Buzz
Use Disk Utility to Force Your MacBook to Reset
If you've purchased a secondhand MacBook and wish to wipe all data, you can reset it without the password. To do this, you'll need to access Recovery Mode and erase the disk. This guide will explain how to reset a MacBook without needing the password.
How to Erase a Mac When You Don't Have the Password
If you lack the password to a Mac, you can reset it through Recovery Mode. Once you enter Recovery Mode, choose the Disk Utility option. Select your boot disk and hit Erase. Then, on the Utilities screen, you can opt to Reinstall macOS.
Instructions
Boot your Mac into Recovery Mode. Remember, performing a factory reset on your Mac or MacBook will erase all data.
- Apple Silicon: Turn off your Mac, press and hold the Power button until the startup options screen appears. Then, select Options > Continue.
- Intel-based Mac: Turn off your Mac, hold down Cmd + R, and press the Power button. Release Cmd + R once the Apple logo shows up.
Choose Disk Utility. You’ll find this option in the macOS Utilities window.
Pick your primary disk. You should see it listed on the left sidebar, usually named Macintosh HD.
- Ensure you select the main disk and not any folders within it.
Click Erase. This button is located in the top toolbar.
Reformat the drive. Assign a new name to the disk and select APFS as the format type.
Click Erase. This step may take a moment.
- Once the confirmation prompt appears, you can close Disk Utility.
Choose Reinstall macOS [version]. You will find this option on the Utilities screen.
Follow the prompts on the screen. You'll be instructed to choose your disk before proceeding with the installation.
Allow the installation to finish. This may take a while. Ensure your Mac is plugged in, and avoid closing the lid or letting it sleep. The display may periodically turn on and off.
- Once finished, the setup assistant will appear. You can now configure your new Mac.
