Mac mini Setup Guide

Your ProductiveBot AI assistant runs on a Mac mini. While it can run "headless" (without a display) once configured, you may want to connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for initial setup or troubleshooting.

What You'll Need

Required:

  • Mac mini (M1, M2, M4, or later)
  • Monitor with HDMI or USB-C input
  • USB or Bluetooth keyboard
  • USB or Bluetooth mouse

Cables (depending on your monitor):

  • HDMI monitor: HDMI cable (Mac mini has an HDMI port built-in)
  • USB-C/Thunderbolt monitor: USB-C cable
  • Older monitors (VGA/DVI): You'll need an adapter (HDMI-to-VGA or HDMI-to-DVI)

Step 1: Connect Your Monitor

Option A: HDMI Monitor (Most Common)

  1. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your monitor
  2. Plug the other end into the HDMI port on the back of your Mac mini
  3. Turn on your monitor and select the correct input (usually "HDMI")

Option B: USB-C / Thunderbolt Monitor

  1. Connect a USB-C cable from your monitor to one of the Thunderbolt/USB-C ports on the Mac mini
  2. The monitor should be detected automatically

Option C: Older Monitor with Adapter

  1. Connect your adapter (e.g., HDMI-to-VGA) to the Mac mini's HDMI port
  2. Connect your monitor's cable to the adapter
  3. Turn on the monitor and select the correct input

Step 2: Connect Your Keyboard

USB Keyboard (Plug and Play)

Simply plug the keyboard's USB cable into any available USB port on the Mac mini. It will work immediately.

Bluetooth Keyboard

  1. If this is the first time setting up the Mac mini, you'll need a USB keyboard first to complete initial setup
  2. Once macOS is running, click the Apple menu → System Settings → Bluetooth
  3. Put your Bluetooth keyboard in pairing mode (check your keyboard's instructions)
  4. Select the keyboard when it appears and click Connect
  5. Enter the pairing code if prompted

Tip: Apple's Magic Keyboard can be connected via the included USB-C cable for instant pairing, then used wirelessly.

Step 3: Connect Your Mouse

USB Mouse (Plug and Play)

Plug the mouse's USB receiver or cable into any USB port. It will work immediately.

Bluetooth Mouse

  1. Go to Apple menu → System Settings → Bluetooth
  2. Put your mouse in pairing mode
  3. Select the mouse when it appears and click Connect

Tip: Apple's Magic Mouse can be paired by connecting it briefly with a Lightning or USB-C cable.

Step 4: Power On

  1. Connect the Mac mini to power using the included power cable
  2. Press the power button on the back of the Mac mini (bottom-right corner when facing the back)
  3. You should hear a startup chime and see the Apple logo on your monitor

First-Time Setup

If this is a brand new Mac mini, you'll be guided through macOS Setup Assistant:

  1. Select your language and region
  2. Connect to Wi-Fi
  3. Sign in with an Apple ID (or skip for now)
  4. Create your user account and password
  5. Configure settings as prompted

Your ProductiveBot team will provide specific instructions for the AI assistant software setup in your welcome email.

Running Without a Monitor (Headless Mode)

Once your Mac mini is fully configured, you don't need to keep the monitor connected. The Mac mini is designed to run 24/7 without a display.

To disconnect:

  1. Make sure remote access is configured (Screen Sharing, SSH, or your ProductiveBot dashboard)
  2. Simply unplug the monitor - the Mac mini will continue running
  3. Access it remotely whenever needed

To reconnect later: Just plug the monitor back in. The display will activate automatically.

Troubleshooting

No image on monitor:

  • Check that the monitor is on the correct input
  • Try a different cable
  • Ensure the Mac mini is powered on (check for the small white light on the front)

Bluetooth keyboard/mouse not connecting:

  • Make sure they're charged
  • Use a USB keyboard/mouse for initial setup, then pair Bluetooth devices after

Monitor shows image but looks blurry:

  • Go to System Settings → Displays and select the optimal resolution

Need Help?

Contact ProductiveBot support at support@productivebot.ai or visit our Contact page.