Brooklyn Cash For Phones
Guide

How to Factory Reset a Mac Before Selling It

If you're selling your Mac, a factory reset removes your personal files, Apple ID information, and settings while preparing the computer for its next owner.

Step 1

Before You Reset Your Mac

Before erasing your Mac:

  • Back up important files.
  • Sign out of iCloud.
  • Sign out of iMessage.
  • Sign out of any licensed software.
Step 2

Newer Macs (macOS Monterey and Later)

Many modern Macs include an erase assistant:

  1. Click the Apple menu.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Choose General.
  4. Click Transfer or Reset.
  5. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
  6. Follow the prompts.

This is the easiest method.

Step 3

Factory Reset Through Recovery Mode — Apple Silicon

If your Mac doesn't have Erase Assistant:

Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.)

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Press and hold the Power button.
  3. Continue holding until Loading Startup Options appears.
  4. Click Options.
  5. Select Continue.
Step 4

Factory Reset Through Recovery Mode — Intel Macs

If your Mac doesn't have Erase Assistant:

Intel Macs

  1. Shut down the Mac.
  2. Turn it on and immediately hold Command (⌘) + R.
  3. Continue holding until the Apple logo appears.
Step 5

Erase the Drive

Once in Recovery:

  1. Open Disk Utility.
  2. Select the main Macintosh HD drive.
  3. Click Erase.
  4. Close Disk Utility.
Step 6

Reinstall macOS

  1. Select Reinstall macOS.
  2. Follow the prompts.
  3. Allow installation to complete.

When the setup screen appears, the Mac is ready for sale.

Selling Your Mac?

Cash for Phones buys MacBooks, iMacs, Mac Minis, and other Apple devices for cash.