How to erase your Mac:
To erase your Mac (i.e., remove your personal data, apps, and settings) without deleting macOS, follow these steps based on your Mac model and macOS version:
✅ For macOS Ventura, Monterey, or newer (on Apple Silicon or T2-chip Macs):
Apple has a built-in feature similar to iPhone’s Erase All Content and Settings.
Steps:
- Go to Apple menu > System Settings (or System Preferences).
- Select General > Transfer or Reset.
- Click Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your administrator password when prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to erase all data while keeping the macOS intact.
✅ This will:
- Keep macOS installed.
- Remove all your apps, user data, settings, and Apple ID.
- Log you out of iCloud and disable Find My Mac.
✅ For older macOS (Big Sur or earlier):
You’ll need to manually erase your disk except for the macOS volume (if you want to preserve the OS) or reinstall macOS after erasing.
Option A: Use Recovery Mode and reinstall macOS
- Restart your Mac and hold:
- ⌘ + R (Intel Mac)
- Power button (Apple Silicon Mac) until “Loading startup options”
- Select Disk Utility.
- Choose your main volume (usually “Macintosh HD”), then click Erase.
- Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), depending on macOS version.
- Name it the same: Macintosh HD
- Quit Disk Utility.
- Back in the recovery window, choose Reinstall macOS.
This method erases data but reinstalls a clean macOS copy.
⚠️ Tips:
- Backup your data (via Time Machine or external drive) before erasing.
- Sign out of iCloud and disable Find My Mac to avoid Activation Lock.
• If you’re selling or giving away your Mac, this ensures the new owner can set it up as new. If you are still not sure then give us a call or Book a Service.
