Knowing how to reset your Apple MacBook laptop is a vital piece of information to have if you ever want to sell your machine and are experiencing major issues. We’ll run through the basic process right here.
The process for deleting everything off your Mac is as simple as following the steps below, and you’ll have your MacBook reset in no time at all. It’s also worth noting the below steps should also be interchangeable for any other macOS devices, be it a MacBook Air, iMac, or even a Mac Pro.
The process can be different for Apple Silicon-based Macs, so this guide is for those using an Intel-based machine rather than anything running an M-series chip.
What you’ll need
- A Mac you want to reset
The Short Version
- Back up any existing data
- Sign out of iCloud
- Sign out of iMessage
- Reset NVRAM
- Use Disk Utility to reset the Mac
Step
1Back up any existing data
Before you begin the erasing process, it’s important to back up any important files you’ve got, as resetting your device will wipe the hard drive clean, and this is an irreversible process.
For backing up your files, it’s worth just grabbing a correctly formatted hard drive (for Mac, that’s ExFAT) and plugging it in, and then copying your existing files over from the relevant folders.Step
2Sign out of iCloud
If you’re signed into iCloud, you’ll want to sign out of it if you’re planning on selling your device once you’ve reset it.
If you’re on Mojave or before, head to the Apple menu, go into System Preferences, press iCloud and then click Sign Out.
For those on Catalina or after, go into System Preferences, then into Apple ID, and then press Overview and click Sign Out.Step
3Sign out of iMessage
Head into the Messages app and then go into Preferences from the menu banner. Click iMessage, and then sign out.
Step
4Reset NVRAM
To reset the NVRAM and clear user settings from the memory, shut down your Mac, then turn it on and hold the four keys of Option+Command+P+R down at once. Release them after 20 seconds or so.
Step
5Use Disk Utility to reset the Mac
This is the important bit, and where things can get a little fiddly. Firstly you’ll need to start up the macOS Recovery mode. To do this, turn off your Mac and then turn it on, and hold Cmd+R until you see the Apple logo appear.
Click on Disk Utility, and then press the Erase button in the toolbar. If asked, you’ll need to enter your Apple ID to confirm the erase and reset procedure.
You can then quit Disk Utility and then reinstall a fresh version of macOS.
FAQs
If your Mac’s built-in startup disk isn’t showing up in the sidebar, simply shut down your Mac and then unplug any devices and try resetting again.
If it doesn’t appear after that, it may be the case your device needs a service. In which case, you’ll need to contact Apple Support.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
