How do you reset MacBook to factory settings?

Sometimes you may need to start over. Starting over with a MacBook means resetting it to its factory settings. Reset MacBook to factory settings means exactly this: erasing everything inside to return the MacBook to the way it was when it left the factory.

You might be giving away or selling your MacBook secondhand. In that case, you’ll need to reset it to factory settings. Fortunately, this isn’t too difficult to do.

Luckily, Apple has prepared a page specifically for resetting to factory settings. Apple even has a tool called the Erase Assistant to help you do this.

Here are five simple steps to reset MacBook to factory settings:

Step 1: Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences, then click on General from the sidebar

You’ll open the Erase Assistant to help you erase everything. For older operating systems, you may need to click on System Preferences instead of System Settings. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything.

Step 2: Click on “Transfer or Refresh” on the right, then click on “Erase All Content and Settings”

Step 3: In the Erase Assistant, enter your administrator information and click on “Unlock”

This way, you’ll gain access to the Erase features

Step 4: Check what will be deleted in addition to your content and settings. If your Mac has multiple user accounts, click on the arrow next to your account to see what’s associated with that account

At this stage, you can be sure of what will be deleted during the reset.

Step 5: Click “Continue” and follow the on-screen instructions

Apple will inform you about everything you’re going to delete to ensure a thorough reset.

These steps can vary depending on the software on your MacBook. In older operating systems, these steps might be slightly different.

Fortunately, Apple’s factory reset page on their website allows you to change instructions for different operating systems, but they’re generally similar. For example, if you’re using an older operating system like Monterey 12, instead of going to the menu bar, selecting System Preferences, and then going to System Settings, you’d select Erase All Content and Settings. From there, it’s pretty much the same.

The factory reset process is quite straightforward, but still, make sure you save everything you need because once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.