Resetting MacBook to factory settings, Returning the computer to its original state

By resetting MacBook to factory settings to bring the device back to its original state, it will operate faster and help troubleshoot issues such as freezing or other errors, ....

Guide to reset MacBook to its original state

1. When should you perform a factory reset on Macbook?

Not all, but in a certain case, performing a factory reset on Macbook is necessary. Specifically:

- When you want to sell your Macbook or give it to someone else to use.
- If the device is infected with viruses and malware.
- If the device is slow, reset it to run faster.
- If you want to restore the original operating system.

2. Important considerations when performing a factory reset on Macbook

Starting from macOS Monterey (macOS 12) released in 2021, a built-in option called Erase All Content and Settings is available in System Preferences, similar to options on iPhone and iPad. This option is only displayed on Macbooks with the T2 security chip or running on Apple Silicon.

If you're running older versions of macOS, or versions prior to macOS Monterey, you'll need to follow additional steps such as backing up and reinstalling macOS from Recovery Mode.

Resetting MacBook to factory settings will wipe out all data, apps, settings, ... that you've stored on the device. Therefore, before starting, it's advisable to back up your MacBook to avoid losing important data.

Learn more: How to Back Up Your Mac

Additionally, log out / deauthorize iTunes and other licensed apps like iCloud and iMessage, .... iTunes employs an authorization system to limit the maximum number of devices connected, by deauthorizing iTunes before performing a factory reset on Macbook to prevent potential future issues.

Finally, ensure stable Internet connection for the process to proceed swiftly and smoothly.

2.1. Signing Out of iCloud

To sign out of iCloud, follow the steps below:

On macOS Catalina and newer versions:

Step 1: Click on Apple menu => System Preferences.
Step 2: Then click on Apple ID => Select Overview, and then click on the Sign Out button.

On older macOS versions:

Step 1: Click on Apple menu => System Preferences.
Step 2: Click on

2.2. Revoking Permissions for Apple TV, Music, Podcasts Accounts

Step 1: Open the app and from the main menu, find and click on Account.
Step 2: Then find and click on Authorisations => De-authorise This Computer.
Step 3: Enter your Apple ID account and password, then click on Deauthorize to complete the process.

2.3. Signing Out of iMessage

Step 1: Open the Messages app.
Step 2: In the menu bar, find and click on Messages => Preferences.
Step 3: Find your iMessage account and click on Sign out.

2.4. Disconnecting Bluetooth

Step 1: Click on Apple Menu => System Preferences.
Step 2: Click on Bluetooth to open the list of connected devices.
Step 3: Finally, click on the X icon to disconnect the device from MacBook.

2.5. Clearing Touch Bar Data

If you're selling your Macbook or passing it on to someone else, it's best to erase all Touch Bar data.

Step 1: Restart your machine.
Step 2: During the reboot process, hold down Command + R simultaneously.
Step 3: In the macOS Utilities window, find and click on Utilities => Terminal.
Step 4: Next, input the following command line into the Terminal window and press Return:

xartutil --erase-all

Step 5: Type Yes and press Return.
Step 6: Finally, close the Terminal window by clicking on Quit.

2.6. Resetting NVRAM

MacBooks store some user settings in NVRAM. Ideally, you should reset these settings before performing a factory reset on your MacBook:

Step 1: Power off your MacBook and then turn it back on.
Step 2: Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys for 20 seconds to reset the NVRAM.

3. How to Restore Macbook to Factory Settings

3.1. On macOS Monterey and Later

If you're using a MacBook equipped with Apple Silicon or T2 security chip running macOS Monterey or later, you can easily perform a factory reset of the device through System Preferences.

To begin, click on the Apple icon on the menu bar at the top-left corner of the screen, then select System Preferences from the menu.

Next, in the System Preferences window, find and click on System Preferences on the menu bar again and choose Erase All Content and Settings.

At this point, a new window called Erase Assistant will appear on the screen, prompting you to enter the username and Admin password. You can enter any local account name and Admin password on the device.

Next, you may be asked to back up your MacBook with Time Machine. Open Time Machine and follow the on-screen instructions to back up your data to an external hard drive. Once completed, click Continue on the Erase Assistant window.

Then, on the Erase All Content & Settings window displayed on the screen, find and click the downward arrow icon next to the account name. This action opens a list of actions that Erase Assistant will perform. Click Continue to proceed.

Enter your Apple ID account and password to sign out. A warning message will be displayed on the screen.

Once you are prepared and have backed up your MacBook, click on the Erase All Content & Settings option. An important note that Mytour wants to emphasize is that you cannot undo this step.

After selecting the option, your MacBook will restart and display the progress bar on the screen. Upon completion, your MacBook will return to its original state, prompting you to set up your MacBook again.

3.2. On macOS Big Sur and older versions

If you are using macOS Big Sur or older versions, or if your MacBook is not equipped with Apple Silicon or T2 security chip, the process of restoring your MacBook to factory settings will be much more complicated.

To begin, the first step you need to take is to back up your MacBook and store the backup on an external hard drive to avoid the risk of losing all your important data and files.

Next, proceed to log out of iTunes, iMessage accounts, and so on, as Mytour instructed earlier.

Once completed, at this step, you proceed to boot into Recovery Mode. Shut down your MacBook (by accessing the Apple menu =>Shut Down) and power it back on. During the MacBook startup process, press Command + R until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

Enter the Admin password when prompted, then click on Disk Utility in the menu displayed on the screen.

Next, on the Disk Utility window, locate and select Macintosh HD in the sidebar. If you have backed up your MacBook, find and select Erase. A warning, this action will erase all data on the hard drive.

Exit the Disk Utility window after the hard drive erase process is complete and select Reinstall macOS from the Recovery menu, then follow the on-screen instructions.

In this article, Mytour has just guided you on how to restore your MacBook to its factory settings. Additionally, if you encounter any errors or issues during the process, don't forget to share them with Mytour in the comments section below the article.