How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state

By restoring the MacBook's factory settings, you can return the device to the state it was in when you first purchased it, operate faster, and at the same time fix problems such as crashes, errors, other problems, etc.

1. When should you perform factory reset of Macbook?

Not all but in one case, performing a factory reset of the Macbook is necessary. Specifically:

- When you want to resell your Macbook or let someone else use it.
- The device is infected with viruses and malware.
- The device is slow, reset the device to run faster.
- Want to reuse the original operating system.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 1

2. Important notes when performing factory reset on Macbook

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

If you are running older versions of macOS, or versions before macOS Monterey, you will have to take additional steps such as backing up and reinstalling your copy of macOS from Recovery Mode.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 2

Restoring your Macbook to factory settings will erase all data, applications, settings, etc. that you have stored on the device. Therefore, before starting, you should back up your Macbook to avoid losing important data. 

Also proceed with signing out/deauthorizing iTunes and other licensed applications such as iCloud and iMessage, . iTunes uses an authorization system to limit the maximum number of devices connected, by deauthorize iTunes before performing a factory reset of your Macbook to prevent possible future problems.

Finally, make sure your Internet connection is stable so the process goes quickly and smoothly.

2.1. How to sign out of iCloud

To sign out of iCloud, follow the steps below:

On macOS Catalina and later versions:

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

On older versions of macOS:

Step 1: Click on Apple menu => System Preferences.
Step 2: Click iCloud and then click Sign Out.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 3

2.2. Deauthorize Apple TV, Music, Podcasts accounts

Step 1: Open the application and on the main menu, find and click Account.
Step 2 : Next find and click Authorizations => De-authorise This Computer.
Step 3 : Enter your Apple ID account and password then click Deauthorise to complete the process.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 4

2.3. Sign out of iMessage

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

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 5
 

2.4. Disconnect the Bluetooth connection

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

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 6

2.5. Delete Touch Bar data

In case you resell your Macbook or leave it for someone else to use, it's best to delete the Touch Bar data as well.

Step 1: Restart the device.
Step 2: While the Macbook is restarting, press and hold Command + R at the same time.
Step 3: On the macOS Utilities window, find and click Utilities => Terminal.
Step 4: Next enter the command line below into the Terminal window and press Return :

xartutil --erase-all

Step 5: Enter Yes then press Return.
Step 6 : Finally close the Termial window by clicking Quit.

2.6. Reset NVRAM

MacBooks store some user settings in NVRAM memory. Ideally, you should reset this setting before performing a factory reset on your Macbook:

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

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 7

3. How to restore Macbook factory settings

3.1. On macOS Monterey and later

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

To get started, click on the Apple icon on the menu bar in the top left corner of the screen, then select System Preferences from the menu.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 8

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

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 9

At this time, a new window called Erase Assistant will appear on the screen, asking you to enter your account name and Admin password. You can enter any local account name and password on a device with Admin privileges.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 10

Continuing, at this step you may be asked to backup 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.

Next, on the Erase All Content & Settings window displayed on the screen, find and click the downward arrow icon next to the account name. The above action will open the list of actions that Erase Assistant will perform. Click Continue to continue.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 11

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

If you are ready and have backed up your Macbook, click the Erase All Content & Settings option . An important note that TipsMake wants to emphasize is that you cannot undo this step.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 12

After clicking the option, the Macbook will reboot and display the progress bar on the screen. Once completed, your Macbook will return to the state it was in when you first purchased it, at which point you will be asked to reset your Macbook.

3.2. On macOS Big Sur and earlier versions

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

To get started, the first step you need to do is backup your Macbook and store the backup on an external hard drive to avoid losing all important data and files. 

Next, proceed to log out of iTune, iMessage, . accounts, as TipsMake instructed above.

Once completed, in this step you proceed to boot into Recovery Mode. Turn off the Macbook (by accessing the Apple menu => Shut Down ) and reopen it. While your Macbook is booting, press Command + R until the Apple logo appears on the screen.

How to restore factory settings on Macbook, Reset the computer to its original state Picture 13

Enter the Admin password when requested and then click Disk Utility on the menu displayed on the screen.

Continue, on the Disk Utility window, find and click Macintosh HD on the sidebar. If you have backed up your Macbook, find and click Erase . Warning, this operation will erase all data on the hard drive.

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

If you accidentally delete data on your Mac, don't worry because there are many ways to help you restore the data. In addition to using undo commands, checking the trash on your computer,. you can use macbook data recovery applications with fast recovery speed, can recover data with many formats and Extremely easy to use.

The above article TipsMake has just shown you how to restore Macbook factory settings . Also, if any errors or problems occur during the process, don't forget to share with TipsMake in the comments section below the article.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 17 June 2024