When you’re looking to sell or trade-in your computer, whether it’s an iMac or a MacBook, it’s a good idea to return it to its factory settings. This means factory resetting the computer and re-installing the latest macOS software.
Prerequisites: Must have a Mac or MacBook
Difficulty Level: Member • Nerd • Platypus
Estimated Time: Less than 10 Minutes
Expected Outcome: Your Apple Computer will be reset and updated to the current OS version
Tools Required: External Hard Drives if backing up first, Internet Connection
Steps to Perform
Before starting, make sure you back up your computer and log out of your accounts, such as iCloud and iMessage.
- Restart your computer: hold the power button > select Restart when it appears
- While the computer restarts, hold down Command + R
- Once you see the Apple logo appear, release Command + R
- When you see a Recovery Mode menu, select Disk Utility
- Make sure the ‘Macintosh HD’ startup disk is highlighted in your Disk Utility window > select Erase
- A pop-up window should appear. Change the Format to macOS Extended (Journaled) > select Erase again
- Select Quit Disk Utility in the Disk Utilities menu.
- A window will then appear giving you the option to reinstall macOS > select Install MacOS
- After the new macOS is installed, your computer has been successfully factory reset
