How to factory reset your MacBook ( Backup tips)

Completely reset your Mac and look brand new! This article will guide you to safely restore your MacBook to factory settings and avoid the risk of data loss.

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Why factory reset?

Before performing a factory reset, carefully consider whether such drastic measures are really needed. Factory reset clears all data, so this should only be done if necessary. Here are a few common reasons:

• MacBook for sale: Completely clear data and protect personal privacy.
• Malware infection: After backing up data using Get Backup Pro, restore the factory settings.
• Performance issues: It should be tried as a last resort.

Tips: System junk files, caches, and full trash can all affect Mac performance. It is recommended to try using Mac cleaning tools such as CleanMyMac first, clear useless files with one click, improve speed and detect and remove malware.

macOS Ventura and later factory reset

Apple's factory reset process is relatively consistent, but the specific steps may vary from device to device. Here are the steps for macOS Ventura and later:

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar > System Settings > Universal.
2. Click Transfer or Reset.
3. Click to erase all content and settings.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password.

You may be prompted to use Time Machine to backup. The final prompt warns you that all data will be deleted soon. Click "Erase All Content and Settings" to start resetting.

After the Mac restarts, the Setup Assistant will guide you through the setup process.

macOS Monterey factory reset

If you are using macOS Monterey, you can use the built-in "Erashes Assistant":

1. Click the Apple icon in the menu bar > System Preferences > Erase all content and settings.
2. Enter your Apple ID and password.
3. Backup to Time Machine when prompted, or directly confirm the selection.
4. After viewing the list of data to be deleted, click Continue.
5. Click to erase all content and settings.

Wait for the Mac to complete this process. You may need to connect to a keyboard, mouse, or Wi-Fi network. Once done, you will see the Welcome screen.

Manual factory reset (Recovery mode)

If your Mac is not responsive or cannot boot to macOS, you must use recovery mode for factory reset.

M series Mac:

1. Turn off the Mac.
2. Press and hold the power button and click Options.
3. Click "Continue" and enter the administrator password to start macOS recovery mode.

Intel processor Mac and earlier versions:

1. Turn off the Mac.
2. Press and hold Command R key and press the power button.
3. Release the button after seeing the Apple logo.
4. Select the user and click "Next".
5. Enter the administrator password to continue.

After entering recovery mode, follow these steps to erase the disk:

1. Enter the administrator password.
2. In the macOS Utility window, select Disk Utility > Continue.
3. Select Macintosh HD > Erase.
4. Enter Macintosh HD in the Name field.
5. Select APFS or macOS extension (log-style) as the format (recommended to use APFS for macOS 10.13 and later).
6. Click "Erase File Group" or "Erase".

The Mac will start to clear the files. You just have to wait.

Tips: Don't panic if you forget to backup and lose your data. You can use Disk Drill for data recovery.

Reinstall macOS

After the disk is erased, you can reinstall macOS and set the Mac to a brand new state.

1. Start the Mac and enter recovery mode.
2. Click "Reinstall macOS".
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

It may take a while to install. Once done, you will see the familiar welcome screen.

Preparations before factory reset

Before factory reset, be sure to make the following preparations:

• Backup Mac with third-party tools: Back up your data using Get Backup Pro or ChronoSync Express.

• Exit Apple Services: Exit Apple Music, iCloud, iMessage and other services.

• Unpair Bluetooth Devices: Unpair all paired Bluetooth devices.

Summarize

This article introduces various methods to restore the factory settings of MacBooks. Remember, be sure to back up your data before doing anything! Tools like Get Backup Pro, ChronoSync Express, and Disk Drill can help you keep your data secure. Setapp offers trials of these apps, and you can experience them before deciding whether to subscribe or not.

FAQ

• Can I restore the factory settings without an Apple ID? Yes, use the Disk Utility in Recovery Mode to restore manually.

• How to restore factory settings without a password? Use Disk Utility in Recovery Mode.

• Will factory reset delete everything? Yes, all files, settings, passwords and personal data will be cleared.

• How to restore factory settings without logging in? Use Disk Utility in macOS recovery mode.

• How to restore factory settings without using Assistant? Use Disk Utility in Recovery Mode to erase the drive and reinstall macOS.

Hope this article helps you safely reset your MacBook!

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