Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings

If you’re planning to sell or give away your Mac, you may want to erase your data and reset it to factory settings. Here are the steps to do so:

  1. Backup your data: Before erasing your Mac, make sure to back up any important data that you want to keep. You can use Time Machine or a third-party backup tool to do this.
  2. Sign out of everything: Sign out of all the apps and services on your Mac, including iTunes, iCloud, and iMessage. This ensures that your personal information is removed from your device.
  3. Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode: Restart your Mac and hold down the Command + R keys until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe. This will boot your Mac into Recovery Mode.
  4. Erase your Mac: In Recovery Mode, click on “Disk Utility” and then select your Mac’s startup disk. Click on “Erase” and choose the format you want to use (usually APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)). Give your disk a name and click “Erase” to erase your Mac.
  5. Reinstall macOS: After erasing your Mac, quit Disk Utility and click on “Reinstall macOS” to reinstall the operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  6. Set up your Mac: After the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to set up your Mac as if it were a new device. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a new user account and configure your settings.

By following these steps, your Mac will be reset to factory settings, with all your personal data removed.