How To Factory Reset Your MacBook Before You Sell It

If you’ve purchased a MacBook that features Apple Silicon or an Intel-based model that sports the T2 security chip, you’re in luck. In 2021, Apple released the Erase Assistant tool, which you can use to factory reset these particular MacBook models. How exactly does Erase Assistant work? The tool signs you out of Apple Services, unlinks the device from your profile on the Find My app, and erases everything from your volumes, such as your user accounts and their corresponding data. If you used Boot Camp Assistant, keep in mind that Erase Assistant will also wipe your Windows data, so be sure to backup all of your files before proceeding. 

If you’re ready to use Erase Assistant to wipe your MacBook, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the MacBook and sign in if necessary.
2. In the upper-left corner of the screen, select the Apple icon.
3. Select System Preferences.
4. In the menu bar, click System Preferences.
5. In the drop-down bar, select Erase All Content and Settings.
6. In the pop-up that appears, log in with your administrator credentials.
7. Review which data on the MacBook you want to remove.
8. In the lower-right corner of the screen, select Continue.
9. Follow the steps on the screen.

Afterward, your MacBook will prompt you to create a Time Machine backup before confirming your decision. Then, you will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID to confirm your decision. Once the process is completed, your MacBook will be ready for its new owner.