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Introduction
A factory reset a Mac wipes everything—your files, applications, settings—and reinstalls a clean version of macOS. This is the right move when you are selling, trading in, or giving away your computer. It is also useful when you want to start completely fresh after years of accumulated clutter or persistent software issues.
This guide walks you through the exact steps for both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It also covers the essential pre‑reset preparation you must do to avoid data loss. For a broader overview of all Mac reset types, including soft resets and NVRAM/SMC resets, see our how to reset a Mac guide . If you want to reinstall macOS without erasing your personal files, our reinstall macOS without losing data guide covers that separate process.
Before You Begin: Pre‑Reset Checklist
A factory reset is permanent. Once you proceed, you cannot recover erased data without a backup. Take these steps first:
- Back up your files using Time Machine or copy important documents to an external drive or iCloud.
- Sign out of iCloud (System Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out) to disable Activation Lock and Find My Mac.
- Sign out of iMessage (Messages > Settings > iMessage > Sign Out).
- Unpair Bluetooth devices like keyboards, mice, and AirPods if you plan to use them with another computer.
- Deauthorize any licensed software that limits installations (Adobe Creative Cloud, Ableton Live, etc.).
Skipping the iCloud sign‑out step can cause Activation Lock on the next owner’s setup, making the computer unusable until you remove it from your account remotely.
How to Factory Reset an Apple Silicon Mac
On Macs with M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips, Apple has simplified the process significantly. You no longer need to boot into Recovery Mode manually.
- Open System Settings from the Apple menu () in the top‑left corner.
- Click General in the sidebar.
- Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset.
- Click Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your administrator password when prompted.
- A summary screen shows everything that will be deleted—accounts, data, settings, accessories.
- Click Continue to confirm.
Your Mac restarts and displays a progress bar. Once complete, it boots to the “Hello” setup screen, ready for a new user. The entire process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
How to Factory Reset an Intel Mac
Intel‑based Macs use Recovery Mode to perform a factory reset.
- Restart your Mac. Immediately hold Command + R until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe.
- When the macOS Utilities window appears, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
- In Disk Utility, select your startup disk (usually named “Macintosh HD”) from the sidebar.
- Click the Erase button in the toolbar.
- Choose APFS as the format and GUID Partition Map as the scheme.
- Click Erase and wait for the process to complete.
- Quit Disk Utility to return to the macOS Utilities window.
- Select Reinstall macOS and follow the on‑screen prompts.
Your Mac downloads a fresh copy of macOS and installs it. This requires a stable internet connection. Once finished, the computer restarts to the setup screen.
After the Factory Reset
Once the reset completes, the Mac displays the “Hello” setup screen. If you are keeping the computer, proceed through the setup normally and restore from your backup. If you are selling or giving it away, press and hold the Power button to shut down. The next owner will go through setup themselves. Make sure you have signed out of iCloud beforehand, otherwise Activation Lock may prevent them from using the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove all viruses and malware?
Yes. A factory reset erases the entire drive and reinstalls macOS, which removes any malicious software. However, restore only known‑clean files from your backup to avoid re‑infection.
How long does a factory reset take?
Typically 30 to 60 minutes on Apple Silicon and 1 to 2 hours on Intel Macs, depending on your internet speed and drive size.
Can I factory reset without a password?
Yes, via Recovery Mode and Disk Utility, but Activation Lock may require your Apple ID password after reinstallation.
Do I need an internet connection?
Yes, to reinstall macOS after erasing the drive. Without internet, the process cannot complete.
