Your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro may be getting old. Do you have a problem that, despite your efforts, you can’t seem to resolve? Or would you like to sell your MacBook after erasing your personal data?
To resolve any of those problems, follow this guide on how to reset a MacBook or any other Mac device.
The steps to completely factory reset your MacBook (or iMac) are detailed here. For macOS Big Sur and most earlier versions of the operating system, follow the steps below (with a few minor adjustments here and there depending on your specific computer).
Make sure to back up your data before you do this or you can use the best Mac cleaner to avoid this problem. Be careful to sign out of iMessage, iCloud, and all other accounts if you sell your MacBook before resetting. Concerned about data loss? The actions you should perform before factory resetting your MacBook are listed at the bottom of this article.
How to Reset a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro to Factory Settings (macOS Ventura)
Steps to follow:
Step 1. Select System Settings by clicking the Apple icon on the Desktop screen.
Step 2. After selecting General in the sidebar, click Transfer or Reset on the right.
Step 3. Hit Erase all content and settings to finish.
Step 4. An assistant will open, where you can initially decide whether to establish a Time Machine Backup in order to save any data.
Step 5. To see all the stuff that will be deleted, simply click Continue if you don’t need to make any backups. To confirm that you want it all removed, click the Continue button once more.
Step 6. You will be prompted to input your Apple ID information and confirm your desire to factory reset your Mac in this dialogue window.
Step 7. Click Erase All Content & Settings if you’re confident, then wait 5–10 minutes while the laptop sorts itself out.
Step 8. After that, your Mac will reboot, and you’ll have to rejoin it through Wi-Fi.
Step 9. The Mac will activate after it is finished. To complete the process, click Restart.
How to Reset a Macbook Air or Macbook Pro to Factory Settings (Old versions)
Step 1. Pressing the Command and R keys on the keyboard will turn on the Mac. Once you see the Apple logo move on.
Step 2. Choose your language and continue.
Step 3. Select Disk Utility, then press Continue.
Step 4. Click the Erase button after selecting your starting disc from the sidebar (Macintosh HD by default).
Step 5. After choosing a name for the disc, click Erase after selecting Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the dropdown option. (Choose “Journaled, Encrypted” if you want your disc to be encrypted for extra security. You’ll be required to create a password.) Think about using GUID Partition Map.
Step 6. Click Done, then click Erase to close the window.
Step 7. Connect to Wi-Fi in the top right corner, if you haven’t already.
Step 8. Select Reinstall macOS from the main menu, then select Continue.
Step 9. From the pop-up window click on continue.
Step 10. After reading the software license agreement hit Agree Button.
Step 11. Before installing, select the boot disc.
Step 12. Keep an eye out for the first phase of the installation.
Step 13. PC will restart and installation continue.
Before Resetting Macbook, Keep the Following in Mind
Although the above-mentioned steps are concentrated on resetting your MacBook. There are recommended steps to follow before factory resetting that you should be aware of. When you switch from one MacBook to another, these tips will prevent you from losing any personal files, pictures, or apps.
Here we go!
- Macbook Backup- This action is important and can’t be overlooked. You can safeguard your most crucial files by creating a backup. If you don’t initially back up your data, it will be lost when you perform a factory reset.
- iTunes Signout- Select Account> Authorization> Deauthorize this Computer. You can skip this step if you’re using the most recent version of macOS.
- iCloud Signout- Apple ID can be found under System Preferences in the Apple menu. Deactivate Find My Mac after selecting iCloud from the side panel. Sign out after clicking overview.
- iMessage Signout- Open the Messages app and select Preferences from the menu. Sign out of iMessage.
- Disconnect Bluetooth- Select Bluetooth under System Preferences in the Apple menu. Keyboards, headphones, and other Bluetooth-enabled accessories can all be unpaired.
If you are ready to sell your computer, there is no need to be concerned about the buyer having access to your files or programs. Follow the above instructions as if you were first configuring your MacBook to return to the desktop.
If you do not want to face all this trouble the best Mac Cleaner is a great option. There are many Mac cleansers in the market. Your Mac is shielded against numerous hacks by Mac cleaners.
