Factory Reset Mac

Factory Reset Mac

Use Erase All Content and Settings to quickly and securely erase all settings, data, and apps, while maintaining the operating system currently installed.

macOS Ventura or later
  1. From the Apple menu  in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings.
  2. Click General in the sidebar.
  3. Click Transfer or Reset on the right.
  4. Click Erase All Content and Settings.
macOS Monterey
  1. From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Preferences.
  2. From the System Preferences menu in the menu bar, choose Erase All Content and Settings.

An erase assistant then opens. Follow the onscreen instructions to erase your Mac and restore it to factory settings. Before the erase begins, you will see a summary of all the settings, media, data, and other items that will be erased or turned off.
  1. When asked to sign in with your administrator credentials, enter the password that you use to log in to your Mac.
  2. You might be asked to enter your Apple ID password so that your Mac can sign out of Find My.
  3. You might be asked if you want to back up your Mac before resetting it. Don't Backup the Data.
  4. Finally, you will be asked to click Erase All Content & Settings to confirm that you want to proceed.
macos-monterey-erase-all-content-and-settings

Your Mac then restarts and briefly shows a black screen or progress bar.
  1. If your Mac needs to reconnect to a Bluetooth accessory such as a keyboard or mouse, you might be asked to turn on the accessory. If the accessory doesn't connect within 30 seconds, turn the accessory off and back on. When reconnecting to a Bluetooth keyboard, you're asked to choose a language.
  2. You might be asked to select a Wi-Fi network or attach a network cable. To select a Wi-Fi network, use the Wi-Fi menuWi-Fi menu in the upper-right corner of the screen.

Your Mac then activates. Click Restart.
macos-monterery-erase-all-mac-activated

After your Mac restarts, a setup assistant guides you through the setup process, as if you're setting up your Mac for the first time.

If you're selling, giving away, or trading-in your Mac and want to leave it in an out-of-box state, don't use the setup assistant or your previously connected Bluetooth devices, if any. Just press and hold the power button on your Mac until it turns off.

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