When your Mac starts running slower than usual, you want to sell it, give it away, or simply want to restore it to its factory settings , the solution is to perform a factory reset of macOS. These days, the process is much simpler than it was a few years ago, but it's still important to be familiar with all the options to avoid losing data or getting stuck.
In this guide, you'll learn how to erase all the content on your Mac and restore it to its factory settings. This applies whether you have a model with an Apple Silicon or T2 chip, or an older Intel-based Mac. We'll also cover how to back up your data, how to sign out of your accounts, and how to use macOS Recovery to format and reinstall the system from scratch.
macOS restore requirements and types
Before touching anything, it's crucial to understand what your Mac offers based on its hardware and operating system version. Not all Macs have the modern "Erase All Content and Settings" option built into macOS . This feature is only available in macOS Monterey and later, and only on Macs with an Apple Silicon chip or a T2 security chip.
If your computer falls into that group, you can use a very simple guided assistant that erases your data, signs you out of your Apple ID, and keeps macOS installed . In practice, it's very similar to resetting an iPhone or iPad.
However, if your Mac is an Intel model without a T2 chip, or you're using an older version of macOS, you'll have to use the "classic" method: boot into macOS Recovery, erase the disk with Disk Utility, and then reinstall the system . It's a bit longer, but just as effective for getting your computer up and running.
It's also important to distinguish between a "soft reset" using the "Erase all content and settings" option , which keeps the operating system , and a complete drive format with a clean reinstall. The privacy outcome is the same (your data disappears), but the process and time involved can vary considerably.
Check your macOS version before starting
The first thing you should do is check which version of macOS is installed on your Mac , as the menus and options change slightly between versions. To see this, click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner and select “About This Mac.”
Depending on what appears, you will have one path or another to restore your equipment.
- If you see macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or a later version, You can use "System Settings" with the Transfer or Reset section.
- In the case of macOS MontereyThe option is in System Preferences.
- If you are in Big Sur, Catalina, or even older systemsYou won't see the direct erase button and you'll have to resort to traditional recovery.
Also note that the "Erase All Content and Settings" feature is only available on Macs with Apple Silicon or the T2 security chip . If your Mac is Intel-based and lacks this chip, this option will not appear, even if you're in Monterey or Ventura. You'll need to use the manual recovery procedure.
In some specific scenarios, such as computers where Windows was installed using Boot Camp, macOS may display messages warning that other volumes must be deleted before the system can be completely erased . In these cases, you will need to uninstall Windows and its partition using the Boot Camp Assistant itself before proceeding.
Preliminary steps: backups and closing accounts
Before you start deleting anything, it's crucial to take care of two things: back up your important data and unlink your Mac from your personal accounts . It's tempting to hit the delete button, but if you later realize you're missing an essential file or leave your Apple ID linked to the computer, you could be in serious trouble.
Regarding backups, ideally you should already have them up to date, but if that's not the case, now's a good time to create a full backup using Time Machine, a bootable clone, or a cloud service . Time Machine is integrated into macOS and works simply by connecting an external drive with a capacity equal to or greater than that of your Mac; the system takes care of everything.
If you want something even more robust, you can create a bootable backup using tools like SuperDuper! or Carbon Copy Cloner . These applications generate an exact clone of your disk, allowing you to boot your Mac from the external drive—very useful if your internal system fails to start and you need to get back to work as soon as possible.
The other important step in preparation is to sign out of iCloud, iTunes, the App Store, Messages, and all other services associated with your Apple ID . If you use a password manager , make sure its data is synced. This prevents the Mac from remaining tied to your account, avoids activation problems later, and ensures that the person receiving the computer can set it up with their own user account from scratch.
Disable Find My Mac and administrator login
One of the most important steps, and one that many people overlook, is disabling Find My Mac before erasing your computer . This feature, integrated into iCloud, helps locate your computer if it's lost or stolen, but it also activates Activation Lock, which prevents anyone from using your Mac without your Apple ID.
In macOS 13 or later (Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, etc.), go to the Apple menu and select “System Settings.” At the top of the sidebar, you’ll see your name; click it, then click the iCloud section. Within iCloud, locate the “Find My Mac” option and click Turn Off . You may be prompted for your Apple ID password to confirm.
If you're using macOS 12 Monterey or a previous version that supports this feature, open the Apple menu and select "System Preferences." Click on your Apple ID, go to the iCloud section, and uncheck the "Find My Mac" box . You'll then be prompted for your credentials to securely disable the service.
Once Find My Mac is disabled, the system is ready to be restored without Activation Lock causing any issues. From this point on, when you use the erase all content feature or enter macOS Recovery, the process should not encounter any additional blocks from your iCloud account.
Also keep in mind that during the erase wizard, the system may ask for the administrator password you use to log in to your Mac , and at certain times, your Apple ID password to log out of the services. If you've forgotten either of these passwords, it's a good idea to recover or reset them before starting the process.
How to delete content and settings in macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, and later.
If your Mac is relatively recent and has macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or a later version, the most direct way to restore it to factory settings is through the "Erase All Content and Settings" option in System Settings . It works very similarly to resetting an iPhone. Ideal if you're short on time.
To begin, click the Apple menu and select “System Settings.” In the sidebar, go to the “General” category. Within this section, on the right side of the window, you’ll see the “Transfer or Reset” option . Click it to access the Mac preparation tools.
On that screen, you'll find the "Erase Content and Settings" button. Tapping it will open a deletion wizard that will guide you through everything that will be deleted or disabled : user accounts, personal data, installed apps, settings, linked Apple ID, etc. The system will ask for your administrator password to continue.
During the process, macOS may suggest creating a Time Machine backup before proceeding . You can do so if you don't already have a backup, or skip it if you've already backed up your data. You may also be prompted for your Apple ID password to sign out of iCloud and other services.
When you confirm you want to continue and click the “Erase Content and Settings” button again, your Mac will restart. You’ll see a black screen or a progress bar while the data erasure and factory settings restoration are complete . When it’s finished, your computer will start up in the initial setup wizard, just like new.
How to delete content and settings in macOS Monterey
macOS Monterey also has a modern quick erase tool, but it's accessed from a different location: the Mac's "System Preferences ." It's just as simple, and if your computer has Apple Silicon or a T2 chip, it will save you many manual steps.
To begin the process, open the Apple menu in the upper-left corner and select “System Preferences”. Once the window appears, go to the top menu bar (the one on your Mac, not the one in the window) and click on the “System Preferences” menu, then on “Erase Content and Settings”.
A wizard similar to Ventura's will launch, guiding you through which data, settings, and items will be deleted. You'll need to enter the password you use to log in to your Mac when prompted, and likely your Apple ID password as well to sign out of Search and other services linked to your account.
In the central part of the assistant, you'll see a summary of what will be deactivated: accounts, media, personal data, user-installed applications, and other items. It will also indicate that this operation does not affect other Apple devices linked to your account , only the Mac in question.
After reviewing the information, click the “Erase Content and Settings” button to confirm that you want to proceed. Your Mac will restart, a progress bar will appear, and once it finishes, the system will return to the initial setup screen. As before, if you're giving the computer to someone else, shut it down at this point without configuring anything further so they can log in with their own user account.
What to do if your Mac doesn't have the "Erase All Content and Settings" option
If your Mac is older, has an Intel processor without a T2 chip, or you're using a version of macOS that doesn't offer the quick erase button, don't worry. You can still factory reset your Mac using the classic method with macOS Recovery . It's a slightly more manual process, but very effective.
Before entering recovery mode, be sure to sign out of iCloud and all other Apple services . On macOS Ventura or later, go to System Settings, select your name in the sidebar, and click Sign Out at the bottom of the screen.
If you're using macOS Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina, open the Apple menu , go to System Preferences, and click Apple ID. In the sidebar, select Overview and click the Sign Out button to unlink your Mac from your account . In even older versions, simply go to System Preferences, select iCloud, and use the Sign Out option.
Once you've signed out of iCloud, iTunes, the App Store, and any other online accounts, shut down your Mac. Then, you'll need to boot into macOS Recovery to erase the disk . On Apple Silicon Macs, press and hold the power button until the startup options appear. On Intel Macs, press and hold Command (⌘) + R while turning on your computer.
Once you're on the Recovery screen, you'll see a menu with various utilities. Select "Disk Utility" and click "Continue." From there, you can format the main volume (usually Macintosh HD) , choose the appropriate format (APFS on modern systems), and erase all data. When finished, exit Disk Utility, but don't restart yet.
Formatting your Mac "the old-fashioned way": Disk Utility and a clean reinstall
The traditional method of cleaning a Mac involves a two-step process :
- Erase the disk from Disk Utility in Recovery mode.
- Install a fresh copy of macOS.
Although it might sound a bit technical, the recovery assistant is quite helpful. The process is fairly straightforward.
From the main Recovery window, after opening Disk Utility, it's best to first go to the "View" menu in the upper left and select "Show all devices ." This will allow you to see both the logical volumes and the entire physical disk, enabling you to correctly choose the device you want to erase.
In the sidebar, select your primary startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD” or something similar) and click the “Erase” button in the top toolbar. Name the volume, choose the appropriate format (APFS for modern Macs or HFS+ for older machines), and click “Erase” or “Erase Volume Group,” depending on what appears . The process will take a few moments.
When the erase is complete, you'll see a confirmation message. Click "OK" and exit Disk Utility using the menu. You'll return to the Recovery window, where you'll now have the option to "Reinstall macOS" (or "Reinstall OS X" in older versions). Click it and then "Continue" to start the wizard.
When the installation is complete, your computer will restart. You'll see the macOS Welcome Assistant, which offers to configure your language, Wi-Fi, user account, and more. If the Mac is for someone else, you can press Command (⌘) + Q to quit the assistant and shut down the computer without configuring anything . That way, the new owner can complete all those steps.
Restoring a Mac if you're going to sell it or give it away
If your main goal is to sell your Mac, give it to a family member, or trade it in through a refurbishment program, it's especially important that the restoration process is secure, thorough, and leaves no trace of your private information . Simply dragging a few files to the Trash isn't enough. There are many corners of the system where sensitive data is stored.
In these cases, it's essential to follow a clear sequence: backup, close all accounts, format the hard drive, and perform a clean installation of macOS . This ensures that no one can recover your documents, passwords, browsing history, or private photos, and at the same time, it leaves the computer ready for its new owner.
Remember to also check the "Internet Accounts" section in System Preferences or Settings, as it's common to have email accounts, calendars, third-party services, or social networks connected that often go unnoticed. Logging out of all of them before wiping the disk will prevent any active sessions or residual access tokens.
Once you've formatted the disk and reinstalled macOS, try not to proceed through the welcome assistant any further than necessary. Ideally, the Mac should remain on the initial setup screen, with the language selected if you wish, but without a user account created or any data added. This way, the next owner will have the same experience as with a brand-new Mac , and you can rest assured knowing your information has been properly erased.
After this entire process, your Mac will be ready to change hands, start a new chapter with yourself, or be recycled responsibly. By following these steps and choosing the method that best suits your model and operating system version, you can perform a factory reset of macOS safely, without losing important data, and while keeping your privacy secure.
