How to factory reset a Mac
A factory reset erases your Mac’s data, settings, and apps so it can be set up like new. This guide shows you how to back up your files, sign out of your accounts, erase the Mac, and reinstall macOS safely.
Steps vary slightly depending on whether your Mac has Apple silicon or an Intel processor, so this guide covers both.
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Back up your Mac first
Before you erase anything, make a backup of important files. The easiest option is Time Machine, but you can also copy documents, photos, and other files to an external drive or cloud storage.
After the reset, a backup is the only way to recover anything that is not synced to iCloud or another service.
- 2
Sign out of your accounts
Open System Settings or System Preferences and sign out of Apple ID, Messages, and FaceTime. If you use Find My, signing out helps remove Activation Lock from the Mac.
If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to complete sign-out.
- 3
Use the erase assistant if your Mac supports it
On macOS Monterey or later, many Macs can be reset with Erase All Content and Settings. Go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Follow the prompts to review what will be erased, enter your password, and confirm. This is the fastest and safest reset method when it is available.
- 4
Erase the Mac from recovery mode if needed
If you do not see the erase assistant, restart the Mac and enter macOS Recovery. On Apple silicon, hold the Power button until Loading startup options appears, then choose Options. On an Intel Mac, restart and hold Command + R.
In Recovery, open Disk Utility, select your internal drive, click Erase, and choose APFS if prompted. If you see a volume named Macintosh HD and another named Macintosh HD - Data, erase the main internal disk or volume group when available.
- 5
Reinstall macOS
After the disk is erased, quit Disk Utility and choose Reinstall macOS. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install a fresh copy of macOS.
Keep the Mac plugged into power and connected to Wi-Fi until the installation finishes. The Mac may restart several times.
- 6
Finish setup or hand off the Mac
When the Mac restarts to the setup screen, you can set it up for yourself or shut it down if you are giving it away or selling it. If the Mac is staying with you, sign in with your Apple ID and restore your files from backup.
If you are transferring the Mac to someone else, do not continue with setup after the reset is complete.
Frequently asked questions
What does factory reset do on a Mac?
A factory reset erases your user data, apps, settings, and system changes, then reinstalls macOS. Afterward, the Mac starts as if it were newly set up.
Will a factory reset remove everything from my Mac?
It removes data stored on the Mac’s internal drive. Files already saved in iCloud, Google Drive, or another cloud service may still be available there unless you delete them separately.
How long does it take to factory reset a Mac?
Most resets take about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the speed of your Mac and internet connection. Downloading macOS during reinstall can take longer.
Do I need a password to factory reset a Mac?
Usually yes. You may need your Mac login password, Apple ID password, or both, depending on the method you use and whether Find My is enabled.
Can I factory reset a Mac without a keyboard shortcut?
Yes. If your Mac supports Erase All Content and Settings, you can reset it from System Settings without using Recovery mode. Older Macs usually need Recovery mode instead.
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