Factory resetting a Mac removes your local files, accounts, settings, and personal data so the computer is ready for sale, trade-in, handoff, or a clean fresh setup.
This guide applies to Macs running macOS Monterey or later with Apple Silicon or a T2-equipped Intel Mac. Older Intel Macs use macOS Recovery instead.
Does This Affect You?
Use this before selling, giving away, trading in, or fully resetting a Mac. Once the erase finishes, local data is gone, so backup and sign-out steps matter.
Back Up Before Erasing
- Run a Time Machine backup to an external drive, or copy important Desktop, Documents, Downloads, photos, and project folders elsewhere.
- If using iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive, confirm syncing is complete before erasing.
- Save license keys, passwords, and app-specific settings that may not sync automatically.
- Open Messages > Settings > iMessage and sign out if you want to remove iMessage before handoff.
Use Erase All Content and Settings
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Go to General > Transfer or Reset.
- Click Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter the administrator password.
- Follow the assistant as it signs out of Apple services and prepares the erase.
- Confirm the final warning. The Mac may restart one or more times.
- When Setup Assistant appears, leave it there for the next owner or set it up again as new.
Older Intel Macs Without T2
If Erase All Content and Settings does not appear, restart while holding Command + R, use Disk Utility in macOS Recovery to erase the startup disk, then choose Reinstall macOS from Recovery.
Reset Notes
Activation Lock
If Find My Mac is enabled, make sure the Mac is removed from your Apple ID during or after erase. A Mac still Activation Locked to your account can block the next owner.
Music and Older Purchases
If you still use older iTunes/Music authorizations, deauthorize the Mac before erasing.
Clean Slate for Yourself
Erase All Content and Settings is also useful if you are keeping the Mac but want a fresh setup. It keeps the installed macOS version and removes your data/accounts.
Sources
- Apple Support: Erase and reset your Mac before you sell, give away, or trade in
- Apple Support: Reinstall macOS on your Mac
- Apple Support: Sign out of iCloud on your Mac