DeviceHowTo
macOS⏱ 20 min

How to Factory Reset Device on macOS

Completely wipe and restore your device when major issues cannot be resolved.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS factory reset procedure varies significantly by chip generation: Intel Macs use a two-stage process of signing out of Apple ID, then booting into Recovery Mode via Command + R to access Erase Mac and Reinstall macOS. Apple Silicon Macs (M1 and later) have a simplified Erase All Content and Settings option directly in System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset that completes the process without entering Recovery Mode. Regardless of which Mac you have, confirming the iCloud backup is current and Find My is disabled before starting is essential because erasing an account-linked device with Find My active will trigger Activation Lock on next setup.

Before you continue

Factory reset permanently deletes all local data. Verify your backup is complete and fully accessible before starting this process.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Back up all important data first: photos to cloud, contacts synced, documents saved, and 2FA recovery codes noted.
  2. 2Sign out of Apple ID under System Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Restart into Recovery Mode (hold Command + R on Intel or hold power button on Apple Silicon) and use Reinstall macOS.
  3. 3Follow the first-run setup wizard to configure the device from scratch. Restore apps and data selectively.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix all problems on my macOS?
A factory reset resolves software-level issues: persistent crashes, major slowdowns, corrupted OS files, malware, and failed update problems. It will not fix hardware faults (damaged screen, faulty battery, broken speakers). If the same problem returns immediately after a clean reset, the cause is hardware.
What do I lose when I factory reset my macOS?
You lose all locally stored data: apps, photos, messages, documents, settings, and saved Wi-Fi passwords. Data stored in cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, Google Drive, OneDrive) is not lost — it syncs back after you sign in. Back up everything before starting.
How long does a factory reset take on macOS?
Erasing and reinstalling macOS via Recovery Mode takes 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on internet speed, as it downloads a fresh macOS image.
Do I need to factory reset to sell my macOS?
Yes — you should always factory reset and sign out of all accounts before selling or giving away a device. On iPhone, also disable Find My under Settings > [Your Name] > Find My before erasing. On Android, disable Factory Reset Protection by removing your Google account first to prevent the buyer from being locked out.

Same task, different device

Windows 11Windows 10iPhone (iOS)iPad (iPadOS)Samsung GalaxyGoogle PixelChromebook

Related guides for macOS

Turn Off Notifications

Silence noisy apps while keeping important alerts active.

Find Your IP Address

Locate local and public IP addresses for network troubleshooting.

Take a Screenshot

Capture your full screen or a selected region using built-in shortcuts.

Record Your Screen

Start a native screen recording without installing third-party software.