How to factory reset a MacBook in easy steps? See the procedure

Did you just upgrade to the new MacBook or is the MacBook malfunctioning these days or maybe you are passing the trusted companion to someone else? No matter what your reason is: make sure to factory reset it before you pass it on to someone.

The reason is quite simple. You wouldn’t want someone else to have access to your data, right? Therefore, it's essential to erase your personal data and files from your MacBook, regardless of whether you're selling it, donating it, handing it down to a family member or friend, or recycling it.

How to reset the MacBook?

Before moving ahead, the quick tip is to make sure all the data is backed up somewhere safely and you have access to it. Now, follow these steps.

Sign out of all accounts

• Launch Music, TV and Books apps on Mac
• Go to Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer
• In the next step, enter Apple credentials to approve this task
• After that, go to System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud > Find My Mac
• Make sure to uncheck and sign out

Reset NVRAM

• Shut down MacBook
• Turn it on while pressing and holding Option, Command, P and R keys
• Keep holding them for nearly 20 seconds and NVRAM will be reset

Factory Reset Mac
For Intel Macs, restart and press-hold Command and R until Apple logo appears
For M1 and above Macs, press-hold power button until startup options appear

• On MacOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility > continue > select startup disk > click Erase
• Choose a name for the disk > Set format as “APFS” > Click on “Erase Volume Group”
• In the next screen, select Reinstall MacOS and bid the final goodbye to trusted-companion!

FAQs

1. When is macOS Sonoma releasing?
   It is anticipated to come around October 2023. The beta version is out already.
2. I am not upgrading to any other MacBook. Why should I factory reset them?
   It may fix performance issues, software issues, or if someone had handed it to you some time ago – it’s important to get rid of their personal data as well.