Introduction
Reinstalling a Mac, iMac, or MacBook means erasing it and reinstalling macOS. The focus is primarily on deleting all files from the internal hard drive. When reinstalling the operating system, there's often a choice between the earliest system available for the model, the last compatible one, or one in between.
For resetting, you also need to know whether the Mac model has an Apple chip or Intel processor and whether a T2 security chip is installed. We'll explain what all this means in this guide.
What Do Apple Chip, Intel Mac and T2 Mean?
- Apple Chip: This refers to "Apple Silicon," which as Apple's own chipset combines the main processor, secondary processors, graphics unit, and similar components. The chips are named with an M, such as M1 and M2. They've been used in Mac models since fall 2020. You can find out if an M chip is installed by clicking on the Apple logo in the top left and selecting "About This Mac."
- Intel Processor: If a modern Mac, iMac, or MacBook doesn't have an Apple chip installed, it uses an Intel CPU as the central processing unit. You can also find this out through the "About This Mac" overview. The procedure for reinstalling an Apple computer usually differs between these models and Apple chip versions.
- T2 Security Chip: Some Intel Macs that came to market between 2017 and 2020 inclusive have a T2 security chip installed that provides more data security. If this T2 chip is used, the procedure may differ from that of Intel Macs without T2 chip. Below you can see which Mac models have the T2 installed.
These Mac Models Have a T2 Security Chip Installed
MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (13", 2020, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (13", 2020, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (16", 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13", 2019, two Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15", 2019)
- MacBook Pro (13", 2019, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
- MacBook Pro (15", 2018)
- MacBook Pro (13", 2018, four Thunderbolt 3 ports)
MacBook Air
iMac
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27", 2020)
- iMac Pro
Mac mini
- Mac mini (2018)
Mac Pro
- Mac Pro (2019)
- Mac Pro (Rack, 2019)
Reinstall Mac from macOS 13 Ventura
From macOS 13 Ventura, the procedure is the same for Macs with Apple chip and the above-mentioned Macs with Intel and T2 chip:
- Click on the Apple logo in the menu bar and select "System Settings"
- Select "General" in the sidebar
- Click on "Transfer or Reset"
- Select "Erase All Content and Settings"
- Follow the on-screen instructions
💡 Important
Before resetting, make sure you have a current backup of all important data. Use Time Machine or another backup solution to secure your files.
Reinstall via Recovery Mode
For older macOS versions or if the above method doesn't work, use Recovery Mode:
Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, etc.)
- Shut down the Mac completely
- Press and hold the power button until "Loading startup options" appears
- Select "Options" and click "Continue"
- Select "Disk Utility" to erase the drive
- Then select "Reinstall macOS"
Intel Macs
- Shut down the Mac
- Turn on and immediately hold Command + R
- Release when the Apple logo or spinning globe appears
- Select "Disk Utility" to erase the drive
- Then select "Reinstall macOS"
Tips for a Successful Reinstallation
- Stable Internet Connection: The macOS download can be several GB in size
- Power Supply: Keep MacBooks connected to power during installation
- Time: Plan at least 1-2 hours for the complete process
- Apple ID: Have your Apple ID and password ready
- FileVault: Disable FileVault before resetting if active
⚠️ Warning
A reinstallation deletes all data on the internal drive. This process cannot be undone. Make sure you have backed up all important data!
Need Help?
If you're having problems reinstalling or your Mac won't start properly, we're here to help. Our experts can remotely assist or perform the reinstallation in our workshop.
Contact us for professional support with your Mac reinstallation.