How to Reset MacBooks and Mac Desktops Across Different macOS Versions

When preparing to sell, trade, or repurpose a Mac, following the correct reset steps ensures privacy and readies the device for its next user. Apple provides different reset methods across macOS versions, including the modern Erase Assistant for newer releases.

Backup and Preparation

Before starting, create a fresh backup. For those on macOS Big Sur or earlier, it’s also advisable to sign out of iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and other accounts through System Preferences. On macOS Big Sur and beyond, this process is simplified in later macOS releases.

Resetting Macs with Recent macOS Versions

In macOS Sequoia, Ventura, and Sonoma, the reset is streamlined:

1. Open the System Settings app.
2. Navigate to General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Contents and Settings.
3. Enter your password if prompted, then follow the reset instructions.

Alternatively, you can type “erase” in Spotlight (cmd + space) to access reset options.

macOS Monterey Erase Assistant

Macs from 2018 onward running macOS Monterey offer an Erase Assistant, which efficiently manages the reset:

1. Ensure a backup of your data.
2. Open System Preferences, click System Preferences in the menu bar, then choose Erase All Contents and Settings.
3. Follow the onscreen steps to complete the reset. This process retains the macOS version installed, similar to iOS devices.

Reset Steps for macOS Big Sur and Earlier

Older macOS versions require more steps, particularly for Intel Macs:

1. Backup your Mac.
2. Sign out of iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime.
3. Reset NVRAM on Intel Macs lacking the T2 Security Chip by holding Option + Command + P + R during startup.
4. Access macOS Recovery: press and hold the power button (for Apple Silicon) or use specific key combinations (for Intel Macs) to enter recovery mode.
5. In Disk Utility, select and erase the startup disk using Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS format as recommended.
6. Finish the process by reinstalling macOS, ensuring the Mac is set to a clean installation for its new owner.

macOS Recovery Key Commands for Intel Macs

Intel Mac users can select different macOS installations using startup key combinations:

• Command + R reinstalls the last macOS without upgrading.
• Option + Command + R upgrades to the latest compatible macOS.

For older systems running OS X El Capitan or earlier, Apple advises using Option + Command + R to ensure a clean installation not tied to the user’s Apple ID.

Erasing and Reinstalling macOS

Once in macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility from the Utilities window. After erasing the startup disk, return to the macOS Utilities window and choose Reinstall macOS to complete the reset.

This guide ensures your Mac is ready for its next user while protecting your data and preparing the device with a clean installation of macOS.