Reset Mac to Factory Settings: Complete Guide

1. Create a Complete Backup

• Time Machine: The easiest method for complete system backup
• Manual backup: Copy important files to external drive
• Cloud sync: Ensure all cloud services are fully synced
• Note passwords: Save any passwords not in iCloud Keychain

2. Determine Your Mac Type

The reset process varies by Mac type. Check yours:

1. Click Apple menu → About This Mac
2. Look for:
   • Chip: Apple M1/M2/M3 = Apple Silicon
   • Processor: Intel Core = Intel Mac
   • For Intel: System Report → Controller → Apple T2 chip (yes/no)

3. Sign Out of Apple Services

Before erasing, sign out of:

• iCloud: System Settings → Apple ID → Sign Out
• iTunes/Music: Account → Authorizations → Deauthorize This Computer
• iMessage: Messages → Settings → iMessage → Sign Out
• Find My: Disable in System Settings → Apple ID

Method 1: Erase Assistant (Easiest)

Requirements: macOS Monterey 12.0.1 or later

1. Open System Settings
2. Click General in sidebar
3. Click Transfer or Reset
4. Click Erase All Content and Settings
5. Follow the assistant - it handles everything automatically

This method automatically signs you out of all services and prepares the Mac for its new owner.

Method 2: Recovery Mode (All Macs)

Use this method for older macOS versions or when Erase Assistant isn't available.

Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3)

1. Shut down your Mac completely
2. Press and hold the power button
3. Keep holding until "Loading startup options" appears
4. Click Options, then Continue
5. Select a user and enter password if prompted

Intel Macs with T2 Chip

1. Shut down your Mac
2. Press power button, then immediately hold Command + R
3. Release when Apple logo or spinning globe appears
4. Enter firmware password if set

Older Intel Macs (without T2)

1. Restart your Mac
2. Immediately hold Command + R
3. Release when Apple logo appears
4. Wait for Recovery Mode to load

Step 1: Open Disk Utility

1. In Recovery Mode, select Disk Utility
2. Click Continue
3. In sidebar, select your startup disk (usually "Macintosh HD")

Step 2: Erase the Disk

1. Click Erase in toolbar
2. Enter a name (e.g., "Macintosh HD")
3. Choose format:
   • APFS: For macOS High Sierra or later
   • Mac OS Extended: For older versions
4. Click Erase Volume Group (if available) or Erase
5. Wait for process to complete

Clean Installation

After erasing, you can reinstall macOS:

1. In Recovery Mode, select Reinstall macOS
2. Click Continue and follow instructions
3. Select the erased disk when prompted
4. Wait for download and installation (requires internet)

Which macOS Version?

• Command + R: Reinstalls latest version that was installed
• Option + Command + R: Upgrades to latest compatible version
• Shift + Option + Command + R: Reinstalls original version

Activation Lock (Apple Silicon/T2)

If prompted for Activation Lock:

• Enter the Apple ID that was used on this Mac
• If forgotten, you'll need proof of purchase for Apple Support
• Cannot be bypassed without credentials

Firmware Password

If you see a lock icon:

• Enter the firmware password you set
• If forgotten, visit Apple Store with proof of purchase
• Cannot be reset without Apple's help

Internet Recovery

If normal recovery doesn't work:

• Use Option + Command + R for Internet Recovery
• Requires ethernet or known Wi-Fi network
• Downloads recovery tools from Apple servers

For Personal Use

• Set up as new Mac or restore from backup
• Sign in with Apple ID
• Restore data from Time Machine if desired
• Reinstall applications

For Sale or Transfer

• Leave at setup screen for new owner
• Don't create any accounts
• Provide original accessories and documentation
• Transfer any remaining AppleCare coverage