Search results
People also ask
How do I erase a hard drive on a Mac?
How do I reinstall Mac OS X without erasing it?
How to erase a storage device on Mac?
How do I erase files on a Mac?
How do I reinstall macOS from a hard drive?
How do I erase a hard drive in Windows 10?
Go to the Disk Utility app on your Mac using one of the following methods, depending on the type of disk or volume you want to erase: If you want to erase your startup disk: Start up your computer in macOS Recovery, then choose Disk Utility in the Recovery app.
- Resize a Disk Image
Go to the Disk Utility app on your Mac. If Disk Utility...
- FileVault Encryption
Choose how to unlock your disk and reset your login password...
- Resize a Disk Image
Secure erase is disabled for SSDs, but you can encrypt the drive with FileVault before erasing it normally. Open the Erase tab and press the Erase button. (Optional) Choose Reinstall Mac OS X to perform a clean installation.
- Overview
- Use Erase All Content and Settings
- If you can't use Erase All Content and Settings
Use Erase All Content and Settings to quickly and securely erase all settings, data, and apps, while maintaining the operating system currently installed.
Erase All Content and Settings is available only in macOS Monterey or later, and only on a Mac with Apple silicon or a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip. If this feature isn't available or doesn't work on your Mac:
•To both erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings, follow the steps in what to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac, but disregard the instructions for using Erase All Content and Settings.
•To only erase your Mac without resetting it to factory settings, learn how to erase a Mac with Apple silicon or erase an Intel-based Mac.
•When using Erase All Content and Settings, if you see a message explaining that other volumes need to be erased before you can erase all content and settings, you might have used Boot Camp to install Microsoft Windows. In that case, use Boot Camp to remove Windows and its partition.
If you need help, contact Apple Support.
No matter the model or condition, we can turn your device into something good for you and good for the planet: Learn how to trade in or recycle your Mac with Apple Trade In.
Oct 26, 2023 · If you want to wipe your Mac's internal storage so you can safely sell it or give it to someone else, you need to do a full factory reset. This will not only erase the internal drive, but also reinstall macOS from the internet so it's ready to be set up again.
- Justin Pot
- Former News Editor
Sep 27, 2024 · Use Disk Utility to erase your Mac. Start up from macOS Recovery: Press and release the power button to turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these two keys on your keyboard: Command (⌘) and R. Keep holding the keys until you see an Apple logo or spinning globe.
Jul 16, 2024 · If you’re looking to get rid of all the data on a Mac hard drive or SSD, you need to wipe it fully. Learn some safe and effective methods for wiping data.
Apr 30, 2023 · Option 1: Factory Reset Your Mac. Option 2: Wipe and Reinstall macOS from Scratch. Enjoy Your Squeaky Clean Mac. Key Takeaways. To wipe a modern Mac with Apple Silicon or T2 Security Chip, open System Settings > General > Transfer or Reset and click "Erase All Content and Settings" to open the Erase Assistant.