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How to Factory Reset Your MacBook: 7 Proven Steps

Resetting your Mac? Follow these easy steps.

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Last updated: November 27, 2024

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TL;DR

To factory reset your MacBook:

  1. For M1/M2 Macs: Go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset, click Erase All Content and Settings, follow prompts, and restart.
  2. For Intel Macs: Log out of accounts, restart in Recovery Mode (⌘ + R), use Disk Utility to erase the startup disk, and reinstall macOS.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

Resetting your Mac can feel overwhelming—I’ve been there too. The first time I tried, I worried about losing my files or making mistakes. But once I followed the right steps, it was surprisingly simple. In this guide, I’ll share a clear, step-by-step process to help you reset your Mac with confidence and ease.

Before You Start

Before proceeding with a factory reset, it is crucial to back up your data on your Mac to prevent potential loss. Follow these steps to create a backup using Time Machine:

  1. Connect an external hard drive or SSD to your Mac.
  1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar and select System Settings.
click the apple icon and select system settings
  1. Click General and select Time Machine.
click general select time machine
    1. Tap the Add Backup Disk button and choose the external hard drive you connected.
    click add bachup disk in time machine
    1. Once selected, Time Machine will automatically start backing up your data.

    🔖 Don’t forget to export your browser bookmarks before resetting. It’s an easy step to overlook!

    How to Factory Reset Your MacBook

    Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

    1. Erase Your Mac Using ‘Erase All Content and Settings’

    (For M1/M2 Macs)

      If you have a Mac with an M1, M2, or T2 chip and it runs macOS Monterey or later, you can use the built-in Erase All Content and Settings feature to factory reset it. This method is simple, fast, and eliminates many manual steps. Here’s how you can do it:

      1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
      2. Go to System Settings and click General.
      1. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset.
      click general and select transfer or reset
      1. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
      click the erase all content and settings button
      1. Enter your admin password when prompted and click Unlock.
      enter your mac password and tap unlock
      1. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the erase process.
      2. After the reset, your Mac will restart automatically.

      Once it restarts, you’ll see the setup screen. Here, you can select your preferred language, connect to Wi-Fi, and follow the setup instructions to get your Mac running again.

      3. Erase Your Mac Using Recovery Mode

      (For Intel Macs)

      If your Mac doesn’t support the Erase All Content and Settings feature, you’ll need to reset it using Recovery Mode. This method requires a few extra steps, especially for older Intel-based Macs.

      Step 1: Sign Out of Your Accounts

      Before resetting, log out of all your accounts to ensure no data is tied to your Mac. Here’s what you need to do:

      1. Find My Mac:
        1. Open System Settings and select your name under Apple ID.
        2. Go to the Find My Mac section and turn it off.
      2. iCloud:
        1. In the same Apple ID section, sign out of iCloud. If prompted, choose whether to keep a local copy of your data (this isn’t necessary if you’ve backed it up elsewhere).
      3. iMessage:
        1. Open the Messages app.
        2. Click Messages > Settings/Preferences > iMessage and select Sign Out.
      4. iTunes and Music:
        1. Open the Music app.
        2. Go to Account > Authorisations > De-authorise this computer.
        3. Then, log out of your account.
      5. Other Accounts (e.g., TV):
        1. Open the TV app and log out of your account similarly.

                                You may consider resetting the NVRAM to thoroughly clean up your personal Mac settings. I have shared the step-by-step process for resetting your Mac’s NVRAM or PRAM in this guide.

                                Step 2: Restart Your Mac in Recovery Mode

                                Recovery Mode allows you to erase the disk safely and reinstall macOS.

                                1. Shut down your Mac.
                                2. Press and hold Command ⌘ + R, then press the Power button to turn on your Mac.
                                macbook air power command r keys
                                1. Release the keys when you see the macOS Utilities screen or the Apple logo.

                                Step 3: Erase Your Startup Disk

                                Now that you’re in Recovery Mode, you can erase the startup disk:

                                1. In the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
                                select disk utility from recovery mode
                                1. From the left-hand menu, select your startup disk (usually labeled “Macintosh HD”).
                                2. Click the Erase button in the toolbar.
                                3. Choose the format:
                                  • APFS for newer macOS versions.
                                  • Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for older macOS versions.
                                4. Click Erase to wipe the disk.

                                Once the process is complete, close Disk Utility to return to the macOS Utilities window.

                                💡 Tip: Make sure you have backed up all important data, as this process permanently deletes everything on the disk.

                                    Step 4: Reinstall macOS

                                    The next step is reinstalling macOS. Here are the steps to reinstall macOS using Recovery Mode:

                                    1. Connect your MacBook to the internet.
                                    2. Turn off your Mac and turn it back on while holding down the Command ⌘ + R keys on your keyboard. Keep holding the keys until the Apple logo appears.
                                    macbook air command r keys
                                    1. This will boot your Mac into the Recovery Mode. Once it loads, select Reinstall macOS and click Continue.
                                    click reinstall macos in macos utilities
                                    1. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your startup disk and begin the reinstallation process.
                                    1. After the installation, your Mac will restart and display the Setup Assistant. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Mac.
                                    2. You should have a fresh macOS installation after completing the setup process.

                                    This concludes the process to factory reset your MacBook.

                                    Final Thoughts

                                    Performing a factory reset on your MacBook can effectively resolve software-related issues and optimize performance. However, there are other ways to optimize your Mac’s performance, too.

                                    Here are some tips:

                                    Frequently Asked Questions

                                    Can a factory reset resolve hardware issues?

                                    No, a factory reset cannot resolve hardware issues. It is primarily intended to address software-related problems. If you suspect a hardware issue, it is recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service provider for assistance.

                                    Will I lose my installed applications and licenses after I factory reset my MacBook or Mac?

                                    Yes, you will lose your installed applications and licenses after you factory reset your MacBook or Mac. Ensure you have the necessary installation media or license keys to reinstall and reactivate your applications after the reset.

                                    How long does a factory reset typically take?

                                    The duration of a factory reset can vary depending on various factors, such as the speed of your MacBook, the reset method chosen, and the size of your data. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more.

                                    Can I stop or reverse a factory reset once it has started?

                                    No, you cannot stop or reverse a factory reset once it has started. Ensure that you have backed up your important data and have made the necessary preparations before initiating the process.

                                    Do I need an internet connection for a factory reset?

                                    No, you don’t need an internet connection for a factory reset. However, certain methods, such as Internet Recovery, rely on a stable Internet connection to download the necessary recovery image.

                                    Will a factory reset remove viruses and malware from my MacBook?

                                    A factory reset will remove viruses and malware from your MacBook. However, it is recommended to install reliable antivirus software to prevent future infections.

                                    Ojash

                                    Author

                                    Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

                                    Hashir Ibrahim

                                    Reviewer

                                    Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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