How to reset a MacBook Pro to factory settings and when to do it | AppleInsider (2024)

When preparing a MacBook Pro for sale, these are the steps you need to take to prepare the machine for a new user and ensure that all your personal and account information is deleted.

Resetting yourMacBookProthe way it was when you got it from the factory isn't hard, but it isn't fast either. You might do that if you've been having persistent serious problems with the MacBook Pro. The only time you should definitely do this is when you are about to sell or give the machine away.

Performing a factory reset politely prepares the MacBook Pro for the new user and also guarantees that nothing of yours is left behind. No software, no licenses and absolutely no login account information.

What it means

There is one on iOSresetoption belowInstitutions,General, such a button does not exist on the Mac.

Be it on iOS or Mac, but what the term means is taking everything back to the way it was when the machine was new.

This means deleting your personal data, completely wiping the drive and then resetting it ready for the new user.

It also means that before you do anything else, do at least oneback up everything. This is not the time to delay withdrawal.

Deletion of your personal data

Today, we rely so seamlessly on iCloud that deleting your data means logging out in the first place.

Before you do that, though, make sure you've deauthorized your MacBook Pro through the Music app.

Do the same with the TV app. Since both that and Music used to be part of iTunes, they continue to use the old iTunes authorization, which meant you only had a limited number of computers that could play music or video.

Then launch the Mac App Store.

If you're used to opening the app associated with an Apple service and choosing to sign out or log out, there's one more that will kick you out. It's the same idea, just the Logout button is in a weird place.

Finally, this part also requires you to sign out of iCloud.

At the stages of all this you will be asked to confirm that you want to log out, but you do so.

Hardwareproblemen

If you're currently using your MacBook Pro closed, with an external keyboard and display, chances are the keyboard is Bluetooth wireless and the display is not.

You can leave the display connected until you hand the MacBook Pro over to someone. But it's best to unplug the keyboard or any other wireless devices you have, like AirPods or a separate trackpad.

This isn't necessary if you're also giving them these wireless devices, but there should be a limit to how generous you are. And that limit, plus your patience, will be severely tested if you don't disconnect the devices. The next time they're at your house and you start typing on your own computer, maybe check theirs.

Although the next step may be a bit tricky, you should still perform the connection to wireless devices. Since you're resetting a MacBook Pro, you can and should now open the lid to use the keyboard, even if you've been using it closed.

Wipe the drive clean

Please tell us again that you have made a backup. Better yet, don't tell us, make a new backup right now.

Once done, restart your MacBook in macOS Recovery using these steps.

This macOS Utilities app contains several options, but the one you want this time should launchDisk Utility.

On the left side of the screen that appears, you will see a list of drives connected to the Mac. See under the headingInternto find your startup disk. And also how to callMacintoshHD, at least one other volume is calledMacintosh HD - Data.

You're going to delete this, but you're going to be careful and you're not going to use the obviousTo deleteknob. Go to insteadEditingmenu and selectDelete APFS volume.

A confirmation window will then appear, but this requires even more care than normal. For and also for oneTo deletebutton you want, there is one tooDelete volume groupbutton - and you don't want that.

Select onlyTo deleteknob.

Delete one of these- Factsvolume and then select yourMacintoshHDdrive or whatever name you gave to the internal drive.

You'll need to give the drive a name, but since you're trying to copy the environment straight from the factory, you can name it "Macintosh HD."

Then you also get a choice of disk formats, but just choose the Disk Utility that appears by default.

Put on

Keep in mind that you booted into this macOS Utilities volume and Disk Utility is just one of the available apps. Close it and you'll be returned to the list of these apps.

Select Reinstall macOS.

This last step may take some time. Leave the MacBook Pro open and allow it to restart if necessary.

When this is done, your MacBook Pro will have been reset to the condition it arrived from the factory.