The dependability of Mac computers is generally high. Nonetheless, like any computer, sometimes devices behave badly. Before you spend a lot on a new Mac, though, attempt a factory reset, which cleans your computer and reinstalls a pristine version of macOS.
Resetting a MacBook Pro is also a good way to prepare your old computer for a new owner to ensure no personal residual data falls into the wrong hands.
The process has been similar for years on MacBook Pro with Intel processors. However, the shift to Apple silicon has slightly changed the method for cleaning and reinstalling the operating system.
Here’s how to erase your hard drive and reinstall the operating system on your MacBook Pro, regardless of whether it has Apple’s M1 chip or features Intel components.
Access Recovery Mode
In order to access the options for wiping your data and reinstalling the operating system, you need to reach macOS Recovery. However, with the release of the new Macs, there are now two distinct ways of doing this, depending on the chip inside your computer.
For Intel-Based MacBook Pro
For MacBook Pro with an Intel processor, press and hold the power button, then select the Restart option from the pop-up menu. Alternatively, click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of the screen and select Restart. From here, press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo appears. Release the keys and allow the Mac to boot up and open into Recovery.
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For Apple Silicon-Based MacBook Pro
MacBook Pro using Apple silicon requires a different procedure where you must completely turn off the computer. Click the Apple menu, click Shut Down, press and hold the power button, and select Shut Down from the pop-up menu. Press and hold the power button to turn the Mac on again and hold for several seconds until you see “Loading startup options.” Select Options from the startup screen to enter macOS Recovery.
If you find yourself in a situation where your computer is frozen and the standard methods of resetting are not working, try the Control + Command + Eject (or power button) shortcut.
Erase Your Data
Regardless of your method of getting here, you must then select a user with administrator privileges and enter their account details before gaining access to the computer’s startup options. Once fully in macOS Recovery, select Disk Utility to erase the hard drive.
Select the drive Macintosh HD under the Internal section and click Erase in the top toolbar in the Disk Utility menu. A dialog box will appear asking for the drive name and format. Keep the name Macintosh HD and ensure the format is set to APFS or Mac OS Extended.
Click Erase Volume Group (or Erase if that button is not shown) to clear the drive, then ensure any other internal drives are also erased to completely clean the computer and avoid any errors during the reinstallation process. Exit out of the Disk Utility window to return to the Recovery screen.
Be aware that once this process is complete, you will no longer be able to retrieve any deleted data that was left on the drive. If you think you may still need what is on your hard drive, we recommend you first back it up by syncing important files to iCloud.
Reinstall and Restore
If you plan to sell the computer, you can stop here and let the new owner install a clean version of MacBook Pro. For those who want to keep their Mac, your next step should be to reinstall macOS onto the computer.
Your computer should be connected to a power source and connected to the internet. Back at the macOS utility screen, click Reinstall macOS and follow the instructions to download a new operating system version.
If you backed up your files using a Time Machine backup, you can now restore those files using the Migration Assistant as part of the reinstallation process. You will be asked if you want to transfer data from another Mac or a Time Machine backup. Select Time Machine and proceed with the process to restore your files.
If you chose not to do this step while erasing your Mac, you can return to the macOS Recovery screen and select the Restore From Time Machine Backup option. Choose the appropriate backup from the list to reinstall your saved files.
What to do before you reset your MacBook?
The guide above focuses on resetting your MacBook, but there are recommended steps to take before factory resetting your MacBook that you should be aware of. These tips will ensure that you do not miss any personal files, images, or apps when you move from one MacBook to another.
Here are some things to consider doing before you reset your MacBook.
Make a backup
Ensure that you have a current backup of your important files.
Sign out of iTunes in macOS Mojave or earlier
If you are using macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes. From the menu bar at the top of the screen or iTunes window, click Account, then Authorizations, then Deauthorize This Computer. Then enter your Apple ID and password and select Deauthorize.
Learn more about deauthorizing computers used with your iTunes account.
Sign out of iCloud
If you are using macOS Catalina or later, choose the Apple menu, then System Preferences, then click Apple ID. Click Overview in the sidebar, then click Sign Out.
If you are using macOS Mojave or earlier, Select the Apple menu, then System Preferences, click iCloud, then click Sign Out.
You will be prompted whether to keep a copy of your iCloud data on this Mac. You can click Keep a Copy because you are deleting your Mac later. Your iCloud data remains in iCloud and on any other devices signed in to iCloud with your Apple ID.
Sign out of iMessage
If you are using OS X Mountain Lion or later, open the Messages app, then select Messages, then Preferences from the menu bar. Click iMessage, then click Sign Out.
Reset NVRAM
Shut down your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold these four keys together: Option, Command, P, and R. Release the keys after about 20 seconds. This clears user settings from memory and restores certain security features that might have been altered.
Optional: Unpair Bluetooth devices that you’re keeping
If your Mac is paired with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, trackpad, or other Bluetooth devices that you plan to keep, you can unpair it. This optional action prevents accidental input when the Mac and device have different owners but remain within Bluetooth range of each other.
If you are unpairing Bluetooth input devices from a desktop computer such as an iMac, Mac mini, or Mac Pro, you must plug in a USB keyboard and mouse to perform the remaining steps. To unpair a Bluetooth device, choose the Apple menu, then System Preferences, then click Bluetooth. Move your pointer over the device you want to unpair, then select the remove (x) button next to the device name.
All the above steps of factory resetting MacBook pro and restoring your data are not difficult as long as you follow the instructions; then it will be very convenient.
