How can you factory reset a MacBook

Preserve your old data and eliminate personal information before you carry out a factory reset
The image shows a Macbook. — Pexels
The image shows a Macbook. — Pexels

Executing a factory reset on an older laptop can help boost its speed and is vital before relinquishing it or recycling it. Even if you're giving it away to someone, it's critical to erase the device of personal information and furnish it for a renewed start. However, the process of deleting applications, files, and folders can be a cumbersome process unlike cleaning the laptop screen.

The overall steps to revitalise are almost the same for every device whether it is a Windows laptop, Apple MacBook, or Chromebook: preserve your old data, eliminate personal information, and carry out a factory reset. Nevertheless, the detailed procedure may differ based on the type of laptop. It's suggested to commence by physically scrubbing the laptop, making use of an air duster, disinfectant, or cleansing wipes, and disposing of dirt from blowers and ducts if required.

Once you clean your laptop, mop down the power adapter and accessories while ascertaining they are in working condition. Once the laptop is ready physically, back up any preferred data by establishing duplicates on an external drive or iCloud. 

Sign out of all accounts, including iCloud, Find My Mac, iMessage, and any other apps. Disconnect Bluetooth devices and reinitialise the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM).

Guide to factory reset a MacBook

  • Restart the system and access Recovery Mode by pressing and holding Command-R (the process varies for MacBooks with M1 or M2 chips). 
  • In Recovery Mode, make use of Disk Utility to delete the drive, restore MacOS, and follow the Setup Assistant to personalize the laptop for the recipient or power off.

By adhering to these steps, you can secure a clean and new start for your laptop before handing it over to somebody else.