How to factory reset a Mac

You bought your self a brand new Mac, however what do you have to do with the outdated one? If it’s nonetheless working you may give it to a cherished one and even attempt to promote it, however you’re not going to need your purposes and information on there. It’s time for a manufacturing unit reset. 

We’ve defined how to factory reset a Windows computer however the course of is clearly totally different for Apple’s line of computer systems. It’s additionally somewhat totally different relying on how outdated your Mac is. Right here’s a fast information to a whole reset.

Word that following these directions will delete all the information and purposes in your outdated Mac, so solely do that after you’re completely satisfied that you simply’ve all of the information you need.

The right way to manufacturing unit reset most trendy Macs

Current variations of macOS have an Erase All Content material and Settings button within the System Settings. If the Mac you’re attempting to reset is powered by Apple silicon you need to use this device. The identical goes for any Intel Mac with an Apple T2 security chip, which is principally any Mac made after 2018.

To get began, open System Settings, which you’ll find by clicking the Apple brand within the high proper nook and clicking System Settings. Within the left sidebar click on Common. Scroll right down to the underside and click on Switch or Reset

Screenshot: Apple

This could launch the Erase Assistant. Word that, in some circumstances, you can be informed it’s good to allow safe boot with a view to run the assistant—I like to recommend skipping to the subsequent part and following these directions if that occurs.

If the assistant launches, although, all it’s good to do is observe the on-screen directions. You will note a listing of what’s going to be deleted—the whole lot, principally—and requested if you happen to actually wish to proceed. You’ll be requested on your person account and presumably your Apple account. Additionally, you will be reminded to again up your information, which I hope you’ve already carried out. Ultimately your Mac will restart and present you a progress bar. When the method is full you will notice the identical setup course of that greets new Mac house owners. Flip your Mac off by holding the ability button—it’s now prepared for whoever you intend on giving or promoting it to. 

The right way to manufacturing unit reset an older Intel Mac

In case your Mac doesn’t provide the “Erase All Content material and Settings” button don’t fear, you may nonetheless wipe the system. It’s simply going to be a bit trickier. 

First, and I’m repeating myself right here, ensure you have all the information you want transferred to your new laptop or in any other case backed up. Subsequent, shut down your laptop. Activate the pc whereas holding Command+R; it will boot the Mac into Restoration Mode. You will note a listing of utilities you need to use.

macos utilities screenshot
Screenshot: Apple

To get began we have to delete all your outdated information, which we are able to do in Disk Utility. Click on that, then click on Proceed, and Disk Utility will open. It seems to be the identical because it does in macOS, if you happen to’ve used it. Click on your Mac’s laborious drive—it needs to be named “Macintosh HD” except you selected a unique title. Subsequent, click on the Erase button within the toolbar. You may format the drive nevertheless you want however most often “APFS” ought to work advantageous. Watch for the method to finish—it will likely be a couple of minutes. Shut Disk Utility when the whole lot is completed.

You need to now see the identical macOS Utilities window you noticed earlier. Select the choice to Reinstall macOS and click on Proceed. Select the drive you simply formatted because the set up location then observe the directions on the display. 

Your laptop will seemingly restart a few instances. When the method is full you will notice the identical setup course of that greets new Mac house owners. Flip your Mac off by holding the ability button—it’s now prepared for its new proprietor. 

 

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