If your Mac is running slow, has a lot of errors, or you simply want to start fresh, a factory reset may be the solution. A factory reset will erase all data and settings on your Mac, returning it to its original state when you first purchased it. This can help improve performance and resolve any software issues you may be experiencing.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to factory reset your Mac, including how to do it without a keyboard and on the latest macOS Big Sur.
Why Factory Reset Your Mac?
There are several reasons why you may want to factory reset your Mac:
- Your Mac is running slow and you want to start fresh
- You are experiencing software issues and want to resolve them
- You are selling or giving away your Mac and want to erase all personal data
- You want to switch to a new user account on your Mac
No matter the reason, a factory reset can help improve the performance and functionality of your Mac.
How to Factory Reset Your Mac
Before you begin the factory reset process, make sure to back up any important data on your Mac. A factory reset will erase all data and settings, so it’s important to have a backup in case you need to retrieve any files later on.
Step 1: Restart Your Mac in Recovery Mode
To begin the factory reset process, you’ll need to restart your Mac in Recovery Mode. To do this, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
- As your Mac is restarting, hold down the “Command” and “R” keys on your keyboard until the Apple logo appears.
Your Mac will now boot into Recovery Mode.
Step 2: Erase Your Mac’s Hard Drive
Once your Mac has booted into Recovery Mode, you’ll need to erase your Mac’s hard drive. This will erase all data and settings on your Mac, so make sure you have a backup before proceeding.
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue”.
- In the Disk Utility window, select your Mac’s hard drive and click “Erase”.
- Give your hard drive a name and select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format.
- Click “Erase” to begin the erasing process.
Once the process is complete, close the Disk Utility window.
Step 3: Reinstall macOS
With your hard drive erased, you can now reinstall macOS. Follow these steps:
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select your erased hard drive as the destination for the installation.
- Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
The installation process may take some time, so be patient. Once it’s complete, your Mac will restart and you’ll be greeted with the setup screen.
Step 4: Set Up Your Mac
Now that your Mac has been factory reset, you can set it up as if it were a new Mac. Follow these steps:
- Select your language and click “Continue”.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network and click “Continue”.
- Choose whether or not to transfer data from another Mac or Time Machine backup.
- Sign in with your Apple ID or create a new one.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Mac.
Once the setup process is complete, your Mac will be ready to use.
How to Factory Reset Your Mac Without a Keyboard
If your Mac’s keyboard is not working, you can still factory reset your Mac using a mouse or trackpad. Follow these steps:
- Connect a mouse or trackpad to your Mac.
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
- As your Mac is restarting, hold down the “Command” and “R” keys on your keyboard until the Apple logo appears.
Your Mac will now boot into Recovery Mode.
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue”.
- In the Disk Utility window, select your Mac’s hard drive and click “Erase”.
- Give your hard drive a name and select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” as the format.
- Click “Erase” to begin the erasing process.
- Once the process is complete, close the Disk Utility window.
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select your erased hard drive as the destination for the installation.
- Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, your Mac will restart and you can set it up as a new Mac.
How to Factory Reset Your Mac on Big Sur
If you’re using the latest macOS Big Sur, the process for factory resetting your Mac is slightly different. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen.
- Select “System Preferences” from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Apple ID” and select “iCloud” from the sidebar.
- Click on “Sign Out” and follow the on-screen instructions to sign out of your iCloud account.
- Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode by holding down the “Command” and “R” keys on your keyboard as it restarts.
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Disk Utility” and click “Continue”.
- In the Disk Utility window, select your Mac’s hard drive and click “Erase”.
- Give your hard drive a name and select “APFS” as the format.
- Click “Erase” to begin the erasing process.
- Once the process is complete, close the Disk Utility window.
- In the Recovery Mode menu, select “Reinstall macOS” and click “Continue”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select your erased hard drive as the destination for the installation.
- Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, your Mac will restart and you can set it up as a new Mac.
Conclusion
A factory reset can help improve the performance and functionality of your Mac. Whether you’re experiencing software issues or simply want to start fresh, following these steps will guide you through the process of factory resetting your Mac. Remember to back up any important data before proceeding and follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues.
