Use Erase All Content and Settings to quickly and safely erase all settings, data, and apps while preserving the currently installed operating system.
Usage Clear all content and settings
This feature requiresmacOS Monterey of hogeron aMac meets Apple siliconshe hasMac met Apple T2 Security-chip. Find out what you need to doif you cannot use Erase all content and settings.
macOS Ventura or later
Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu in the corner of the screen.
Click General in the sidebar.
On the right, click Transfer or Reset.
Click Clear all content and settings.Don't see this button?
macOS Monterey
Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu in the corner of the screen.
From the System Settings menu in the menu bar, select Erase all content and settings.Don't see this option?
An uninstall assistant will then open. Follow the onscreen instructions to erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings. Before the uninstallation begins, you will see an overview of all settings, media, data, and other items that will be deleted or disabled.
When you're asked to log in with your administrative credentials, enter the password you use to log in to your Mac.Have you forgotten your login password?
You may be asked to enter your Apple ID password so your Mac can sign out of Find My.Have you forgotten your Apple ID password?
You may be asked if you want to backup your Mac before resetting it. If you want to do that, you can open Time Machine andbackup to an external storage device.
Finally, you will be asked to click Clear all content and settings to confirm that you want to continue.
Your Mac will then restart and briefly display a black screen or status bar.
If your Mac needs to reconnect a Bluetooth accessory, such as a keyboard or mouse, you may be prompted to turn the accessory on. If the accessory does not connect within 30 seconds, turn the accessory off and then on again. When you reconnect to a Bluetooth keyboard, you will be asked to select a language.
You may be asked to select a Wi-Fi network or connect a network cable. Use to select a Wi-Fi networkWi-Fi-menu
in the top right corner of the screen.
Your Mac will then be activated. Click Restart.
When your Mac restarts, a setup assistant will guide you through the installation process as if you were setting up your Mac for the first time.
If you are selling, giving away, or trading in your Mac and want to leave it in its original condition, do not use Setup Assistant or your previously connected Bluetooth devices, if any. Just press and hold the power button on your Mac until it turns off.
If you can't use Erase All Content and Settings
Erase All Content and Settings is only available in macOS Monterey or later, and only on oneMac meets Apple siliconshe hasMac met Apple T2 Security-chip. If this feature is not available or does not work on your Mac:
To both erase and reset your Mac to factory settings, follow the steps inwhat to do before selling, giving away or trading in your Mac
Learn how to erase your Mac without resetting it to factory settingsclear a Mac with Apple siliconofuninstall an Intel-based Mac.
When you use Erase All Content and Settings and you see a message explaining that other volumes must be erased before you can erase all content and settings, you may have used Boot Camp to install Microsoft Windows. In that case,use Boot Camp to delete Windows and its partition.
If you need help,contact Apple support.
No matter the model or condition of your device, we can turn it into something good for you and good for the planet:Find out how to trade in or recycle your Mac with Apple Trade In.
Release date:
