share files instantly with AirDrop (right-click file > Share > AirDrop).
• Turn your iPad into a second screen with Sidecar (System Settings > Displays).

4. How do I split the screen between two apps?

Answer: Use Split View:

• Hover over the green fullscreen button on any window.
• Select Tile Window to Left/Right and choose a second app.
• Adjust the divider to resize both windows.
  For more multitasking tricks, explore the Window Management section in our guide.

5. Is the MacBook Air M4 secure for school or work?

Answer: Absolutely! Boost security with:

• FileVault Encryption (System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault).
• Touch ID for unlocking and app approvals.
• Review app permissions (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera/Microphone).

Conclusion

Your MacBook Air M4 is a versatile tool ready to tackle school projects, creative work, or everyday tasks. By using these tips, you’ll save time, stay organized, and unlock features you never knew existed. For a deeper look at its speed, design, and battery performance, don’t miss our detailed MacBook Air M4 review.