Factory Reset Apple Macbook

  1. Overview
  2. Work [HCI UK]
  3. Factory Reset Apple Macbook

If your MacBook has Apple silicon (M1 / M2 / M3)

This is the easiest method.

Option A: Erase Assistant (macOS Monterey or newer)

  1. Click Apple menu () → System Settings

  2. Go to General → Transfer or Reset

  3. Click Erase All Content and Settings

  4. Follow the prompts and enter your Apple ID password

  5. Mac will erase itself and restart to the setup screen

✅ This fully resets the Mac to factory state.

Option B: Recovery Mode (manual)

  1. Shut down your Mac

  2. Press and hold the power button until you see
    “Loading startup options”

  3. Click Options → Continue

  4. Select Disk Utility

  5. Choose Macintosh HD

  6. Click Erase

    • Name: Macintosh HD

    • Format: APFS

    • Scheme: GUID Partition Map

  7. Quit Disk Utility

  8. Click Reinstall macOS

  9. Follow on-screen steps

If your MacBook has an Intel processor

  1. Shut down your Mac

  2. Turn it on and immediately press and hold:
    Command (⌘) + R

  3. Release when you see the Apple logo or spinning globe

  4. Select Disk Utility

  5. Choose Macintosh HD

  6. Click Erase

    • Format: APFS (or Mac OS Extended for older macOS)

  7. Quit Disk Utility

  8. Click Reinstall macOS

After reset

  • Mac will restart to the Hello / Setup Assistant screen

  • If you’re selling or giving it away, stop here

  • If keeping it, sign in and restore from backup