How to Factory Reset a Mac
Most Mac users will sell off their old Macs after few years of usage, and top up the difference to get a new one. Usually what happened is, they will forget to clear off their personal data before selling, leaving it vulnerable to misuse. Here, we will show you how to factory reset a Mac, in order for the new users to get a fresh start. This tutorial will be similar and can be used across all models of Mac, including:
- MacBook
- MacBook Air
- MacBookPro
- iMac
- Mac Pro
- Mac mini
Some may consider to remove their account from the system and set up a new administrative account, but the safest way would be to fully format your system and reinstall OS X.
1. Backup
Before you do anything crucial on the system, especially when you want to do a factory reset, do spend some time to completely backup your data. This can be done with Time Machine or a system cloning tool to get full copy of your data, so you can migrate and restore it in the new system.
2. Disable Online Accounts
Make sure that all the services that connect to your system are disabled. For example, you would want to make sure that your iTunes account does not stay logged in on your Mac or the AirPlay authorization that you have activated previously to be disabled before parting with your machine.
3. Remove any third-party hardware
For the users who have added expansions or upgrade to the system, it is better to add the cost of the additional hardware in to the selling price because RAM and hard drive upgrades are very difficult to undo. For Mac Pro with PCI express card that you wish to use in a new machine, you should remove them before letting the old machine off.
4. Format and reinstall
Finally, format the system and reinstall the original operating system software in your Mac and the new owners can choose by themselves which OS version they want. Actually, you can use your latest version of OS X, which is purchased from the App store but the copies will be registered under your name and account.
Steps to reinstall your Mac (with a restoration DVD, that comes with Mac that have a disc tray)
- Insert the restoration DVD.
- Reboot while holding down the C key.
- Choose you preferred language and select Disk Utility from Utilities.
- Select your internal hard drive in the Disk Utility menu.
- A new partition tab will appear.
- Choose 1Partition from the drop-down menu and name it, then set the format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
Steps to reinstall your Mac (without restoration DVD)
- Connect the Internet to your Mac. OS X will access Apple’s servers and download the tools for installation.
- Press Option + Command + R keys to force loading to Internet Recovery.
- Choose your preferred language and select Disk Utility from Utilities.
- Select your internal hard drive in the Disk Utility menu.
- A new partition tab will appear.
- Choose 1Partition from the drop-down menu and name it, then set the format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
After format, you can continue to install OS X by downloading the content to set up the system. Then, it will restart automatically. Don’t continue to the welcome screen of OS X setup assistant. Just hold the power button to shut off the system and the Mac will be ready for the new owners, to be brought back to the same screen when they turn it on.
