There are many reasons why you’d want to reset your MacBook Air to factory settings. Perhaps your Mac is showing just a too much little lag.
Maybe you want to reset for better overall performance, are thinking of giving away or selling your MacBook after you purchase or receive the latest Mac model.
For whatever reason, you need to set your Mac back to its factory defaults.
Since our Macs hold so much of our personal and private data, it’s imperative to clean out our machines when selling or giving away our favorite older Macs.
And it’s particularly useful for the new user to have a beautifully clean machine that’s returned to its native factory state.
macOS High Sierra and above use Apple’s latest file system called APFS.
Many users have encountered problems when resetting their Macs and MacBooks using APFS. In particular, they report getting the error message “Could not create a Preboot Volume for APFS install.”
It’s indeed confusing when re-formatting your Mac’s hard drive when using macOS High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina and above!
Here’s what we understand on the question of APFS or Mac OS Extended
If your Mac shipped with its hard drive already APFS-formatted
Only then reset it to APFS AND don’t change it to Mac OS Extended.
If your Mac or MacBook shipped with Mac OS Extended
You should choose macOSExtended (Journaled) AND NOT the new file system APFS.
When you erase your disk with Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and then install macOS High Sierra, Mojave or above, the macOS installer automatically decides whether to convert the disk to APFS.
So leave the heavy lifting to your macOS installer!
Don’t Know What Your Mac or MacBook Shipped With?
If you don’t know what file system (or macOS/Mac OS X) came with your system when new, Apple instructed us to continue recommending Mac OS Extended (Journaled.)
However, if you went ahead (or decide to try it anyway) and ran into the error “could not create a Preboot Volume for APFS install,” here’s a few tips
FIRST shutdown your Mac
Then press Option + Command + R when you turn it back on
This opens up Internet Recovery—try reinstalling macOS from here
You may need to try these steps, including a shutdown, a couple of times
If that doesn’t work, try this reader tip (we haven’t replicated this problem, so attempt this one at your own risk)
Don’t re-install macOS!
Instead, delete your drive until you have no visible drive
Shut down your Mac and then hold command + R and boot up your Mac into Recovery Mode
Open Disk Utility from the Recovery partition and delete your drive by selecting the minus button on the top right (Do NOT ERASE the drive—just remove it via the minus (-) sign)
Once Deleted shut down your Mac a second time
Restart in Internet Recovery Mode by pressing the Option + Command + R to boot from the internet
Open Disk Utilities again and create a Drive using the plus button. Rename the drive Macintosh HD and choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
The goal is to return the drive to macOS Sierra or whatever nearest available version of macOS OS X your Mac originally shipped with
If you still want to update macOS High Sierra, Mojave, or above with APFS, update it from the Mac App Store
Checklist before you start ANY factory reset
1) BackUp!
Yes, backup everything with Time Machine or another application, preferably following the 2X2 rule with two clouds and two physicals (local or remote) backups.
And consider using drive cloning apps like Carbon Copy Cloner, Super Duper, ChronoSync, or similar. These types of apps create identical clones (or copies) of your drive, and unlike Time Machine, they are fully bootable backups.
If ever something goes wrong with your Mac, you can boot your computer from these clones.
2) Turn Off FileVault (if used)
FileVault uses full-disk encryption to help prevent unauthorized access to information on your startup disk. Most people do not have this feature turned on. But it’s always best to check.
If you always log in with your account password, you may have FileVault on. That’s because when FileVault is on, your Mac always requires that you log in with your password.
Disable FileVault
Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy
Click the FileVault tab
Select the Lock button
Enter an administrator name and password
Click Turn Off FileVault
Restart
Following the restart, ensure your Mac is awake and plugged into AC power.
Once your Mac starts up, the decryption of your startup disk occurs in the background. And this takes time. Check progress in the FileVault section of Security & Privacy preferences.
3) Remove authorizations
When you authorize your MacBook or another device, you permit it to access all your apps, audiobooks, books, music, movies, and other content.
That’s why it’s important to deauthorize a Mac before you factory reset it, especially if you intend to sell it or give it away. Removing your Mac’s authorization prevents Apple from continuing to count the Mac as one of your authorized computers.
We highly recommend you remove the authorizations, even if you keep the Mac-sometimes Apple ends up counting the same computer twice!
Deauthorize your Mac with macOS Catalina and above
Open the Music app, Apple TV app, or Apple Books app on your MacBook and choose Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer
Deauthorize using iTunes on macOS Mojave and below and Windows
iTunes has its own built-in authorization tool. And it’s easy to find in the menu bar on your Mac or Windows, choose Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer (for older iTunes versions go to iTunes >Store > Deauthorize Computer)
Deauthorize a Mac or Windows PC
Open iTunes
Sign in with your Apple ID if needed
From the menu bar at the top of your screen or iTunes window, choose Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer
Enter your Apple ID and password, press Return, and click Deauthorize
Don’t worry, you don’t lose any content, and nothing is deleted from your computer. When you deauthorize a computer, you only prevent it from accessing protected content. And if needed, you can authorize your computer later.
Don’t save this step for later. It’s best to deauthorize through iTunes on your PC while you still have possession. If you sell or give away a computer that still has one of your five authorizations, you then need to deauthorize all of your computers and then re-authorize each one that you still use.
That’s a heck of a lot of trouble and time for something you can do now before you give away or sell. Plus, it’s simple!
For Windows users only
If you neglected to deauthorize your computer before you reinstalled Windows, upgraded your RAM, hard disk, or other system components, your computer might have multiple authorizations.
If you suspect that’s your situation, check your authorizations from the iTunes menu bar and choose Account > View My Account. On the Account Information page, navigate to the Apple ID Summary section, scrolling to Computer Authorizations.
Here you see the number of computers that you’ve authorized in the past. Unfortunately, it does not list the names of those computers. So if that number is not in agreement with you, try to deauthorize your computer a few times until it’s no longer authorized.
Alternatively, select Deauthorize all computers to clean your five authorizations. Then reauthorize all your computers one at a time (up to 5.)
As a side note, you are not able to authorize a computer from another computer or your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Additionally, you don’t authorize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. iDevices do not count against your available authorizations.
4) Deactivate Programs and Remove Other Authorizations
Many third-party applications include machine authorizations and activations, particularly image, sound, and video editing programs. For example, most Adobe programs require activation. Application Activation is the process of connecting a particular application to a valid user license.
You must activate your application before you can use it.
On the other hand, deactivation disconnects an application from a valid user license. Once deactivated, you can reactivate that license at any time, on any computer.
You do not need to uninstall an application from your PC to deactivate it. Despite conventional wisdom, uninstalling an application does not necessarily deactivate its license.
So check your list of applications, looking for any programs that require activation keys. Once located, go to the program’s menu bar and find the deactivation or deauthorize link.
5) Sign Out of iCloud
If you use Find My Mac, be sure to archive or make copies of your iCloud data before proceeding.
Go to the Apple menu at the top left of your screen and select System Preferences. Then choose your Apple ID > iCloud and uncheck the box for Find My Mac to turn it off. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
Once Find My Mac is off, tap Overview and tap Sign Out.
For macOS Mojave and below, open System Preferences > iCloud and turn off Find My Mac and then click Sign Out.
Remove iCloud Data from your MacBook
Make sure you remove all your personal data by clicking “Delete From Mac” on each of the pop-ups.
Your iCloud contacts, calendars, and other iCloud data are then removed from your Mac.
6) Sign Out of iMessage
In your Messages app, choose Preferences > Accounts. Select your iMessage account and click Sign Out.
Factory Reset MacBook Air and other Macs With macOS Recovery
macOS Recovery is part of your built-in recovery system on your Mac. Its utilities allow you to erase the internal hard drive fully.
If selling or giving away, you want to reinstall macOS in a way that clears your Mac of anything and everything associated with you, your data, or your Apple ID.
If you’re selling or giving away your Mac
For macOS Catalina+
Turn on or restart your MacBook and hold down the Option+Command (⌘)+ R keys
When you see the Apple logo, release.
Once you see the Utilities window, the startup is completed
Choose Disk Utility from the Recovery Menu options
Locate your startup drive(s) from the sidebar. If you don’t see it, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar
Look for a volume listed with the word Data added to the end of the drive name, such as Macintosh HD – Data
Select that Data volume and choose Edit > Delete APFS Volume from the menu bar or tap the delete volume button (–) in the Disk Utility toolbar
When asked to confirm, tap the Delete button
IMPORTANT: do not click Delete Volume Group
Repeat for any other volumes on your startup disk—except the volume named Macintosh HD
Once you complete deleting your Mac’s Data volumes, select Macintosh HD in the sidebar
Click the Erase and enter a name and choose the format you want for the drive (either APFS or macOS Extended Journaled). Then, tap Erase to start the process
Enter your Apple ID, if asked
Once the disk(s) is erased, quit Disk Utility
From the Recovery Menu, select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions
When finished, your MacBook restarts to the setup assistant and the Welcome screen. To leave the Mac in a factory default state, don’t continue with the installation of your system. Press Command-Q, then click Shut Down
The new owner then completes the steps of the setup assistant using their information and Apple ID
For macOS Mojave and below
Turn on or restart your MacBook and hold down the Option+Command (⌘)+ R keys
When you see the Apple logo, release. Once you see the Utilities window, the startup is completed
Use Disk Utility to erase your startup disk AND any other internal hard disk
Locate your drive’s name from the left side list. The default name for your Mac’s startup disk is Macintosh HD (if you did not rename it).
If you don’t see your startup drive, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar
Choose Erase
In the Format menu, choose macOS Extended (Journaled) or APFS, type a new name for your disk (we recommend the default name Macintosh HD) and click Erase
Warning! This erases all the information on the disk, including ALL of your personal files and data
Erasing takes time, so practice patience!
Once the disk is erased, quit Disk Utility
From the Recovery Menu, select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions
Access Recovery Mode to reinstall macOS
If you experience problems with your install, try using internet recovery instead by shutting down and pressing Option+Command+R
When done, your MacBook restarts to a setup assistant and the Welcome screen. To leave the Mac in a factory default state, don’t continue with the installation of your system. Press Command-Q, then click Shut Down
The new owner then completes the steps of the setup assistant using their information and Apple ID
If you’re keeping your MacBook
For macOS Catalina and above
Turn on or restart your MacBook and hold down both the Command (⌘)+ R keys. When you see the Apple logo, release
Open the Disk Utility from the Recovery Menu
Locate your startup drive(s) from the sidebar. If you don’t see it, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar
Select the volume listed with the word Data added to the end of the drive name, such as Macintosh HD – Data
Click the Erase button, then enter a name for the volume, and choose the format for that drive
If you want to encrypt the volume, choose APFS (Encrypted) or APFS (Case-sensitive, Encrypted)
Tap Erase, then click Done
Do not select Erase Volume Group
Once the disk is erased, quit Disk Utility
From the Recovery Menu, select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions
If you experience problems with APFS and macOS installs, try internet recovery mode instead, restart and press Option + Command + R
When complete, your Mac restarts to a setup assistant. Follow the on-screen prompts and enter in all your information
For macOS Mojave and below
Turn on or restart your MacBook and hold down both the Command (⌘)+ R keys. When you see the Apple logo, release
Use Disk Utility to erase your startup disk AND any other internal hard disk
Select your drive’s name from the left side list and click the Erase
In the Format menu, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) or APFS, type a new name for your disk (we recommend the default name Macintosh HD) and click Erase
Warning! This erases all the information on the disk, including ALL of your personal files and data
Erasing takes time, so practice patience!
Once the disk is erased, quit Disk Utility
From the Recovery Menu, select Reinstall macOS and follow the on-screen instructions
If you experience problems with APFS and macOS installs, try internet recovery mode instead, restart and press Option + Command + R
When done, your MacBook restarts to a setup assistant. Enter in your information as requested
Other ways to reinstall macOS (not factory reset)
If you made a Time Machine backup, restore from your Time Machine backup. A restore erases the disk and then replaces everything on that disk with macOS and all your other data from your Time Machine backup.
To do this, start up with macOS Recovery and choose Restore From Time Machine Backup. Follow the onscreen instructions.
You can also reinstall macOS from the Mac App Store.
Open the App Store and use the Search field to find it. Once located, download and install it from that product page. For some unknown reason, macOS doesn’t appear in your App Purchased tab.
Wrap Up
Let’s face it; even the best digital citizens find that their MacBook Air’s and other Macs’ performances get slower over time. I mean, this is life, and things happen.
We install a lot of applications, updates, and maybe even do some poking about the system operating software using Terminal or third-party apps. This is real and expected use. It’s the value and the price of experience.
So when your Mac just isn’t performing as well as it can; rather than deleting apps one-by-one or trying little fixes and hacks here and there, perform a reinstallation of macOS! And start your next day with a clean OS slate.
If you’re selling or giving away your older Mac, resetting your Mac to factory settings is a must for you and the buyer or recipient. Restoring the mac’s factory settings gives you peace of mind that none of your data is accessible to the new owner.
And the new owner starts off with a fresh start–no clutter remaining from all your previous applications, preferences, etc.
So be nice to yourself and the new owner by removing and securing your data through a factory reset on your Mac! And never, ever forget to backup your data first through Time Machine or your backup method of choice, before performing ANY of the steps to reset your operating system.
For most of her professional life, Amanda Elizabeth (Liz for short) trained all sorts of folks on how to use media as a tool to tell their own unique stories. She knows a thing or two about teaching others and creating how-to guides!
Her clients include Edutopia, Scribe Video Center, Third Path Institute, Bracket, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Big Picture Alliance.
Elizabeth received her Master of Fine Arts degree in media making from Temple University, where she also taught undergrads as an adjunct faculty member in their department of Film and Media Arts.
This did not work for me. When I hold down command + R on reboot Recovery Mode comes up but insists I sign into my Apple ID or restart. There is no option to go to Disk Utility 🙁
I have a Macbook Air Mid-2012 with Mac OS Catalina.
Hello, I’m trying to factory my Macbook Air so that I can give it to a friend. My Macbook Air is the old one bought in 2015, but I recently updated it to MacOS Catalina, so I followed the guide to reset it under your Catalina instructions. I managed to erase the Macintosh HD Data volume, but when I tried to erase Macintosh HD it said “Erase process has failed”. I’m not sure where to go at this point. What do I do? Thanks.
Try reinstalling with the original macOS/Mac OS X version that came with your MacBook when it was originally shipped to you or the original buyer. Then, update to the macOS or Mac OS X version you want to use on that Mac.
If you reset your Mac back to factory status, the only apps it downloads are what came installed on it when shipped from the factory–so it would not include Final Cut or Logic Pro.
However, since those apps are tied to your Apple ID (or the Apple ID of the person who purchased them for this Mac), you are able to re-download those apps from the App Store, as long as it is signed in with the original purchaser’s ID.
“… I mean, this is life, and things happen.” – no it’s Apple happened – it was already minimum configuration when you bought it. it was fast only before you installed desired apps. – e.g. Dell xps with 32GB ram and 1T MLC drive, oled and 16 core xeon won’t get any slower in next 10 years. Otherwise thanks for nice article on factory reset and sharing some experiences of how others handle situations. Cheers.
Just a thank you for the clear and concise instructions! My MacBook Air was so slow after crashing and thought it would be unable to support my needs. I now have a working computer 🙂
This worked like a charm! I don’t know if it was just my bad luck, bad judgment, or if there is a difference, but I used the command+R on the left and the option on the right side of the keyboard and it worked.
The first time I tried following the directions and using all the keys on one side and it didn’t work…I didn’t get to the utility screen.
That might have been my timing, though. The second time, by the time the startup beep sounded, I had the buttons compressed.
From there, it went very smoothly. These instructions are great! Thanks.
Unfortunately, these instructions do not work if you buy a MacBook Pro at a yard sale and it is missing the hard drive.
I opened it up, put in a 1TB HD which I previously formatted as HFS+ Journaled.
No way to download OS or to install from the CD-DVD drive.
I set up an Apple Store account, but of course, found no way to download the OS even I’m willing to buy it from Apple.
I went to local Apple Store and the counter-bot told me there was nothing they could but the would give me a $50 trade-in credit towards a new MacBook.
If you purchase a MacBook from a yard sale that doesn’t include an HD, look at the serial/model number and identify which macOS or Mac OSX came with the computer from the factory.
Close your MacBook and turn it over. The serial number and model information should be visible on the back side of the computer, near all the regulatory information.
I can’t get the command + R button to work, it keeps making that fast beeping sound.
It’s a 2012 MacBook Air that I already bought secondhand and trying to reset it to give away.
Have you tried starting up in Internet Recovery Mode? To manually start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet, hold down Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R at startup. You need a reliable and fast internet connection to do this.
Or, try to reset your PRAM: shutdown your Mac (power it off) and then when you restart press and hold down these four keys together: Command + Option + P + R keys. Keep holding these keys down until your Mac chimes like it’s starting up twice.
If you recently upgraded your MacBook’s RAM, it’s possible that there’s a problem with those RAM modules. Beeping is often indicative of corrupted RAM. If you suspect this is the case, you need to remove those RAM modules and replace them (or insert your old RAM)
You may be able to isolate the problem by paying attention to how many beeps you hear when starting up.
One tone, repeating every five seconds: No RAM is installed. If you recently replaced or upgraded your computer’s RAM, check to see if it was installed properly. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support.
Three successive tones, then a five-second pause (repeating): RAM doesn’t pass a data integrity check. If you recently replaced or upgraded your computer’s RAM, check to see if it was installed properly. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support.
One long tone while you hold down the power button: An EFI ROM update is in progress. This applies to Mac computers from before 2012.
Three long tones, three short tones, three long tones: EFI ROM corruption is detected, and your Mac is in EFI ROM recovery mode. Newer computers automatically recover from a corrupted ROM; when this occurs, a progress bar appears on the screen during ROM recovery mode. Don’t disturb your Mac while the ROM recovery takes place. When recovery is complete, your Mac restarts.
Another thing to try is starting up in Safe Mode vs. Recovery to check for any errors. To start-up in Safe Mode, press the Shift key when restarting or powering up.
Finally, if nothing is helping or explaining your MacBook’s issue, try using Apple Diagnostics. Power off your Mac and then turn it back on, immediately pressing and holding the D key on your keyboard. You can also hold down Option-D at startup to start Apple Diagnostics over the Internet.
Keep holding until you see a screen asking you to choose your language. Once you choose your language, Apple Diagnostics displays a progress bar indicating that it’s checking your Mac for issues.
If any issues are found, Apple Diagnostics suggests solutions and provides reference codes (write these down in case you need to provide that information.)
Then choose from the options provided:
To repeat the test, click Run the test again
For more information, click Get started. Choose this to automatically start your Mac starts up from macOS Recovery–then follow the on-screen instructions
To restart your Mac, choose Restart
To shut down, click Shut Down
I bought a use i mac air pro for 400 dallor for school i spend my last on it they never give a password. Feel so dumb when i turn it on it gose to a lock pad. And sometime it shows the apple and a bar it goes halfway then go black. I hope someone could help please please please
Hi can you please help I want to factory reset my MacBook Air 2015, so I can sell it
Q1 .. how do I do that
Q2 .. all my pictures on iCloud, even though they will be deleted off my MacBook will I still have them all in cloud??
Thanks
Sadie, Q1) This Apple article shows you the steps as well.https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065. Please check it out. 2) Check and make sure that all your pictures are in icloud by going to icloud.com or using another Apple device such as iPad/iPhone and your Apple Id. Once you have confirmed, then the next step is to signout of your iCloud account from your MacBook. Choose Apple () menu > System Preferences, click iCloud, and then click the Sign Out button.
A dialog asks whether you want to keep a copy of your iCloud data on the Mac. Because you’ll reformat the hard drive in a later step, just click Keep a Copy to proceed.
After you sign out of iCloud, your iCloud data remains in iCloud and on any other devices you’ve signed into with your Apple ID even after you erase and reformat your MacBook.
So I’ve made it through the entire process, about to install the OS, and it says ‘This item is temporarily unavailable. Try again later.’
The hell do I do now? I’m trying to reset to factory settings to sell.
My problem is bad, fwd I had install win 7 on my Mac air and after by the wrong way I had install ing dragon boot manager, always when I went to open my Mac air the boot manager rising and not possible bassing g g to windows 7 system. I ask how to relates this problem, do you have ideally to reset the Mac air with out backup.
Sorry about your issues with your MacBook Air. Have you tried reinstalling macOS (or Mac OS X) using Recovery Mode? If you start up using Command+R keys (hold these keys until you see the Apple Logo or a spinning Globe on-screen, then release), when you see the macOS Utilities window select Reinstall from the list of on-screen options. This reinstalls the latest macOS that was already installed on your Mac, without upgrading to a later version–like High Sierra if using macOS Sierra.
Alternatively, if connected to the internet you could also try Internet Recovery Mode by pressing Option+Command+R and then follow those same additional steps as listed above to reinstall macOS.
Another option is to try booting up in StartUp-Manager by pressing the option key when restarting or powering up your MacAir. Release the Option key when you see the Startup Manager on-screen–it looks like a list of disk icons. If your Mac is using OS X Lion v10.7.3 or later, you can also use this method to start up from your Time Machine backup disk. Startup Manager identifies your Time Machine backup as ”EFI Boot.”
If you can’t see your startup disk(s), press Option-Shift-Command-Period. To enhance system security, Mac computers with up-to-date software don’t show devices that have Option ROM firmware until you press these keys in Startup Manager to load the firmware. Do this each time you want to start up from the device or from a startup disk connected to it.
If am using FileVault full-disk encryption, why should I decrypt the disk (step 1.3), before a factory reset? Doesn’t this increase the possibility that a new owner could read my personal data from the disk by removing a layer of data protection (encryption)?
Awesome question! The simple answer is : No you dont need to decrypt if you are reformatting. However, we recommend the decrypt due to problems associated with older Macs and OS X versions when performing factory resets.
We’ll updated the article so folks know that this is a recommendation only, aimed at older macs and OS X versions.
So I erased the disk and then tried to install macos but then at the end it is telling me—could not create a preboot volume for apfs install
What should I do now?When I on my macbook it shows me no entry sign.
Try using internet recovery mode, Option+Command+R. This action updates to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac if it previously had macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or higher if not, it install the version that came with your Mac or the closest version available.
And if that doesn’t work try SHIFT+OPTION+COMMAND+R—this installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the version closest to it that is still available
Please I need help. I just tried to erase my mac air . I followed the process above. I errased the first untitled hard disk but the one named APPLE SSD TS256C says erase process has failed.
Are you able to start up in Recovery Mode using the Command + R keys? Hold that key combination until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe on-screen.
When you see the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility. And then select that APPLE SSD and run First Aid on it to check disk health and repair, if possible.
After checking the health, see if you can erase the disk again.
So I did everything that was told in the article. I deleted the hard disk: Mac OS Extended (Journaled). So when I go back to re-install OS X. But when they asked for apple ID, I entered it and it went thorught. But then it said it was not able to go through. So now It doesn’t restart and showes me a screen with an internet recovery and nothing happnes. I’ve asked around for help and they are charging me a leg and an arm to fix it. I don’t think they should be charging so much. Could you help and can i do this on my own? Thanks!
Oh, that’s terrible! My goodness. On the screen for Internet Recovery, does anything work? Can you navigate to the utilities menu? Also, do you know what version of macOS or OS X came with your computer originally (from the factory)?
Also, check that there’s nothing outstanding on your Apple ID–go to the Apple ID website and check if there’s some issue with your ID. If there is, remedy that issue first. If not, try going through the steps again.
Im not able to close file vault as when I click the lock to make changes both the username and password is asked and it doesn’t accept the password and the username , I’ve probably done something wrong as it my first time with a Mac . I need help please. c an I reset to factory without closing file vault ?
Welcome to the Mac world! We’re happy you joined all of us. From what I understand, your MacBook has FileVault ON-is that correct? Most of us do not turn this feature on, as it encrypts data and always requires a password or recovery key.
However, if it is ON, the way to change its settings is using an administrator name and password. I’m wondering if somehow you are not set-up as an Admin but rather a different type of user. To check, go to System Preferences (under the upper left Apple icon) and choose Users & Groups. Take a look under your name and user ID–are you listed as an Admin or something else?
So if file vault is ON and there’s no way to remove it, try these steps to erase your volume. I’m assuming you’ve backed up your data & want to start fresh so data loss isn’t an issue.
If it is a late 2010 model or newer, your Mac has Internet recovery built in.Hold command-option-r to boot to Internet recovery. Pick your language and login to your wifi when prompted. You see a globe while the recovery utility downloads. Once that is done you see the recovery screen.From there click on the Utilities menu and launch Terminal. Once in Terminal enter the command diskutil cs delete “Macintosh HD” to erase that FileVault encrypted volume. If your main volume is not named the default Macintosh HD, change the disk name to whatever your drive is called–just be sure to include those quotes in your Terminal command.
Now quit Terminal then launch Disk Utility and go to the erase tab. Select the disk at the top of the left column then select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) in the dropdown and apply the format.
Once entered, quit Disk Utility and select install OS at the top and wait for your Mac’s OS to download and install. This process places the macOS or OS X version that was factory pre-installed. TO update to the newest macOS, go to the Mac App Store.
Alternatives include installing macOS or OS X With Internet Recovery–hold down the Option Key in addition to Command+R keys to launch internet Recovery. Then follow the same steps above using the terminal.
Keep us posted and again, welcome to the Mac Family.
I’m following your steps but get an error when trying to erase disk. Says cannot “unmount drive”. I can unmount it manually but still fails. In addition to the disk there is an entry for a disk image.
Any ideas greatly recieved
I’ll need to look into this some more but first thoughts are to try and boot up from Internet Recovery instead and see if that unmounts the drive. Manually startup from macOS Recovery over the Internet by holding down Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R at startup.
If that doesn’t work either, the best option is to create an external Mac startup disk to start up from instead. If it comes down to this option, follow Apple’s comprehensive steps on how to do this.
I’ll also run some tests to see if there are any other solutions.
I hope I understand your issue—is your MacBook not working? But you don’t want to reset it? If so, try the tips outlined in this article on addressing problems with start up.
If I didn’t understand your problem, please provide more specifics—just write down what’s happening, don’t worry about grammar. Or write it in your native language and we’ll translate it.
macOS has a password hint programmed into it. Do the following:
Open System Preferences (Apple > System Preferences)
Choose Users & Groups.
Click the Lock icon in the bottom-left.
Press the Return key three times.
If you added a hint, it appears
There’s no limit to how many times you can try out your password
If you still don’t remember or never had a hint, but remember the password for another account, try the following:
Select an account you do know the password for
Enter the password for that account
Open System Preferences > Users & Groups
Click the Lock icon in the bottom left
Enter the password again
Select the account you have forgotten the password for
Click Reset Password
Enter a new Password, Verify fields and Password hint field
Click Change Password
If you don’t have access to any account, perform the following:
Restart and hold down both Command and R. Initiates Recovery mode. Let go of the keys, when a load bar appears
Select Disk Utility and press Continue
Choose Utilities > Terminal
Enter resetpassword (one word, all lowercase), press Return
Select the hard drive containing your account
Choose the account to change with Select the User Account
Enter a new password and re-enter it into the password fields
Enter a new password hint related to the password and save
A warning appears reminding you that your password has changed, but not the Keychain Password. Click OK
Shut down and power up again using that new password
This doesn’t change the password for your Keychain and you are asked when you log in to the account if you want to update the keychain password. Click Create New Keychain–none of your old keychain information carries over.
McKay Stewart says
This did not work for me. When I hold down command + R on reboot Recovery Mode comes up but insists I sign into my Apple ID or restart. There is no option to go to Disk Utility 🙁
I have a Macbook Air Mid-2012 with Mac OS Catalina.
sean says
there is no View option in disk utility. ???
KL says
Hello, I’m trying to factory my Macbook Air so that I can give it to a friend. My Macbook Air is the old one bought in 2015, but I recently updated it to MacOS Catalina, so I followed the guide to reset it under your Catalina instructions. I managed to erase the Macintosh HD Data volume, but when I tried to erase Macintosh HD it said “Erase process has failed”. I’m not sure where to go at this point. What do I do? Thanks.
ajayi omoogun says
Thank for this wonderful guide. I cannot log into apple store after changing my original password. What to do?
Kaya says
Hi i did the erase but after it wouldnt let me reinstall… what do i do?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Kaya,
Try reinstalling with the original macOS/Mac OS X version that came with your MacBook when it was originally shipped to you or the original buyer. Then, update to the macOS or Mac OS X version you want to use on that Mac.
Jim says
Hi, a quick question about this process. Will it reload all other programs the machine came with like Finial Cut Pro and Logic Pro?
Elizabeth Jones says
Hi Jim,
If you reset your Mac back to factory status, the only apps it downloads are what came installed on it when shipped from the factory–so it would not include Final Cut or Logic Pro.
However, since those apps are tied to your Apple ID (or the Apple ID of the person who purchased them for this Mac), you are able to re-download those apps from the App Store, as long as it is signed in with the original purchaser’s ID.
I hope that clarifies.
David says
“… I mean, this is life, and things happen.” – no it’s Apple happened – it was already minimum configuration when you bought it. it was fast only before you installed desired apps. – e.g. Dell xps with 32GB ram and 1T MLC drive, oled and 16 core xeon won’t get any slower in next 10 years. Otherwise thanks for nice article on factory reset and sharing some experiences of how others handle situations. Cheers.
Steve says
Thank you for this teriffic guide, this has saved me a few quid.
Tapan Patel says
Thank you for this guide! It helped me out immensely!
Annette T. Fischer says
Just a thank you for the clear and concise instructions! My MacBook Air was so slow after crashing and thought it would be unable to support my needs. I now have a working computer 🙂
Betsy says
Thanks so much!
This worked like a charm! I don’t know if it was just my bad luck, bad judgment, or if there is a difference, but I used the command+R on the left and the option on the right side of the keyboard and it worked.
The first time I tried following the directions and using all the keys on one side and it didn’t work…I didn’t get to the utility screen.
That might have been my timing, though. The second time, by the time the startup beep sounded, I had the buttons compressed.
From there, it went very smoothly. These instructions are great! Thanks.
Dave Mann says
Unfortunately, these instructions do not work if you buy a MacBook Pro at a yard sale and it is missing the hard drive.
I opened it up, put in a 1TB HD which I previously formatted as HFS+ Journaled.
No way to download OS or to install from the CD-DVD drive.
I set up an Apple Store account, but of course, found no way to download the OS even I’m willing to buy it from Apple.
I went to local Apple Store and the counter-bot told me there was nothing they could but the would give me a $50 trade-in credit towards a new MacBook.
SK says
Hi Dave,
If you purchase a MacBook from a yard sale that doesn’t include an HD, look at the serial/model number and identify which macOS or Mac OSX came with the computer from the factory.
Close your MacBook and turn it over. The serial number and model information should be visible on the back side of the computer, near all the regulatory information.
Once you identify the model, you need to identify what version of macOS or Mac OS X it shipped with. Then, purchase the disks for that version (for older Mac OS X versions, try amazon, the Apple Store ionline shop, ebay or similar)
Once you install the macOS/OS X that shipped with your MacBook originally, you can update to the latest version of macOS/OS X that the MacBook supports.
Hope that helps!
Liz
Corey Jubber says
I love this Mac book but unfortunately it isn’t my time to have one
Yasmin says
I can’t get the command + R button to work, it keeps making that fast beeping sound.
It’s a 2012 MacBook Air that I already bought secondhand and trying to reset it to give away.
SK says
Hi Yasmin,
Have you tried starting up in Internet Recovery Mode? To manually start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet, hold down Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R at startup. You need a reliable and fast internet connection to do this.
Or, try to reset your PRAM: shutdown your Mac (power it off) and then when you restart press and hold down these four keys together: Command + Option + P + R keys. Keep holding these keys down until your Mac chimes like it’s starting up twice.
If you recently upgraded your MacBook’s RAM, it’s possible that there’s a problem with those RAM modules. Beeping is often indicative of corrupted RAM. If you suspect this is the case, you need to remove those RAM modules and replace them (or insert your old RAM)
You may be able to isolate the problem by paying attention to how many beeps you hear when starting up.
One tone, repeating every five seconds: No RAM is installed. If you recently replaced or upgraded your computer’s RAM, check to see if it was installed properly. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support.
Three successive tones, then a five-second pause (repeating): RAM doesn’t pass a data integrity check. If you recently replaced or upgraded your computer’s RAM, check to see if it was installed properly. If the issue continues, contact Apple Support.
One long tone while you hold down the power button: An EFI ROM update is in progress. This applies to Mac computers from before 2012.
Three long tones, three short tones, three long tones: EFI ROM corruption is detected, and your Mac is in EFI ROM recovery mode. Newer computers automatically recover from a corrupted ROM; when this occurs, a progress bar appears on the screen during ROM recovery mode. Don’t disturb your Mac while the ROM recovery takes place. When recovery is complete, your Mac restarts.
Another thing to try is starting up in Safe Mode vs. Recovery to check for any errors. To start-up in Safe Mode, press the Shift key when restarting or powering up.
Finally, if nothing is helping or explaining your MacBook’s issue, try using Apple Diagnostics. Power off your Mac and then turn it back on, immediately pressing and holding the D key on your keyboard. You can also hold down Option-D at startup to start Apple Diagnostics over the Internet.
Keep holding until you see a screen asking you to choose your language. Once you choose your language, Apple Diagnostics displays a progress bar indicating that it’s checking your Mac for issues.
If any issues are found, Apple Diagnostics suggests solutions and provides reference codes (write these down in case you need to provide that information.)
Then choose from the options provided:
To repeat the test, click Run the test again
For more information, click Get started. Choose this to automatically start your Mac starts up from macOS Recovery–then follow the on-screen instructions
To restart your Mac, choose Restart
To shut down, click Shut Down
Sam
Natalie says
I still can not get my MacBook Air to factory reset!
Brittany says
I bought a use i mac air pro for 400 dallor for school i spend my last on it they never give a password. Feel so dumb when i turn it on it gose to a lock pad. And sometime it shows the apple and a bar it goes halfway then go black. I hope someone could help please please please
Sadie says
Hi can you please help I want to factory reset my MacBook Air 2015, so I can sell it
Q1 .. how do I do that
Q2 .. all my pictures on iCloud, even though they will be deleted off my MacBook will I still have them all in cloud??
Thanks
SK says
Sadie, Q1) This Apple article shows you the steps as well.https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065. Please check it out. 2) Check and make sure that all your pictures are in icloud by going to icloud.com or using another Apple device such as iPad/iPhone and your Apple Id. Once you have confirmed, then the next step is to signout of your iCloud account from your MacBook. Choose Apple () menu > System Preferences, click iCloud, and then click the Sign Out button.
A dialog asks whether you want to keep a copy of your iCloud data on the Mac. Because you’ll reformat the hard drive in a later step, just click Keep a Copy to proceed.
After you sign out of iCloud, your iCloud data remains in iCloud and on any other devices you’ve signed into with your Apple ID even after you erase and reformat your MacBook.
Aubrey says
So I’ve made it through the entire process, about to install the OS, and it says ‘This item is temporarily unavailable. Try again later.’
The hell do I do now? I’m trying to reset to factory settings to sell.
SK says
Aubrey, Not sure what is causing the issue on your side. Check this Apple article and see if it helps.https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201065 .
Denyse says
Hi, in Disk Utility, on the left side bar, there’s the internal drive, but also another option called “Disk images” – do I erase that too?
SK says
Hi Denyse,
No, don’t delete any Disk Image that called Apple Disk Image. It’s normal to see this during installation and shows up only when in Recovery Mode.
SK
CAP. Ahmed elemary says
My problem is bad, fwd I had install win 7 on my Mac air and after by the wrong way I had install ing dragon boot manager, always when I went to open my Mac air the boot manager rising and not possible bassing g g to windows 7 system. I ask how to relates this problem, do you have ideally to reset the Mac air with out backup.
SK says
Hi Cap,
Sorry about your issues with your MacBook Air. Have you tried reinstalling macOS (or Mac OS X) using Recovery Mode? If you start up using Command+R keys (hold these keys until you see the Apple Logo or a spinning Globe on-screen, then release), when you see the macOS Utilities window select Reinstall from the list of on-screen options. This reinstalls the latest macOS that was already installed on your Mac, without upgrading to a later version–like High Sierra if using macOS Sierra.
Alternatively, if connected to the internet you could also try Internet Recovery Mode by pressing Option+Command+R and then follow those same additional steps as listed above to reinstall macOS.
Another option is to try booting up in StartUp-Manager by pressing the option key when restarting or powering up your MacAir. Release the Option key when you see the Startup Manager on-screen–it looks like a list of disk icons. If your Mac is using OS X Lion v10.7.3 or later, you can also use this method to start up from your Time Machine backup disk. Startup Manager identifies your Time Machine backup as ”EFI Boot.”
If you can’t see your startup disk(s), press Option-Shift-Command-Period. To enhance system security, Mac computers with up-to-date software don’t show devices that have Option ROM firmware until you press these keys in Startup Manager to load the firmware. Do this each time you want to start up from the device or from a startup disk connected to it.
Hopefully one of these tips helps,
SK
Tony says
Hello,
Thanks for the How-To!
If am using FileVault full-disk encryption, why should I decrypt the disk (step 1.3), before a factory reset? Doesn’t this increase the possibility that a new owner could read my personal data from the disk by removing a layer of data protection (encryption)?
Thanks.
Elizabeth says
Hi Tony,
Awesome question! The simple answer is : No you dont need to decrypt if you are reformatting. However, we recommend the decrypt due to problems associated with older Macs and OS X versions when performing factory resets.
We’ll updated the article so folks know that this is a recommendation only, aimed at older macs and OS X versions.
Thanks for brining it to our attention Tony!
Cheers,
Liz
Urmila says
I tried to reinstall macos 2 times it downloads till 90% and then it says-could not create a preboot volume for apfs install
Urmila says
Hi
So I erased the disk and then tried to install macos but then at the end it is telling me—could not create a preboot volume for apfs install
What should I do now?When I on my macbook it shows me no entry sign.
Elizabeth says
Hi Urmila,
Try using internet recovery mode, Option+Command+R. This action updates to the latest macOS that is compatible with your Mac if it previously had macOS Sierra 10.12.4 or higher if not, it install the version that came with your Mac or the closest version available.
And if that doesn’t work try SHIFT+OPTION+COMMAND+R—this installs the macOS that came with your Mac, or the version closest to it that is still available
Keep us posted,
Liz
Bill says
Please I need help. I just tried to erase my mac air . I followed the process above. I errased the first untitled hard disk but the one named APPLE SSD TS256C says erase process has failed.
ANYONE WHO CAN HELP OUT PLEASE ?
THANKS
SK says
Hi Bill,
Are you able to start up in Recovery Mode using the Command + R keys? Hold that key combination until you see the Apple logo or a spinning globe on-screen.
When you see the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility. And then select that APPLE SSD and run First Aid on it to check disk health and repair, if possible.
After checking the health, see if you can erase the disk again.
Liz
Erik says
Hello,
So I did everything that was told in the article. I deleted the hard disk: Mac OS Extended (Journaled). So when I go back to re-install OS X. But when they asked for apple ID, I entered it and it went thorught. But then it said it was not able to go through. So now It doesn’t restart and showes me a screen with an internet recovery and nothing happnes. I’ve asked around for help and they are charging me a leg and an arm to fix it. I don’t think they should be charging so much. Could you help and can i do this on my own? Thanks!
Elizabeth says
Hi Erik,
Oh, that’s terrible! My goodness. On the screen for Internet Recovery, does anything work? Can you navigate to the utilities menu? Also, do you know what version of macOS or OS X came with your computer originally (from the factory)?
Also, check that there’s nothing outstanding on your Apple ID–go to the Apple ID website and check if there’s some issue with your ID. If there is, remedy that issue first. If not, try going through the steps again.
Keep us posted,
Liz
john says
Im not able to close file vault as when I click the lock to make changes both the username and password is asked and it doesn’t accept the password and the username , I’ve probably done something wrong as it my first time with a Mac . I need help please. c an I reset to factory without closing file vault ?
Elizabeth says
HI John!
Welcome to the Mac world! We’re happy you joined all of us. From what I understand, your MacBook has FileVault ON-is that correct? Most of us do not turn this feature on, as it encrypts data and always requires a password or recovery key.
However, if it is ON, the way to change its settings is using an administrator name and password. I’m wondering if somehow you are not set-up as an Admin but rather a different type of user. To check, go to System Preferences (under the upper left Apple icon) and choose Users & Groups. Take a look under your name and user ID–are you listed as an Admin or something else?
So if file vault is ON and there’s no way to remove it, try these steps to erase your volume. I’m assuming you’ve backed up your data & want to start fresh so data loss isn’t an issue.
If it is a late 2010 model or newer, your Mac has Internet recovery built in.Hold command-option-r to boot to Internet recovery. Pick your language and login to your wifi when prompted. You see a globe while the recovery utility downloads. Once that is done you see the recovery screen.From there click on the Utilities menu and launch Terminal. Once in Terminal enter the command diskutil cs delete “Macintosh HD” to erase that FileVault encrypted volume. If your main volume is not named the default Macintosh HD, change the disk name to whatever your drive is called–just be sure to include those quotes in your Terminal command.
Now quit Terminal then launch Disk Utility and go to the erase tab. Select the disk at the top of the left column then select Mac OS Extended (Journaled) in the dropdown and apply the format.
Once entered, quit Disk Utility and select install OS at the top and wait for your Mac’s OS to download and install. This process places the macOS or OS X version that was factory pre-installed. TO update to the newest macOS, go to the Mac App Store.
Alternatives include installing macOS or OS X With Internet Recovery–hold down the Option Key in addition to Command+R keys to launch internet Recovery. Then follow the same steps above using the terminal.
Keep us posted and again, welcome to the Mac Family.
Cheers,
SK
Andy says
I’m following your steps but get an error when trying to erase disk. Says cannot “unmount drive”. I can unmount it manually but still fails. In addition to the disk there is an entry for a disk image.
Any ideas greatly recieved
Elizabeth says
Hi Andy,
I’ll need to look into this some more but first thoughts are to try and boot up from Internet Recovery instead and see if that unmounts the drive. Manually startup from macOS Recovery over the Internet by holding down Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R at startup.
If that doesn’t work either, the best option is to create an external Mac startup disk to start up from instead. If it comes down to this option, follow Apple’s comprehensive steps on how to do this.
I’ll also run some tests to see if there are any other solutions.
Good luck,
Liz
Edonit says
I dont want reset my mac book pro , how can i go old mac
Elizabeth says
Edonit,
I hope I understand your issue—is your MacBook not working? But you don’t want to reset it? If so, try the tips outlined in this article on addressing problems with start up.
If I didn’t understand your problem, please provide more specifics—just write down what’s happening, don’t worry about grammar. Or write it in your native language and we’ll translate it.
Cheers,
Liz
Nelman says
I can’t log in forgot my password
Elizabeth says
Hi Nelman,
macOS has a password hint programmed into it. Do the following:
Open System Preferences (Apple > System Preferences)
Choose Users & Groups.
Click the Lock icon in the bottom-left.
Press the Return key three times.
If you added a hint, it appears
There’s no limit to how many times you can try out your password
If you still don’t remember or never had a hint, but remember the password for another account, try the following:
Select an account you do know the password for
Enter the password for that account
Open System Preferences > Users & Groups
Click the Lock icon in the bottom left
Enter the password again
Select the account you have forgotten the password for
Click Reset Password
Enter a new Password, Verify fields and Password hint field
Click Change Password
If you don’t have access to any account, perform the following:
Restart and hold down both Command and R. Initiates Recovery mode. Let go of the keys, when a load bar appears
Select Disk Utility and press Continue
Choose Utilities > Terminal
Enter resetpassword (one word, all lowercase), press Return
Select the hard drive containing your account
Choose the account to change with Select the User Account
Enter a new password and re-enter it into the password fields
Enter a new password hint related to the password and save
A warning appears reminding you that your password has changed, but not the Keychain Password. Click OK
Shut down and power up again using that new password
This doesn’t change the password for your Keychain and you are asked when you log in to the account if you want to update the keychain password. Click Create New Keychain–none of your old keychain information carries over.
Best of luck,
Liz