How to Factory Reset Your MacBook

Support Article | University PC Care

Factory resetting your MacBook is the best way to wipe personal data, remove accounts, and return the device to its original out-of-box condition. This is essential before selling, trading in, or handing off your Mac to someone else.

This guide includes steps for both Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3).

Before You Begin

Make sure to:

Back up your data using Time Machine, iCloud, or an external drive
Sign out of iCloud to disable Activation Lock
Plug in your Mac and connect to a stable Wi-Fi network

How to Sign Out of iCloud

Open System Settings (or System Preferences depending on your macOS version)
Click your name (Apple ID) at the top
Scroll down and select Sign Out
Enter your Apple ID password when prompted

Important: Activation Lock must be disabled, or the next user won’t be able to activate the Mac.

If You're Using macOS Ventura, Monterey, or Later

Recent macOS versions include a simplified reset option.

Use Erase Assistant:

Go to System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset
Click Erase All Content and Settings
Enter your administrator password
Follow the on-screen instructions to fully erase and reset the Mac

Your Mac will restart to the welcome screen once complete.

How to Factory Reset Using macOS Recovery

Use these steps if you're on macOS Big Sur or earlier, or if you're doing a manual reset.

Step 1: Boot into Recovery Mode

Choose the steps below based on your Mac’s chip type:

For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3 and newer):

Turn off your Mac completely
Press and hold the Power button until you see “Loading startup options”
Click Options, then Continue

For Intel-based Macs:

Turn off your Mac
Turn it back on and immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R
Release the keys when the Apple logo or spinning globe appears

Step 2: Erase Your Disk

In the macOS Utilities window, choose Disk Utility, then click Continue
Select your internal drive (usually named Macintosh HD) from the sidebar
Click Erase
- Choose format: APFS (or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for older systems)
- Click Erase again to confirm
Once finished, close Disk Utility

Step 3: Reinstall macOS

Back in the macOS Utilities window, click Reinstall macOS
Follow the on-screen instructions to install a fresh version of macOS
Once complete, your Mac will restart to the setup screen

After the Reset

Once the reset is complete, you can:

Set up your Mac as new
Or shut it down and leave it at the setup screen if you're selling or giving it away

Need Help?

Not sure if your Mac uses Intel or Apple Silicon? Unsure which steps to follow? We’ve got you covered.

📍 Visit us at University PC Care
📞 Call: (252) 558-1280
📧 Email: support@universitypccare.com

A proper factory reset protects your data and ensures a smooth handoff. Let us know if you need help doing it right.