Updated on 13 November 2026
Selling your MacBook, trading it in or starting over? Then reset it to factory settings. On a Mac with Apple silicon or a T2 chip there is a single option: Erase All Content and Settings. On older Macs you use macOS Recovery. Both are explained below.
The short answer
- Mac with Apple silicon (2020 and later) or T2 chip: System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Older Intel Mac: start up in macOS Recovery, erase the disk with Disk Utility and reinstall macOS.
- Always first: make a backup and sign out of your Apple Account.
Before you start
- Make a backup with Time Machine or store your files in iCloud.
- Sign out of your Apple Account: System Settings > [your name] > Sign Out. This turns off Find My Mac and removes Activation Lock.
- Unpair Bluetooth devices you're keeping, such as your mouse or AirPods.
Method 1: Erase All Content and Settings
For Macs with Apple silicon (M1 and later, MacBook Neo) and Intel Macs with a T2 chip (most 2018–2020 models) on macOS Monterey or later.
- Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset.
- Click Erase All Content and Settings and enter your administrator password.
- Confirm. Your Mac erases all data and apps and restarts with the welcome screen. macOS stays installed.
Method 2: via macOS Recovery (older Intel Macs)
- Shut down the Mac. Turn it on and immediately hold ⌘ + R until you see the Apple logo.
- Choose Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD and click Erase (format APFS). Also erase any separate Data volume.
- Quit Disk Utility and choose Reinstall macOS. Follow the steps.
- Selling the Mac? At the welcome screen press ⌘ + Q and shut down, so the new owner can set it up.
On a Mac with Apple silicon you reach macOS Recovery by holding the power button until Startup Options appears.
After the reset
- Check at account.apple.com that the Mac is no longer among your devices.
- Was your Mac slow or on an old macOS? Read How long will my MacBook be supported?
Looking for a replacement? See our refurbished MacBooks with a 3-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Does macOS stay after the reset?
Yes, with method 1. With method 2 you erase everything and reinstall macOS.
My Mac asks for a password I don't know. What now?
That's Activation Lock. Only the previous owner can remove it, via account.apple.com or by signing in. Bought the Mac from iUsed? Contact us via the contact form.