How to Factory ResetYour Apple Mac Computer

Follow these steps to securely erase your Mac and restore it to factory settings before recycling or donating.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before wiping your Mac, make sure you save important files. Use:

• Time Machine (external drive backup)
• iCloud Drive
• Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service

Step 2: Sign Out of Apple Services

Sign out of all Apple-related services to remove the device from your account.

iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime:

1. System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud
   • Scroll down and click Sign Out
2. Open Messages > Preferences > iMessage
   • Click Sign Out
3. Open FaceTime > Preferences
   • Click Sign Out

iTunes (macOS Mojave and earlier):

• Open iTunes > Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer

Step 3: Restart in Recovery Mode

1. Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3 Macs):
   • Turn off your Mac
   • Press and hold the power button until “Loading startup options” appears
   • Click Options, then Continue
2. Intel Macs:
   • Restart your Mac
   • Immediately press and hold Command (⌘) + R until you see the Apple logo

   ---

Step 4: Erase Your Hard Drive

1. In macOS Utilities, select Disk Utility > Continue
2. Choose Macintosh HD or the internal disk from the sidebar
3. Click Erase
   • Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
   • Name: Macintosh HD (or your choice)
4. Click Erase
5. Once complete, quit Disk Utility

Step 5: Reinstall macOS

1. Back in the macOS Utilities window, click Reinstall macOS
2. Follow the prompts to reinstall
3. When setup starts, press Command + Q to shut down
   • This ensures the next user gets the setup screen (like new)

Step 6: Your Mac Is Now Ready for Recycling

Your Mac is clean, disassociated from your Apple ID, and ready for its next life.