How to reset a Mac: factory reset a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro

Knowing the how to reset a Mac will are available handy someday. there will come a time once you got to upgrade to something new, after serving you well for years. And, whether you’re selling it on eBay, recycling it, or handing it right down to somebody else , you would like to form sure you’ve reset it to factory conditions. 

Resetting a Mac will wipe your files and reinstall macOS, scrubbing off all of your files especially the important ones. the method , therefore, gets it ready for its new owner while ensuring that you’re not sharing any of your sensitive information. If that sounds to you like a very hard process, don’t worry. While it's going to not be as simple as pushing a couple of buttons, Apple has also done an excellent job of creating it a comparatively pain-free process.

Plus, you've got us to take you thru the entire thing. during this guide, we would show you ways to reset a Mac, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. 

1. Backup your files

You should already be backing up your MacBook on a daily basis either through machine or another solution. Before resetting your Mac, confirm you save one final backup before moving forward. within the case of your time Machine, you'll use these files to finish the set-up process on your new Mac.

2. Sign out of iCloud

Choose the Apple menu at the highest left of the device. Select 'System Preferences' then click on your 'Apple ID'. Choose 'Overview' within the sidebar, then click 'Sign Out'.

You will be asked whether to stay a replica of your iCloud data on this Mac. you'll click 'Keep a replica ,' since you're erasing your Mac later within the reset process.

3. Enter recovery mode

Apple's Mac lineup is during a period of transition because the company shifts faraway from Intel-based processors. Entering recovery mode, a crucial step to reset a Mac, follows a special process on Intel-based machines and people with an Apple M1 co-processor or later.

To enter recovery mode on Intel machines: click on the Apple menu at the highest left of the device, then choose 'Restart'. When the pc screen goes black, hold down the 'Command' + 'R' keys on your keyboard until the Apple logo appears. At now , the pc will boot up and open the recovery mode. 

On Macs with Apple co-processors including the MacBook Air (M1, 2020): it's actually a touch bit easier to place the machine into recovery mode. On these machines, close up your computer. Next, press and hold the facility button on your keyboard. When the Apple logo appears, you will see a message letting you recognize that by continuing to carry the facility button, you'll access startup options. 

After a couple of seconds, the text switches to 'Loading startup options'. Click Options > still enter the macOS recovery mode. 

4. Erase the machine

Regardless of whether you’re on an Intel-based or Apple silicone-based MacBook Air, it’s now time to end the reset process using 'Disk Utility.' If asked, log into subsequent screen with administrator privileges. 

From the macOS recovery screen, choose 'Disk Utility'. Choose 'Macintosh HD' on the left side of the screen. Click 'Erase'. within the dialogue box, you would like to rename the drive and format. Keep the name 'Macintosh HD' and set the format to 'APFS' or 'Mac OS Extended (Journaled)'. 

Click 'Erase Volume Group'. If you do not see this button, click 'Erase' instead. Enter your 'Apple ID', if applicable. 

If you've got the other internal volumes within the sidebar, click the delete volume button that's marked with a '-'. Don't delete any volume named 'Macintosh HD' or 'Macintosh HD - Data'. Skip External and Disk Image sections also on the sidebar. 

Quit Disk Utility to return to the utility window.

5. Reinstall macOS

Select 'Reinstall macOS' from the utility window in macOS Recovery, then choose 'Continue' and follow the installer's instructions. If the installer offers you the selection between installing on 'Macintosh HD' or 'Macintosh HD - Data', select 'Macintosh HD'.

Once the method is complete, you will be asked to start the Mac setup process. If you're selling or making a gift of your computer, type 'Command' + 'Q' to exit. Otherwise, still found out the pc . 

Your MacBook Air has now been reset to factory settings.