Whether you ’re looking to sell your Mac or readjust it due to an intractable software program problem , restore to factory configurations is a good style to smarten up up eventhe best MacBooksor Macs , and clear off personal information and fix any lingering problem .
Doing so will erase any substance you ’ve stored on it , so it ’s vital you back up your Mac before getting started . That can save you a clump of headaches down the phone line .
The method acting you use to touch on your Mac to factory options depends on the interpretation ofmacOSyou are running and whether it has an Apple silicon splintering or an Intel one . Our first section below will cover Macs campaign the latest version of macOS on an Apple Si check . After that , we ’ll turn to old Macs that utilize Intel chips . If you ’re not indisputable about these details , quality theApple logoin the top - left quoin of your screen , then chooseAbout This Mac . That will number the chip and macOS version for you .
Erase and reset your Apple silicon Mac
efface your Mac ’s files and setting is a vital part of restoring it to manufactory options . Fortunately , this is a stack easier than it used to be , and Apple has put some dedicated preferences in place to make this cognitive operation as simple as it can be .
footmark 1 : open up the System options app from your Mac ’s Dock , or by pick out theApple logoin the top - allow corner of your concealment and choosingSystem options .
Step 2 : In the System configurations app , pickGeneral > Transfer or Reset . Now select theErase All Content and Settingsbutton .
Step 3 : This opens Apple ’s Erase Assistant app . You might need to enter your Mac account ’s watchword to go any further . Do that and chooseUnlock .
Step 4 : Erase Assistant will show you what datum will be removed when you erase your Mac . This will include any user accounts , fingerprints used in Touch ID , your Apple ID setting , and instrument like Find My , Activation Lock and Location Sharing . Any Bluetooth appurtenance you ’ve match to your equipment will also be unmatched .
whole step 5 : Once you ’ve reviewed this information , selectContinue . You might be asked to enter your Apple ID password so that you’re able to be sign out of your account . This signs you out of other apps and services like Apple TV , Apple Music , Find My , the App Store , and more , so there ’s no need to do those separately .
Step 6 : You’ll now be asked if you want to back up your Mac to Time Machine . This is highly recommended so that you may reconstruct your Mac if you vary your mind or if something goes faulty . Make indisputable you have an external intemperate drive connected to your Mac so that you may back up your files .
stride 7 : Once everything has finished , your Mac will warn you that continuing will efface everything on your Mac . If you ’re all set , select the redErase All Content & Settingsbutton .
stone’s throw 8 : Your Mac will now resume and bug out restoring itself to factory configurations . You might be asked to pair a Bluetooth accessory that you were using again ( if it does n’t connect within 30 seconds , try twist it off , then on again ) . Your Mac may also ask you to tie to a Wi - Fi connection . you could hop-skip the Bluetooth pair pace if you desire to sell your Mac after it has been readjust .
Step 9 : When that has finished , you should see a screen sayingActivate Macat the top . Underneath is a confirmation that your Mac has been activated . SelectRestart .
Step 10 : Once your Mac has restart , you ’ll be presented with an assistant that will take you through the process of coiffure up your Mac from scratch ( such as choosing configurations for placement and analytics ) . If you design to trade your Mac , you should bound off this procedure by pressing and holding the index button until your Mac turn off . Otherwise , continue through with the assistant until the death .
How to erase and reset an older Mac
On some Macs , you might not see theErase All Content & Settingsoption in System configurations . That ’s because this feature requires macOS Monterey or later , as well as either a Mac with an Apple silicon scrap or with a T2 Security Chip . Apple has a tilt of Macs that number with the T2 chipon its website .
If you are running an older version of macOS or practice a Mac that does n’t have a T2 Security Chip , you ’ll need to surveil the statement below .
stride 1 : First , take after our templet tobacking up your Macto an external hard parkway .
whole step 3 : Optionally , you may unpair any Bluetooth devices by going to System options ( or System Preferences ) and choosingBluetoothin the left - hand sidebar . Move the computer mouse pointer over the equipment you want to disconnect , then select theDisconnectorXbutton next to its name . mention that you ’ll want to stop up in a USB computer mouse or keyboard if your Mac does n’t have built - in control methods ( such as if you ’re using aMac mini ) .
footstep 4 : It ’s now time to erase your Mac . Shut it down , then turn it on and like a shot press theCommand+Rkeyboard shortcut . This opens the macOS Recovery app .
From here , selectDisk Utility > Continue . ChooseMacintosh HD(or whatever you ’ve nominate your main thrust ) in the sidebar and pickErase . exit theNameandFormatoptions as they are and selectErase . You might want to enter your Apple ID password . When you ’re done , close-fitting Disk Utility to return to the macOS Recovery app .
pace 5 : Now that your Mac has been erased , you ’ll need to reinstall macOS . In the macOS Recovery main card , selectReinstall macOS > Continue . You might be asked to enroll your password and whether you want to install macOS on the Macintosh HD or Macintosh HD . If so , choice Macintosh HD . Your Mac might restart a few time during the reinstallation process – just let it carry on until it ’s finished and do n’t shut down your Mac or close its lid . When the process has finished , a apparatus assistant will spread out .
If you want to betray your Mac , shut the supporter and keep out down your Mac .
Step 6 : If your Mac uses an Intel CPU , the last footmark is to reset its NVRAM , which restore various options to their mill defaults ( Apple atomic number 14 Mac owner scan hop this step ) .
Shut down your Mac , then turn it on and immediately bear the keep up key combination for about 20 seconds : Option+Command+P+R. During this prison term , your Mac might seem to restart once or doubly ( you might hear the startup chime or see the Apple logo , for example ) . Once you let go , your Mac should load to the login screen . Its NVRAM has been reset .
What about your AppleCare plan?
Resetting your Mac to factory preferences is a must if you intend to sell it . We ’ve already covered most of the crucial chore , and whether you have an Apple silicon Mac or one with an Intel chip , the former step ensure you ’re sign out of your account and that your data is safely removed .
However , if you have an AppleCare architectural plan , you ’ll require to work out what you want to do with it . If you ’re not contrive on getting another Mac , you’re able to cancel it solely . instead , you could transpose it to your unexampled Mac if you choose .
In either subject , you ’ll require tocontact Apple support . ensure you have your AppleCare agreement phone number , proof of reporting , your Mac ’s serial number and the original reception on deal . Apple ’s support squad will then be able to sort out your coverage for you .
restore your Mac to manufactory preferences involves a few steps , but it need n’t be overly complicated , particularly if you may employ Apple ’s Erase All Content and preferences have . But the small amount of crusade it take is easily worth it considering how it can protect your private data and potentially ready persistent trouble your Mac is suffering from . Once you ’re finished , your Mac will be invigorated and quick for whatever amount next . If you ’re upgrade to a raw Mac , be sure you ’re quick to make the choice between theMacbook Air or the Macbook Pro .
