There are many reasons you might want to learn how to factory reset a MacBook, and the good news is Apple has made it easier than ever! Perhaps you're ready to sell your device, or simply want a fresh start? With the introduction of Apple T2 chip and Apple silicon, you can factory reset your MacBook in just a few clicks. Whether you're looking to learn how to factory reset MacBook Pro or how to factory reset MacBook Air, we've got you covered.
This guide will take you through what steps you will need to take, in order to send your device back to factory settings.
Saving and Backing up data
Resetting your device will send it back to factory settings, and return you to the startup menu as though you’ve just opened the device for the first time. This means any data that was previously stored will be erased, leaving just the operating system and the applications that would come with a brand new device.
Before performing the reset, it is important to back up any files and data you would like to keep. We would advise to set up a Time Machine backup. Alternatively, you can always use an external hard drive to manually transfer any files you want to keep.
how to reset Mac to factory settings
In order to reset to factory settings, your device will need to have macOS Monterey or later and a Mac device with Apple silicon or the Apple T2 Security Chip.
Here is the list of devices that can utilise the “erase all contents and settings” function to factory reset.
Mac with Apple Silicon:
| Model | Year | Model Number |
| Introduced in 2020 or later | ||
| Introduced in 2020 or later | ||
| Introduced in 2021 or later | ||
| Introduced in 2020 or later | ||
| Introduced in 2023 | A2786, A2787 |
Mac with T2 Security Chip:
| Model | Year | Model Number |
| MacBook Pro | Introduced in 2018 to 2020, excluding MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020) | A1989, A1990, A2159, A2141, A2289, A2251 |
| MacBook Air | Introduced in 2018 to 2020, excluding MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | A1932, A2179 |
| Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020 and iMac Pro 2017 | A2115, A1862 | |
| Mac mini | Introduced in 2018 | A1993 |
| Mac Pro | Introduced in 2019 | A1991, A2304 |
Now that you have identified that you can factory reset your device. Below are the two methods to reset to factory settings first using macOS Monterey, then macOS Ventura (or later).
macOS Monterey Factory Reset
Before starting, make sure your device is connected to a power source.
1. Click the 'Systems Settings' icon
2. Select System Preferences on the menu bar located on the top left of your screen.
3. Click Erase All Contents and Settings… from the drop down selection.
4. You will now receive a prompt to sign out of iCloud and to backup your data. If you are selling your device, it is important that both iCloud and Find My are removed.
5. Enter your user admin password, and click ok.
6. You will be prompted with a final message explaining that you are about to reset your Mac. Please ensure that you have backed up any data that you would like to keep, before pressing ok.
7. Click Erase All Content & Settings (in Red)
Please note, once you click this button the device will start the eraser and you will not be able to prevent the device from resetting. Any data that is not backed up will be lost.
8. Leave the device to perform the reset, during this time the screen will go black and restart. You will see the Apple logo and a loading bar. Do not turn off or unplug the device during this process.
9. Once the device has loaded, you will be presented with a globe and a language selection tab. Select the language you want to use and click the arrow on the bottom right of the screen.
10. You will be presented with a black screen with a prompt to activate your mac. Click on the Wi-Fi on the top right of the mac and select your network and put in your Wi-Fi password, or connect your network cable (Ethernet).
11. Once your password is entered you will see a loading wheel, followed by a prompt to “Restart”. Wait for the loading wheel to finish spinning, and a timer should appear for the device to restart. You can either wait for the timer to tick down, or click restart.
12. If your previous steps were input correctly your Mac will restart, and you will be able to see the setup assistant screen.
macOS Ventura or later Factory Reset
Before starting, make sure your device is connected to a power source.
1. Open System Settings.
2. Select ‘General’ on the side bar.
3. Select ‘Transfer or Reset’.
4. Click ‘Erase All Content and Settings’.
5. Enter your user password.
6. Next, press ‘Continue’.
7. You will be prompted with a final message explaining that you are about to reset your Mac. Please ensure that you have backed up any data that you would like to keep. Then click Erase All Content & Setting (in Red)
Please note, once you click this button the device will start the eraser and you will not be able to prevent the device from resetting. Any data that is not backed up will be lost.
8. Leave the device to perform the reset, during this time the screen will go black and restart. You will see the Apple logo and a loading bar. Do not turn off or unplug the device during this process.
9. Once the device has loaded, you will be presented with a black screen with a prompt to activate your mac. Click on the Wi-Fi on the top right of the mac and select your network and put in your Wi-Fi password, or connect your network cable (Ethernet).
10. Once your password is entered you will see a loading wheel, followed by a prompt to “Restart”. Wait for the loading wheel to finish spinning, and a timer should appear for the device to restart. You can either wait for the timer to tick down, or click restart.
11. If your previous steps were input correctly your Mac will restart, and you will be able to see the setup assistant screen.
FAQ
Will I lose all my Data after a FActory reset?
Yes, if you perform a factory reset any personal files and information will be erased, ensure you back up any files you want to keep before performing a reset.
Will factory reset erase macOS from my device?
No, the reset is designed to remove any personal data and any settings applied to the device, the operating system will remain.
how to reset MacBook Air without password
If you’ve forgotten your admin password, don’t worry you can still erase your MacBook. Simply boot your MacBook Air into Recovery Mode, use Disk Utility to erase your drive and then reinstall macOS from the Utilities window.
how to reset MacBook Pro
You can use the steps above if your MacBook Pro has a T2 securty chip or is an Apple silicon device. Please refer to the table above.
Have you reset your device and are still experiencing issues? Check out our latest stock of refurbished Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, Mac mini, Mac Studio and iMac, available and ready to dispatch on our website.
