In this simple how-to guide, let me explain when you should factory reset the Mac and how to do it.
Why you may want to reset your Mac?How to reset M1 or Intel Mac running macOS Monterey or aboveIf your Mac is running macOS Big Sur or belowWhat to do before you reset a Mac or MacBook?How to reset Apple Silicon Mac on macOS Big SurHow to reset Intel Mac on macOS Big Sur or belowReinstall macOS without erasing data and deleting apps?Steps to reinstall macOS on the Apple Silicon MacReinstall macOS on an Intel-based Mac
Why you may want to reset your Mac?
If you’re facing some system-level issues on your Mac, a clean install is recommended. In my case, I accidentally deleted some Dock files of macOS, which led to multiple Finder failures. Ultimately, factory resetting my Mac solved the issue.If you’re selling or giving away your Mac, it is advisable to erase all data off it. Furthermore, it is recommended to reinstall macOS by which your laptop will feel fresh. You can check how to reinstall macOS in the section given below.If your company or organization owns your Mac and you’re giving it back.Your Mac is flooded with thousands of small files, and it has reached the point of no return. Resetting and starting afresh is recommended. But if millions of small files are the sole reason for resetting the Mac, use a Mac cleaner app instead. It will save a lot of your effort.
How to reset M1 or Intel Mac running macOS Monterey or above
Before macOS Monterey, there were quite a few steps involved to reset a Mac to its factory settings, such as backup, iCloud sign-out, etc. (complete list below). However, now, you can reset your Mac just like an iPhone, i.e., through System Preferences. The Erase All Content and Settings option erases all your settings, data, and apps securely while maintaining the currently installed macOS. It even signs you out of Apple ID, removes Touch ID and all Apple Wallet items, turns off Find My and Activation Lock. So, you get a fresh and new-like device after the reset. To reset a Mac running macOS Monterey or above: Note: During the process, you might need to:
Reconnect a Bluetooth accessory like a mouse or keyboard. Restart the accessory if it doesn’t auto-connect. Select a Wi-Fi network or attach a network cable – Use the Wi-Fi menu from the screen’s upper-right corner.
If your Mac is running macOS Big Sur or below
Apple didn’t have an Erase Assitant-like tool on any macOS versions before Monterey. Moreover, there are different procedures for Macs having an Apple Silicon chip or an Intel chip. So, select the process that fits your Mac — whether it has an Intel chip or an Apple Silicon, running macOS Big Sur or below — and follow the steps mentioned carefully.
What to do before your reset a Mac or MacBook
Before you go ahead and erase everything from your Mac, Apple suggests considering a few things as listed below:
Backup, Backup, Backup: You’ll lose all the files, data, and apps once your factory reset your Mac. And one never knows when a file can prove useful. So, it’s better to back up your Mac before erasing it. Learn how to backup your Mac easily.Sign out of iTunes: It’s a good practice to sign out of iTunes before you reset so that the Mac doesn’t show up in devices the next time you sign in to iTunes. To sign out of iTunes: open iTunes → click Account at the top menu bar → Authorizations → Deauthorize This Computer → enter your Apple ID and password when asked.Sign out of iCloud: To sign out of iCloud on a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier: Click the Apple logo on the top left → System Preferences → iCloud → Sign Out.On macOS Catalina and above: Select the Apple logo → System Preferences → Apple ID → Overview → Sign Out.Sign out of iMessage: Before you reset a Mac, it’s important to sign out of iMessage. On a Mac running OS X Mountain Lion and above, open the Messages app → select Messages at the top left → Preferences → click Sign Out.Reset NVRAM and PRAM: NVRAM and PRAM are responsible for storing your Mac settings. They could’ve got messed up during Mac’s usage, and Apple recommends you clear the memories before you factory reset your Mac. To do so,Shut down your MacPress the power button Next, immediately press and hold these four keys together for about 20-25 seconds: Option + Command + P + R.Wait for the startup chime and release the keys.
How to reset Apple Silicon Mac on macOS Big Sur
1. macOS Big Sur 11.2 or above
Apple released a simple reset tool for Apple Silicon Macs with macOS 11.2. Here’s how you can use the Recovery Assistant to reset an Apple Silicon Mac:
2. macOS Big Sur 11.1 or below
To reset an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 11.0 to macOS 11.1, follow these steps:
How to reset Intel Mac on macOS Big Sur or below
Go to the next section if you don’t know how to install macOS on your Mac. Note: If you’re facing issues with your Mac’s system files, the best solution is to reinstall macOS. It is simpler than factory resetting the Mac.
How to reinstall macOS without erasing data and deleting apps?
When you factory reset a Mac, it erases all the files, including apps, documents, folders, pictures, and everything on the laptop, and you start afresh. But when you reinstall macOS through recovery options, you just reinstall the operating system part of your laptop. Everything, including your files, data, apps, pictures, remains intact. It just erases and installs the whole operating system layer underneath.
Steps to reinstall macOS on the Apple Silicon Mac
Reinstall macOS on an Intel-based Mac
Reinstalling macOS on an Intel Mac is a bit different than reinstalling it on the Apple Silicon Mac. I hope you now know how to factory reset your Mac. I’m grateful that Apple finally released a single Erase Assistant tool with macOS Monterey, which simplifies the process a bit. If you have some queries regarding resetting your Mac, share them in the comments section below. I’d love to help you out. You may like to read these as well:
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