Back up your data using Time Machine or another method to avoid permanent loss. 2. Sign out of your Apple ID, iMessage, FaceTime, and ensure Find My Mac is turned off to prevent activation lock. 3. Restart into Recovery Mode by holding the power button until "Loading startup options" appears, then select Options and continue (or use Command R on older Intel Macs). 4. Open Disk Utility, select the startup disk (e.g., Macintosh HD), and erase it using Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS format with GUID Partition Map for Intel Macs. 5. Reinstall macOS from the Recovery window by selecting the erased disk; an internet connection is required to download the latest compatible version. 6. After reinstallation, either set up the Mac for personal use or shut it down without proceeding to allow the next user a clean setup experience. A factory reset securely wipes the drive and reinstalls macOS, ensuring a fresh, secure system in about 30–60 minutes.

If you're planning to sell, donate, or just start fresh with your Mac, a factory reset is the best way to wipe everything and return it to its original state. Here's how to properly factory reset your Mac running macOS.

1. Back Up Your Data First

Before doing anything, make sure to back up important files using Time Machine or another backup method. A factory reset erases everything—apps, photos, documents, settings—so there's no going back once it's done.

? Tip: Connect an external drive and use System Settings > General > Time Machine to create a full backup.

2. Sign Out of Apple ID and Other Accounts

To avoid activation lock and other issues:

• Go to Apple Menu (?) > System Settings (or System Preferences).
• Click on your Apple ID (top of the settings window).
• Scroll down and click "Sign Out". You may need to enter your password.
• Also sign out of iMessage, FaceTime, and other iCloud services.

?? Make sure "Find My Mac" is turned off. If it’s on, go to iCloud.com and remove your Mac from your device list.

3. Restart Into Recovery Mode

This is where the actual reset happens.

• Shut down your Mac.
• Press the Power button (or Touch ID button) and immediately hold it down until you see "Loading startup options".
• Click Options (or “Recovery” on older Macs), then click Continue.

On older Intel Macs: Restart and hold Command (?) R until the Apple logo appears.

4. Erase Your Startup Disk

Once in Recovery Mode:

• Open Disk Utility from the menu.
• In the sidebar, select your startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD").
• Click Erase.
  • Name: Macintosh HD (or any name you prefer)
  • Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS (recommended for newer macOS versions)
  • Scheme: GUID Partition Map (important for Intel Macs; Apple Silicon handles this automatically)
• Click Erase, then Done.
• Close Disk Utility.

5. Reinstall macOS

Back in the Recovery window, choose:

• Reinstall macOS (or "Reinstall macOS [Name]").
• Follow the prompts. When asked to choose a disk, select the one you just erased.
• The install may take 10–30 minutes. Your Mac will restart when done.

? Internet connection is required—it downloads the latest compatible macOS version.

6. Set Up as New (or Don’t Set Up)

After reinstalling:

• You’ll see the setup screen.
• If you’re giving the Mac away, don’t proceed—just shut it down. The next user will see the setup assistant.
• If you’re keeping it, go ahead and set it up with your Apple ID and preferences.

That’s it. Your Mac is now factory reset—clean, secure, and ready to go.

? Pro tip: Shut down instead of restarting after setup if handing it off. This ensures the new user sees the out-of-box experience.

Basically, it’s not just about deleting files—it’s about securely wiping the drive and reinstalling the OS. Takes about 30–60 minutes, but it’s worth it.

The above is the detailed content of How to factory reset mac os. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!